TRV
Translation
King James Version
So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
So David and all the house of Israel brought up the LORD’s ark with shouting, and with the sound of the shofar.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So Dauid and all the house of Israel, brought the Arke of the Lord with shouting, and sound of trumpet.
Young's Literal Translation
and David and all the house of Israel are bringing up the ark of Jehovah with shouting, and with the voice of a trumpet,
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 8,173 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Samuel 6 verses 12–19
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.
13 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
16 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
18 And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
19 And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.
We have here the second attempt to bring the ark home to the city of David; and this succeeded, though the former miscarried.
I. It should seem the blessing with which the house of Obed-edom was blessed for the ark's sake was a great inducement to David to bring it forward; for when that was told him (Sa2 6:12) he hastened to fetch it to him. For, 1. It was an evidence that God was reconciled to them, and his anger was turned away. As David could read God's frowns upon them all in Uzzah's stroke, so he could read God's favour to them all in Obed-edom's prosperity; and, if God be at peace with them, they can cheerfully go on with their design. 2. It was an evidence that the ark was not such a burdensome stone as it was taken to be, but, on the contrary, happy was the man that had it near him. Christ is indeed a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, to those that are disobedient; but to those who believe he is a corner-stone, elect, precious, Pe1 2:6-8. When David heard that Obed-edom had such joy of the ark, then he would have it in his own city. Note, The experience others have had of the gains of godliness should encourage us to be religious. Is the ark a blessing to others' houses? let us bid it welcome to ours; we may have it, and the blessing of it, without fetching it from our neighbours.
II. Let us see how David managed the matter now. 1. He rectified the former error. He did not put the ark in a cart now, but ordered those whose business it was to carry it on their shoulders. This is implied here (Sa2 6:13) and expressed Ch1 15:15. Then we make a good use of the judgments of God on ourselves and others when we are awakened by them to reform and amend whatever has been amiss. 2. At their first setting out he offered sacrifices to God (Sa2 6:13) by way of atonement for their former errors and in a thankful acknowledgment of the blessings bestowed on the house of Obed-edom. Then we are likely to speed in our enterprises when we begin with God and give diligence to make our peace with him, When we attend upon God in holy ordinances our eye must be to the great sacrifice, to which we owe it that we are taken into covenant and communion with God, Psa 50:5. 3. He himself attended the solemnity with the highest expressions of joy that could be (Sa2 6:14): He danced before the Lord with all his might; he leaped for joy, as one transported with the occasion, and the more because of the disappointment he met with the last time. It is a pleasure to a good man to see his errors rectified and himself in the way of his duty. His dancing, I suppose, was not artificial, by any certain rule or measure, nor do we find that any danced with him; but it was a natural expression of his great joy and exultation of mind. He did it with all his might; so we should perform all our religious services, as those that are intent upon them and desire to do them in the best manner. All our might is little enough to be employed in holy duties: the work deserves it all. On this occasion David laid aside his imperial purple, and put on a plain linen ephod, which was light and convenient for dancing, and was used in religious exercises by those who were no priests, for Samuel wore one, Sa1 2:18. That great prince thought it no disparagement to him to appear in the habit of a minister to the ark. 4. All the people triumphed in this advancement of the ark (Sa2 6:15): They brought it up into the royal city with shouting, and with sound of trumpet, so expressing their own joy in loud acclamations, and giving notice to all about them to rejoice with them. The public and free administration of ordinances, not only under the protection, but under the smiles, of the civil powers, is just matter of rejoicing to any people. 5. the ark was safely brought to, and honourably deposited in, the place prepared for it, Sa2 6:17. They set it in the midst of the tabernacle, or tent, which David had pitched for it; not the tabernacle which Moses reared, for that was at Gibeon (Ch2 1:13), and, we may suppose, being made of cloth, in so many hundred years it had gone to decay and was not fit to be removed; but this was a tent set up on purpose to receive the ark. He would not bring it into a private house, no, not his own, lest it should seem to be too much engrossed, and people's resort to it, to pray before it, should be less free; yet he would not build a house for it, lest that should supersede the building of a more stately temple in due time, and therefore, for the present, he placed it within curtains, under a canopy, in imitation of Moses's tabernacle. As soon as ever it was lodged, he offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, in thankfulness to God that the business was now done without any more errors or breaches, and in supplication to God for the continuance of his favour. Note, All our joys must be sanctified both with praises and prayers; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. New, it should seem, he penned the 132nd Psa 6:1-10. The people were then dismissed with great satisfaction. He sent them away, (1.) With a gracious prayer: He blessed them in the name of the Lord of hosts (v. 18), having not only a particular interest in heaven as a prophet, but an authority over them as a prince; for the less is blessed of the better, Heb 7:7. He prayed to God to bless them, and particularly to reward them for the honour and respect they had now shown to his ark, assuring them they should be no losers by their journey, but the blessing of God upon their affairs at home would more than bear their charges. He testified his desire for their welfare by this prayer for them, and let them know they had a king that loved them. (2.) With a generous treat; for so it was, rather than a distribution of alms. The great men, it is probable, he entertained at his own house, but to the multitude of Israel, men and women (and children, says Josephus), he dealt to every one a cake of bread (a spice-cake, so some), a good piece of flesh - a handsome decent piece (so some) - a part of the peace-offerings (so Josephus), that they might feast with him upon the sacrifice, and a flagon, or bottle, of wine, Sa2 6:19. Probably he ordered this provision to be made for them at their respective quarters, and this he did, [1.] In token of his joy and gratitude to God. When the heart is enlarged in cheerfulness the hand should be opened in liberality. The feast of Purim was observed with sending portions one to another, Est 9:22. As those to whom God is merciful ought to show mercy in forgiving, so those to whom God is bountiful ought to exercise bounty in giving. [2.] To recommend himself to the people, and confirm his interest in them; for every one is a friend to him that giveth gifts. Those that cared not for his prayers would love him for his generosity; and this would encourage them to attend him another time if he saw cause to call them together.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–19. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 Samuel 6:15 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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 and emphasizes the magnitude of the event. There is an implicit Contrast with the previous attempt to move the Ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7), where the lack of proper reverence and adherence to divine law led to tragedy. The success and joy described in verse 15 highlight the positive outcome of obedience and renewed understanding of God's holiness. 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, who is God incarnate.
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, and if we are approaching God in ways that honor His revealed will, rather than our own preferences.
Questions for Reflection
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, 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), David had placed the Ark on a new cart, a method more akin to Philistine practice (1 Samuel 6:7-8). When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark, resulting in his immediate death because he violated God's explicit command regarding the Ark's sanctity. 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 declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." In Christ, the fullness of deity dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9), 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). Through Him, we, the church, become the new temple, the dwelling place of God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22), 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), who empowers us to approach God with boldness.