King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:10 Mean?

“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.”

Context

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day. made: Heb. broken Perezuzzah: that is, the breach of Uzzah

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

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.

And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.

And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Obed-edom the Gittite.**—He was a Levite, but whether of the family of Kohath or of Merari is uncertain, since at this time the name appears in both these families (see for Merari, 1Chronicles 15:17-18, and for Kohath, 1Chronicles 26:1; 1Chronicles 26:4; 1Chronicles 26:8; 1Chronicles 26:13-15). The one hero mentioned was a *Gittite, i.e., *born at, or belonging to, Gath-rimmon, a Levitical city on the confines of Dan and Manasseh (Joshua 21:24-25). One of these Levites is described as “the son of Jeduthun” (1Chronicles 16:38, where both are mentioned), and as Jeduthun probably belonged to the family of Merari, it is probable that the one here mentioned was called “the Gittite” for distinction’s sake, and belonged to the family of Kohath, to which Gath-rimmon belonged (Joshua 21:20). Moreover, it is said of the Obed-edom of 1Chronicles 26:4-5, that “God blessed him,” which seems to refer to this passage. The name, although a singular one (*servant of Edom*) was not uncommon, and was also borne by one having charge of the vessels of the sanctuary in the days of King Amaziah (2Chronicles 25:24). The Obed-edoms of David’s time were porters of the Tabernacle, Levitical musicians, and took an active part in bringing the ark to Jerusalem, and afterwards in ministering before it (1Chronicles 15:16; 1Chronicles 15:18; 1Chronicles 15:21; 1Chronicles 15:24; 1Chronicles 16:4-5; 1Chronicles 16:37-38; 1Chronicles 26:1; 1Chronicles 26:4; 1Chronicles 26:13-15).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 6:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.