2 Samuel 6:17

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.

And they brought {H935} in the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}, and set {H3322} it in his place {H4725}, in the midst {H8432} of the tabernacle {H168} that David {H1732} had pitched {H5186} for it: and David {H1732} offered {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} and peace offerings {H8002} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

They brought the ark of ADONAI in and put it in its place inside the tent that David had set up for it. David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before ADONAI.

So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

And they brought in the ark of Jehovah, and set it in its place, in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before Jehovah.

Commentary

Context

This verse marks the triumphant culmination of David's successful second attempt to bring the Ark of the LORD from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. After the tragic incident involving Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:7), David had paused the procession. This time, David and the Israelites followed the proper protocols for transporting the Ark, which was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's covenant presence among His people (Exodus 25:22). Its arrival in Jerusalem was a momentous occasion, signifying the centralization of spiritual life and worship in the new capital.

Key Themes

  • God's Presence Restored: The Ark's arrival in Jerusalem symbolized the return of God's manifest presence to the heart of Israel's national and religious life. This was a cause for immense celebration and worship.
  • David's Devotion and Leadership: David personally led this sacred endeavor, not just as a king but as a fervent worshipper. His actions demonstrate his deep desire to honor God and place Him at the center of the kingdom.
  • Proper Worship and Atonement: The offering of "burnt offerings" (Hebrew: 'olah, signifying complete dedication and atonement) and "peace offerings" (Hebrew: shelem, indicating fellowship, thanksgiving, and reconciliation) highlighted the need for proper sacrifices before the Holy God. These offerings were essential for purifying the people and establishing communion with the LORD following the Ark's arrival.
  • Foundation for Future Worship: The temporary "tabernacle that David had pitched" for the Ark served as a precursor to the magnificent Temple his son Solomon would later build, demonstrating David's foundational work in establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual center.

Linguistic Insights

The term "tabernacle" here refers to a temporary tent or dwelling place David specifically erected for the Ark, distinct from the elaborate Mosaic Tabernacle that was still at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39). This new, simpler tent in Jerusalem underscored the Ark's immediate importance to David's vision for the capital.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers of the paramount importance of God's presence in their lives and communities. Just as David made every effort to bring the Ark—God's symbol—to its rightful place, we are called to prioritize God in our homes, churches, and nations.

  • Prioritizing God's Presence: Our ultimate goal should be to create an environment where God's presence is welcomed and revered, both personally and corporately.
  • Worship and Reconciliation: The offerings remind us that true worship involves both complete dedication to God (burnt offerings) and seeking fellowship and peace with Him through thanksgiving and reconciliation (peace offerings). For Christians, this is fulfilled through the sacrifice of Christ, who enables our reconciliation with God.
  • Leadership in Faith: David's example encourages leaders, whether in family, church, or community, to actively champion spiritual devotion and facilitate opportunities for others to encounter God.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 15:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And [David] made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

  • 2 Chronicles 1:4 (5 votes)

    But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to [the place which] David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

  • 1 Kings 8:62 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD.

  • 1 Kings 8:65 (3 votes)

    And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days.

  • 1 Kings 8:5 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 132:8 (3 votes)

    Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.

  • 2 Chronicles 5:6 (2 votes)

    Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.