This lesson teaches children that God’s presence is holy and must be treated with respect, and that we honor God by doing things his way. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is holy, so we should honor him and do things his way, not our own way. When we respect God, he blesses us and we can celebrate him with joy.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 6:14
David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was clothed in a linen ephod.
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall, then bend their knees and sway their arms side to side like they are dancing before the Lord. Do it together three times so the motion sticks with the words.
The Story: 2 Samuel 6 for Kids
King David wanted to bring the ark of God back to Jerusalem, his city. The ark was a special box that stood for God’s presence, and it had been kept at a house in the hills for a long time. David gathered thirty thousand of Israel’s chosen men to go and get it.
They put the ark on a brand new cart pulled by oxen. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, guided the cart while people played harps, tambourines, and cymbals and sang with all their hearts. Everyone was happy and loud.
Then the oxen stumbled near a threshing floor, and the ark began to tip. Uzzah reached out and grabbed it to keep it steady. God was displeased by this, and Uzzah died right there beside the ark. Everyone was shocked and sad.
David felt afraid and asked, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” He did not want to take it home. So he left the ark at the house of a man named Obed-Edom, and God blessed that family for three whole months.
When David heard how God had blessed Obed-Edom’s house, he decided to try again. This time the priests carried the ark carefully, and after every few steps they stopped to offer a sacrifice to God. David danced with all his might before the Lord, wearing a simple linen robe.
The ark finally came into Jerusalem with shouting and the sound of trumpets. Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked out the window and was angry when she saw David dancing. David answered that he was celebrating the Lord, who had chosen him, and he was willing to look foolish to honor God.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 6:2
David 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.
(WEB)
Point out that the ark is called by the name of the Lord of Armies who sits above the cherubim. Ask children what it means that God’s name is written on the ark and why that would make the people want to honor it.
2 Samuel 6:11-12
11 The LORD’s ark remained in Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his house. 12 King 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.
(WEB)
Show how the Lord blessed Obed-Edom’s whole house while the ark stayed there. Explain that God’s blessing comes to people who honor him, and that David noticed this and tried again.
2 Samuel 6:21-22
21 David 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. 22 I will be yet more vile than this, and will be worthless in my own sight. But of the servants of whom you have spoken, they will honor me.”
(WEB)
Point out David’s humble answer to Michal. Explain that David was willing to be thought silly if it meant honoring God, and that God’s approval matters more than what other people think.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God wanted the ark to be carried in a special way and not on a cart?
- How did Uzzah’s mistake show that God is holy and must be respected?
- What did David do after he was afraid, and why was that a good choice?
- How did the people show their joy when the ark came into Jerusalem?
- What is one way you can honor God in your everyday life this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Carried Ark
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child draw a simple box with poles on the sides, then add a happy crowd around it with instruments. Talk about how the ark was carried carefully and how people celebrated it together.
Careful Carry Game
You will need a small box or tissue box and a few cups of water or a hallway space. Have children take turns walking slowly across the room balancing the box on their hands without touching or dropping it. Stop after every few steps to pause and say thank you to God, just like the priests did.
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need a sheet of paper, markers, and an envelope for each child. Ask children to write or draw one way they want to honor God this week and place it in the envelope. Encourage them to share it with a parent at dinner and to keep the card on their bedroom table as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is holy and that his presence must be approached on his terms, not ours. David’s first attempt failed because the ark was not carried the way God had commanded, and his second attempt succeeded when he followed the instructions and celebrated with joy. For adults, the chapter invites us to ask whether our worship is about pleasing God or about doing what feels right to us.
Avoid suggesting to children that God is quick to punish or that a single mistake always brings death. Uzzah’s story is serious and hard to explain fully, so focus on God’s holiness and his blessing on those who honor him rather than on fear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we want to honor you with our whole hearts. Help us to do things your way and to celebrate you with joy every day. Thank you for your blessings and for being holy and good to us. Amen.
