2 Samuel 6:12 - Meaning and Application

We have here the second attempt to bring the ark to the city of David, and this time it succeeded, even though the first attempt failed.

The blessing that came on the house of Obed-edom because of the ark seems to have strongly moved David to bring it onward. When David heard of it, he quickly set out to fetch the ark to himself (2 Samuel 6:12). This showed him two things. First, God had shown favor to them and turned away his anger. David had seen God’s displeasure in Uzzah’s death, and now he could see God’s blessing in Obed-edom’s success. If God was at peace with them, they could move ahead with their plan gladly.

Second, it showed that the ark was not the heavy burden people had feared. In fact, the one who had it near him was blessed. Christ is a stumbling stone and a rock of offense to those who refuse to obey, but to believers he is the chosen and precious cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6-8). When David heard that Obed-edom enjoyed such joy from the ark, he wanted it in his own city. The good results others have had from living close to God should encourage us to do the same. If the ark is a blessing in other homes, let us welcome it into ours. We can have it, and its blessing, without taking it away from our neighbors.

Now look at how David handled the matter this time. He corrected the earlier mistake. He did not place the ark on a cart again, but ordered the proper men to carry it on their shoulders. That is implied here (2 Samuel 6:13) and stated in (1 Chronicles 15:15). We make good use of God’s judgments on ourselves and others when they wake us up to fix what has gone wrong.

At the start of the journey, he offered sacrifices to God (2 Samuel 6:13). This was both to make amends for former mistakes and to give thanks for the blessing on Obed-edom’s house. We are more likely to prosper in our efforts when we begin with God and seek peace with him. When we come before God in worship, we must keep our eyes on the great sacrifice, the one that brings us into covenant and fellowship with God (Psalm 50:5).

David himself took part in the celebration with the greatest joy (2 Samuel 6:14). He danced before the Lord with all his might. He leaped for joy, as a man overwhelmed by the moment, and even more because of the disappointment he had suffered the first time. It is a joy to a good man when his errors are corrected and he is back in the way of duty. His dancing was likely not a formal dance by fixed steps, nor do we read that anyone danced with him. It was a natural expression of deep gladness. He did it with all his might, and so we should carry out all our worship with full attention and sincerity. All our strength is not too much for holy duties, because the work deserves all of it.

On this occasion David put aside his royal purple and wore a simple linen ephod, a light garment fit for movement and used in religious service by those who were not priests, as Samuel had worn one (1 Samuel 2:18). That great prince did not think it beneath him to dress like one serving the ark.

All the people shared in this triumph as the ark moved into the royal city (2 Samuel 6:15). They brought it up with shouting and with the sound of trumpets, showing their own joy in loud praise and calling others to rejoice with them. When the public worship of God is carried on openly, and under the favor as well as the protection of civil rulers, that is cause for great joy among the people.

The ark was safely brought to its resting place and honored there (2 Samuel 6:17). They set it in the center of the tent that David had prepared for it. This was not Moses’ tabernacle, which was then at Gibeon (2 Chronicles 1:13), and which, being made of cloth, had likely become too worn to move after so many years. This was a tent made specifically to receive the ark. David did not place it in a private house, not even his own, because he did not want it to seem reserved for a few people, making access to it less free. Yet he also did not build a permanent house for it, because that would have set aside the future building of a more glorious temple. So, for the time being, he placed it within curtains, under a canopy, like Moses’ tabernacle.

As soon as the ark was settled, he offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. This was in thanks to God that the matter had now been finished without more mistakes or judgment, and also in prayer that God would continue to show favor. All our joys should be joined with praise and prayer, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. It also seems that David wrote Psalm 132 at this time (Psalm 132:1-10).

Then the people were sent away with great joy. David blessed them in the name of the Lord of hosts (v. 18). As a prophet he had a special place with God, and as king he had authority over them. The lesser is blessed by the greater (Hebrews 7:7). He asked God to bless them, especially to reward them for the honor they had shown to the ark. He assured them they would not lose by the journey, because God’s blessing on their homes and affairs would more than repay their trouble. By praying for them, he showed that he wanted their good and that they had a king who loved them.

He also sent them away with a generous gift, more like a feast than alms. The great men likely ate at his own house, but to the larger crowd of Israel, men and women, and even children according to Josephus, he gave each person a cake of bread, a good piece of meat, and a bottle of wine (2 Samuel 6:19). Some think it was a spiced cake. The meat was probably a proper and honorable portion, and Josephus says it was part of the peace offerings, so they could share in the sacrifice with him.

David did this partly as a sign of joy and gratitude to God. When the heart is enlarged with gladness, the hand should also be open in giving. The feast of Purim was kept by sending portions to one another (Esther 9:22). Just as people forgiven by God should show mercy to others, so people blessed by God should be generous in giving. He also did it to win the goodwill of the people and strengthen his bond with them, for everyone is inclined to favor one who gives gifts. Those who did not care for his prayer would still remember his kindness, and that would make them more willing to gather with him again when needed.