2nd Samuel 6 MOTIVATION, METHODS, MISTAKES A sincere motivation to do a good thing is not the criteria by which we decide a matter. A person may have good intentions and be sincere in them, but that does not make something right. The standard of right and wrong has been established by God, is revealed to us in the Bible, and is not up for change by men. Our motivation to do good things, has to have divine authority and sanction before we engage in it. The events in this chapter may not follow chapter five in chronological order, so we are wise to read 1st Chronicles 13,15 and 16 to get information about things that surrounded this event.
David had established Jerusalem as the political center of the nation and now wanted to make it the religious center of the nation. It was not that what he wanted to do was a bad thing, but the man who had earnestly inquired of the Lord for guidance in dealing with enemies, and waited for divine instructions, didn't think it was necessary to make that inquiry regarding the work among God's people. He must have thought he knew how to do this on his own. We need God as much, or even more, in dealing with the people of God, as we do in dealing with unbelievers. To attempt to do a work for God in the energy and wisdom of the flesh is sure to fail.
Thirty thousand men agreeing on a matter does not make it right if it is not according to the Word of God. True, the house of Abinadab was blessed when the ark was there for twenty years. It was a good thing that David wanted that blessing for all of the people and so wanted the ark to be at rest in Jerusalem, the capital city. The first mistake David made in this situation was to consult with men first and not with the Lord.
The second mistake he made was to not find out what the Word of God said about transporting the ark. He chose to do it in the same way the Philistines did. It worked for them so why wouldn't it work for him. Believers cannot expect God to bless what we do because there are presently no bad consequences that fall on people who do wrong. The Philistines were not the people of God and had no instructions given to them as to how to move the ark from place to place. Therefore, they moved it in the way of their own understanding. As children of God we know better than to copy the ways of the world. "A new cart" can be dressed up to look nice and seems to be sensible to human opinion, but we have received a "pattern from the Lord," and it is that by which we make or decision.
There are lots of new methods and new ideas the religious world uses today that are very attractive to the people of the world and to believers who do not read the Bible very much. The simplicity that is characteristic of divine guidance is overlooked because it does not appeal to the natural eye, and it does not get applause because it is not very dramatic. Those who know and follow the Word of God need to remember that divine things need divine sanction. We are not permitted to do things "like other nations."
When the oxen stumbled and Uzzah put his hand on the ark to steady it, he died on the spot. When transporting the ark even in the correct way, human hands did not touch it. They carried it on poles. We dare not be casual about the holy things of God. Uzzah was not a Levite and should not have be placed in, or allowed to be, in that position. He was involved in a work that belonged to others for whatever reason. So, David as a leader, allowed a third mistake to happen which ended tragically. The holiness of God's person and name is to be taken very seriously. Anything attempted for God must be done in God's way. Just because a certain way may seem more expedient, faster and better to us, does not mean it can be done that way. A "new cart" may be decorated, the oxen may have garlands around their necks, but that does not mean we should allow it.
David was angry at first that a well-meaning man died, and like most people today, would think that God was unfair and too severe in punishment. Our problem is that we do not realize how holy God is and how wrong we are to underestimate true holiness and its effects. By nature, we want to look at holy things and measure them from our own frame of reference and value rather than by God's holy word. Wisely David quickly realized the fault was his because of his fleshly enthusiasm, and his anger turned to fear. Rather than press on with his own plan, he called a halt to the whole event and the ark was placed in the house of Obed- Edom, a Levite. To press ahead willfully in a work without of evidence of God working in and through us is a futile effort. We need daily to make sure the Word of God supports what we plan to do each day. When in doubt - wait, watch and pray.
When things do not work out right, fill the waiting times with meaningful activity and a search for the mind and will of God. According to 1st Chronicles 15:11-15, David made sure that which God had prescribed was done. For three months careful investigation was made, a place for the ark to rest was prepared, and the right people were found and designated to carry the ark. The words of Psalm 68 would perhaps be sung when the ark was cautiously moved forward six steps at a time and an offering made. From the near-by house of Obed-Edom into the appropriate place in the city, the ark slowly came to the place prepared for it.
Caution is a wise way to proceed in a work after there had been failure and a known mistake made. Wrong has to be judged and dealt with. A tempered enthusiasm is wise when a change is made to be sure we are acting in the mind and will of God. Joy is contagious and to restrict it by insisting on a sober demeanor does not make a thing holy. An uplifted spirit after the weight of disobedience and failure has been dealt with is normal and should be encouraged. Zeal and enthusiasm for that which is right is of far greater value than a false sobriety that is used to create an impression of spirituality. For twenty years the ark had been in obscurity as far as the nation was concerned. "The glory had departed," but now God was again in the midst of His people. No wonder there was joy and gladness!
However, there will always be critics when it comes to doing a work for the Lord. "You should have done it this way. No, no! Not like that! I think this is the way it should be!" These are common expressions we have to face when engaged in, and promoting the work of the Lord. Michal did not appreciate the things of God. She was only concerned how things looked, and particularly how her husband looked, because it reflected on her own opinion of herself. Humility is never out of style for a child of God. When one is humbled in his own sight and can identify with those of a lower social standing, that person has gained the respect of those who really count. "God has chosen the weak things to confound the mighty."
Harsh criticisms may come but we should not allow that to discourage us from honoring the Lord. Satan will use any means he can to hinder the work of God. Hindrances may come when we become careless about holy things. If we try to do God's things in our own way he will use that to condemn what we have done and discouraging us from trying again. He will use the mockery and criticism of others to embarrass us and to get us to quit. God has His own way of dealing with those people and things. Let us not be "weary in well- doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." Sacrifices, joy, cautious optimism and a careful observance of God's will bring blessings to many.