Read over this chapter a few times. Picture in your mind what it looks like; what's happening, who's doing what, what's it sound like, what sort of day is it? As you read through it and imagine the events be sure to imagine the differences between the two attempts to bring the Ark into Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles splits these two attempts into three chapters, 13 and 15 through 16. Read those, but look specifically at the differences in detail between the two attempts. 1 Chronicles is written from a priestly standpoint, so the emphasis is totally different. Jot down observations and questions even between the two accounts.
After going through this chapter a few times, go back through with the questions below:
- Why was the Ark at Kiriath Jearim in the first place? (Go back and read 1 Samuel 6 and 7)
- The essential detail in Chronicles is the involvement of the Levites following the prescriptions from the Law on treatment of the Ark (Levies carry on poles). Why do you think the whole involvement of the Levites might have been difficult at this particular stage of Israel's history?
- 1 Chronicles 13:3 says the people did not seek it all the days of Saul. Why now? Why not before?
- All the priests at Nob were killed by Saul (except Abiathar), so how does that help you understand the 'priestly' historical context at this point?
- I said that Chronicles is written from a 'priestly context'. What do you suspect would be the context of Samuel and Kings then? (consider the three roles of Jesus and that might help)
- Why do you think they would have tried to use a cart first to move the Ark? Who do you think gave them the idea? (read back to chapter 6 of 1 Samuel?)
- Who are Ahio and Uzza? Why involve them in moving the Ark?
- If Uzza reaches out to steady the Ark about to fall, why do you think that would anger God? What does that tell you about 'good stuff' we might do?
- It says that God struck him for his "error", "irreverent act", "irreverence", and some translations simply skip translating it all together. Look up the word in the Strong's here. There's even less, and somewhat contradictory information in another lexicon I have. This word is only used here, and no where else. In 1 Chronicles 13:10, it doesn't even have a term, it just says 'because he stretched out his hand on the Ark'. So, what's happening here? Why do you think God is so angry that He kills one who has guarded the Ark for many years?
- What is David's response to the death of Uzza?
- David is angry, but also afraid. What do you think he's thinking? He is 'unwilling' to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. Why do you think he would be 'unwilling'?
- Is there something missing in all this that is present as David goes to fight Philistines?
- They now place it with Obed-Edom. His name is literally "servant of Edom". Chronicles makes him out to be a Levite, but that's not mentioned here or later on in 2 Samuel. Since God blesses him and his house (literally all that is to him), what is God communicating about the Ark? How do you think this helps us understand what went wrong with Uzza, or does it?
- After 3 months, David hears that God blesses Obed-Edom. What lesson does David seem to take from this? What do you think David was thinking/feeling before?
- It seems from verse 13 that the Ark is no longer being 'carted' to Jerusalem. In this edition, there's no real description of any difference nor how David arrived at this particular difference. Read 1 Chronicles 15:1-15 for a better description of the difference. So, why do you think how David arrives at his conclusion is omitted there too? How did he find the 'ordinance'? Where was it? Who had it? Why wasn't it used before?
- It's probably easier (and more profitable) to simply examine the difference between how David behaved the first time versus the second time. So what did you notice as the major differences between how he went about moving the Ark the first time versus the second?
- What was David wearing for the occasion? Obviously Michal despises David, and then accuses him of 'exposing himself' so we always assume that was all he was wearing, but it doesn't say that. What other reasons, regardless of what she said, do you think she might have to despise David (whether they're true or not)?
- What do you think is significant that Michal is looking down out of a window as they enter the city?
- It says she despised David 'in her heart'. Everyone seems to love David, and all he does turns up roses and sunshine. What do you think is going on with Michal?
- The Ark is placed, sacrifices complete and David gives out gifts. What do you think is significant about the gifts given? It's an interesting detail, consistent between the two accounts.
- David blesses the people, which is normally a priests responsibility. Why do you think David does it and it's okay that David does it?
- David goes home, with the intent to bless his house. Michal chooses right then to go out to insult him. What do you think motivated her to choose that time?
- What did she obviously miss out on by not letting David do what he had in mind?
- Rash, Michal was rash; but why do you think she was? What reasons do you think she might have? Consider her life up to this point.
- The ending statement about Michal is missing in Chronicles as is her insult of David. What does that tell you about the focus of each?
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