2 Samuel 6:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Again, David {H1732} gathered together {H622}{H3254} all the chosen {H977} men of Israel {H3478}, thirty {H7970} thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Again David summoned all the picked troops of Isra'el, 30,000 men.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 6:1 initiates the dramatic account of King David's first attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse highlights David's profound initiative and the immense scale of the national undertaking, as he mobilizes "thirty thousand" of Israel's "chosen men" for this sacred procession. It underscores the Ark's paramount importance as the tangible symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel, signaling David's vision to centralize both political and spiritual authority in his newly established capital.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of significant consolidation for David's reign. In [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King and Conquers Jerusalem"), David is anointed king over all Israel (verses [2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Anointed King")), captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites, and establishes it as his capital (verses [2 Samuel 5:6-9](/2_samuel/5-6 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David Conquers Jerusalem")). He also successfully defeats the Philistines twice, securing his kingdom's borders (verses [2 Samuel 5:17-25](/2_samuel/5-17 "2 Samuel 5:17-25 - David Defeats the Philistines")). With his political and military authority firmly established, David now turns his attention to the spiritual heart of the nation. The Ark of the Covenant, which had been residing at Kirjath-jearim for decades since its return from Philistine captivity (cf. [1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kirjath-jearim")), is the next logical focus for a king seeking to truly unite Israel under God. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent, tragic events surrounding Uzzah and the eventual successful transfer of the Ark later in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing the very presence of Yahweh among His people. It served as the throne of God, the repository of the Ten Commandments, and the central symbol of the Mosaic covenant (cf. [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark")). For decades, it had been separated from the tabernacle and the central worship life of Israel, first captured by the Philistines ([1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - The Ark Captured")) and then residing in various private homes. David's initiative to bring the Ark to Jerusalem was not merely a religious act but a profound political statement. By centralizing the Ark in his capital, he aimed to solidify Jerusalem's status as the spiritual and political heart of the unified kingdom, legitimizing his rule as God's chosen king and fulfilling a long-held desire for God's dwelling to be among His people. The gathering of "chosen men" for such a task reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of mobilizing elite forces for significant national or religious undertakings, highlighting the solemnity and perceived importance of the event.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that resonate throughout 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **David's Unifying Leadership and Vision**. Having secured the kingdom politically, David demonstrates his commitment to spiritual leadership, aiming to centralize worship and God's presence, thereby unifying the disparate tribes under a common spiritual banner. Secondly, the sheer scale of the gathering underscores the **Profound Significance of the Ark of the Covenant**. It was not merely an artifact but the embodiment of God's covenant presence, and its relocation was a national priority, reflecting Israel's identity as God's chosen people. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Holiness and Human Responsibility**. While David's intentions are noble, the subsequent narrative (cf. [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death")) reveals the critical importance of approaching God's holiness according to His prescribed ways, a lesson that Israel, and indeed all believers, must continually learn. This grand assembly, therefore, is a testament to David's piety, his strategic genius, and the enduring centrality of God's presence in the life of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Again (Hebrew, _yāsap'_):** This adverb signifies a repetition or continuation of action. In this context, it suggests David's persistent and active leadership, following his recent military victories and the establishment of his capital. It implies that gathering such a large force was another deliberate and significant undertaking in a series of strategic moves to solidify his reign and centralize the nation's life around God. It sets a tone of renewed effort and purpose.
* **gathered (Hebrew, _qāhal'_):** This verb denotes a formal convocation or assembly, often for a specific, important purpose. It is not a casual meeting but a deliberate act of mobilization, underscoring David's authority and the organized, national scale of the endeavor. The use of this word emphasizes the solemnity and collective nature of bringing the Ark, highlighting that this was a unified effort of the entire nation under its king.
* **chosen men (Hebrew, _bāḥûr'_):** This term refers to select, strong, and capable men, typically in the prime of life, often associated with military service or special, significant assignments. It indicates that David did not merely gather a random crowd, but a carefully selected, elite force. This choice of personnel underscores the immense importance and perceived difficulty or danger of handling the sacred Ark, reflecting a deep reverence and a desire for the most competent individuals to be involved in such a hallowed task.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again, David gathered together":** This opening phrase immediately establishes David's proactive and decisive leadership. The word "Again" implies a continuity of his energetic reign, following his recent successes in consolidating power and defeating enemies. It highlights his personal initiative in orchestrating this momentous national event, demonstrating his vision for a kingdom centered on God's presence.
* **"all the chosen men of Israel":** This clause emphasizes the comprehensive and national scope of the undertaking. The phrase "chosen men" (Hebrew: _bāḥûr'_) refers to select, capable individuals, often those fit for military service or special assignments. This signifies that the assembly was not a random collection of people but a carefully selected, elite group, underscoring the perceived solemnity, importance, and perhaps the dangerous holiness associated with transporting the Ark of the Covenant. It reflects the nation's collective commitment to this sacred task.
* **"thirty thousand":** This large, round number conveys the massive scale of the assembly. While it could be a literal count, it also functions as a rhetorical device to emphasize the grandeur, national involvement, and the immense resources David was willing to commit to this sacred endeavor. It paints a picture of a grand, public spectacle, designed to impress upon all Israel the significance of bringing God's presence into the heart of the kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Emphasis** is achieved through the use of "Again," highlighting David's persistent and active leadership in this new phase of his reign. The sheer magnitude of "thirty thousand" "chosen men" serves as **Hyperbole** or a symbolic representation of a vast, national effort, rather than necessarily a precise census. This exaggeration underscores the monumental importance David ascribed to the Ark's relocation. Furthermore, the meticulous preparation and the vast number of select individuals involved subtly employ **Foreshadowing**. While intended to show reverence, this grand assembly and the focus on human strength and numbers subtly hint at the challenges and the need for divine instruction that will become tragically apparent in the subsequent verses (e.g., Uzzah's death), where human methods prove insufficient for handling divine holiness. The verse also uses **Synecdoche**, where "chosen men of Israel" represents the collective will and participation of the entire nation in this pivotal event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The gathering of "thirty thousand chosen men" to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem is a profound theological statement about the centrality of God's presence in the life of His people and the aspirations of a godly king. David's meticulous preparation and the national scale of the endeavor reflect a deep understanding of the Ark's significance as the tangible symbol of God's covenant and His dwelling among Israel. It speaks to the human desire to honor God and to bring His manifest presence into the heart of their national life. However, it also subtly introduces the tension between human zeal and divine holiness, foreshadowing the need for strict adherence to God's commands in approaching His sacred presence. This event is a testament to David's vision for a kingdom truly centered on Yahweh, a vision that would shape Israel's identity for generations.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Dwelling Among His People")
* [1 Chronicles 13:1-5](/1_chronicles/13-1 "David's First Attempt to Move the Ark")
* [Psalm 132:8](/psalms/132-8 "God's Resting Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's initiative to gather "thirty thousand chosen men" for the sacred task of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem offers a powerful example of intentionality, reverence, and collective effort in seeking God's presence. It reminds us that significant spiritual undertakings require careful preparation, dedicated resources, and a unified commitment. For believers today, this translates into a call to prioritize God's presence in our individual lives, our families, and our communities. Are we as intentional and dedicated in seeking God's centrality as David was? Do we commit our "chosen" (our best) resources—time, talent, and treasure—to endeavors that honor Him and advance His kingdom? This verse challenges us to consider the scale of our commitment to spiritual pursuits and to ensure that our efforts are not merely grand gestures but are rooted in a genuine desire to draw near to God, always with reverence and according to His revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What steps are we taking to intentionally center God's presence in our lives and communities?**
* **How does the scale of David's undertaking challenge our own commitment to spiritual endeavors?**
* **In what ways might we, like David, need to re-evaluate our methods of approaching God, ensuring reverence and obedience to His Word?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Ark so important to David?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was supremely important to David because it represented the tangible presence of God among His people, the very throne of Yahweh on earth. It contained the tablets of the Law, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. For David, bringing the Ark to Jerusalem was not just a religious act but a crucial step in legitimizing his reign, unifying the tribes under a common spiritual center, and establishing Jerusalem as the undisputed religious and political capital of a kingdom truly devoted to God. It was a visible sign of God's blessing and a source of national identity and strength.

**What does "chosen men" signify here?**

Answer: The phrase "chosen men" (Hebrew: _bāḥûr'_) refers to select, capable, and often young and strong men, typically those fit for military service or special, significant assignments. It signifies that David was not merely gathering a random crowd but a carefully selected, elite force. This choice of personnel underscores the immense importance and solemnity of the task of handling the sacred Ark, reflecting a deep reverence and a desire for the most competent individuals to be involved in such a hallowed undertaking.

**Why "thirty thousand"? Was it a literal count?**

Answer: While it is possible that "thirty thousand" was a literal count, it is also a large, round number often used in biblical narratives to convey immense scale and national involvement rather than a precise census. This number emphasizes the grandeur and importance David attached to the event. It suggests a massive, public spectacle designed to impress upon all Israel the significance of bringing God's presence into the heart of the kingdom, showcasing the collective commitment and resources dedicated to this pivotal moment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's passionate desire to bring the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, into Jerusalem, his capital, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark, representing God dwelling among His people, foreshadows the incarnation, where the very Word of God became flesh and "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Just as David gathered the chosen men of Israel to bring God's presence to a physical city, God Himself, in Christ, came to dwell not in a box of wood and gold, but in a human body, bringing His divine presence directly into humanity. In Jesus, "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The journey of the Ark to Jerusalem, intended to centralize worship, points to Christ's journey to Jerusalem, where He offered the ultimate sacrifice, establishing a new covenant that makes true, intimate access to God possible for all who believe. Through Christ's atoning work, the need for a physical Ark is transcended, as believers themselves become temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), and God's presence is no longer confined to a box or a building, but dwells within His people. This grand procession of the Ark, therefore, is a powerful Old Testament image pointing to the greater reality of God's dwelling with humanity in the person of Jesus Christ, and ultimately, in the New Jerusalem where God's "dwelling place is now among the people" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God Dwells with His People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 13:1

¶ And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, [and] with every leader.

1 Chronicles 13:4

And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

1 Kings 8:1

¶ Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which [is] Zion.

1 Chronicles 13:6

And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, [that is], to Kirjathjearim, which [belonged] to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth [between] the cherubims, whose name is called [on it].

1 Chronicles 13:14

And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.

Psalms 132:1

¶ A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, [and] all his afflictions:

Psalms 132:6

Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.