2 Samuel 6
1 Kings 6 covers the account of Solomon beginning to build the temple in Jerusalem. This chapter records in detail the events that become an important turning point in Israel’s history. The text focuses on when and how the construction of the temple began, as well as the structure and scale, including the specifics of the interior furnishings.
1verseDavid again gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.
2verseDavid arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah, to bring up from there God’s ark, which is called by the Name, even the name of the LORD of Armies who sits above the cherubim.
3verseThey set God’s ark on a new cart, and brought it out of Abinadab’s house that was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.
4verseThey brought it out of Abinadab’s house which was in the hill, with God’s ark; and Ahio went before the ark.
5verseDavid and all the house of Israel played before the LORD with all kinds of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps, with stringed instruments, with tambourines, with castanets, and with cymbals.
6verseWhen they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached for God’s ark and took hold of it, for the cattle stumbled.
7verseThe LORD’s anger burned against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by God’s ark.
8verseDavid was displeased because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah; and he called that place Perez Uzzah to this day.
9verseDavid was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, “How could the LORD’s ark come to me?”
10verseSo David would not move the LORD’s ark to be with him in David’s city; but David carried it aside into Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house.
11verseThe LORD’s ark remained in Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his house.
12verseKing David was told, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that belongs to him, because of God’s ark.” So David went and brought up God’s ark from the house of Obed-Edom into David’s city with joy.
13verseWhen those who bore the LORD’s ark had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
14verseDavid danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was clothed in a linen ephod.
15verseSo David and all the house of Israel brought up the LORD’s ark with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.
16verseAs the LORD’s ark came into David’s city, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out through the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
17verseThey brought in the LORD’s ark, and set it in its place in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
18verseWhen David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Armies.
19verseHe gave to all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to everyone a portion of bread, dates, and raisins. So all the people departed, each to his own house.
20verseThen David returned to bless his household. Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious the king of Israel was today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ maids, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”
21verseDavid said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father, and above all his house, to appoint me prince over the people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore I will celebrate before the LORD.
22verseI will be yet more undignified than this, and will be worthless in my own sight. But the maids of whom you have spoken will honor me.”
23verseMichal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.
The Beginning of Temple Construction and Its Meaning
Verse 1 of chapter 6 states that the temple construction began in the fourth year of King Solomon’s reign, in the year that marked 480 years since Israel came out of Egypt. This shows how closely God’s work of salvation is connected with the building of the temple. As a place that becomes the center of Israel’s faith and identity, the temple carries the important meaning of being a place where people meet God.
Detailed Description of the Temple’s Structure
The size of the temple is recorded as 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. It then describes in detail the appearance of each part of the temple (the Holy Place, the Most Holy Place, and the outer rooms), the materials used (cedar and cypress), and the beautiful carvings and gold-covered decorations within. This emphasizes how carefully and majestically the temple—God’s dwelling place—was built.
God’s Promise and Solomon’s Obedience
Verses 11 through 13 provide that during the construction of the temple, God gives Solomon another promise. It reminds us that building the temple was not the end by itself, but that it was a conditional promise that God would dwell in this temple when all of His words were followed. In other words, God required not only outward appearances, but also inner obedience and faith.
Summary of the Flow of Chapter 6
- The beginning of temple construction (verse 1)
- Description of the temple’s structure and materials (verses 2–10)
- God’s promise (verses 11–13)
- The interior decorations and finishing of the temple (verses 14–38)
The entire chapter shows how peaceful Solomon’s reign was and how well prepared the house was for God.
Points for Reflection
- As you reflect, consider the “diligence” and “order” revealed in the process of building the temple, as well as your longing for God’s presence.
- Let us remember that God values obedience and devotion to His word more than the splendor of outward appearances.
Applying It to Yourself
- Let’s reflect on how I am preparing the “house” of my life to offer to God.
- Let’s find points of application in daily life for what my “inner obedience” should be that I need to pay more attention to.
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