Peter Barnes | 2 Samuel 6:1-15
SERMON NOTES
BRINGING THE ARK TO JERUSALEM
2 Samuel 6:1-15
– the ark of the covenant was a box which contained the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod which blossomed, and some manna from the exodus. It signified God’s presence.
1. The dangers of casual worship not according to Scripture.
– 6:1-5. If you like a happy atmosphere, and aren’t too worried about biblical content, this is all good.
– But see Numbers 4:5-15 and Exodus 25:14-15.
(a) the ark could only be moved by the Levites;
(b) it was to be carried on poles on the shoulder, not on a cart;
(c) not even the Levites could touch the ark.
2. The awful holiness of God.
– 6:6-7. Calvin thinks Uzzah could have been saved.
– the key issue is the holiness of God – Ex.3:5; 19:12-13. Thomas Binney: The spirits that surround Thy throne/ May bear the burning bliss;/ But that is surely theirs alone,/ Since they have never, never known/ A fallen world like this.
– People start today with ‘God is love’. The Bible starts with ‘God is creator, God is eternal, and God is holy.’ Heb.12:29 is in the NT.
3. The joy of chastened obedience.
– 6:8-9, anger, then fear. Then 6:10-11.
– there is chastened but still joyful obedience in 6:12-15. Rev.21:8, 27.