2 Samuel 6:1

Translations

Modern

David again assembled the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand in all.

Traditional

Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.

Literal

And David gathered again every chosen one of Israel, thirty thousand.

Latin

Congregavit autem rursum David omnes electos ex Israël, triginta millia.

Original

Hebrew

English

David again assembled the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand in all.

Notes

2 Samuel 6:1–23

Except for a brief reference in 1 Samuel 14:18 (see note), the ark of the covenant does not appear again after 1 Samuel 7:1–2. In that passage, the Philistines returned the captured ark to Beth-shemesh, and it was later taken to Kiriath-jearim. There, the ark was placed in the home of Abinadab.

The ark’s long absence during the reign of Saul is significant. It shows that Saul did not seek the Lord and was spiritually insensitive (see 1 Chronicles 10:13–14; 13:3). During Saul’s forty-year reign, the ark played little or no role in Israel’s worship or leadership.

In contrast, David brought the ark to Jerusalem. By doing this, David publicly acknowledged the Lord as Israel’s true king in the new capital (see 2 Samuel 6:2). The ark’s arrival showed that Israel’s political center was now also a place of worship.

Theme notes and profiles

David Celebration The Ark of the Covenant

Events

Reign of David

Related verses

1 Chronicles 13:1–4
Then David conferred with all his leaders, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds.
1 Kings 8:1
At that time Solomon assembled before him in Jerusalem the elders of Israel—all the tribal heads and family leaders of the Israelites—to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Zion, the City of David.
1 Chronicles 13:6–14
David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name.
Psalm 132:1–6
A song of ascents. O LORD, remember on behalf of David all the hardships he endured,
2 Samuel 5:1
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood.

Parallels

1 Chronicles 13:1–7

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Ark of the Covenant David Gibeah Jerusalem Judah, Tribe of Kiriath-jearim Music Samuel, Books of First and Second Temple Uzzah

Topics

Ark of the Covenant: Removed from Kirjath-Jearim to the House of Obed-Edom David: Assembles Thirty-Thousand Men to Escort the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with Music and Thanksgiving Kirjath-Jearim: David Brings the Ark of the Covenant From Miracles: Catalogue of The Death of Uzzah Religious Zeal: King David

2 Samuel 6:1

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?