2 Samuel 6 Study Notes: The Ark Comes to Jerusalem
David sets out to bring the ark to Jerusalem on a cart, and God strikes Uzzah dead for touching it. After three months in which God blesses Obed-edom’s home where the ark is kept, David brings it into his city with sacrifices and joyful dancing, and Michal scorns him for it.
General
How does the narrator describe the ark that David set out to bring to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:2)?
Answer: It bore the LORD’s own name, the King throned over the cherubim
David gathered a large force of chosen men and headed to Baale in Judah to fetch the ark (6:1-2). The ark was the sacred gold-covered chest made in Moses’ day, the place where God had promised to meet with Moses above its cover, between two cherubim, which were golden figures of winged heavenly beings (Exodus 25:22). The narrator stresses whose ark it was: it bore the LORD of Hosts’ own name, as the King whose throne is between the cherubim (6:2). The same description appears in 1 Samuel 4:4, and the psalmist praises the LORD who reigns from His throne over the cherubim (Psalm 99:1). The ark stood for the holy King’s presence among His people, which prepares the reader for what happens next.
- 2 Samuel 6:2 (BSB)“And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it.”David sets out to bring the ark to Jerusalem, and the narrator describes what the ark represents.
- Exodus 25:22 (BSB)“And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”God had promised to meet with Moses above the ark, between the cherubim.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 (BSB)“So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.”Earlier the ark was described in the same way, as belonging to the LORD of Hosts enthroned between the cherubim.
- Psalm 99:1 (BSB)“The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!”The psalmist celebrates the reigning LORD who sits enthroned above the cherubim.
Theological
What does the narrator emphasize about the ark as David sets out to bring it up (2 Samuel 6:2)?
Answer: It bore the LORD’s own name, the King throned over the cherubim
The narrator identifies the ark as bearing the Name of the King of heaven’s armies, throned between the cherubim (6:2). The ark marks the throne of the divine King, the place of meeting appointed in Exodus 25:22, described in the same terms in 1 Samuel 4:4 and celebrated in Psalm 99:1. The emphasis on God’s holy presence and kingship sets the stage for the judgment on Uzzah and for David’s fear and joy in the rest of the chapter.
- 2 Samuel 6:2 (BSB)“And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it.”David sets out to bring the ark to Jerusalem, and the narrator describes what the ark represents.
- Exodus 25:22 (BSB)“And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”God had promised to meet with Moses above the ark, between the cherubim.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 (BSB)“So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.”Earlier the ark was described in the same way, as belonging to the LORD of Hosts enthroned between the cherubim.
- Psalm 99:1 (BSB)“The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!”The psalmist celebrates the reigning LORD who sits enthroned above the cherubim.
General
How was the ark moved on the first attempt to bring it from Abinadab’s house (2 Samuel 6:3)?
Answer: On a newly made cart driven by Abinadab’s sons
The ark had stayed for years at the hilltop house of Abinadab. For the journey, David’s men loaded it onto a newly built cart, and two of Abinadab’s sons, Uzzah and Ahio, guided it (6:3-4). A cart was how the Philistines had sent the ark back (1 Samuel 6:7), but it was not how God had told Israel to move it. The law required that the ark be carried by poles through its rings (Exodus 25:14), on the shoulders of Levites, the tribe set apart for service at God’s sanctuary. Chronicles records that David later admitted they had not sought the LORD about the proper way, and on the second attempt the Levites bore it with poles on their shoulders, following Moses’ instructions (1 Chronicles 15:13-15).
- 2 Samuel 6:3 (BSB)“They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart,”The ark is placed on a new cart and brought from Abinadab’s house.
- 1 Samuel 6:7 (BSB)“Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up.”The Philistines had sent the ark back on a new cart, the same method David’s men now use.
- Exodus 25:14 (BSB)“Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it.”God had ordered poles placed through rings on the ark so that it could be carried.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 (BSB)“It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.”David later explained that they had not sought the LORD about the proper way, and the Levites then carried the ark with poles as Moses commanded.
Theological
By what means was the ark transported on David’s first attempt (2 Samuel 6:3)?
Answer: On a newly made cart driven by Abinadab’s sons
The ark was loaded onto a newly built cart and driven by Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab (6:3-4). The method imitated the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:7) rather than the Mosaic prescription that the ark be borne on poles (Exodus 25:14) by Levites. The Chronicler supplies David’s own diagnosis: they had not consulted God about the right way to move it, and the second procession was carried out with Levites bearing the ark on poles as Moses commanded (1 Chronicles 15:13-15). Zeal for God’s presence did not excuse neglect of His word about how to approach it.
- 2 Samuel 6:3 (BSB)“They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart,”The ark is placed on a new cart and brought from Abinadab’s house.
- 1 Samuel 6:7 (BSB)“Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up.”The Philistines had sent the ark back on a new cart, the same method David’s men now use.
- Exodus 25:14 (BSB)“Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it.”God had ordered poles placed through rings on the ark so that it could be carried.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 (BSB)“It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.”David later explained that they had not sought the LORD about the proper way, and the Levites then carried the ark with poles as Moses commanded.
General
How did David respond after the LORD struck down Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:8-10)?
Answer: He grew angry and afraid, and left the ark at Obed-edom’s house
David reacted first with anger that the LORD had broken out against Uzzah, and so he gave the place the name Perez-uzzah (6:8). Then fear of the LORD gripped him, and he wondered aloud whether the ark could ever come to him. Not willing to bring it into his own city, he had it taken aside to the home of Obed-edom, called the Gittite (6:9-10). The narrator records David’s anger without approving it. His fear echoes the question asked at Beth-shemesh when God struck men there: who can stand before this holy God (1 Samuel 6:20)? The honest answer is that no one could stand on his own merit, which is why forgiveness, when God gives it, leads His people to reverent fear (Psalm 130:3-4).
- 2 Samuel 6:8-10 (BSB)“Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah. So he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day. That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?” So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.”David is angry, then afraid, and leaves the ark at Obed-edom’s house rather than taking it to his city.
- 1 Samuel 6:20 (BSB)“The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?””After God struck the men of Beth-shemesh, they asked the same kind of question: who can stand before this holy God?
- Psalm 130:3-4 (BSB)“If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be feared.”The psalmist knows no one could stand if God kept a record of sins, and that forgiveness leads to reverent fear.
Theological
What was David’s response to the judgment on Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:8-10)?
Answer: He grew angry and afraid, and left the ark at Obed-edom’s house
David’s first response is anger at the LORD’s outburst, and so he names the place Perez-uzzah (6:8); his second is fear, voiced in the question of how the ark can come to him, and he diverts it to Obed-edom’s home (6:9-10). The narrator reports the anger without endorsing it. David’s question parallels the question raised at Beth-shemesh (1 Samuel 6:20): sinners cannot stand before the holy God on their own footing, and only His pardon makes approach possible, a pardon that produces fear rather than presumption (Psalm 130:3-4).
- 2 Samuel 6:8-10 (BSB)“Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah. So he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day. That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?” So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.”David is angry, then afraid, and leaves the ark at Obed-edom’s house rather than taking it to his city.
- 1 Samuel 6:20 (BSB)“The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?””After God struck the men of Beth-shemesh, they asked the same kind of question: who can stand before this holy God?
- Psalm 130:3-4 (BSB)“If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be feared.”The psalmist knows no one could stand if God kept a record of sins, and that forgiveness leads to reverent fear.
General
How did David answer Michal’s rebuke (2 Samuel 6:21-22)?
Answer: He danced for the God who chose him, and would lower himself even further
David answered that his celebration had been in the LORD’s presence, the One who had chosen him in place of Michal’s father and all Saul’s family to rule over God’s people (6:21). That choice had been announced years before (1 Samuel 15:28). David said he would keep on rejoicing in worship and would make himself even more lowly than this, and that the very servant girls Michal mentioned would hold him in honor (6:22). His worship was aimed at God, not at his own dignity. God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30), and those who humble themselves before the Lord are the ones He lifts up (James 4:10).
- 2 Samuel 6:21-22 (BSB)“But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.””David answers Michal that his dancing was before the LORD, who chose him over Saul’s house.
- 1 Samuel 15:28 (BSB)“So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.”Samuel had told Saul that the LORD had torn the kingdom from him and given it to another.
- 1 Samuel 2:30 (BSB)“Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.”God declared that He honors those who honor Him.
- James 4:10 (BSB)“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”Those who humble themselves before the Lord are the ones He lifts up.
Theological
On what basis did David answer Michal’s contempt (2 Samuel 6:21-22)?
Answer: He danced for the God who chose him, and would lower himself even further
David grounds his reply in divine election and the object of his worship: he danced before the God who chose him above Saul and his house to rule His people (6:21), fulfilling the word to Saul in 1 Samuel 15:28. He resolves to lower and humble himself still further and expects honor from the very maidservants Michal invoked (6:22). The principle is God’s: He honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30), and He exalts the humble (James 4:10).
- 2 Samuel 6:21-22 (BSB)“But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.””David answers Michal that his dancing was before the LORD, who chose him over Saul’s house.
- 1 Samuel 15:28 (BSB)“So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.”Samuel had told Saul that the LORD had torn the kingdom from him and given it to another.
- 1 Samuel 2:30 (BSB)“Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.”God declared that He honors those who honor Him.
- James 4:10 (BSB)“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”Those who humble themselves before the Lord are the ones He lifts up.
General
What did David do as the ark was brought up the second time (2 Samuel 6:13-15)?
Answer: He offered sacrifices and with all his strength danced in God’s presence
This time the ark was carried, and when its bearers had gone six steps, David offered a sacrifice of an ox along with a fatted calf (6:13). Chronicles adds that the Levites carried it and that God helped them (1 Chronicles 15:26). Clothed in a linen ephod, David danced in the LORD’s presence with all his strength, while the whole nation escorted the ark with shouts and blasts on the ram’s horn (6:14-15). An ephod was a simple linen garment worn in service before God; the boy Samuel had worn one at Shiloh (1 Samuel 2:18). David’s dancing was worship, the kind of joyful praise the psalms call for (Psalm 149:3), offered to the LORD rather than to impress the crowd.
- 2 Samuel 6:13-15 (BSB)“When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn.”The second procession: sacrifices after six steps, and David dancing with all his strength in a linen ephod amid shouts and ram’s-horn blasts.
- 1 Chronicles 15:26 (BSB)“And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.”The parallel account says God helped the Levites who carried the ark, and they offered sacrifices.
- Psalm 149:3 (BSB)“Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.”God’s people are called to praise His name with dancing and music.
- 1 Samuel 2:18 (BSB)“Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.”The boy Samuel had also served before the LORD wearing a linen ephod.
Theological
How did David conduct himself as the ark was brought up to his city (2 Samuel 6:13-15)?
Answer: He offered sacrifices and with all his strength danced in God’s presence
The second procession is marked by sacrifice after the first six paces (6:13) and by the Levites bearing the ark with God’s help (1 Chronicles 15:26). David, clothed in a linen ephod like the young Samuel (1 Samuel 2:18), dances in the LORD’s presence with abandon amid shouting and the ram’s horn (6:14-15). The king lays aside royal dignity to lead the people in exuberant worship directed to God Himself, the kind of praise Psalm 149:3 commends.
- 2 Samuel 6:13-15 (BSB)“When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn.”The second procession: sacrifices after six steps, and David dancing with all his strength in a linen ephod amid shouts and ram’s-horn blasts.
- 1 Chronicles 15:26 (BSB)“And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.”The parallel account says God helped the Levites who carried the ark, and they offered sacrifices.
- Psalm 149:3 (BSB)“Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.”God’s people are called to praise His name with dancing and music.
- 1 Samuel 2:18 (BSB)“Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.”The boy Samuel had also served before the LORD wearing a linen ephod.
General
When David returned to his own household, what did Michal accuse him of (2 Samuel 6:20)?
Answer: Shamefully exposing himself before servant girls like a crude man
As the ark entered David’s city, Michal, Saul’s daughter, watched from a window, saw him leaping and dancing in worship, and inwardly held him in contempt (6:16; 1 Chronicles 15:29). When David returned to bless his family, she came out and mocked him with sarcasm: Israel’s king had made quite a show of himself, she said, uncovering himself before his subjects’ servant girls the way a crude person would (6:20). The narrator keeps naming her as Saul’s daughter (6:16, 20, 23), and David’s reply will mention the LORD’s choice of him over her father’s house (6:21). Years earlier she had loved David (1 Samuel 18:20); now she scorned his worship.
- 2 Samuel 6:16 (BSB)“As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.”Michal watches David from a window and despises him in her heart.
- 2 Samuel 6:20 (BSB)“When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.””Michal comes out to meet David and rebukes him sarcastically.
- 1 Chronicles 15:29 (BSB)“As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart.”The parallel account also records Michal watching from the window and despising David.
- 1 Samuel 18:20 (BSB)“Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.”Earlier Michal had loved David, which makes this contempt a sad turn.
Theological
What charge did Michal bring against David when he returned home (2 Samuel 6:20)?
Answer: Shamefully exposing himself before servant girls like a crude man
Michal had already despised David in her heart as she watched him dance (6:16; 1 Chronicles 15:29). When he returns to bless his household she meets him with sarcasm, charging that the king has disgraced himself by exposing himself before his subjects’ servant girls as a crude man would (6:20). The narrator repeatedly calls her Saul’s daughter (6:16, 20, 23), and David’s reply recalls God’s choice of him over Saul’s house (6:21). The woman who once loved David (1 Samuel 18:20) now despises his abandon before the LORD.
- 2 Samuel 6:16 (BSB)“As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.”Michal watches David from a window and despises him in her heart.
- 2 Samuel 6:20 (BSB)“When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.””Michal comes out to meet David and rebukes him sarcastically.
- 1 Chronicles 15:29 (BSB)“As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart.”The parallel account also records Michal watching from the window and despising David.
- 1 Samuel 18:20 (BSB)“Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.”Earlier Michal had loved David, which makes this contempt a sad turn.
General
True or False: The chapter closes by stating that Michal, Saul’s daughter, never bore a child as long as she lived.
Answer: True
This is true. Right after the exchange between David and Michal, the narrator closes the chapter with one plain statement: Saul’s daughter Michal never bore a child as long as she lived (6:23). Michal’s history with David had been long. As his wife she had once saved his life by helping him escape through a window (1 Samuel 19:11-12), and later, after being given to another man, she was taken from that husband and brought back to David (2 Samuel 3:15-16). The narrator places the statement at the end of the scene and states it as a fact without adding any further explanation.
- 2 Samuel 6:23 (BSB)“And Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.”The chapter ends with a brief statement about Michal.
- 1 Samuel 19:11-12 (BSB)“Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped.”Years before, as David’s wife, Michal had saved his life by letting him down through a window.
- 2 Samuel 3:15-16 (BSB)“So Ish-bosheth sent and took Michal from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home.”Michal had been taken from her husband Paltiel and brought back to David.
Theological
True or False: The narrator ends the chapter by recording that Michal, Saul’s daughter, remained childless until her death.
Answer: True
This is true. The narrator closes the episode with a single statement that Saul’s daughter Michal remained childless all her life (6:23). As David’s wife she had once saved his life (1 Samuel 19:11-12), and she had been taken from Paltiel and returned to David during Abner’s negotiations (2 Samuel 3:15-16). The verse is given immediately after the exchange, and the narrator states it without further comment.
- 2 Samuel 6:23 (BSB)“And Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.”The chapter ends with a brief statement about Michal.
- 1 Samuel 19:11-12 (BSB)“Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped.”Years before, as David’s wife, Michal had saved his life by letting him down through a window.
- 2 Samuel 3:15-16 (BSB)“So Ish-bosheth sent and took Michal from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home.”Michal had been taken from her husband Paltiel and brought back to David.
General
What happened while the ark stayed at Obed-edom’s house, and how did it affect David (2 Samuel 6:11-12)?
Answer: God prospered his family, and David then brought the ark up with joy
For three months the ark stayed in Obed-edom’s home, and during that time God poured out blessing on him and on all his family (6:11). Chronicles records the same blessing on his family and all his possessions (1 Chronicles 13:14). The same holy presence that brought judgment on irreverence brought blessing to a household that received it. When David was told that the LORD had blessed Obed-edom’s family because the ark was there, he had the ark carried up to his city amid great joy (6:12). God’s blessing on a home for the sake of His presence recalls how He blessed Potiphar’s house because of Joseph (Genesis 39:5).
- 2 Samuel 6:11-12 (BSB)“Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household. Now it was reported to King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing.”The LORD blesses Obed-edom’s household during the three months the ark is there, and David hears of it and brings the ark up with joy.
- 1 Chronicles 13:14 (BSB)“Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he owned.”The parallel account also records the LORD’s blessing on Obed-edom’s household and everything he owned.
- Genesis 39:5 (BSB)“From the time that he put Joseph in charge of his household and all he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s household on account of him. The LORD’s blessing was on everything he owned, both in his house and in his field.”In the same way the LORD blessed Potiphar’s household because Joseph was there.
Theological
What did the LORD do for Obed-edom during the ark’s stay with him, and what did David do in response (2 Samuel 6:11-12)?
Answer: God prospered his family, and David then brought the ark up with joy
During the three months the ark rested with Obed-edom, God’s favor rested on his entire household (6:11), a blessing the Chronicler also records (1 Chronicles 13:14). The same presence that judged Uzzah’s irreverence brings blessing where it is received, much as God blessed Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake (Genesis 39:5). Hearing the report, David resumes the procession and brings the ark up to his city with rejoicing (6:12).
- 2 Samuel 6:11-12 (BSB)“Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household. Now it was reported to King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing.”The LORD blesses Obed-edom’s household during the three months the ark is there, and David hears of it and brings the ark up with joy.
- 1 Chronicles 13:14 (BSB)“Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he owned.”The parallel account also records the LORD’s blessing on Obed-edom’s household and everything he owned.
- Genesis 39:5 (BSB)“From the time that he put Joseph in charge of his household and all he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s household on account of him. The LORD’s blessing was on everything he owned, both in his house and in his field.”In the same way the LORD blessed Potiphar’s household because Joseph was there.
General
What did David do once the ark had been set inside the tent he prepared (2 Samuel 6:17-19)?
Answer: He made offerings, spoke a blessing in God’s name, and gave out food
The ark was placed in the tent David had set up for it, and David presented burnt offerings, which were wholly burned to God, and peace offerings, which were shared in a meal of fellowship (6:17). When he had finished, he pronounced a blessing on the crowd in the LORD’s name (6:18), as the Levites had been appointed to bless in the LORD’s name (Deuteronomy 10:8). Then he gave each man and woman bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins before they went home (6:19). The day ended in shared rejoicing before God, as the law had pictured (Deuteronomy 12:7), and Solomon would bless the assembly in a similar way at the temple’s dedication (1 Kings 8:55).
- 2 Samuel 6:17-18 (BSB)“So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts.”The ark is set in the tent David pitched, offerings are made, and David blesses the people in the LORD’s name.
- 2 Samuel 6:19 (BSB)“Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. And all the people departed, each to his own home.”David gives food to every man and woman before they return home.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (BSB)“At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.”The Levites had been set apart to carry the ark and to pronounce blessings in the LORD’s name.
- Deuteronomy 12:7 (BSB)“There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.”The law pictured God’s people eating and rejoicing together in His presence.
- 1 Kings 8:55 (BSB)“And he stood and blessed the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying:”Solomon would likewise stand and bless the assembly at the dedication of the temple.
Theological
How did David conclude the day once the ark was placed in its tent (2 Samuel 6:17-19)?
Answer: He made offerings, spoke a blessing in God’s name, and gave out food
With the ark installed in the tent he had pitched, David presents whole burnt offerings and fellowship offerings (6:17), pronounces a blessing on the crowd in the LORD’s name (6:18), and distributes provisions to all the people, women as well as men (6:19). The blessing in the LORD’s name recalls the Levitical charge (Deuteronomy 10:8); the communal meal echoes Deuteronomy’s picture of rejoicing before God (Deuteronomy 12:7); and the scene anticipates Solomon’s blessing at the temple dedication (1 Kings 8:55).
- 2 Samuel 6:17-18 (BSB)“So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts.”The ark is set in the tent David pitched, offerings are made, and David blesses the people in the LORD’s name.
- 2 Samuel 6:19 (BSB)“Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. And all the people departed, each to his own home.”David gives food to every man and woman before they return home.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (BSB)“At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.”The Levites had been set apart to carry the ark and to pronounce blessings in the LORD’s name.
- Deuteronomy 12:7 (BSB)“There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.”The law pictured God’s people eating and rejoicing together in His presence.
- 1 Kings 8:55 (BSB)“And he stood and blessed the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying:”Solomon would likewise stand and bless the assembly at the dedication of the temple.
General
When the oxen stumbled and Uzzah grabbed the ark, how did God respond, and what reason does the text give (2 Samuel 6:6-7)?
Answer: He struck Uzzah dead there for his irreverence
At Nacon’s threshing floor the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah put out his hand and grabbed the ark. The LORD’s anger burned against him, and God killed him right there because of his irreverence, so that he died beside the ark (6:6-7). This is hard to read, and the text does not soften it. God had said long before that even the Levites who carried the holy things must not touch them, or they would die (Numbers 4:15). The ark was not a piece of cargo to be steadied by hand; it stood for the holy God dwelling among His people. When Aaron’s sons approached God carelessly, Moses explained that God must be honored as holy by all who approach Him (Leviticus 10:3). The New Testament still calls believers to worship with deep reverence, because God remains a fire that consumes (Hebrews 12:28-29).
- 2 Samuel 6:6-7 (BSB)“When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God.”When the oxen stumble, Uzzah takes hold of the ark, and God strikes him down.
- Numbers 4:15 (BSB)“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.”The law warned that even the Kohathites, who carried the holy things, must not touch them or they would die.
- Leviticus 10:3 (BSB)“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.”After Nadab and Abihu died, Moses explained that God will be treated as holy by those who come near Him.
- Hebrews 12:28-29 (BSB)“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.””The New Testament calls believers to worship God with reverence and awe, for He is a consuming fire.
Theological
How did God respond when Uzzah laid his hand on the ark, and what reason does the narrator give (2 Samuel 6:6-7)?
Answer: He struck Uzzah dead there for his irreverence
When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah seized the ark; the LORD’s anger burned, and God took his life there for his irreverence (6:6-7). The judgment is not arbitrary. The Torah had forbidden even the Kohathites to touch the holy things on pain of death (Numbers 4:15), and the whole procession had ignored the prescribed manner of carrying the ark. As at the death of Nadab and Abihu, God shows Himself holy among those who draw near (Leviticus 10:3). His holiness is not diminished in the new covenant: Hebrews 12:28-29 grounds reverent worship in the fact that He is a fire that consumes.
- 2 Samuel 6:6-7 (BSB)“When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God.”When the oxen stumble, Uzzah takes hold of the ark, and God strikes him down.
- Numbers 4:15 (BSB)“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.”The law warned that even the Kohathites, who carried the holy things, must not touch them or they would die.
- Leviticus 10:3 (BSB)“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.”After Nadab and Abihu died, Moses explained that God will be treated as holy by those who come near Him.
- Hebrews 12:28-29 (BSB)“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.””The New Testament calls believers to worship God with reverence and awe, for He is a consuming fire.