2 Samuel 6:10

KJV

So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} would {H14} not remove {H5493} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068} unto him into the city {H5892} of David {H1732}: but David {H1732} carried it aside {H5186} into the house {H1004} of Obededom {H5654} the Gittite {H1663}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So David would not bring the ark of ADONAI into the City of David; rather, David took it over to the house of 'Oved-Edom the Gitti.

Berean Standard Bible

So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

American Standard Version

So David would not remove the ark of Jehovah unto him into the city of David; but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the tragic death of Uzzah for improperly touching the Ark of the Covenant, 2 Samuel 6:10 records David's immediate response of fear and caution. Instead of bringing the sacred Ark into Jerusalem as initially planned, David diverted it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite, recognizing the immense holiness of God and the dire consequences of disregarding His specific instructions for handling His presence. This pause in the Ark's journey highlights David's newfound reverence and sets the stage for a demonstration of God's blessing upon those who honor His presence correctly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct consequence of the shocking event in [2 Samuel 6:6-9](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-9 - Uzzah's Death and David's Reaction"), where Uzzah was struck dead by God for touching the Ark to steady it. David's initial attempt to transport the Ark from Kiriath-Jearim to Jerusalem, though well-intentioned, violated the specific Mosaic instructions regarding its handling, which mandated that only Levites from the family of Kohath were to carry it by poles (cf. [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark")). Uzzah's death instilled great fear in David, causing him to abandon the immediate plan to bring the Ark into his newly established capital, the [City of David](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures Jerusalem"). The narrative then immediately shifts to the blessing on Obed-Edom's house in [2 Samuel 6:11-12](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11-12 - God Blesses Obed-Edom"), which serves as a powerful contrast to Uzzah's fate and paves the way for David's successful, and properly executed, second attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem in [2 Samuel 6:12-19](/2_samuel/6-12 "2 Samuel 6:12-19 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's presence, His covenant with His people, and His throne. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's staff, and a pot of manna, representing God's revelation, authority, and provision. Its proper handling was meticulously detailed in the Mosaic Law, emphasizing its holiness and the need for reverence. Transporting it on a new cart, as David initially did, was a Philistine custom (cf. [1 Samuel 6:7-8](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7-8 - Philistines Return the Ark on a Cart")), not an Israelite one. The Levites were specifically consecrated for its care and transport, using poles inserted through rings on its sides, ensuring no direct contact. David's decision to divert the Ark to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite, rather than continuing to Jerusalem, reflects a profound shift from presumptuous zeal to a healthy, reverent fear of the Lord. The identity of "Obed-Edom the Gittite" is significant; while "Gittite" can refer to someone from the Philistine city of Gath, scholarly consensus, supported by [1 Chronicles 15:18](/1_chronicles/15-18 "1 Chronicles 15:18 - Obed-Edom as a Gatekeeper") and [1 Chronicles 26:4-5](/1_chronicles/26-4 "1 Chronicles 26:4-5 - Obed-Edom's Descendants"), identifies him as a Levite from the Levitical city of Gath-Rimmon, making his household a suitable and legitimate temporary dwelling for the Ark.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - David's Reign") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Holiness and Awe** of God, demonstrating that His presence is not to be treated lightly or approached without strict adherence to His revealed will. The incident with Uzzah and David's subsequent fear highlight that God's holiness demands reverence and obedience, not casual familiarity. Secondly, it illustrates the **Consequences of Disobedience**, even when actions are seemingly well-intentioned. Uzzah's death serves as a stark reminder that God's commands are absolute, and their violation carries severe repercussions. Thirdly, the verse showcases **David's Prudence and Fear** (יָרֵא, _yārēʾ_, "to fear, be afraid"), revealing a king who, despite his zeal, is humble enough to pause, reflect, and learn from a divine judgment. This fear is not merely terror but a profound reverence that leads to a deeper understanding of God's ways. Finally, the diversion of the Ark to Obed-Edom's house sets the stage for the theme of **God's Blessing on Obedience and Proper Reverence**, foreshadowing the prosperity that will come to Obed-Edom's household as a result of hosting God's presence in a manner that honors Him (cf. [2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11 - God Blesses Obed-Edom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark of the LORD (Hebrew, _ʾărôn YHWH_):** This phrase refers to the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in ancient Israel. It was not merely a symbol but was understood to be the tangible representation of God's presence among His people, His throne, and the place where He met with them. Its holiness was paramount, and its handling was governed by strict divine commands (e.g., [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark")). David's decision not to bring it "unto him into the city of David" signifies a recognition of its inherent holiness and the danger of treating it casually, especially after Uzzah's demise.
* **Obed-Edom the Gittite (Hebrew, _ʿōḇēḏ ʾĕḏōm hag-Gittî_):** The identification of Obed-Edom as "the Gittite" is crucial. While "Gittite" could denote someone from the Philistine city of Gath, the overwhelming scholarly consensus, supported by parallel accounts in [1 Chronicles 15:18-24](/1_chronicles/15-18 "1 Chronicles 15:18-24 - Levites Carrying the Ark") and [1 Chronicles 26:4-8](/1_chronicles/26-4 "1 Chronicles 26:4-8 - Obed-Edom's Descendants as Gatekeepers"), indicates that Obed-Edom was a Levite from the town of Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city in the territory of Dan. This Levitical lineage is vital, as only Levites were authorized to handle the Ark. His selection as the temporary custodian of the Ark, therefore, was not a random choice but a divinely guided one, placing the Ark in the care of someone from the tribe specifically appointed for such duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David:"** This clause reveals David's immediate and profound change of plans. The Hebrew verb for "remove" (נָטָה, _nāṭāh_) implies turning aside or inclining, indicating a deliberate diversion from the original course. David's initial enthusiasm and perhaps presumptuousness in transporting the Ark on a cart, contrary to divine instructions, was abruptly halted by the judgment on Uzzah. His refusal to continue the journey to Jerusalem reflects a newfound, healthy fear of the Lord, acknowledging that God's holiness demands strict adherence to His revealed will, not human ingenuity or good intentions alone. The "city of David" refers to Jerusalem, which David had recently captured and established as his capital, intending it to be the spiritual center as well.
* **"but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite."** This second clause describes the alternative action David took. Instead of bringing the Ark into his own city, he "carried it aside" (וַיַּטֵּהוּ, _wayyaṭṭēhû_, a causative form of _nāṭāh_) to a temporary dwelling. The choice of Obed-Edom's house was providential. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," Obed-Edom was a Levite, making his household a suitable, albeit temporary, sanctuary for the Ark. This decision demonstrates David's prudence and his willingness to humble himself and seek proper protocol, setting the stage for the subsequent blessing on Obed-Edom's household, which would then encourage David to complete the Ark's journey to Jerusalem with proper reverence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is evident in David's initial eagerness to bring the Ark into Jerusalem versus his sudden fear and reluctance after Uzzah's death. This highlights the stark difference between human presumption and divine holiness. **Foreshadowing** is also present, as the decision to place the Ark in Obed-Edom's house sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of blessing (2 Samuel 6:11-12), indicating that while God judges disobedience, He also abundantly blesses those who honor His presence. There is a subtle **irony** in the Ark, which represents the presence of the God of Israel, being housed by a "Gittite," a term often associated with the Philistines, Israel's enemies. However, this irony is resolved by the understanding that Obed-Edom was a Levite from Gath-Rimmon, transforming potential irony into a demonstration of God's blessing extending even to those on the fringes of the community, provided they are obedient. Finally, the Ark itself serves as potent **symbolism**, representing God's tangible presence and the covenant relationship, demanding utmost reverence and adherence to divine law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 6:10 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. The preceding judgment on Uzzah, and David's subsequent fear and diversion of the Ark, underscore that God is not a tame deity to be manipulated or approached casually. His holiness is consuming, and His commands are not arbitrary but are given for the well-being and protection of His people, and to uphold His own glory. This event serves as a crucial lesson for David and for Israel: true worship and service must be rooted in reverence and obedience, not merely good intentions or human innovation. The temporary placement of the Ark in Obed-Edom's house, and the subsequent blessing, further illustrate that while God's holiness demands respect and can bring judgment, His presence also brings immense blessing to those who host it according to His will. This passage emphasizes a tension between the awesome, unapproachable nature of God and His desire to dwell among His people, a tension that is ultimately resolved in the person of Christ.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark")
* [1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death Parallel Account")
* [1 Chronicles 26:4-5](/1_chronicles/26-4 "1 Chronicles 26:4-5 - Obed-Edom's Descendants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 6:10 offers timeless lessons for believers today concerning our approach to God and His sacred things. David's initial presumptuousness and subsequent fear serve as a powerful reminder that God's holiness demands our utmost reverence and obedience to His revealed will, not just our good intentions or emotional fervor. We are called to learn from David's pause, to reflect on our own spiritual practices, and to ensure that our worship, service, and daily lives are aligned with God's Word. This means not taking God's presence for granted, nor treating His commands lightly. Just as the Ark brought both judgment and blessing, God's presence in our lives can be a source of profound blessing when honored correctly, or a source of discipline when disregarded. The experience of Obed-Edom, who received abundant blessing for hosting the Ark reverently, encourages us to embrace God's presence in our homes and communities with a spirit of humble obedience, trusting that His ways lead to life and flourishing. It prompts us to ask: Are we approaching God on our terms, or on His? Are we willing to pause, learn, and adjust our ways when confronted with His truth?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's fear in this passage inform our understanding of God's holiness and the appropriate way to approach Him?**
* **In what ways might we, like Uzzah, be tempted to approach God's sacred things or commands casually in our modern context?**
* **What can we learn from Obed-Edom's experience about hosting God's presence in our own lives, homes, and communities?**

### FAQ
**Why was Uzzah struck down for touching the Ark, and how does this relate to David's decision in 2 Samuel 6:10?**

Answer: Uzzah was struck down because he violated a clear divine command regarding the Ark of the Covenant. According to Mosaic Law, specifically [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark") and [Exodus 25:14](/exodus/25-14 "Exodus 25:14 - Ark's Carrying Poles"), the Ark was to be carried only by Levites using poles inserted through rings on its sides, ensuring no one touched the sacred object directly. Furthermore, it was not to be transported on a cart, a method used by the Philistines ([1 Samuel 6:7-8](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7-8 - Philistines Return the Ark on a Cart")). Uzzah's act, though seemingly well-intentioned to prevent the Ark from falling, was an act of presumptuousness and disobedience to God's explicit instructions. God's holiness is absolute, and His commands are not arbitrary; they are given to protect His people and uphold His glory. Uzzah's death served as a stark, immediate lesson to David and all Israel about the immense reverence and strict obedience required when dealing with God's presence. Consequently, [2 Samuel 6:10](/2_samuel/6-10 "2 Samuel 6:10 - David Diverts the Ark") shows David's profound fear and decision to halt the procession, recognizing that the Ark could not be treated casually or transported by human innovation, but only according to divine protocol.

**Who was Obed-Edom the Gittite, and why was the Ark placed in his house?**

Answer: Obed-Edom is described as "the Gittite," which initially might suggest he was from the Philistine city of Gath. However, biblical scholars widely agree, based on parallel accounts in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogy and David's Reign"), that he was a Levite from the town of Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city in the territory of Dan ([Joshua 21:24-25](/joshua/21-24 "Joshua 21:24-25 - Levitical Cities")). This is crucial because only Levites were authorized to handle and care for the Ark. His family is later mentioned as gatekeepers and musicians in the temple service ([1 Chronicles 15:18](/1_chronicles/15-18 "1 Chronicles 15:18 - Obed-Edom as a Gatekeeper"), [1 Chronicles 26:4-5](/1_chronicles/26-4 "1 Chronicles 26:4-5 - Obed-Edom's Descendants")). David placed the Ark in Obed-Edom's house because, after Uzzah's death, David was filled with fear and realized the need for proper protocol. Obed-Edom's Levitical lineage made his household a suitable, temporary, and divinely sanctioned place for the Ark to reside. The subsequent blessing upon Obed-Edom's house ([2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11 - God Blesses Obed-Edom")) demonstrated God's favor on those who honored His presence correctly, providing David with the confidence to properly transport the Ark to Jerusalem later.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Ark of the Covenant, central to 2 Samuel 6:10, was the preeminent symbol of God's presence among His people, a tangible representation of His holiness and the covenant relationship. In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment of what the Ark foreshadowed. Jesus is not merely a symbol but the very embodiment of God's dwelling among humanity, the [Word made flesh who dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the true and perfect Ark, in whom [all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ"). The fear and reverence David felt for the Ark, stemming from God's holiness, are rightly directed toward Christ, who perfectly reveals the Father. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has opened a new and living way for us to [draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Approach God with Confidence"), a privilege Uzzah and even David, in his initial error, did not fully comprehend. While the Old Covenant demanded strict adherence to ritual for access to God's presence, the New Covenant, established through Christ's blood, grants us access by grace through faith, transforming the "fear of the Lord" from terror of judgment into a reverent awe and worship of the One who has reconciled us to God. Now, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers themselves become [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Temple of the Holy Spirit"), embodying God's presence in the world, a profound fulfillment of the Ark's purpose to dwell among 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 26:4

Moreover the sons of Obededom [were], Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,

1 Chronicles 26:8

All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, [were] threescore and two of Obededom.

2 Samuel 4:3

And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)

1 Chronicles 16:5

Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

1 Chronicles 13:13

So David brought not the ark [home] to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

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.

2 Samuel 15:19

Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou [art] a stranger, and also an exile.