Lesson 6

Israel's New King

Chronology Summary

Israel's Deadly Lesson (II Samuel 6)

David worked to stabilize his kingdom. He desired to move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and install it a permanent temple. (II Samuel 6:1-3)

God had commanded the Levites to transport the ark on their shoulders. This implied man never touching the Ark. Israel broke this commandment and attempted transport of the ark on an ox-cart. The cart shook and Uzzah reached out his hand to break the fall of the Ark. Uzzah was destroyed because of his disobedience and irreverence for God's law concerning care for the Ark. The Ark in the house of Obed-Edom for three months. This resulted in a blessing for him. Eventually, the Ark was finally moved to Jerusalem. (II Samuel 6:4-11)

David experienced dazzling military success. The names of his army captains and commanders are recorded in I Chronicles 11. This passage also shows the number of soldiers in the Israelite army. (I Chronicles 11:10-12:40)

Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife, despised the success of David and died childless. (II Samuel 6:20-23)

No (II Samuel 7)

David requested that God might allow him to build a permanent temple. God denied this request. God did not want a warrior to build his temple. The response from God was in the form of a covenant with Messianic overtones. However, God did allow David to start the architectural work and material gathering efforts. (II Samuel 7:1-17; I Chronicles 17:1-27)

David prayed an inspirational prayer of praise. (II Samuel 7:18-29)

David Prospers (II Samuel 8-10)

God allowed David to have success in the expansion of his kingdom. (II Samuel 8:1-18; I Chronicles 18:1-19:19)

David demonstrated his goodness in the events regarding Mephibosheth, Jonathon's lame son. Often, a new king would seek out and destroy all potential and proper heirs to the throne. This included killing all male children and grandchildren of the king. Saul's grandson Mephibosheth would have qualified to take the throne once Ishbosheth was assassinated. David understood this and chose not to kill Mephibosheth. Rather, David took good care of Jonathan's son. (II Samuel 9:1-13)

Israel defeated the Ammonites and the Syrians. (II Samuel 10:1-19)

Psalm 110 - I will make your enemies your footstool

Did David think that he would triumph over the enemies of Israel of his own power?
What role does God play in the rise and fall of nations?

Psalm 2 - Why do the nations rage?

How does David describe the fall of some nations?
Which nations will be blessed by the Lord?

Psalm 122 - Let us go into the house of the Lord

What role did worship play in the life of David? When was David likely to engage in worship?
What made him glad when people said, "Let us go into the house of the Lord"?
What does David pray for regarding Jerusalem? Why is this important?

Psalm 105 - Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Why is it important to remember God and his glorious works? When is it appropriate to do so?
What is the covenant that God made with Abraham? Why is that important to David?