📖 2 Samuel — Chapter 6 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
2 Samuel 6:1 Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.
2 Samuel 6:2 And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from RTBaale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, Twhose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.
2 Samuel 6:3 And they RTset the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in TGibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
2 Samuel 6:4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, Taccompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.
2 Samuel 6:5 And RDavid 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 6:6 And when they came to TNachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen Tshook it.
2 Samuel 6:7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and RGod smote him there for his Terror; and there he died by the ark of God.
2 Samuel 6:8 And David was Rdispleased, because the LORD had Tmade a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place TPerezuzzah to this day.
2 Samuel 6:9 And David was Rafraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?
2 Samuel 6:10 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 RGittite.
2 Samuel 6:11 And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and Rthe LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.
2 Samuel 6:12 And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, Rbecause of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.
2 Samuel 6:13 And it was so, that Rwhen they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
2 Samuel 6:14 And David Rdanced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
2 Samuel 6:15 So RDavid and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
2 Samuel 6:16 RAnd 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.
2 Samuel 6:17 And Rthey brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had Tpitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
2 Samuel 6:18 And Ras 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.
2 Samuel 6:19 And Rhe 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.
2 Samuel 6:20 Then David returned to Rbless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows Tshamelessly uncovereth himself!
2 Samuel 6:21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which Rchose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.
2 Samuel 6:22 And I will yet be Rmore vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and Tof the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
2 Samuel 6:23 Therefore RMichal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
2 Samuel 6:1–9 — The ark’s journey and Uzzah’s death
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
David gathers Israel to bring the ark to his city. They transport it on a new cart amid music. When the oxen shake it, Uzzah touches the ark and dies under God’s judgment. David responds with displeasure and fear. The related command in Numbers helps explain the seriousness of touching holy things; good intentions do not replace reverent obedience.
Key Truth: God’s holiness calls for more than enthusiasm.
Check What You Remember
1. How many chosen men did David gather? (2 Samuel 6:1)
Find it in 2 Samuel 6:1 (KJV).
2. What did they place the ark upon? (2 Samuel 6:3)
Find it in 2 Samuel 6:3 (KJV).
3. Who took hold of the ark? (2 Samuel 6:6)
Find it in 2 Samuel 6:6 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
2 Samuel 6:10–19 — Blessing and a joyful procession
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The ark remains with Obededom for three months, and his household is blessed. David later brings it to Jerusalem with sacrifice, dancing, shouting, and the trumpet. The ark is set in the tent David prepared, and the people receive food. Reverence and gladness belong together; worship is not merely a public performance.
Key Truth: God-centered joy can be expressed with humility and generosity.
Check What You Remember
1. Whose household kept the ark? (2 Samuel 6:10)
Find it in 2 Samuel 6:10 (KJV).
2. How long did the ark remain there? (2 Samuel 6:11)
Find it in 2 Samuel 6:11 (KJV).
3. What garment did David wear while dancing? (2 Samuel 6:14)
Find it in 2 Samuel 6:14 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
2 Samuel 6:20–23 — Michal’s contempt and David’s answer
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Michal criticizes David’s public conduct. David says his celebration was before the LORD and that he is willing to be lowly in his own sight. The chapter ends by recording Michal’s childlessness without explaining every cause. Avoid adding motives or medical explanations the passage does not supply.
Key Truth: Concern for status can interfere with humble worship.
Check What You Remember
1. Who came out to criticize David? (2 Samuel 6:20)
Find it in 2 Samuel 6:20 (KJV).
2. Before whom did David say he celebrated? (2 Samuel 6:21)
Find it in 2 Samuel 6:21 (KJV).
3. How many children does the final verse say Michal had? (2 Samuel 6:23)
Find it in 2 Samuel 6:23 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Numbers 4:15 — God’s earlier instruction warns that the holy things must not be touched.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
How can you bring both reverence and gladness to worship? Consider whether pleasing observers sometimes becomes more important to you than honoring God.
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. What event interrupts the first attempt to move the ark?
2. How does David’s fear change the ark’s immediate destination?
3. What news leads David to bring the ark up afterward?
4. How do Michal’s and David’s views of his dancing differ?
5. How does the public celebration extend to the assembled people?
Notes
Write what you want to remember, questions to explore, or Scriptures to look up later. Your saved notes are private to your account.
Loading your notes…
Chapter Navigation