King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:11 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:11 in the King James Version says “And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 6:11 · King James Version

Context

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.

13

And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obed-edom, and all his household.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֵּשֶׁב֩1 of 17

“continued”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֲר֨וֹן2 of 17

“And the ark”

H727

a box

יְהוָ֛ה3 of 17

“and the LORD”

H3068

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

בֵּיתֽוֹ׃4 of 17

“and all his household”

H1004

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

עֹבֵ֥ד5 of 17
H0
אֱדֹ֖ם6 of 17

“Obededom”

H5654

obed-edom, the name of five israelites

הַגִּתִּ֖י7 of 17

“the Gittite”

H1663

a gittite or inhabitant of gath

שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה8 of 17

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

חֳדָשִׁ֑ים9 of 17

“months”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ10 of 17

“blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֛ה11 of 17

“and the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת12 of 17
H853

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

עֹבֵ֥ד13 of 17
H0
אֱדֹ֖ם14 of 17

“Obededom”

H5654

obed-edom, the name of five israelites

וְאֶת15 of 17
H853

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

כָּל16 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֵּיתֽוֹ׃17 of 17

“and all his household”

H1004

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

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 6:11 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 6:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 39:5Genesis 30:27Proverbs 3:9-10Malachi 3:10Genesis 39:23

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