2 Samuel 6:12

¶ And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that [pertaineth] unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

And it was told {H5046} king {H4428} David {H1732}, saying {H559}, The LORD {H3068} hath blessed {H1288} the house {H1004} of Obededom {H5654}, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark {H727} of God {H430}. So David {H1732} went {H3212} and brought up {H5927} the ark {H727} of God {H430} from the house {H1004} of Obededom {H5654} into the city {H5892} of David {H1732} with gladness {H8057}.

King David was told, "ADONAI has blessed the house of 'Oved-Edom and everyone who belongs to him, thanks to the ark of God." So David went and joyously brought the ark of God up from the house of 'Oved-Edom into the City of David.

Now it was reported to King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing.

And it was told king David, saying, Jehovah hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. And David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with joy.

Commentary

Context of 2 Samuel 6:12

This verse marks a pivotal moment in King David's reign, occurring after a previous, failed attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. In the preceding verses (2 Samuel 6:6-8), the Ark was being transported on a new cart, contrary to God's specific instructions for it to be carried by Levites on poles (Numbers 4:15). When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark and was struck dead by the Lord. This severe judgment caused David great fear and anger, leading him to leave the Ark at the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite (2 Samuel 6:10). For three months, the Ark remained there.

Verse 12 reveals that news reached David about the remarkable blessing experienced by Obed-Edom and his entire household because of the Ark's presence. This positive report, contrasting sharply with the tragic death of Uzzah, prompted David to re-evaluate and proceed with a new, more reverent approach to bringing the Ark to its rightful place in the City of David (Jerusalem).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Blessing through God's Presence: The primary message is that God's presence, symbolized by the Ark, brings immense blessing and prosperity when treated with proper reverence and according to His commands. Obed-Edom's household flourished, demonstrating God's favor.
  • Learning from Past Mistakes: David's decision to retrieve the Ark indicates he learned from the previous, disastrous attempt. His renewed effort, now with "gladness," suggests a deeper understanding of the need for obedience and proper protocol in approaching the Holy God.
  • Reverence and Obedience: The contrast between Uzzah's fate and Obed-Edom's blessing underscores the importance of obeying God's specific instructions for sacred things. While the Ark brought judgment when mishandled, it brought blessing when honored.
  • Joy in God's Presence: David's action of bringing the Ark with "gladness" foreshadows the celebration and worship that would accompany its arrival in Jerusalem, highlighting the joy and delight found in being in God's presence (Psalm 16:11).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Blessed" (Hebrew: barak): This word signifies not just a general good fortune, but a specific divine favor that results in prosperity, fruitfulness, and abundance. The blessing on Obed-Edom's household was tangible and widely recognized.
  • "Gladness" (Hebrew: simchah): This term denotes deep joy, delight, and often accompanies festive occasions or acts of worship. David's approach this time was not out of fear, but out of a joyful recognition of God's power and blessing.
  • "Obed-Edom" (Hebrew: 'Obed 'Edowm): Meaning "servant of Edom" or potentially "servant of the Lord." He was likely a Levite, specifically a Kohathite, whose duty it was to care for the Ark, suggesting he understood and followed the proper procedures.

Practical Application

2 Samuel 6:12 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God Blesses Obedience: Just as Obed-Edom's household was blessed, God pours out favor on those who honor Him and follow His ways. Our reverence for God and obedience to His Word are pathways to divine blessing.
  • Learning from Mistakes: David's example shows the importance of humility and learning from past failures. When we stumble in our spiritual walk, we should seek to understand where we went wrong and approach God with renewed reverence and a corrected heart.
  • The Nature of God's Presence: God's presence is both holy and beneficial. While He demands respect for His holiness, His ultimate desire is to bless His people. Approaching God with a right heart and in the way He prescribes brings joy and life, not judgment.
  • Embrace God with Joy: Our relationship with God should be marked by "gladness." Understanding His character and His desire to bless us should fill our hearts with joy and eagerness to draw near to Him.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 15:25 (5 votes)

    ¶ So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 (5 votes)

    And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon [of wine].

  • 1 Kings 8:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Matthew 10:42 (4 votes)

    And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

  • Psalms 68:24 (3 votes)

    They have seen thy goings, O God; [even] the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.

  • Psalms 68:27 (3 votes)

    There [is] little Benjamin [with] their ruler, the princes of Judah [and] their council, the princes of Zebulun, [and] the princes of Naphtali.

  • Psalms 24:7 (3 votes)

    ¶ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.