Which God am I getting? - Haftarah Shemini

II Samuel 6:1-7:17

This week’s Haftarah begins with David contemplating whether or not to bring the Ark of the Covenant into his city. He has to make this decision because of two very interesting events.

First, Uzziah, in trying to save the Ark from falling, grabs hold of the Ark, a big no-no. God gets angry and strikes him down on the spot because of his disrespect.

This leads David to think that the Ark of God is dangerous and only brings calamity. Would you bring that into your house?

Next, David sends the Ark to Obed-Edom’s place. There, God blesses Obed-Edom for taking care of the Ark.

This leads David to want to bring the Ark into his city, since God causes blessing.

Which God is David going to get?

Do we get to pick and choose the God that we want? Can we accept the God of blessing and eschew the God of curses?

David ultimately brings the Ark into his city, in fits of dancing and joy. His wife is none too happy about his display.

At the end of the Haftarah, God’s multi-faceted nature is again on display. God grants David a kingship that will last for all time, but does not allow him to build the Temple for God.

Which God did David get?

As we continue through this period of the Omer, waiting patiently for God’s revelation, we should consider what it is we expect from God and whether or not we should expect anything in particular in the first place.

Shabbat Shalom