2 Samuel 6:1-11 - The Return Of The Ark Interrupted
We have heard nothing of the Ark since it left the land of the Philistines, 1 Samuel 7:1-2. The spiritual life of the nation was low, else this holy symbol of God's presence would not have been thus neglected. David wished to make the new capital the religious as well as the political center of his kingdom. It was necessary, therefore, that the Ark be removed thither.
The sacredness of the Ark lay in its association with Jehovah Sabaoth, "the Lord of Hosts." It was His seat or throne. "He dwelled between the cherubim." The clear order was that it should be borne on the shoulders of the Levites, and David had no right to substitute a new cart, after the manner of the Philistines, Numbers 7:9; 1 Chronicles 15:12-16. The death of Uzzah and the blessing on the house of Obed-edom illustrate the severity and the goodness of God. Not one jot or tittle of the law can fail; therefore the least violation must bring suffering on the part of those who offend; while reverence, obedience and faith secure an immediate response of the divine favor and love. God can and will take care of His own. We need not fear for the safety of His Church. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Samuel 6
1David fetches the ark from Kirjath Jearim on a new cart, 6Uzzah is smitten at Perez Uzzah 9God blesses Obed-Edom for the ark 12David brings the ark into Zion with sacrifices, and dances before it; 16for which Michal despises him 17He places it in a tabernacle with great joy and feasting 20Michal, reproving David for his joy, is childless to her death
What do the individual words in 2 Samuel 6:1 mean?
And gatheredAgainDavid-allthe choice [men]of Israelthirtythousand
Parse: Direct object marker
Root: אֹות
Sense: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative.
Parse: Preposition-b, Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יִשְׂרָאֵל
Sense: the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel.