2 Samuel 6:13

KJV

And it was [so], that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was so, that when they that bare {H5375} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068} had gone {H6805} six {H8337} paces {H6806}, he sacrificed {H2076} oxen {H7794} and fatlings {H4806}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When those bearing the ark of ADONAI had gone only six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened sheep.

Berean Standard Bible

When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.

American Standard Version

And it was so, that, when they that bare the ark of Jehovah had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 6:13 records a pivotal moment in King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Lord to Jerusalem. Following the tragic failure of the first attempt, this verse highlights a profound shift in David's approach, demonstrating meticulous reverence and immediate, costly sacrifice. It illustrates a king's humble obedience to God's prescribed methods for handling His sacred presence, marking each successful step with an offering of thanksgiving and atonement, underscoring the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him on His terms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of David consolidating his kingdom and establishing Jerusalem as its spiritual and political center. The immediate preceding verses recount the disastrous first attempt to move the Ark, where Uzzah died after touching it ([2 Samuel 6:6-8](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-8 - Uzzah's Death")). This tragic event caused David to halt the procession and leave the Ark at the house of Obed-Edom for three months ([2 Samuel 6:9-11](/2_samuel/6-9 "2 Samuel 6:9-11 - The Ark at Obed-Edom's House")). The successful and blessed presence of the Ark with Obed-Edom then spurred David to make a second, more cautious attempt. Verse 13 marks the beginning of this rectified process, where David and the Israelites demonstrate a heightened awareness of God's holiness and a commitment to following divine instructions for handling the Ark, specifically by having it carried on the shoulders of the Levites with poles, as prescribed in the Law ([Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Proper Handling of the Ark")). The immediate sacrifices after only six paces underscore the profound shift from presumption to meticulous reverence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing God's throne and His dwelling presence among His people ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - The Mercy Seat and the Ark")). Its proper handling was governed by strict Mosaic Law, violations of which carried severe consequences. David, as king, sought to centralize worship in Jerusalem, and bringing the Ark there was a crucial step in establishing the city as the spiritual capital. The practice of offering animal sacrifices was fundamental to Israelite worship, serving various purposes including atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God. "Oxen and fatlings" were valuable offerings, indicating the significance and costliness of the devotion. The public nature of this procession and the sacrifices would have been a powerful display of national piety and a re-establishment of proper worship protocols after the previous failure.
* **Key Themes:** The events surrounding the Ark's transfer, including this verse, powerfully illustrate several key themes. First, **Reverence and Obedience** are paramount; David's initial failure stemmed from neglecting God's specific instructions, while his success came through meticulous adherence to them, demonstrating that God must be approached on His terms. Second, **God's Holiness and Sovereignty** are underscored by the severity of Uzzah's death and the subsequent carefulness. The Ark's presence was a tangible reminder of God's unapproachable glory and His absolute authority over His people. Third, **Atonement and Thanksgiving** are evident in the repeated sacrifices. These offerings likely served as a plea for forgiveness for past errors and a continuous expression of gratitude for God's grace and the successful, safe journey of His presence. Finally, the entire event, culminating in the Ark's arrival in Jerusalem and David's exuberant worship ([2 Samuel 6:14-15](/2_samuel/6-14 "2 Samuel 6:14-15 - David's Dance and the Ark's Arrival")), highlights themes of **Worship and Celebration**, demonstrating David's commitment to prioritizing God in the nation's life and fostering a spirit of national unity centered on divine presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrificed (Hebrew, _zābaḥ'_):** This verb, זָבַח (_zābaḥ_), is a general term for offering a sacrifice, encompassing various types of offerings, including burnt offerings (עֹלָה, _‘ōlāh_) and peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים, _šəlāmîm_). In this context, given the immediate nature and repetition, it likely refers to peace offerings, which involved a communal meal and expressed thanksgiving and fellowship, or possibly burnt offerings for atonement and devotion. The immediacy of the sacrifice after only six paces suggests a continuous, reverent acknowledgment of God's favor and a plea for continued blessing and protection, rather than a single, culminating act.
* **Oxen (Hebrew, _bāqār'_):** The Hebrew word בָּקָר (_bāqār_) refers to cattle, specifically oxen. These were large, valuable animals, making their sacrifice a significant and costly offering. The use of oxen, rather than smaller, less expensive animals, emphasizes the magnitude of David's devotion and the importance he placed on honoring God during this sacred procession. It signifies a sacrifice of substance, reflecting the king's commitment and the nation's reverence.
* **Fatlings (Hebrew, _mərî'_):** The term מְרִיא (_mərî_) refers to fatted animals, often calves or other livestock specifically fattened for slaughter. These were considered the choicest and most desirable animals for sacrifice, representing the very best of one's possessions. The inclusion of "fatlings" alongside oxen further underscores the costly, generous, and unreserved nature of David's offerings, demonstrating his desire to give God nothing but the highest quality and to spare no expense in expressing his devotion and seeking divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was [so], that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces":** This clause highlights the meticulous and cautious approach taken in this second attempt to move the Ark. The "six paces" signify an incredibly short distance, indicating that David was not waiting for the entire journey to be completed before offering sacrifices. Instead, he was acknowledging God's favor and seeking His continued blessing at the very outset and, implicitly, at regular intervals thereafter. This immediate response to successful movement contrasts sharply with the previous presumption and underscores a newfound humility and dependence on God's grace for every step of the sacred endeavor. It suggests a process of continuous, step-by-step validation of God's presence and approval.
* **"he sacrificed oxen and fatlings":** This phrase describes David's immediate and lavish response to the successful movement of the Ark. The offering of "oxen and fatlings" signifies a costly and significant sacrifice. This act served multiple purposes: it was an expression of thanksgiving for God's favor in allowing the Ark to move safely; it was likely an act of atonement, acknowledging past errors and seeking forgiveness; and it was a demonstration of profound reverence and devotion. The plural "oxen and fatlings" suggests multiple animals, indicating the scale and seriousness of the offerings, reflecting David's earnest desire to honor God appropriately and secure His continued blessing for the procession.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Narrative Contrast** is prominent, setting the meticulous, sacrificial second attempt to move the Ark against the disastrous, presumptuous first attempt. This contrast highlights the lesson learned by David and the nation regarding the proper approach to God's holiness. The **Symbolism** of the Ark itself as God's dwelling place is central, emphasizing the gravity of its handling. The repeated sacrifices of "oxen and fatlings" serve as **Symbolism** for costly devotion, atonement, and thanksgiving, signifying a profound shift from human convenience to divine terms. Furthermore, the specific mention of "six paces" creates a sense of **Hyperbole** or extreme meticulousness, underscoring the depth of David's newfound reverence and fear of the Lord. This detail emphasizes the immediate and continuous nature of his sacrificial worship, making it a powerful narrative detail that communicates the king's humility and obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the critical theological principle that God's holiness demands a specific, reverent approach, not one dictated by human convenience or presumption. David's costly and immediate sacrifices after only six paces demonstrate a profound understanding that access to God's presence is a privilege, not a right, and must be sought on His terms. This act of worship, punctuated by continuous offerings, reflects a posture of humility, dependence, and a desire to maintain fellowship with the Holy God. It teaches that genuine worship involves both obedience to divine commands and a willingness to give generously and sacrificially, acknowledging God's worthiness and seeking His continuous blessing.

* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Worship God with Reverence and Awe")
* [Psalm 51:16-17](/psalm/51-16 "Psalm 51:16-17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Samuel 6:13 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the nature of our approach to God. Just as David learned the hard way that God's presence is not to be trifled with, we are called to approach Him with reverence, awe, and obedience, not casually or presumptuously. Our worship and service should be aligned with His revealed will, not merely our own intentions or convenience. The "six paces" and immediate sacrifices teach us the importance of continuous, step-by-step obedience and thanksgiving in our spiritual walk. Every small victory, every moment of God's grace, should prompt us to acknowledge His goodness and offer Him our best. Genuine worship often involves a cost—whether of time, resources, or personal will—and should be accompanied by a spirit of humility and gratitude for God's presence and blessings in our lives. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we approach God on our terms, or on His? Are we quick to offer thanks and seek His approval in all our endeavors, even the smallest steps?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be approaching God presumptuously, rather than with reverence and obedience?**
* **What "costly sacrifices" (time, resources, comfort) might God be calling you to offer in your worship or service today?**
* **How can you cultivate a more continuous, "step-by-step" attitude of thanksgiving and dependence on God in your daily life?**
* **What lessons can you draw from David's humility and willingness to correct his previous error?**

### FAQ
**Why did David sacrifice after only "six paces"?**

Answer: The act of sacrificing after only "six paces" signifies an extreme level of caution, reverence, and a profound shift in David's approach to God's holiness. After the tragic death of Uzzah ([2 Samuel 6:7](/2_samuel/6-7 "2 Samuel 6:7 - Uzzah's Death")), David understood that God's presence was not to be treated lightly or presumptuously. The immediate sacrifices served multiple purposes: they were an expression of thanksgiving for God's grace in allowing the Ark to move safely; they were likely an act of atonement for past errors and a plea for continued divine favor; and they demonstrated a continuous, step-by-step acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over the procession. It was a public declaration that every step of the journey was dependent on God's blessing and was met with appropriate worship and humility. This meticulous approach contrasts sharply with the earlier, less reverent attempt.

**What was the significance of sacrificing "oxen and fatlings"?**

Answer: The sacrifice of "oxen and fatlings" was highly significant because these were valuable, costly, and prime animals. Oxen (cattle) were large and represented substantial wealth, while "fatlings" were animals specifically fattened for slaughter, considered the choicest and best offerings. By sacrificing such valuable animals, David demonstrated the depth of his devotion, the sincerity of his repentance for past errors, and his profound gratitude for God's presence and blessing. It underscored that David spared no expense in honoring God and that the return of the Ark to Jerusalem was an event of immense national and spiritual importance, demanding the highest form of worship and sacrifice. This act emphasized the costly nature of true worship and the desire to give God nothing but the best.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David bringing the Ark, particularly the reverent and sacrificial approach in [2 Samuel 6:13](/2_samuel/6-13 "2 Samuel 6:13 - David's Sacrifices for the Ark"), profoundly foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people, a presence that required meticulous adherence to the Law and costly sacrifice for access. In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a physical object or temple, but is fully embodied in the person of Jesus, who is [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God with Us"). David's repeated sacrifices of "oxen and fatlings" point to the insufficiency of animal offerings to truly atone for sin, foreshadowing the [once-for-all perfect sacrifice of Christ](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"). He is the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose single offering perfectly and eternally atones for all who believe. Furthermore, David's humble obedience and meticulous approach to God's commands find their ultimate expression in Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and always did the will of His Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Through Christ, believers now have [bold and confident access to God's presence](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"), not through repeated animal sacrifices or strict adherence to physical rituals, but through faith in His finished work on the cross, establishing a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holy Place")).

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 Kings 8:5

And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, [were] with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude.

1 Chronicles 15:15

And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

Numbers 4:15

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 7:9

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them [was that] they should bear upon their shoulders.

Joshua 3:3

And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

1 Chronicles 15:2

Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

1 Chronicles 15:25

¶ 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.