2 Samuel 6:13
And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read this and think David is just casually sacrificing animals. But the text emphasizes "six steps" – this wasn't a constant, careless offering, but a deliberate, repeated act of worship each time the ark moved forward. This highlights David's earnest desire to honor God with every small progression of His presence.
David has just brought the Ark of the Covenant, a powerful symbol of God's presence, back to Jerusalem after a long absence. Before this, his first attempt to move it ended in tragedy with Uzzah's death when he touched the Ark, highlighting the immense holiness and danger associated with it. Now, meticulously following the prescribed method, David offers sacrifices after each short distance, demonstrating a renewed and cautious reverence for God.
David brings the Ark of God back to Jerusalem, a monumental moment. But why the immediate sacrifice after just six steps?
David's actions here reveal a deep-seated understanding of God's holiness and presence. After the disaster with Uzzah (which happened when they tried to carry the Ark, not when they sacrificed), David is proceeding with extreme caution and reverence.
Atonement First
The immediate sacrifice wasn't just a celebratory feast. It was an act of atonement. The Law required sacrifice to approach God, especially in moments of encountering His presence. David knows that even with the best intentions, sin can separate.
Reverence Over Ritual
This wasn't a prescribed ritual for every six steps. It was David's intentional response to being in the presence of the holy God. He wasn't waiting for a formal ceremony; he was actively seeking to ensure their approach was covered by sacrifice, showing a profound respect for God's holiness.
David's previous attempt to bring the Ark ended in tragedy. How does this experience shape his approach this time?
The story leading up to this moment is crucial. In chapter 5, the Ark was being brought to Jerusalem, and Uzzah was struck dead for touching the Ark to steady it. This event sent shockwaves through Israel and David.
Fear and Respect
David was initially angry and afraid. He stopped the procession and left the Ark with Obed-edom for three months. During that time, God blessed Obed-edom's household abundantly. This demonstrated that God’s presence was a blessing, not just a danger, when approached correctly.
Prioritizing God's Presence
Now, David is bringing the Ark again, but this time he's learned. He understands that the presence of God is the ultimate treasure, but it must be handled with reverence and according to His commands. The sacrifices are a demonstration of this priority – making sure that the journey toward God’s dwelling place is consecrated and covered.
Understand the original words
zabach · Hebrew Verb
The killing of an animal as a religious rite to God, often symbolizing substitutionary atonement, thanksgiving, or the sanctification of a specific act or covenantal milestone.
David's experience with the Ark, marked by both disaster and triumph, underscores the vital importance of approaching God according to His instructions, not just with good intentions.
c. 1050 BC
Saul's Reign Begins
Saul is anointed king of Israel, beginning a period of monarchy and instability. The Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God's presence, remains largely separate from the central sanctuary during much of his reign.
c. 1030 BC
Philistine Capture of the Ark
During a battle, the Israelites suffer a devastating defeat, and the Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant. This event highlights a spiritual crisis and the consequences of disobedience.
c. 1025 BC
Ark's Return to Israel
After plagues and unrest plague the Philistine cities where the Ark was kept, the Philistines return it to Israel. It is placed in Kiriath-jearim, remaining there for about 20 years, not in its intended place at Shiloh or Jerusalem.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
After unifying the tribes and conquering Jerusalem, David establishes it as the new capital. A key goal is to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the city, symbolizing God's presence with His people and kingdom.
This passage describes the same event but emphasizes that the Levitical priests were offering the sacrifices, highlighting the proper priestly role in these sacred moments.
Leviticus 10:1-2This passage shows the severe consequences of approaching God improperly, reminding us of the importance of obedience and reverence when dealing with sacred things like the Ark.
Exodus 25:22This verse establishes the Ark of the Covenant as God's meeting place with His people, underscoring the sacredness of the Ark and the need for awe in its presence.
1 Corinthians 11:23-24While about the Lord's Supper, this passage speaks to the proper and reverent remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, paralleling David's desire to honor God's presence with sacrifice.
It's easy to read this and think David is just casually sacrificing animals. But the text emphasizes "six steps" – this wasn't a constant, careless offering, but a deliberate, repeated act of worship each time the ark moved forward. This highlights David's earnest desire to honor God with every small progression of His presence.
David has just brought the Ark of the Covenant, a powerful symbol of God's presence, back to Jerusalem after a long absence. Before this, his first attempt to move it ended in tragedy with Uzzah's death when he touched the Ark, highlighting the immense holiness and danger associated with it. Now, meticulously following the prescribed method, David offers sacrifices after each short distance, demonstrating a renewed and cautious reverence for God.
David has just brought the Ark of the Covenant, a powerful symbol of God's presence, back to Jerusalem after a long absence. Before this, his first attempt to move it ended in tragedy with Uzzah's death when he touched the Ark, highlighting the immense holiness and danger associated with it. Now, meticulously following the prescribed method, David offers sacrifices after each short distance, demonstrating a renewed and cautious reverence for God.
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c. 1010 BC
First Attempt to Move the Ark
David and a great assembly attempt to bring the Ark from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. Uzzah touches the Ark to steady it and is immediately struck dead by God, causing David fear and halting the procession.
c. 1010 BC— this verse
Ark is Housed in Jerusalem
The Ark is placed in a temporary tent prepared by David in Jerusalem. This delay lasts for three months while David seeks to understand God's law regarding the Ark's transport.
c. 1010 BC
Second, Successful Ark Procession
Having learned from the previous disaster and the Law, David leads a joyful procession to bring the Ark to its designated tent. This time, Levitical priests carry the Ark on their shoulders, and sacrifices are made, marking a significant spiritual celebration.
"And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal." — It's easy to read this and think David is just casually sacrificing animals. But the text emphasizes "six steps" – this wasn't a constant, careless offering, but a deliberate, repeated act of worship…
