2 Samuel 6
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
There was once a king. His name was David. David loved God very much.
God had a special box. It was called the ark. The ark was very, very holy. It was made of wood and shiny gold. In the ark was something from God.
David wanted the ark to come to his city. He was so happy! He took a lot of people with him. They put the ark on a cart. A big cart with wheels.
And then they went! They walked and they sang. They played on harps. They played on drums. They made music for God. Everyone was cheerful.
But then something sad happened. The cart wobbled. The cows walked funny. A man named Uzzah reached out his hand. He grabbed the ark. But you were not allowed to touch the ark. It was too holy. And Uzzah died there.
Everyone was quiet. Very quiet. David was scared. He thought, "Oh no. The ark cannot come to my house now."
So David brought the ark to another man. That man was called Obed-Edom. The ark stayed at his house for three months. And do you know what? God blessed that whole house. Everything went well there!
David heard about it. And he thought, "Now I am going to get the ark after all!"
What Does This Mean?
David went back. And this time it went differently. Now they carried the ark very carefully. Very neatly. The way God wanted.
And David? David was so happy! He danced. He jumped. He whirled in circles. He danced with all his might for God. Everyone shouted. The trumpets sounded. What a party!
But someone was watching from a window. That was Michal. She was David's wife. She saw David dancing. And she thought, "Ugh, how silly." She did not think it was nice at all.
David said, "I am dancing for God! Because God is so great. I do not care if people think I look silly. I love God."
The Common Thread
God is very great. And very holy. That means: God is different from us. Special. We may not just do anything with God.
But God also wants to come very close. First there was the ark. Later Jesus came. Jesus makes us truly clean. Then we may come close to God. That is a big present!
For You
Sometimes you are so happy about something. Then you jump. Then you dance. Then you sing loud.
You may do that for God too! God likes it when you sing for Him. When you dance for Him. When you laugh for Him. God sees you. And God is glad about you.
Do you know what else? You may talk to God. Whenever you want. Because Jesus makes the way clear.
Talk About It
When are you so happy that you want to dance?
What would you like to sing or say to God?
Praying Together
Dear God, You are so big. And You are so good. I want to sing for You. I want to dance for You. Thank You that I may come to You. Amen.
Questions about 2 Samuel 6
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 2 Samuel 6 about?
What does 2 Samuel 6 say?
What does 2 Samuel 6 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 2 Samuel 6?
Why is 2 Samuel 6 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Notice the order. The tent was already pitched before the ark ever arrived: "in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it." He made room for God's presence before he had it in hand. And peace offerings were meals, shared. David's worship ended with bread in ordinary hands. What have you prepared room for?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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