King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:10 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 6:10 · KJV

Context

8

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

9

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

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.

11

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.

12

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.

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 Obed-edom the Gittite.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Ark Brought to Jerusalem, emphasizing reverence in worship, God's holiness. The ark's journey to Jerusalem emphasizes God's transcendent holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. Uzzah's death for touching the ark (though apparently well-intentioned) teaches that sincerity doesn't override obedience. David's dancing demonstrates appropriate joy in worship. Michal's contempt reveals heart attitudes toward genuine worship. The Hebrew qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ, 'holiness') dominates this chapter.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 6 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding reverence in worship, God's holiness provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of reverence in worship, God's holiness?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבָ֣ה2 of 17

“would”

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

דָוִ֔ד3 of 17

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְהָסִ֥יר4 of 17

“not remove”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֵלָ֛יו5 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶת6 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֥וֹן7 of 17

“the ark”

H727

a box

יְהוָ֖ה8 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל9 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עִ֣יר10 of 17

“unto him into the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָוִ֔ד11 of 17

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּטֵּ֣הוּ12 of 17

“carried it aside”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

דָוִ֔ד13 of 17

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בֵּ֥ית14 of 17

“into the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עֹבֵֽד15 of 17
H0
אֱדֹ֖ם16 of 17

“of Obededom”

H5654

obed-edom, the name of five israelites

הַגִּתִּֽי׃17 of 17

“the Gittite”

H1663

a gittite or inhabitant of gath

Study Guide

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.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 26:4-82 Samuel 4:32 Samuel 18:21 Chronicles 16:51 Chronicles 15:182 Samuel 15:19

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 books
Gath 3Settlement · Modern: Tell es Safi · 31.70°N, 34.85°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 6 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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