King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:9 in the King James Version says “And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?”

2 Samuel 6:9 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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

8

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day. made: Heb. broken Perezuzzah: that is, the breach of Uzzah

9

And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?

10

So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

11

And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?

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 · 12 words
וַיִּרָ֥א1 of 12

“was afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

דָוִ֛ד2 of 12

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת3 of 12
H853

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

יְהוָֽה׃4 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בַּיּ֣וֹם5 of 12

“that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֑וּא6 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר7 of 12

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵ֛יךְ8 of 12
H349

how? or how!; also where

יָב֥וֹא9 of 12

“come”

H935

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

אֵלַ֖י10 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲר֥וֹן11 of 12

“How shall the ark”

H727

a box

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:1201 Chronicles 13:11-121 Samuel 5:10-11Numbers 17:12-131 Samuel 6:201 Kings 8:27

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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