King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:12 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:12 in the King James Version says “And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, becau... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 6:12 · KJV


Context

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.

14

And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, 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 Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness.

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 · 29 words
וַיֻּגַּ֗ד1 of 29

And it was told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ2 of 29

king

H4428

a king

דָּוִ֖ד3 of 29

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹר֒4 of 29

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֵּרַ֣ךְ5 of 29

hath 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

יְהוָ֗ה6 of 29

The LORD

H3068

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

אֶת7 of 29
H853

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

מִבֵּ֨ית8 of 29

from the house

H1004

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

עֹבֵ֤ד9 of 29
H0
אֱדֹ֛ם10 of 29

of Obededom

H5654

obed-edom, the name of five israelites

וְאֶת11 of 29
H853

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

כָּל12 of 29
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר13 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ל֔וֹ14 of 29
H0
בַּֽעֲב֖וּר15 of 29
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

אֲר֨וֹן16 of 29

and all that pertaineth unto him because of the ark

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים17 of 29

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ18 of 29
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דָּוִ֖ד19 of 29

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּעַל֩20 of 29

and brought up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶת21 of 29
H853

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

אֲר֨וֹן22 of 29

and all that pertaineth unto him because of the ark

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים23 of 29

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מִבֵּ֨ית24 of 29

from the house

H1004

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

עֹבֵ֥ד25 of 29
H0
אֱדֹ֛ם26 of 29

of Obededom

H5654

obed-edom, the name of five israelites

עִ֥יר27 of 29

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)

דָּוִ֖ד28 of 29

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּשִׂמְחָֽה׃29 of 29

with gladness

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)


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 6:12 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 6:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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