Missing Signs

David was angry because the LORD’s anger had burst out against Uzzah. He named that place Perez-uzzah (which means “to burst out against Uzzah”), as it is still called today. [2 Samuel 6.8]

After a bunch of distractions - crazy stuff going on (all mentioned in yesterday's post) - David, in fact became king of all Israel. But was David missing some serious signs of trouble?

It was in this time that we see perhaps David's first notable mistake - he allowed the Ark of God to be moved on a cart (instead of carried on the priests' shoulders as specifically instructed in the Law of God).

Why did David make the poor judgment call? Had he become distracted by all the killing that had previously gone on with Joab? Maybe it was the fact that he was now king of all Israel. Maybe it was the fact that he not only got Michal (daughter of Saul) back as his wife, but that he took on many other wives and concubines.

The thing is, I know what is coming - David's sin with Bathsheba. I am trying however to understand the events that led up to that. And, that is precisely what I am seeing in yesterday's and today's One Year Chronological Bible readings. These events must all be seen as suspect in David's digression from the young and brave boy who killed Goliath to the philandering murderous king who greatly abused his power and authority.

Did David miss a serious indicator that something was wrong when Uzzah died? Why was David angry instead of remorseful? Why did David not immediately repent for transporting the Ark in violation of God's clear Law?

Well, more times than not, anger is directly tied to pride. And, from all that is detailed in the current passages of scripture I am reading, it seems maybe David became a victim to his own pride.

Father, help me to spot signs of trouble when distractions come. Help me to understand that when things go wrong, something IS wrong. Help me to monitor my attitude toward You and do everything necessary to be humble before You and not become proud.