King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:3 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:3 in the King James Version says “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 a... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 6:3 · 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

5

And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
וַיַּרְכִּ֜בוּ1 of 20

And they set

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

אֶת2 of 20
H853

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

אֲר֤וֹן3 of 20

the ark

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙4 of 20

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

אֶל5 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽעֲגָלָ֥ה6 of 20

cart

H5699

something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle

חֲדָשָֽׁה׃7 of 20

the new

H2319

new

וַיִּשָּׂאֻ֔הוּ8 of 20

and brought

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִבֵּ֥ית9 of 20

it out of the house

H1004

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

אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב10 of 20

of Abinadab

H41

abinadab, the name of four israelites

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 20
H834

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

בַּגִּבְעָ֑ה12 of 20

that was in Gibeah

H1390

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

וְעֻזָּ֣א13 of 20

and Uzzah

H5798

uzza or uzzah, the name of five israelites

וְאַחְי֗וֹ14 of 20

and Ahio

H283

achio, the name of three israelites

בְּנֵי֙15 of 20

the sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב16 of 20

of Abinadab

H41

abinadab, the name of four israelites

נֹֽהֲגִ֖ים17 of 20

drave

H5090

to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh

אֶת18 of 20
H853

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

הָֽעֲגָלָ֥ה19 of 20

cart

H5699

something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle

חֲדָשָֽׁה׃20 of 20

the new

H2319

new


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 6:3 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 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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