King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:5 in the King James Version says “And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harp...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 6:5 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. shook it: or, stumbled

7

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. error: or, rashness

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
וְדָוִ֣ד׀1 of 15

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְכָל2 of 15
H3605

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

בֵּ֣ית3 of 15

“and all the house”

H1004

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל4 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

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

מְשַֽׂחֲקִים֙5 of 15

“played”

H7832

to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play

לִפְנֵ֣י6 of 15

“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

יְהוָ֔ה7 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּכֹ֖ל8 of 15
H3605

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

עֲצֵ֣י9 of 15

“wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

בְרוֹשִׁ֑ים10 of 15

“on all manner of instruments made of fir”

H1265

a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)

וּבְכִנֹּר֤וֹת11 of 15

“even on harps”

H3658

a harp

וּבִנְבָלִים֙12 of 15

“and on psalteries”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

וּבְתֻפִּ֔ים13 of 15

“and on timbrels”

H8596

a tambourine

וּבִמְנַֽעַנְעִ֖ים14 of 15

“and on cornets”

H4517

a sistrum (so called from its rattling sound)

וּֽבְצֶלְצֶלִֽים׃15 of 15

“and on cymbals”

H6767

a cymbal (as clanging)

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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 150:3-51 Chronicles 13:8Amos 5:23Psalms 68:25-27Daniel 3:101 Samuel 10:5

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