King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:15 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:15 in the King James Version says “So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.”

2 Samuel 6:15 · KJV

Context

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.

15

So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

16

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

17

And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. pitched: Heb. stretched

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

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 · 11 words
וְדָוִד֙1 of 11

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְכָל2 of 11
H3605

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

בֵּ֣ית3 of 11

“and all the house”

H1004

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל4 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מַֽעֲלִ֖ים5 of 11

“brought up”

H5927

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

אֶת6 of 11
H853

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

אֲר֣וֹן7 of 11

“the ark”

H727

a box

יְהוָ֑ה8 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בִּתְרוּעָ֖ה9 of 11

“with shouting”

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

וּבְק֥וֹל10 of 11

“and with the sound”

H6963

a voice or sound

שׁוֹפָֽר׃11 of 11

“of the trumpet”

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

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 6:15 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 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 68:24-27Ezra 3:10-11Psalms 47:5-61 Chronicles 15:161 Chronicles 15:25Numbers 10:1-10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 6 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes