The LORD Gives The Victory To A Yielding And Humble King
After conquering Jerusalem, the Philistines heard that David was now king over all of Israel and they mobilized all of their forces to capture him. They knew his ferocity for battle and that he was a charismatic leader who could touch the hearts of his army. It was clear that David had the absolute confidence of the people solidly united behind him and with the power of the LORD and heaven’s host, he would be unstoppable. So David, as it was his custom to do; he yielded to God and inquired of the LORD if he should do battle with the Philistines and the LORD said yes. At Baal-perazim, David defeated the Philistines and he gave the LORD all of the credit. In fact the city was named after this battle where; “The LORD burst through the enemy like a flood.” The Philistines fled; leaving behind their wooden idols. David said, “Burn them and eradicate paganism from Israel!”
2 Samuel 5:17-20 ESV When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. (18) Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. (19) And David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?" And the LORD said to David, "Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand." (20) And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, "The LORD has burst through my enemies before me like a bursting flood." Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.
When the Philistines regrouped for another battle, David inquired of the LORD if he should attack; and the LORD said; “No; do not attack straight on; but circle behind the Philistines near the balsam trees. When you hear marching in the tops of the trees, know that it is the Hosts of Heaven that are moving forward to give you the victory.”
2 Samuel 5:23-25 ESV And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, "You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. (24) And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines." (25) And David did as the LORD commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.
The Beginning Of An Eternal Kingdom Established Through David
Putting the Philistines down was a mighty victory for David and all of Israel. Remember when the Philistines had stolen the Ark of the Covenant, The LORD sent plagues until they finally put the Ark on a cart and directed the oxen in the direction of Israel. They wanted no part of the Ark and the plagues of the LORD. They knew the power of the God of Israel. They knew David had that power with him; so they gave it their all to try to capture David and keep Israel under their control; but the LORD had other plans for David and all of Israel. The time had come to establish the nation of God’s people and establish the kingdom and the lineage through whom God himself would come to the people of the world in the flesh; Emanuel, God with us. That is why David was chosen. The LORD was looking for a king who had a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart and who loved worship and praise; who would lead the people spiritually. The LORD was also looking for a strong and courageous man who could lead the people in battle against the infidel, the pagans that lived at the borders of Israel. The LORD needed a man after God’s own heart; and He found him in David.
A Jeweled City For A Righteous King And The LORD Of Israel
The first thing David desired to do to establish his kingdom was to capture the stronghold of Zion, that is Jerusalem; and make it fit for the real king; the King of kings, the Eternal. Once captured, David imported architects and builders to make the City of David, the crown jewel of the Kingdom of the LORD.
Uzzah Stuck Down Dead By The LORD
Once the Philistines were destroyed and removed from the land, David wanted the Ark of the Covenant brought into; “The Jeweled City of David.” A large procession of musicians and singers celebrated with musical instruments as the Ark was brought forth; with David leading in the rejoicing. The two sons of Abinadab, Uzzah and Ahio; were commissioned to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem on a new ox cart. This was not the way the LORD instructed. The Ark was always to be carried on poles by Levites. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out for the Ark and touched it to steady it. This was also a violation; no one was ever to touch the Ark and the LORD struck Uzzah dead on the spot. Imagine the horror of seeing a man struck down in the middle of this festive event! David was mortified, angry and afraid. So the Ark was taken to Obed-edom’s house, where is stayed for three months. Those three months were a time of great blessings for Obed-edom.
2 Samuel 6:4-7 KJV And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. (5) And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. (6) And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. (7) And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
David Brings The Ark To Jerusalem With Great Rejoicing In Worship And Praise
When David saw that the LORD was blessing Obed-edom, he felt reassured to bring the Ark to Jerusalem; and so he did. When the men carrying the Ark had gone only six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fatted calf. There was great rejoicing, worship and praise. David danced before the LORD in the Spirit, giving total abandon to his inhibitions. He was the LORD’s servant and he was going to pour out his heart into worship and praise; which he did. He was girded with only a linen ephod. The people rejoiced with their humble king.
2 Samuel 6:12-15 KJV And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness. (13) And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. (14) And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. (15) So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
David’s Wife Pronounces A Curse On Herself
When they got to Jerusalem, David’s wife, Michal saw him and despised him for his public display of worship. She cursed him with distain in her heart and openly chastised him when he came home. David rebuked her and said that he didn’t care what she thought; he was going to worship the LORD as the Spirit led him! God withheld the blessing of children for Michal and she remained childless until the day she died.
2 Samuel 6:16 KJV And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
2 Samuel 6:20-23 KJV Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! (21) And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. (22) And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. (23) Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
We have seen in this story how David consulted with the LORD with every move into battle; yet he didn’t do that with bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem. The result was the death of Uzzah. David was a man after God’s own heart. When he brought the Ark back properly, there was great blessings and rejoicing. David showed the world for generations to come; how to worship and praise the LORD. Those who despise public expressions of reverence and love to the LORD will only bring a curse upon themselves as Michal did.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, my LORD, all praise, honor and glory is to be given to you and you alone. Thank you for your servant David who set us the example of how to worship with our whole heart, with singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. Bless my worship LORD, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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