David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem but encounters disaster when Uzzah touches it to prevent it from falling and is struck dead. After three months of leaving the Ark at Obed-edom's house (which experiences blessing), David successfully relocates it with proper reverence and Levitical bearers. The procession features sacrifices and joyful dancing, with David himself abandoning royal dignity to leap before the Lord wearing only a linen ephod. When his wife Michal despises his undignified display, David defends his celebration before God who "chose me above your father," leading to Michal's lifelong barrenness. This chapter establishes both the necessity of proper reverence for God's holiness and the priority of wholehearted worship over human dignity—themes Jesus would embody in both his reverence for the Father and humble service.