King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:17 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 6:17 · KJV

Peace

Context

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

18

And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.

19

And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
וַיָּבִ֜אוּ1 of 19

“And they brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 19
H853

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

אֲר֣וֹן3 of 19

“in the ark”

H727

a box

יְהוָ֖ה4 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיַּצִּ֤גוּ5 of 19

“and set”

H3322

to place permanently

אֹתוֹ֙6 of 19
H853

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

בִּמְקוֹמ֔וֹ7 of 19

“it in his place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

בְּת֣וֹךְ8 of 19

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הָאֹ֔הֶל9 of 19

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 19
H834

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

נָֽטָה11 of 19

“had pitched”

H5186

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

ל֖וֹ12 of 19
H0
דָּוִ֥ד13 of 19

“for it and David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּ֨עַל14 of 19

“offered”

H5927

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

דָּוִ֥ד15 of 19

“for it and David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עֹל֛וֹת16 of 19

“burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

לִפְנֵ֥י17 of 19

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה18 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וּשְׁלָמִֽים׃19 of 19

“and peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

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 6:17 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 6:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 1:41 Chronicles 15:1Psalms 132:81 Kings 8:51 Kings 8:62-65Ezra 6:16-17

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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