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David #7

 [DAVID] God’s wrath and blessing_ 

2 Samuel 6 

In the Chronicles of Narnia we are introduced to Aslan, the son of the great Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea, in this way: 

“Don’t you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion – the Lion, the great Lion.” 
“Ooh!” said Susan, “I’d thought he was a man. Is he - quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.” 
“That you will, dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver. “If there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.” 
“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy. 
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. “Don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.” 

 
[Group discussion starter] How does Lewis’ description of Aslan help you understand what it means to “fear the Lord”? 

 

In this chapter David learns, in a terrible way, that the Lord, the God of Israel, isn’t safe. But he also gains a greater appreciation of God’s goodness... 

 
[Read 2 Samuel 6] 

 

In verses 1-5, what words would you use to describe the mood of those bringing the ark to Jerusalem? 
 

 
Why do you think David and the people of Israel viewed this as an occasion to celebrate with all their might (verse 5)? 
 

 
In verse 6, Uzzah’s act of taking hold of the ark seems well-intentioned. 
Why then did the Lord’s anger burn against him (see also 1 Chronicles 15:11-15)? 

 
Why are sincerity and good intentions sometimes not enough to please the Lord? 

 
 

In verses 8-9, after Uzzah died, David became both angry and afraid of the Lord. 
How would you evaluate his emotional response? 
 

 
Although the Lord had struck down Uzzah, he blessed the house of Obed-Edom (verses 10-11). What was the Lord saying about Himself through these events? 
 

 
In verses 12-15, what new precautions does David take as he moves the ark to Jerusalem? 
 

 
Describe Michal’s response in verses 16-20. 

 

 
Now look at the information in verses 21-23. 
How would you evaluate her reaction? 

 

 
In verses 17-19, in what ways was this event marked by celebration? 
 

 
Do your times of worship tend to be somber or joyous? 
Explain. 
 

 
In what ways can you make your times of worship more of a joyful celebration? 

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