Name: Zachary Cushman
Date: 11/5/21
Section: 004
Old Testament Bible Study Assignment
Passage: 2 Samuel 6:1-23
Instructions:
For this assignment, you will be studying the Old Testament story of David and Mephibosheth
found in 2 Samuel 6:1-23. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this
passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and
Application that you have become familiar with through your reading in .Everyday Bible Study
I. Observation
A. I have read 2 Samuel 6:1-23 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or
CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer.
Please use the translation provided in your digital library or found at Biblegateway.com
oYes
oNo
B. Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least 2 similarities
and 3 differences between the way both translations cover this story. You may list as many
similarities and differences that you find as long as you meet the minimum amount.
Similarity: Both versions said Uzzah and Ahio drove the new cart
Similarity: Both versions state Michal despised David
Difference: Verse 4 in the KJV states the ark came from Gibeah while in NIV it doesn’t
state where it came from other than the hill.
Difference: In verse 19, KJV says a cake of bread, piece of flesh, and flagon of wine were
given to the people while NIV says a loaf of bread, cake of dates, and cake of raisins were
given.
Difference: In KJV, verse 8 claims David was displeased while in NIV it says David was
angry.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
● David
● Uzzah
● Michal
● Obededom
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
David is transferring the Ark to his city but Uzzah dies and he keeps it in Obededom’s
house. After seeing the blessings given to his household David transfers it into his city while he
and many others dance vigorously. David’s wife is upset with how he has held himself and he
claims he will only humiliate himself more.
3. Narrative structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Narrative Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
Introduction: Description of where the Ark was and where it is going
Inciting Incident: Uzzah’s death in attempting to save the Ark
Rising Action: Blessings are given to Obededom and his household for keeping the Ark
Climax: David parades the Ark through the city and nearly everyone dances and humiliates
themselves
Falling Action: Michal confronts David of his humiliation
Resolution: David states his humility will only grow before the Lord
D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.
Remember to review chapters 17 and 33 in . This will help you be Everyday Bible Study
more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.”
Please be detailed and specific as you answer these six key questions.
1. Who:
● David
● Uzzah
● Michal
● Obededom
● Chosen men of Israel
● Ahio
● God (killing Uzzah)
2. What:
The Ark of the Covenant was being held in Gibeah and needed to be returned to the City of
David after being captured.
The Ark starts to tip so Uzzah sticks his arm out in order to stop it from falling and was struck
down by God
David keeps the Ark in Obededom’s house because of his anger towards God
Obededom’s blessings cause David to return the Ark into the city and dance his clothes off along
with the crowds around him
Michal is displeased with David that he would humiliate himself to the point where she had no
children to death
3. Where:
● House of Abinadab in Gibeah
● Nachon’s threshing floor (now Perezuzzah)
● House of Obededom the Gittite
● City of David
4. When:
● During the reign of King David
● After the capture of the Ark
5. Why:
Why did Uzzah die?
No man was to touch the Ark.
Why was the Ark stored in Obededom’s house?
David was angry with God because Uzzah was trying to save the Ark.
Why was the Ark returned to the city?
David saw the blessings poured out on Obedeom’s household.
Why did David humiliate himself?
Because God is amazing and you should love the Lord with every single bit of energy
you can give.
Why did Michal despise David?
Kings were supposed to be royalty during that time, not dwell among common people
and lower themselves to that level.
6. How:
How did Uzzah die?
God struck him dead on the spot.
How did David humiliate himself?
He paraded through the city and danced so hard his clothes fell off.
How did Michal react?
She despised David and once he wouldn’t stop, she refused to have children.
II. Interpretation
A. Summarize: Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (100-400 words)
explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember
two things. First, this passage is made up of both action and dialogue. Thus, this passage
is both showing and telling us something. Second, words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our”
are application words and not interpretation words. Thus, they should not be used in your
answer for this question. Interpretation is about “then and there” and not “here and now.”
We were not there so the passage is not about us. Our “part” in the passage is the
application or how we will respond to God’s Word.
The author is telling the story of the return of the Ark. The return of the Ark is so
powerful that nearly the whole City of David rejoices in the streets. David joins in this
celebration and his wife is displeased with how he publicly displayed himself. David does
not care, however, and continues humiliating himself.
This shows that no one should care what people think of them while rejoicing
before the Lord. It does not matter what the social status of the person is. Whoever they
are, they should praise the Lord with all their heart, mind, and soul.
B. Identify: Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You
should be able to express this principle in 1-3 sentences. Once again, please remember
that words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation
words.
Do not fear what others think while praising and rejoicing before the Lord. He is
the Almighty, not them. The only thoughts that truly matter are those of the Lord, not on
Earth.
C. Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource in order to offer support for the principle
that you believe the passage is teaching. Please consult the “Commentaries” as well as
the “Bible Dictionaries & Handbooks” tabs found on this research guide provided by the
Jerry Falwell Library.
BIBL105 Research Guide
Walton, J. H., Matthews, V. H., Chavalas, M. W., Matthews, V., & Chavalas, D. M. W.
(2000). The IVP Bible background commentary - old testament: Old testament.
InterVarsity Press.
III. Correlation
A. How does this Old Testament narrative fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State
what type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and
explain why you believe this to be so? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200
words) in length. It may be good to review chapter six in in order toEveryday Bible Study
recall what each of these four themes are about.
This book is in the theme of the Fall of humanity. The Creation is about the
creation of Earth and man in God’s image. Fall is how sinful humanity is and how much
they fall into sin without Jesus. Redemption is the story of Jesus and how he took our sins
for us. New Creation is about the second coming and the new heaven and earth. This fits
into the Fall because it is still during the times of Israel’s struggles of sin. Even though
David loved God with all his heart he still sinned but repented and continued to follow
God.
B. How does your principle fit with the rest of the Scripture? This principle is the one you
have written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation assignment. If your principle is a
true Biblical principle, it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures. Where is the
principle discovered in this Old Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures?
Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (200-300 words) in length. Be specific. List,
explain, and cite your supporting passage(s) from Scripture.
It is wrong to subdue the love of God in order to please others. This is clearly
stated in Galatians 1:10 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I
trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of
Christ.” (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2016, Galatians 1:10). This claims
that we need to be approved by God not humanity. Those who try to please humanity
over God are not living how they should. In Mark 8:38, it is stated that none should be
ashamed of God or else the Son will be ashamed of them: “For whoever is ashamed of
me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man
also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (The
Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2016, Mark 8:38). Being ashamed of God and
caring what people think is sinful in nature because it is similar to denying God. Why
would God be proud to have someone be His child if they are not proud to have Him as a
Father?
C. How does this Old Testament narrative reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State
and explain at least one way that the principle of this narrative can be identified in the
person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (200-300
words) in length. Be specific. List, explain, and cite your supporting passage(s) from
Scripture.
Christ was not fearful of others. He did everything He could to spread the
message and convert people. He was bold and brave and did not let anyone get in His
way. God sent Him to rescue us from sin and He did just that. Before Christ was
crucified, He was fearful of his destiny of death while in the Garden of Gethsemane but
still trusted in God and His will. Even before His death and resurrection, Christ did not
care about others’ thoughts. The miracles he performed and acts he caused could have
been and were looked down on. He continued to preach and heal, however, because
God’s thoughts and will are the only ones that matter in the end. No matter how hard it
gets on earth, heaven will always be waiting for us.
IV. Application
What points of application can be made using the “Four Questions for Application?” State and
explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of
these points should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
A. The question of duty
We are called to praise God no matter who is listening and persecuting us. We are to
rejoice in good and bad times for there is no other love greater than that of God. If we do not
praise His name we are denying his love and rule over us. We are not worthy of this love but as
long as we trust in Him and openly love Him in front of others, we are graced with mercy. We
also need to spread His word so unbelievers or believers who are struggling can either come to
know God or strengthen their relationship with Him.
B. The question of character
We should not be ashamed of God. Think of you being a parent. How would it feel if
your child, your pride and joy, denied ever knowing you and was ashamed to be around you or
claim you as their parent? It would be devastating. And to think that God has billions of children
and most of them deny Him or don’t know him breaks my heart. That is some emotional trauma
right there. God is Almighty though and still loves us dearly. Therefore not only should we not be
ashamed because it hurts Him but it is the least we can do for Him on behalf of others.
C. The question of goals
Our goals should be to openly praise and rejoice before God. We should be an example to
others of how much we love God and God loves us. Our main goal should not just be to get into
heaven and live with Him forever, but also to live Him and spread His message. For what for
good is heaven if you are the only one there. Others need to hear the word of God so they can
join us in heaven, know God, and help us spread the seeds and cultivate followers of God
D. The question of discernment
When praising God we should ask ourselves if we are afraid of what others are thinking.
Personally, I have always cared what others think and never wanted to sing out loud. Since I’ve
been here, however, I’ve grown in that area and have become much more comfortable and now,
if I know the song, I will sing loudly at church, Convo, and CC. We should also use this question
in daily life. If God is not present in our daily life and especially not apparent in it, then we
cannot truly live for God. If He is, others will see this and either judge or come to know Christ.
We just have to always remember that God is the ultimate judge.
