2 Samuel 6:2

KJV

And David arose, and went with all the people that [were] with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth [between] the cherubims.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} arose {H6965}, and went {H3212} with all the people {H5971} that were with him from Baale of Judah {H1184}, to bring up {H5927} from thence the ark {H727} of God {H430}, whose name {H8034} is called {H7121} by the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} that dwelleth {H3427} between the cherubims {H3742}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David, taking along the entire force he had with him then, set out for Ba'alei-Y'hudah to bring up from there the ark of God, which bears the Name, the name of ADONAITzva'ot enthroned above the k'ruvim.

Berean Standard Bible

And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name— the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it.

American Standard Version

And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him, from Baale-judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, which is called by the Name, even the name of Jehovah of hosts that sitteth above the cherubim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 6:2 initiates the momentous account of King David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant, the tangible symbol of God's presence, from Baale of Judah (Kiriath-jearim) to Jerusalem. This act underscores David's fervent desire to centralize worship and establish Jerusalem not only as the political capital but also as the spiritual heart of Israel, emphasizing the profound reverence due to the Ark as the dwelling place of the "LORD of hosts" between the cherubim.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens a pivotal narrative in the book of 2 Samuel, immediately following David's consolidation of power over all Israel after the defeat of the Philistines and the establishment of Jerusalem as his capital in [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King of All Israel and Captures Jerusalem"). Having secured his political reign, David now turns his attention to the spiritual well-being of the nation, recognizing that God's presence, symbolized by the Ark, is essential for true national stability and blessing. The subsequent verses detail the ill-fated first attempt to move the Ark, resulting in Uzzah's death ([2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death")), and the successful second attempt after a period of reflection and learning ([2 Samuel 6:12-15](/2_samuel/6-12 "2 Samuel 6:12-15 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")). This chapter marks a significant transition from military and political establishment to the spiritual ordering of the kingdom under David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For many years, the Ark of the Covenant had been separated from the tabernacle and the central place of worship. After its capture by the Philistines and subsequent return, it had resided in the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim (Baale of Judah) for approximately 20 years ([1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kiriath-jearim")). David's decision to bring the Ark to Jerusalem was a deliberate move to restore proper worship and to signify that God's presence was central to the life of the nation and its king. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the presence of a deity's cultic image or symbol within the capital city was common, believed to ensure the deity's favor and protection over the kingdom. David, however, was not bringing an idol, but the Ark, which represented the invisible God's covenant presence among His people, emphasizing a unique relationship distinct from surrounding pagan practices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. First, it highlights **the Centrality of God's Presence**, as David's primary motivation is to bring God's tangible manifestation, symbolized by the Ark, into the heart of his kingdom. The Ark was considered the earthly throne of God among His people, where He communed with Moses ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God Speaks from the Mercy Seat")). Second, it showcases **David's Devotion and Leadership**, demonstrating his fervent desire to honor God and establish proper, centralized worship for the nation, thereby fulfilling his role as a king after God's own heart ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - A Man After God's Own Heart")). Finally, the description of the Ark underscores **the Sacredness of the Ark and God's Holiness**, emphasizing the profound reverence due to it as the unique place where Yahweh manifested His presence, a reverence that would be tragically underscored by the events immediately following this verse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baale of Judah (Hebrew, _Ba'ale Yehudah'_):** This refers to Kiriath-jearim, a town on the border between Judah and Benjamin. The name "Baale" likely means "masters" or "owners," possibly indicating a place associated with local deities or strongholds, but in this context, it simply denotes the location where the Ark had been stored for decades. Its mention here grounds the narrative geographically and historically, pointing back to the Ark's long period of obscurity since its return from Philistine captivity.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yahweh Sabaoth'_):** This is a powerful and frequently used divine title in the Old Testament. "Yahweh" is the covenant name of God, while "Sabaoth" (צבאות) means "armies" or "hosts." This title emphasizes God's omnipotence and sovereignty as the commander of all heavenly armies (angels) and earthly forces, including the stars and all creation. It portrays God as the supreme warrior and ruler, underscoring His might and authority over all things, a fitting title for the God whose presence is embodied in the Ark.
* **dwelleth [between] the cherubims (Hebrew, _yoshev ha-keruvim'_):** This phrase describes God's unique manifestation of presence on the mercy seat (kapporeth), which rested on top of the Ark of the Covenant. Flanked by two golden cherubim figures, this was considered God's earthly throne, the most holy place where He communed with His people. The cherubim, angelic beings often associated with guarding sacred space (as in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard the Garden of Eden")), here signify the divine majesty and holiness surrounding God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David arose, and went with all the people that [were] with him from Baale of Judah":** This clause establishes David's initiative and the collective effort involved in this momentous undertaking. "All the people that were with him" likely refers to a significant contingent, including his household, military, and perhaps a large number of Israelite representatives, indicating the national importance of the event. The journey from Baale of Judah (Kiriath-jearim) marks the starting point of the Ark's relocation.
* **"to bring up from thence the ark of God":** This states the clear purpose of the expedition: to retrieve and transport the Ark. The phrase "ark of God" emphasizes its divine ownership and sacred nature, distinguishing it from any ordinary object. The act of "bringing up" implies a movement towards a higher, more significant location, namely Jerusalem, which was situated on a hill.
* **"whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth [between] the cherubims":** This lengthy descriptive phrase profoundly emphasizes the Ark's immense theological significance. It is not merely a box, but the very symbol of God's personal, covenantal presence. The repetition of "name" highlights the Ark's direct association with God's revealed character and authority. God's title "LORD of hosts" underscores His omnipotence, while "dwelleth between the cherubims" specifically identifies the mercy seat as His earthly throne, the focal point of His immanent presence among His people. This description serves to elevate the Ark's status and foreshadow the holiness required in handling it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is achieved through the detailed description of the Ark, particularly the extended phrase "whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth [between] the cherubims." This serves to highlight the profound sacredness and divine authority associated with the Ark, setting the stage for the reverence (or lack thereof) that will be shown in the subsequent narrative. **Metonymy** is present in the use of "the ark of God" to represent God's presence itself; the physical object stands in for the divine reality it embodies. The phrase "LORD of hosts" functions as a powerful **epithet**, a descriptive title that encapsulates God's character as the sovereign, all-powerful commander. The entire verse also serves as a crucial piece of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the immense spiritual weight of the Ark's movement and the potential consequences of treating it improperly, which will soon be tragically illustrated by Uzzah's death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the foundational Old Testament truth that God desires to dwell among His people. David's fervent desire to bring the Ark, the tangible symbol of God's presence, to Jerusalem reflects a deep theological understanding of the necessity of God's centrality in the life of the nation. The Ark was not merely a relic but the very throne of the invisible God, signifying His covenant faithfulness, His holiness, and His active rule over Israel. The detailed description of God as "the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims" elevates the Ark's status to the highest degree of sanctity, reminding both David and the reader that approaching God's presence requires utmost reverence and adherence to His prescribed ways, a lesson that will be tragically learned in the immediate aftermath of this verse.

* [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Promise to Speak from the Mercy Seat")
* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")
* [Psalm 132:8](/psalms/132-8 "Psalm 132:8 - God's Resting Place with the Ark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's earnest endeavor to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem serves as a powerful reminder of the human longing for divine presence and the importance of prioritizing God in our lives. Just as the Ark symbolized God's dwelling among Israel, believers today are called to recognize that God's Spirit dwells within us, making our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit. This truth calls us to live lives of reverence, holiness, and intentional pursuit of God's presence in our daily routines, our relationships, and our communities. It challenges us to examine what we truly prioritize and centralize in our personal "Jerusalem"—our inner lives and external actions. Do we treat God's presence with the awe and respect it deserves, seeking to align our lives with His will, or do we approach Him casually, without due regard for His holiness? The narrative following this verse, with its tragic outcome for Uzzah, further impresses upon us the serious nature of God's holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms, not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Ark of God" – what symbol or aspect of God's presence – do I most desire to bring into the center of my life today?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a reverence for God's presence, whether in my personal choices or my communal worship?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to approach God casually or on my own terms, rather than with the humility and obedience His holiness demands?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's indwelling Spirit in my life, allowing it to transform my actions and attitudes?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Ark of the Covenant?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, serving as the tangible symbol of God's covenant presence among His people. It housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, all representing key aspects of God's relationship with Israel. More importantly, the mercy seat on top of the Ark, flanked by two cherubim, was considered God's earthly throne, the place from which He communed with Moses ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God Speaks from the Mercy Seat")) and where His glory (the Shekinah) manifested. It represented God's holiness, His faithfulness to His promises, and His active rule over His chosen nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the Ark of the Covenant served as the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people in the Old Testament, its ultimate fulfillment and the true dwelling of God among humanity is found in Jesus Christ. The description of the Ark as the place where the "LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims" points forward to the Incarnation, where God truly "tabernacled" among us in the person of Jesus. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus is the ultimate "Ark of God," the very embodiment of God's presence, holiness, and covenant faithfulness. Through Him, God no longer dwells between cherubim in a physical box, but in human flesh, making Himself fully accessible. Furthermore, through Christ's atoning work, the Holy Spirit is given to believers, making them "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), a profound spiritual fulfillment of God's desire to dwell within His people. Ultimately, the vision of God dwelling with humanity culminates in the New Heavens and New Earth, where "the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity in the New Creation")).

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 Samuel 4:4

So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of the covenant of God.

1 Chronicles 13:5

So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

1 Chronicles 13:6

And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, [that is], to Kirjathjearim, which [belonged] to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth [between] the cherubims, whose name is called [on it].

Psalms 80:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

Exodus 25:18

And thou shalt make two cherubims [of] gold, [of] beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.

Exodus 25:22

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

1 Samuel 7:1

¶ And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.