2 Samuel 6:3

And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that [was] in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.

And they set {H7392} the ark {H727} of God {H430} upon a new {H2319} cart {H5699}, and brought {H5375} it out of the house {H1004} of Abinadab {H41} that was in Gibeah {H1390}: and Uzzah {H5798} and Ahio {H283}, the sons {H1121} of Abinadab {H41}, drave {H5090} the new {H2319} cart {H5699}.

They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Avinadav on the hill, with 'Uzah and Achyo, the sons of Avinadav, driving the new cart.

They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart,

And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in the hill: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.

Commentary

2 Samuel 6:3 describes King David's initial, flawed attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Abinadab to Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for a significant event in Israel's history, highlighting both David's zeal and a critical error in execution.

Context

After its return from Philistine captivity, the Ark of God had resided for many years (about 20, 1 Samuel 7:2) in the house of Abinadab, specifically in Kirjath-jearim (which included the area of Gibeah mentioned here). King David, now established as monarch, sought to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, his newly designated capital, symbolizing God's presence at the heart of the nation. This was a commendable desire, reflecting David's devotion.

However, the method chosen for transport—placing the Ark upon a "new cart"—directly contravened the divine instructions given in the Mosaic Law. God had explicitly commanded that the Ark be carried by the Kohathite Levites using poles inserted through rings on its sides (Numbers 4:15). This choice by David mirrored the method used by the Philistines when they returned the Ark (1 Samuel 6:7-8), a secular and unauthorized approach not suitable for God's holy vessel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Good Intentions vs. Divine Command: David's desire to honor God was sincere, but his method of doing so was not aligned with God's specific instructions. This highlights that zeal alone is insufficient; obedience to God's revealed will is paramount.
  • God's Holiness: The Ark was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's very presence. Its handling was governed by strict laws to emphasize God's absolute holiness and the reverence due to Him.
  • The Danger of Innovation in Worship: The "new cart" symbolizes human ingenuity and convenience attempting to replace divine command. While "new" often implies improvement, in matters of worship, it can signify a deviation from established, holy practices.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "new cart" (Hebrew: 'agalah chadashah) is significant. While "new" might seem positive, implying purity or freshness, in this context, it contrasts sharply with the ancient, established laws for handling the Ark. It signifies a departure from the divinely ordained method, emphasizing human innovation over divine instruction. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were entrusted with driving this cart, placing them in a position of direct responsibility for this ill-fated journey.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. While our intentions in serving God may be good, it is crucial that our methods align with His revealed word. We are called to worship and serve God according to His principles, not merely our own ideas or convenience. The narrative warns against treating sacred things casually or adopting worldly approaches to spiritual matters. True reverence involves understanding and adhering to God's ways, as David himself later learned and corrected (1 Chronicles 15:13). The subsequent tragic event involving Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:7 underscores the severity of this disobedience.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 6:7 (6 votes)

    Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:

  • Numbers 7:4 (3 votes)

    And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Numbers 7:9 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Numbers 4:5 (0 votes)

    And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it:

  • Numbers 4:12 (0 votes)

    And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put [them] in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put [them] on a bar: