2 Samuel 6:9

KJV

And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} was afraid {H3372} of the LORD {H3068} that day {H3117}, and said {H559}, How shall the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068} come {H935} to me?

Complete Jewish Bible

David was frightened of ADONAI that day; he asked, "How can the ark of ADONAI come to me?"

Berean Standard Bible

That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?”

American Standard Version

And David was afraid of Jehovah that day; and he said, How shall the ark of Jehovah come unto me?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King David's profound fear and questioning in 2 Samuel 6:9 emerge directly from the tragic death of Uzzah, who was struck down for improperly touching the Ark of the Covenant. This pivotal moment reveals David's dawning realization of God's absolute holiness and the critical importance of approaching Him strictly according to His divine commands, challenging his previous, more casual understanding of sacred protocol and prompting a re-evaluation of how God's presence should be honored.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct and immediate reaction to the preceding tragedy in [2 Samuel 6:6-8](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-8 - Uzzah's Death"). David, initially filled with joyful enthusiasm as he led the procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, had overlooked the precise instructions for its transport. The sudden, divine judgment on Uzzah for touching the Ark, even with seemingly good intentions to steady it, abruptly halts the celebration and shatters David's complacency. The verse marks a dramatic shift from joyful celebration to profound fear and uncertainty, setting the stage for the Ark's temporary relocation to the house of Obed-Edom, as described in [2 Samuel 6:10-11](/2_samuel/6-10 "2 Samuel 6:10-11 - The Ark at Obed-Edom's House"). This pause in the narrative highlights the gravity of the event and the subsequent shift in David's understanding and approach to God's sacred presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred artifact in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's throne and His presence among His people. Its handling was governed by very specific Mosaic laws, particularly detailed in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark") and [Exodus 25:12-15](/exodus/25-12 "Exodus 25:12-15 - Design of the Ark's Carrying Poles"). These laws stipulated that the Ark was to be carried by poles inserted into rings, by the Levites of the Kohathite clan, and was never to be touched directly. David's initial attempt to transport the Ark on a new cart, while perhaps mirroring Philistine practices (as seen in [1 Samuel 6:7-12](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7-12 - The Ark Returned by Philistines")), was a deviation from divine command. This incident underscores the stark contrast between human expediency and divine protocol, emphasizing that God's holiness demands adherence to His revealed will, not human innovation, regardless of cultural norms.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from this verse is the **absolute holiness of God**. Uzzah's death dramatically illustrates that God's sacred nature cannot be treated casually or approached on human terms. This event re-establishes the profound **fear of the LORD** as a necessary component of true worship and wisdom, as articulated in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). David's fear is not mere terror but a deep, reverential awe that acknowledges God's immense power and righteousness. Consequently, the verse also introduces the theme of **proper worship and obedience**, highlighting that God's presence must be approached with diligent adherence to His commands. David's subsequent question, "How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?", signifies a crucial shift from presumptuous action to humble inquiry, leading to a later, successful, and divinely approved transport of the Ark, as detailed in [2 Samuel 6:12-15](/2_samuel/6-12 "2 Samuel 6:12-15 - David Successfully Brings the Ark").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This term carries a dual meaning encompassing both terror and profound reverence or awe. In this context, David's fear is not merely cowering fright but a deep, respectful awe in the presence of something immensely powerful and holy. It signifies a recognition of God's unapproachable holiness and the serious consequences of treating His sacred presence lightly. This "fear of the LORD" is a foundational concept in biblical wisdom literature, denoting a right relationship with God characterized by respect, obedience, and a profound understanding of His majesty.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His personal relationship with Israel. In the context of David's fear, it underscores that the judgment came from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God Himself, not a lesser deity or impersonal force. This highlights the absolute authority and holiness of the one true God, demanding reverent worship and strict adherence to His revealed will.
* **Ark (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** More than just a box, the Ark of the Covenant was the central symbol of God's presence, His throne, and the place where His glory (Shekinah) resided among His people. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, representing God's covenant, provision, and authority. Its sacredness was paramount, directly linked to God's own holiness and His specific instructions for its handling, making any casual approach a direct affront to His divine majesty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David was afraid of the LORD that day":** This clause marks a dramatic shift in David's emotional state, from initial joy and celebration to profound fear. This fear is a direct response to God's judgment on Uzzah, demonstrating David's immediate and visceral understanding of the gravity of God's holiness. It signifies a divinely imposed realization that God is not to be trifled with, and His commands regarding sacred things are absolute.
* **"and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?":** This rhetorical question reveals David's sudden recognition of his own inadequacy and the impropriety of his previous methods. It is a question born of humility and a desire to understand God's specific requirements for approaching His presence. It reflects a shift from human ingenuity and convenience to a desperate search for divine protocol, acknowledging that God's holy presence can only be approached on His terms, not on human presumption.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Juxtaposition** by contrasting David's initial celebratory demeanor with his sudden, profound fear, highlighting the dramatic impact of Uzzah's death. The rhetorical question, "How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?", serves as a powerful instance of **Inquiry**, not merely seeking information but expressing deep consternation and a dawning awareness of a fundamental spiritual truth. This inquiry also functions as a form of **Confession**, implicitly admitting a prior misunderstanding or oversight regarding God's holiness. The overall tone shifts from one of human control and celebration to one of divine sovereignty and human submission, underscoring the theme of God's unapproachable **Holiness** as a central, non-negotiable attribute.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's holiness and the necessity of reverent obedience in His presence. It teaches that God is not merely a benevolent deity to be approached on human terms, but a sovereign, holy God whose commands are to be meticulously followed. The incident with Uzzah and David's subsequent fear underscore the principle that good intentions do not supersede divine instruction when it comes to sacred matters. This event served as a foundational lesson for David, shaping his understanding of worship and governance, and emphasizing that true piety involves a humble submission to God's revealed will.

* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")
* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites and the Ark")
* [1 Chronicles 15:1-15](/1_chronicles/15-1 "1 Chronicles 15:1-15 - David's Second Attempt to Bring the Ark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's experience in 2 Samuel 6:9 serves as a timeless reminder that our approach to God must always be characterized by reverence and obedience, not by casual familiarity or human presumption. While the physical Ark of the Covenant is no longer present, the principles of God's unchangeable holiness and the seriousness of His commands remain eternally true. We are called to approach God through Christ, recognizing His immense purity and justice, and to live lives that reflect a humble submission to His Word. Our worship, service, and daily conduct should be informed by a healthy "fear of the Lord"—a deep, reverential awe that acknowledges His supreme authority and goodness. This leads not to cowering terror, but to a profound desire to honor Him in all things, fostering a relationship built on truth, humility, and diligent obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's fear of the LORD challenge my own understanding of God's holiness and my approach to Him in worship and daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be treating God's commands or sacred principles with casualness or presumption, rather than reverent obedience?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more healthy "fear of the Lord" that leads to wisdom and a more faithful walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was David afraid of the LORD, and what does "afraid" mean here?**

Answer: David's fear was a direct response to the immediate and terrifying judgment of God on Uzzah, who died for touching the Ark of the Covenant, an act forbidden by divine law. The Hebrew word for "afraid" (יָרֵא, _yârêʼ'_) encompasses more than just terror; it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and dread in the presence of something immensely powerful and holy. David was not merely scared *of* God in a cowering sense, but he was struck with a deep, respectful awe for God's absolute holiness and the serious consequences of treating His sacred presence lightly. This fear led him to acknowledge God's sovereignty and the necessity of adhering to His specific instructions.

**What was the significance of the Ark of the LORD, and why was its handling so strictly regulated?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, serving as the earthly throne of God and the visible symbol of His presence among His people. It contained the covenant tablets, representing God's law and His covenant relationship with Israel. Its handling was strictly regulated by Mosaic law (e.g., [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites and the Ark")) because it represented God's unapproachable holiness and purity. Any casual or unauthorized handling, even with seemingly good intentions, was an affront to God's majesty and a violation of His explicit commands, underscoring that God's presence must be approached on His terms, not human ones.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The incident in 2 Samuel 6:9, with David's fear and recognition of God's unapproachable holiness, powerfully foreshadows the New Covenant reality in Christ. Under the Old Covenant, the Ark symbolized God's presence, but it was shrouded in mystery and danger, requiring strict adherence to rituals and mediating priests. Uzzah's death vividly demonstrated that sinful humanity could not directly or casually approach a holy God. However, in Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence and holiness is revealed. Jesus is the true "Ark" of God, the [Word made flesh who tabernacled among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), making God fully accessible. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ has opened a new and living way into the very presence of God, as [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place") proclaims. We no longer approach God with fear of immediate judgment for improper touch, but with confidence and reverence, having been made holy by the blood of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This Christ-centered fulfillment transforms the fear of judgment into a reverent awe and worship of a God who has drawn near to us in love, enabling us to approach His throne of grace with boldness, as [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") encourages.

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 119:120

My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

1 Chronicles 13:11

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.

1 Chronicles 13:12

And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God [home] to me?

1 Samuel 6:20

And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?

1 Kings 8:27

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

1 Samuel 5:10

Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people.

1 Samuel 5:11

So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.