2 Samuel 6:10

So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

So David {H1732} would {H14} not remove {H5493} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068} unto him into the city {H5892} of David {H1732}: but David {H1732} carried it aside {H5186} into the house {H1004} of Obededom {H5654} the Gittite {H1663}.

So David would not bring the ark of ADONAI into the City of David; rather, David took it over to the house of 'Oved-Edom the Gitti.

So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

So David would not remove the ark of Jehovah unto him into the city of David; but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

Commentary

2 Samuel 6:10 marks a pivotal moment in David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, highlighting the profound reverence and caution required when dealing with God's holy presence.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse immediately follows the tragic death of Uzzah, who was struck down by God for touching the Ark of the Covenant (see 2 Samuel 6:7 and 1 Chronicles 13:9-10). David had initially intended to bring the Ark, which symbolized God's presence and covenant with Israel, directly into the City of David (Jerusalem). Uzzah's death, however, instilled great fear in David, causing him to pause his plans and reconsider the proper protocol for handling such a sacred object. The Ark was meant to be carried by Levites using poles, not transported on a cart (Numbers 4:15).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Holiness and Awe: The incident with Uzzah and David's subsequent decision underscore the immense holiness of God and the strictness of His commands regarding His presence. God is not to be approached casually or irreverently.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Uzzah's death served as a stark reminder that even well-intentioned actions can have severe consequences if God's specific instructions are disregarded.
  • David's Prudence and Fear: David's refusal to bring the Ark into his city immediately demonstrates a newfound reverence and a healthy fear of the Lord. He understood that a deeper understanding of God's ways was needed before proceeding.
  • God's Blessing on Obed-Edom: The decision to divert the Ark to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite sets the stage for God's blessings to be poured out on Obed-Edom's household, as recorded in 2 Samuel 6:11-12. This highlights that while God is holy and demands respect, He also blesses those who host and honor His presence correctly.

Linguistic Insights

The description of Obed-Edom as "the Gittite" (Hebrew: hag-Gittî) is significant. While "Gittite" often refers to someone from the Philistine city of Gath, in this context, it is widely understood that Obed-Edom was a Levite from Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city in the territory of Dan. His family is later identified as gatekeepers and musicians in the temple service (1 Chronicles 15:18, 1 Chronicles 26:4-5). This confirms his suitability to house the Ark, as Levites were divinely appointed for this sacred duty.

Practical Application

2 Samuel 6:10 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and according to His revealed will. It teaches us that:

  • God's Holiness Demands Respect: We must never take God or His commands lightly. His presence is not merely symbolic but carries divine power and authority.
  • Obedience Leads to Blessing: While disobedience brings judgment, honoring God's ways, even when inconvenient or fearful, leads to divine favor and blessing, as seen in Obed-Edom's experience.
  • Learning from Mistakes: Like David, we are called to pause, reflect, and seek to understand God's principles when faced with challenges or consequences, rather than pressing forward presumptuously. This verse encourages a humble and teachable spirit in our spiritual walk.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 26:4 (3 votes)

    Moreover the sons of Obededom [were], Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,

  • 1 Chronicles 26:8 (3 votes)

    All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, [were] threescore and two of Obededom.

  • 2 Samuel 4:3 (2 votes)

    And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)

  • 1 Chronicles 16:5 (2 votes)

    Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

  • 1 Chronicles 13:13 (2 votes)

    So David brought not the ark [home] to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

  • 1 Chronicles 13:14 (2 votes)

    And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.

  • 2 Samuel 15:19 (2 votes)

    Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou [art] a stranger, and also an exile.