2 Samuel 6:15

KJV

So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} and all the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} brought up {H5927} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068} with shouting {H8643}, and with the sound {H6963} of the trumpet {H7782}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So David and all the house of Isra'el brought up the ark of ADONAI with shouting and the sound of the shofar.

Berean Standard Bible

while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn.

American Standard Version

So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Jehovah with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 6:15 vividly captures the triumphant and joyous moment when King David, alongside the entire nation of Israel, successfully brought the Ark of the LORD into Jerusalem. This momentous procession, marked by exuberant shouting and the celebratory blast of trumpets, signified the establishment of Jerusalem not only as the political capital but also as the spiritual heart of the united kingdom, embodying God's presence dwelling centrally among His people after a period of separation and a tragic first attempt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal turning point in the narrative of David's reign, immediately following the disastrous first attempt to move the Ark, which resulted in Uzzah's death for touching the sacred object ([2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death")). After this tragedy, David left the Ark at the house of Obed-Edom, where it remained for three months, bringing great blessing to Obed-Edom and his household ([2 Samuel 6:10-12](/2_samuel/6-10 "2 Samuel 6:10-12 - Blessing on Obed-Edom's House")). Learning from the previous failure, which was likely due to neglecting the prescribed Mosaic Law concerning the Ark's transport (specifically, that it must be carried by Levites on poles, not on a cart; see [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Proper Transport of the Ark")), David now ensures the procession adheres to divine instructions. The successful and joyful entry of the Ark into Jerusalem sets the stage for David's desire to build a permanent temple for God, leading to the Davidic Covenant in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred artifact in ancient Israel, representing the very presence and throne of Yahweh among His people. It housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments and served as the mercy seat where God communed with Moses ([Exodus 25:21-22](/exodus/25-21 "Exodus 25:21-22 - The Mercy Seat")). Its movement was a profoundly significant religious and national event. The "shouting" and "sound of the trumpet" were customary expressions of public celebration, triumph, and worship in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often accompanying religious festivals, military victories, or the enthronement of kings. For Israel, these sounds would have evoked memories of the Ark's past role in battles (e.g., Jericho in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")) and its central place in tabernacle worship. The bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem solidified the city's status as the religious and political capital, centralizing worship and national identity under David's rule.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Samuel and Israelite theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **God's Presence Among His People**, as the Ark symbolized the tangible dwelling of Yahweh. Its arrival in Jerusalem was a visible affirmation of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His chosen nation, bringing blessing where His presence was properly honored. Secondly, it underscores the importance of **Obedience Leading to Blessing**, contrasting sharply with the tragedy of Uzzah's death in the first attempt. The success of this second procession demonstrates that God's blessing and presence are experienced when His commands regarding worship and service are meticulously followed ([Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience")). Thirdly, the phrase "David and all the house of Israel" emphasizes **Communal Unity and Participation** in worship. This was not merely a royal decree but a national celebration, fostering a sense of shared identity and collective devotion. Finally, the "shouting" and "sound of the trumpet" exemplify **Joyful Worship and Celebration**, portraying an atmosphere of exuberant, public adoration and national festival, reflecting the profound joy of God's presence returning to His people's central sanctuary.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shouting (Hebrew, _teru'ah_):** This term denotes a loud cry, often a shout of joy, triumph, or acclamation. It is frequently associated with religious festivals (e.g., [Leviticus 23:24](/leviticus/23-24 "Leviticus 23:24 - Feast of Trumpets")), the inauguration of kings, or military victories. In this context, it signifies an enthusiastic, communal expression of praise, jubilation, and reverence for God's presence, rather than a mere noise. It conveys a sense of awe mixed with overflowing delight.
* **Trumpet (Hebrew, _shophar_ or _chatzozerah_):** While the text does not specify which type, both the ram's horn (_shophar_) and silver trumpets (_chatzozerah_) were used in ancient Israel for signaling, assembly, and especially for religious ceremonies. The _shophar_ was often used for announcing new moons, solemn assemblies, and the Day of Atonement, while the _chatzozerah_ (silver trumpets) were used by priests for signaling and accompanying offerings ([Numbers 10:1-10](/numbers/10-1 "Numbers 10:1-10 - Use of Trumpets")). Their sound would have dramatically amplified the festive, sacred, and triumphant mood of the procession, serving as both a call to worship and an announcement of God's glorious arrival.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David and all the house of Israel":** This phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of the event. It was not just a royal ceremony but a national undertaking, signifying unity between the king and his people in a sacred act. David, as the spiritual and political leader, initiated and led the procession, but the entire nation participated, underscoring the collective joy and commitment to God's presence.
* **"brought up the ark of the LORD":** This clause emphasizes the central object of the procession – the Ark, which symbolized God's holy presence. The phrase "brought up" (Hebrew: `alah`) implies an ascension, moving something sacred to a higher, more prominent place, befitting its divine significance. The success of this transport, in contrast to the previous failure, points to the proper adherence to God's commands for its handling.
* **"with shouting":** This describes the vocal expression of the people's joy and worship. It was a loud, uninhibited cry of exhilaration, reflecting the profound relief and delight that God's presence was finally being established in the capital. This was a spontaneous and fervent outpouring of national praise.
* **"and with the sound of the trumpet":** This specifies the instrumental accompaniment to the shouting. The trumpets added a formal, ceremonial, and majestic element to the celebration. Their blasts would have resonated across the procession, announcing the Ark's arrival and amplifying the atmosphere of triumph, sacredness, and communal rejoicing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. **Imagery** is prominent, creating a vivid auditory picture with the "shouting" and "sound of the trumpet," allowing the reader to almost hear the celebratory cacophony of the procession. This sensory detail immerses the audience in the moment of national jubilation. There is an implicit **Contrast** with the previous attempt to move the Ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7), where the lack of proper reverence led to tragedy. The success and joy described in verse 15 highlight the positive outcome of obedience. The Ark itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's tangible presence, His covenant faithfulness, and His throne among His people. The phrase "all the house of Israel" uses **Synecdoche** or **Collective Language** to represent the entire nation, emphasizing the unity and widespread participation in this sacred event, making it a truly national moment of worship and dedication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The successful and joyous bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6:15 is a profound theological statement about God's desire to dwell among His people and the proper human response to His holiness. It teaches that while God is sovereign and transcendent, He also desires immanent relationship, making His presence known and accessible. However, this accessibility is conditioned on reverence and obedience to His revealed will. The exuberant celebration demonstrates that true worship is not merely a solemn duty but an overflowing response of joy and gratitude for God's presence and blessing. This event foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity, first in the Temple, and supremely in Christ.

* [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Promise to Meet at the Ark"): God promises to meet and speak with Moses from above the mercy seat on the Ark, establishing it as the primary place of divine encounter.
* [Psalm 150:3-6](/psalm/150-3 "Psalm 150:3-6 - Praise with Instruments"): This psalm calls for exuberant praise of God with trumpets, stringed instruments, and cymbals, reflecting the spirit of joyful worship seen in 2 Samuel 6:15.
* [1 Chronicles 15:1-15](/1_chronicles/15-1 "1 Chronicles 15:1-15 - David's Second Attempt to Bring the Ark"): The parallel account in Chronicles explicitly details David's careful preparation and instruction to the Levites to carry the Ark according to the Law, highlighting the importance of obedience for the successful outcome.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The triumphant procession of the Ark in 2 Samuel 6:15 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that our worship of God should be characterized by both profound reverence and uninhibited joy. While we no longer transport a physical Ark, the principle of God desiring to dwell among His people, and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms, remains. Our worship should be an enthusiastic celebration of His presence, a communal act that unites us in shared devotion, and a humble response to His holiness. Just as Israel rejoiced at the visible sign of God's nearness, we, as Christians, can celebrate the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and the constant accessibility of God through Jesus Christ. This passage challenges us to examine the authenticity and fervor of our own worship, asking if it truly reflects the awe and delight that God's presence should inspire.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between the first and second attempts to move the Ark inform our understanding of obedience in worship today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, cultivate a more joyful and enthusiastic expression of worship, akin to the "shouting" and "trumpets" described here?**
* **What does it mean for God's "presence" to be among us today, and how should that reality shape our daily lives and communal gatherings?**
* **How can we ensure that our worship remains both reverent and authentic, balancing respect for God's holiness with genuine expressions of joy?**

### FAQ
**Why was the second attempt to move the Ark successful when the first one resulted in Uzzah's death?**

Answer: The success of the second attempt, as described in 2 Samuel 6:15, was directly attributable to David's adherence to God's specific instructions for transporting the Ark, which he had neglected during the first attempt. The Mosaic Law, particularly in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Proper Transport of the Ark"), explicitly commanded that the Ark was to be carried by the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, on poles inserted through rings on its sides, and under no circumstances was it to be touched. In the first attempt ([2 Samuel 6:3](/2_samuel/6-3 "2 Samuel 6:3 - First Attempt to Move the Ark")), David had placed the Ark on a new cart, a method more akin to Philistine practice ([1 Samuel 6:7-8](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7-8 - Philistines Return the Ark")). When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark, resulting in his immediate death. This tragic event taught David the critical importance of obeying God's precise commands regarding sacred things. The second time, David ensured the Ark was carried by the Levites, on poles, demonstrating a newfound reverence and obedience that God honored with success and blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 6:15 describes the physical Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people, its ultimate fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Ark was a tangible representation of God's presence, the place where heaven met earth, and where atonement was made. Yet, it was a temporary, veiled presence, accessible only to a select few and under strict conditions. Jesus, however, is the true and ultimate dwelling of God among humanity, the very embodiment of God's presence. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." In Christ, the fullness of deity dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")), making God fully accessible to all who believe. The joyous shouting and trumpet blasts that accompanied the Ark's arrival in Jerusalem foreshadow the even greater joy and celebration of the coming of Christ, who brings true reconciliation and an unmediated relationship with God. He is our ultimate High Priest, who entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest")). Through Him, we, the church, become the new temple, the dwelling place of God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church, a Holy Temple")), experiencing an intimacy with God far surpassing the physical presence of the Ark. Our worship, therefore, is not merely a celebration of a symbol, but of the living reality of God's presence in Christ and through the Holy Spirit ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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

Psalms 68:24

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

Psalms 68:27

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

1 Chronicles 15:16

And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

Ezra 3:10

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.

Ezra 3:11

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Numbers 10:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 10:10

Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I [am] the LORD your God.