2 Samuel 6:5

KJV

And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of [instruments made of] fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} and all the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} played {H7832} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} on all manner of instruments made of fir {H1265} wood {H6086}, even on harps {H3658}, and on psalteries {H5035}, and on timbrels {H8596}, and on cornets {H4517}, and on cymbals {H6767}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David and the whole house of Isra'el celebrated in the presence of ADONAI with all kinds of musical instruments made of cypress-wood, including lyres, lutes, tambourines, rattles and cymbals.

Berean Standard Bible

David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.

American Standard Version

And David and all the house of Israel played before Jehovah with all manner of instruments made of fir-wood, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with castanets, and with cymbals.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 6:5 vividly portrays the exuberant and widespread celebration accompanying King David's initial attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This scene is characterized by intense national fervor and communal joy, expressed through a diverse array of musical instruments, as "all the house of Israel" participates in worship before the LORD. The verse captures a moment of profound devotion and the strategic intent to centralize God's presence within the newly established kingdom, highlighting the integral role of music in Israelite corporate worship and national identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the beginning of a pivotal narrative in David's reign, immediately following his consolidation of power and the capture of Jerusalem, which he established as his political capital ([2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King and Captures Jerusalem")). Having secured the kingdom politically, David's next priority is to establish Jerusalem as the spiritual heart of Israel by relocating the Ark of the Covenant, which had resided in Kirjath-jearim for decades since its return from Philistine captivity ([1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1-2 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kirjath-jearim")). Verses 1-4 of 2 Samuel 6 detail David's meticulous preparations, including gathering thirty thousand chosen men and outlining the procession's route. Verse 5 sets the celebratory and musical tone for this grand undertaking, underscoring the widespread participation. The subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 6:6-11](/2_samuel/6-6-11 "2 Samuel 6:6-11 - Uzzah's Death and the Ark at Obed-Edom's House")) dramatically shift from joy to tragedy with Uzzah's death, revealing the critical importance of divine protocol in handling sacred objects, a stark contrast to the initial exuberance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the preeminent symbol of God's presence and His covenant with Israel, representing His throne and dwelling place among His people ([Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10-22 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant")). Its relocation was far more than a logistical move; it was a profound theological and political act designed to unify the disparate tribes under God's rule and legitimize David's kingship by placing God at the very heart of the nation. The use of a wide variety of musical instruments was customary for major Israelite festivals, processions, and acts of worship, reflecting a culture where music, dance, and exuberant expressions were integral to religious devotion and national celebration. The "fir wood" mentioned (likely cypress or juniper, common timbers in the region) suggests that these were not improvised instruments but well-crafted implements, indicating the intentionality and significance of the occasion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in 2 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Centrality of God's Presence** as symbolized by the Ark. David's immediate concern after securing his kingdom is to bring God's dwelling place into his capital, demonstrating a recognition that true national stability and blessing flow from God's active presence. This theme resonates deeply with the covenantal call for Israel to be a people set apart, with God dwelling in their midst, as seen throughout the instructions for the Tabernacle in [Exodus](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and Ark") and the blessings and curses dependent on obedience in [Leviticus](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Joyful and Communal Worship**. The description of "all the house of Israel" participating with such exuberance underscores that worship was not a solitary or somber affair but a vibrant, collective expression of devotion and thanksgiving. This anticipates the later calls in the Psalms for wholehearted and instrument-accompanied praise, such as in [Psalm 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3-5 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise with Instruments"). Finally, it subtly foreshadows the **Tension Between Good Intentions and Divine Requirements**. While the joy and devotion are commendable, the subsequent events reveal that even the most sincere worship must align with God's specific commands regarding the handling of sacred things, a theme that becomes tragically clear in [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6-7 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Played (Hebrew, _sâchaq'_):** This verb conveys a sense of joyous, unrestrained celebration, merriment, or even "sport." It implies a spontaneous, exuberant, and often physical expression of delight. In this context, it signifies a worship that is not merely formal but deeply emotional and unreserved, directed towards the LORD. It suggests a playful, almost childlike abandon in their devotion, a stark contrast to a rigid or somber religious rite.
* **Fir wood (Hebrew, _bᵉrôwsh'_):** While the KJV adds "instruments made of," the Hebrew word itself refers to a cypress or juniper tree. This detail indicates that the instruments were not improvised but crafted from specific, perhaps choice, timber. It speaks to the intentionality and resources dedicated to this sacred procession, suggesting a level of preparation and reverence for the event, even if the method of transport was flawed.
* **Cornets (Hebrew, _mᵉnaʻnaʻ'_):** This term is somewhat ambiguous but is generally understood to refer to a type of rattle or sistrum, a percussion instrument that produces a shaking sound. Unlike trumpets or horns (which "cornet" might suggest in modern English), _menaan'im_ were likely used to create rhythmic noise and add to the overall cacophony of celebration, emphasizing the loud and boisterous nature of the worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD":** This opening clause establishes both the universal participation and the divine object of their exuberant activity. It was not merely King David, but "all the house of Israel," indicating a national, communal outpouring of joy and devotion. The phrase "played before the LORD" signifies that their actions were a direct act of worship and adoration, acknowledging God's presence and sovereignty. The verb "played" (שׂחק, _sâchaq_) emphasizes the uninhibited, joyful, and perhaps even dancing nature of their worship, reflecting a deep emotional engagement.
* **"on all manner of [instruments made of] fir wood":** This phrase highlights the diversity, quality, and deliberate nature of the musical accompaniment. The KJV's parenthetical addition clarifies that the instruments were crafted from "fir wood" (cypress or juniper), suggesting a careful preparation and dedication of valuable resources for this sacred occasion. This implies a rich, full soundscape, far beyond a few simple instruments, underscoring the grandeur of the event.
* **"even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals":** This detailed enumeration provides a vivid auditory and visual picture of the orchestral richness. "Harps" (_kinnor_) and "psalteries" (_nebel_) were stringed instruments, providing melodic and harmonic foundations. "Timbrels" (_toph_) were hand drums or tambourines, adding rhythmic pulse. "Cornets" (_menaan'im_), likely sistrums or rattles, contributed percussive noise and texture. "Cymbals" (_tseltselim_) provided loud, clashing sounds for emphasis and punctuation. Together, these instruments created a powerful, multi-layered sound, indicative of a grand, boisterous, and joyful celebration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **Literary Devices** to convey the atmosphere of the procession. **Enumeration** is prominently used through the detailed listing of musical instruments (harps, psalteries, timbrels, cornets, cymbals), which creates a vivid, sensory image of the scene and emphasizes the richness and variety of the musical accompaniment. This piling up of instruments also contributes to an atmosphere of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, suggesting an overwhelming and all-encompassing sound of praise, indicative of the immense joy and fervor. The phrase "all the house of Israel" serves as **Synecdoche**, where "house of Israel" represents the entire nation, emphasizing the communal and unified nature of the worship. The action of "played before the LORD" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like interaction (playing, implying enjoyment and engagement) to the divine presence, underscoring the intimate and celebratory relationship between God and His people. The overall effect is one of vibrant, unrestrained, and deeply communal celebration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 6:5, in its depiction of exuberant worship, connects deeply with the Old Testament emphasis on wholehearted devotion and the centrality of God's presence. It illustrates that true worship is not merely a ritualistic performance but a joyful, communal, and often physical expression of praise and adoration. The sheer variety of instruments and the participation of "all the house of Israel" underscore the idea that God deserves our best and our full being in worship. While the subsequent narrative reveals a tragic flaw in their method of transport, the spirit of unbridled praise and the desire to honor God by bringing His presence to the nation's heart remain a powerful theological statement about the proper posture of a people before their Creator and King. This verse sets the stage for understanding the profound significance of the Ark as the symbol of God's covenant and the people's longing for His dwelling among them.

* [Psalm 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3-5 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise with Instruments")
* [1 Chronicles 13:8](/1_chronicles/13-8 "1 Chronicles 13:8 - David's First Attempt to Move the Ark")
* [Psalm 47:1](/psalms/47-1 "Psalm 47:1 - Clap Your Hands, All You Nations!")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Samuel 6:5 offers a powerful and enduring lesson about the nature of worship. David and Israel's unbridled joy and comprehensive use of musical instruments remind us that worship is meant to be a full-bodied, enthusiastic, and communal experience. It challenges any notion that worship should be somber or detached; rather, it invites us to bring our whole selves—our emotions, our creativity, our energy—before God. While we no longer transport a physical Ark, the principle of desiring God's presence at the center of our lives and expressing our devotion with genuine delight remains profoundly relevant. This verse encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of joyful celebration in their personal and corporate worship, utilizing whatever gifts and means available—be it music, art, or service—to glorify God with abandon, recognizing that He is worthy of our most fervent praise. It also serves as a poignant reminder that while our intentions may be pure and our expressions joyful, our worship must ultimately align with God's revealed will and character, a lesson that the subsequent verses in 2 Samuel 6 will tragically underscore.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the exuberance of David and Israel's worship teach us about the emotional component of our own worship today?**
* **How might we, individually and communally, better incorporate a spirit of uninhibited joy and creativity into our expressions of devotion to God?**
* **Considering the variety of instruments used, how can we ensure our worship is comprehensive, engaging all our faculties and resources in praise?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "fir wood" instruments?**

Answer: The mention of "fir wood" (Hebrew: _bᵉrôwsh_), often identified as cypress or juniper, is significant because it indicates that the instruments were not makeshift or common but specifically crafted, likely from quality timber. This detail underscores the intentionality and resources dedicated to this grand procession. It suggests that David and the people were not merely making noise but were preparing and using well-made instruments for this sacred event, reflecting the importance they placed on honoring the LORD with their best. This highlights a cultural practice of dedicating valuable resources to worship, similar to the fine materials used in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, as described in [Exodus 35:25-29](/exodus/35-25-29 "Exodus 35:25-29 - Skillful Workers for the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 6:5 depicts an Old Testament scene of joyous worship surrounding the physical Ark, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are found in Christ. The Ark symbolized God's veiled presence among His people, a presence that was geographically localized and accessible only through specific rituals. In the New Covenant, this presence is no longer confined to a wooden chest or a physical temple, but is fully realized in Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate, the very "dwelling place" of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the true Ark, the embodiment of God's covenant faithfulness and mercy, through whom we have access to the Father. The exuberant worship described in this verse, though directed towards a symbol, foreshadows the unbridled joy and freedom that believers experience in worshiping God through Christ, who has torn the veil and granted direct access to the Father ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). The diverse instruments and communal participation point forward to the universal and spiritual worship of the New Testament church, where believers from every tribe and tongue worship God in spirit and truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers") and [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude in White Robes")). Our worship today, centered on the resurrected Christ, is a celebration of God's ultimate presence and salvation, far surpassing the joy of any earthly procession, as we anticipate the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")).

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 150:3

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Psalms 150:5

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

1 Chronicles 13:8

And David and all Israel played before God with all [their] might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

Amos 5:23

Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.

Psalms 68:25

The singers went before, the players on instruments [followed] after; among [them were] the damsels playing with timbrels.

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 Samuel 16:16

Let our lord now command thy servants, [which are] before thee, to seek out a man, [who is] a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.