2 Samuel 6: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Samuel 6 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

David gathers thirty thousand chosen men of Israel to move the Ark from Baale Judah (vv. 1-2). They transport the Ark on a new cart, driven by Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab (vv.

Key verse

“David danced before Yahweh with all his might; and David was clothed in a linen ephod.”
2 Samuel 6:14 (WEB)

Outline

2 Samuel 6:1–2 David gathers Israel to move the Ark
2 Samuel 6:3–5 Transporting the Ark on a new cart
2 Samuel 6:6–8 Uzzah's death for irreverence
2 Samuel 6:9–10 David's fear and pause
2 Samuel 6:11–12 Blessings in Obed-Edom's house
2 Samuel 6:13–15 David's joyful procession
2 Samuel 6:16–23 Michal's disdain and David's defense

Discussion questions

In v2, what is the name of the God whose ark David is bringing up?
What happens in v7 when Uzzah reaches for God's ark?
David's fear in vv. 9-10: how does this affect his decision about the ark?
Michal's criticism in v20: what does she imply about David's behavior?
When have you acted with joy in a way that others did not understand?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Samuel 6: 1 Chronicles 15, 1 Chronicles 13, 1 Kings 8.

Before next time: read 2 Samuel 7.