2 Samuel 6

This chapter appears in the early part of 2 Samuel. Having become king over all Israel and taken Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 5, David now moves the ark of God to his new capital.

Outline

• Verses 1–5 David goes to Baale of Judah with thirty thousand chosen men. The ark of God is placed on a new cart and brought out of the house of Abinadab on the hill. Abinadab's sons Uzzah and Ahio drive the cart, and all Israel plays on various instruments.
• Verses 6–11 At the threshing floor of Nachon, the oxen stumble, and Uzzah takes hold of the ark; he dies on the spot. David is angered and names the place Perez-uzzah. Afraid, he diverts the ark to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. During the three months the ark remains there, Obed-edom's whole household is blessed.
• Verses 12–19 Hearing this report, David brings the ark up to the City of David with rejoicing. When those bearing the ark have gone six paces, sacrifices are offered, and David, wearing a linen ephod, dances with all his might. After the ark is set in the tent, David offers burnt offerings and peace offerings, blesses the people, and distributes bread, meat, and raisin cakes.
• Verses 20–23 Michal rebukes David, and David replies that he acted before the LORD. Michal had no child to the day of her death.

Key Verses

• 2 Samuel 6:7 "The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error" — frequently cited in discussions of God's holiness and the reverence due to him.
• 2 Samuel 6:11 "The LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household" — describes the blessing received by the house where the ark rested.
• 2 Samuel 6:14 "David danced before the LORD with all his might" — read as a model of joyful worship.

People and Places

• Ark of the Covenant: The text calls it "the ark of God" and "the ark of the LORD."
• Abinadab: Owner of the house where the ark had been kept (1 Samuel 7).
• Uzzah and Ahio: Sons of Abinadab.
• Obed-edom: A Gittite, owner of the house where the ark stayed for three months.
• Michal: Daughter of Saul and wife of David.
• Baale of Judah: The place where the ark had been kept. 1 Chronicles 13 calls it Kirjath-jearim.

Points for Reflection

• Why Uzzah died: The text says only "for his error." In 1 Chronicles 15, David attributes it to the failure of the Levites to carry the ark. For this reason, many interpreters read the episode alongside the regulation in Numbers 4 forbidding the touching of holy things.
• Obed-edom's identity: 1 Chronicles mentions a Levite named Obed-edom. Interpreters differ on whether he is the same person as the Obed-edom in this passage and on how to understand the designation "Gittite."
• Michal's childlessness: The text does not state why she had no children. Some interpret it as divine punishment, while others see it as the result of a breakdown in the marriage.

In the Korean Church

"The blessing of Obed-edom" is a common sermon theme. David's dance is often cited as a biblical basis for praise and worship dance. The Uzzah incident is mentioned when emphasizing reverence in worship.