King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:2 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:2 in the King James Version says “And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. Baale: or, Baalah, that is, Kirjathjearim whose name: or, at which the name, even the name of the LORD of hosts, was called upon

2 Samuel 6:2 · KJV


Context

1

Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.

2

And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. Baale: or, Baalah, that is, Kirjathjearim whose name: or, at which the name, even the name of the LORD of hosts, was called upon

3

And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. set: Heb. made to ride Gibeah: or, the hill

4

And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. accompanying: Heb. with


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

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 · 23 words
וַיָּ֣קָם׀1 of 23

arose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ2 of 23
H1980

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

דָּוִ֗ד3 of 23

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְכָל4 of 23
H3605

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

הָעָם֙5 of 23

with all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 23
H834

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

אִתּ֔וֹ7 of 23
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מִֽבַּעֲלֵ֖י8 of 23
H0
יְהוּדָ֑ה9 of 23

that were with him from Baale of Judah

H1184

baale-jehudah, a place in palestine

לְהַֽעֲל֣וֹת10 of 23

to bring up

H5927

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

מִשָּׁ֗ם11 of 23
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֵ֚ת12 of 23
H853

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

אֲר֣וֹן13 of 23

from thence the ark

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים14 of 23

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

אֲשֶׁר15 of 23
H834

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

נִקְרָ֣א16 of 23

is called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שֵׁ֣ם17 of 23

by the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שֵׁ֣ם18 of 23

by the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֧ה19 of 23

of the LORD

H3068

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

צְבָא֛וֹת20 of 23

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

יֹשֵׁ֥ב21 of 23

that dwelleth

H3427

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

הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים22 of 23

between the cherubims

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

עָלָֽיו׃23 of 23
H5921

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


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 6:2 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 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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