2 Samuel 6:10
2 Samuel 6:10 in Multiple Translations
So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
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 Obed-edom the Gittite.
So David would not remove the ark of Jehovah unto him into the city of David; but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
So David did not let the ark of the Lord come back to him to the town of David: but had it turned away and put into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
Not wanting to bring the Ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David, he had it taken to the home of Obed-edom the Gittite.
So Dauid would not bring the Arke of the Lord vnto him into the citie of Dauid, but Dauid caried it into ye house of Obed-edom a Gittite.
And David hath not been willing to turn aside unto himself the ark of Jehovah, to the city of David, and David turneth it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite,
So David would not move the LORD’s ark to be with him in David’s city; but David carried it aside into Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house.
So David would not remove the ark of the LORD to him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
And he would not have the ark of the Lord brought in to himself into the city of David: but he caused it to be carried into the house of Obededom the Gethite.
So he did not want to take the sacred chest to Jerusalem. Instead, they took it to another place; they took it to the house of Obed-Edom, from Gath city.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 6:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 6:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹֽא
אָבָ֣ה
דָוִ֗ד
לְ/הָסִ֥יר
אֵלָ֛י/ו
אֶת
אֲר֥וֹן
יְהוָ֖ה
עַל
עִ֣יר
דָּוִ֑ד
וַ/יַּטֵּ֣/הוּ
דָוִ֔ד
בֵּ֥ית
עֹבֵֽד
אֱד֖וֹם
הַ/גִּתִּֽי
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אָבָ֣ה
ʼâbâh
H14
be willing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
דָוִ֗ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
לְ/הָסִ֥יר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֵלָ֛י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
דָּוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וַ/יַּטֵּ֣/הוּ
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
דָוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
עֹבֵֽד
ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm
H5654
Obed-edom
N-proper
אֱד֖וֹם
ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm
H5654
Obed-edom
N-proper
הַ/גִּתִּֽי
Gittîy
H1663
Gittite
Art | Ngmsa
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 6:10
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָבָ֣ה
ʼâbâh
H14
"be willing"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.
Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.
דָוִ֗ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
לְ/הָסִ֥יר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אֵלָ֛י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
דָּוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וַ/יַּטֵּ֣/הוּ
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
דָוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
עֹבֵֽד
ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm
H5654
"Obed-edom"
N-proper
Obed-Edom was a Levite who lived during King David's time, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 6:10. He was a faithful servant of God and had several sons. His name means servant of Edom.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.6.10; son of: Jeduthun (H3038); brother of: Mattithiah (H4993H), Gedaliah (H1436I), Zeri (H6874), Jeshaiah (H3470H) and Hashabiah (H2811I); father of: Shemaiah (H8098I), Jehozabad (H3075H), Joah (H3098I), Sachar (H7940), Nethanel (H5417K), Ammiel (H5988I), Issachar (H3485H) and Peullethai (H6469) Also named: shim.i (שִׁמְעִי "Shimei" H8096X) § Obed-edom = "servant of Edom" 1) a Levite and a Gittite who kept the ark after Uzzah was slain by God for touching the ark while it was being taken to Jerusalem 2) a Merarite Levite and a singer and gatekeeper 2a) the family descended from him
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Obed-edom. See also: 2 Samuel 6:10; 1 Chronicles 15:24; 2 Chronicles 25:24.
אֱד֖וֹם
ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm
H5654
"Obed-edom"
N-proper
Obed-Edom was a Levite who lived during King David's time, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 6:10. He was a faithful servant of God and had several sons. His name means servant of Edom.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.6.10; son of: Jeduthun (H3038); brother of: Mattithiah (H4993H), Gedaliah (H1436I), Zeri (H6874), Jeshaiah (H3470H) and Hashabiah (H2811I); father of: Shemaiah (H8098I), Jehozabad (H3075H), Joah (H3098I), Sachar (H7940), Nethanel (H5417K), Ammiel (H5988I), Issachar (H3485H) and Peullethai (H6469) Also named: shim.i (שִׁמְעִי "Shimei" H8096X) § Obed-edom = "servant of Edom" 1) a Levite and a Gittite who kept the ark after Uzzah was slain by God for touching the ark while it was being taken to Jerusalem 2) a Merarite Levite and a singer and gatekeeper 2a) the family descended from him
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Obed-edom. See also: 2 Samuel 6:10; 1 Chronicles 15:24; 2 Chronicles 25:24.
הַ/גִּתִּֽי
Gittîy
H1663
"Gittite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Gittite is a person from Gath, a city in Palestine, and the term refers to someone belonging to Gath. The Gittites are mentioned in the Bible as inhabitants of the city.
Definition: Gittite = "belonging to Gath" an inhabitant of Gath Another spelling of gat (גַּת "Gath" H1661)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Gittite. See also: Joshua 13:3; 2 Samuel 15:22; 1 Chronicles 20:5.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 6:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 6:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 6:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 6:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:10
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 6:10
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 6:10
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:10
Context — Uzzah Touches the Ark
8Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah. So he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day.
9That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?”
10So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
11Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household. 12Now it was reported to King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 26:4–8 | And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-edom. Also to his son Shemaiah were born sons who ruled over their families because they were strong, capable men. Shemaiah’s sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers were Elihu and Semachiah, also capable men. All these were descendants of Obed-edom; they and their sons and brothers were capable men with strength to do the work—62 in all from Obed-edom. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 15:19 | Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 15:18 | and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 18:2 | He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.” |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 13:13–14 | So he did not move the ark with him to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he owned. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 4:3 | because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 16:5 | Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals |
2 Samuel 6:10 Summary
In this verse, David decides not to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David because he is afraid of the LORD's power and holiness, as seen in the death of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:8. Instead, he takes the ark to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, where it remains for three months, and the LORD blesses Obed-edom and his household, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:11-12. This shows that David is learning to respect and fear the LORD, and to seek His guidance and blessing, as the Psalmist writes in Psalms 25:4-5, 'Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.' We can learn from David's example to approach the LORD with reverence and humility, and to seek His blessing and guidance in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David decide not to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David?
David was unwilling to move the ark because he feared the LORD after Uzzah's death, and he didn't want to risk any further punishment, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:8-9, where he became angry and feared the LORD.
Who was Obed-edom the Gittite and why did David take the ark to his house?
Obed-edom the Gittite was a Levite, and David took the ark to his house because he was a godly man, and David may have thought that the ark would be safe with him, as the LORD later blessed Obed-edom and his household in 2 Samuel 6:11-12.
What can we learn from David's decision to leave the ark at Obed-edom's house?
We can learn that sometimes it's wise to wait and seek the LORD's guidance before taking action, as David did in this situation, and as the Psalmist writes in Psalms 27:14, 'Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.'
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of the ark of the LORD?
This verse is a turning point in the story, as it shows David's initial hesitation and fear, but also sets the stage for the eventual return of the ark to Jerusalem, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:12, where David brings the ark up to the City of David with rejoicing, and in 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:6, where the ark is finally brought to its resting place in the City of David.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have been afraid to take a step of faith, and how can I learn from David's example in this verse?
- How can I balance my desire to serve the LORD with a healthy fear of His power and holiness, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:9-10?
- What are some ways that I can 'wait for the LORD' in my own life, as David did in this situation, and as the Psalmist writes in Psalms 27:14?
- How can I apply the lesson of Obed-edom's blessing to my own life, and seek to be a person who is blessed by the LORD, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:11-12?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 6:10
So David would not remove the ark of the Lord unto him into the city of David,.... As yet, but wait a little longer, until he had more thoroughly considered of it, and made himself acquainted with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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 Gittite. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:10
Which doubtless was done by the consent and desire of the owner of it, who for the enjoyment of so great a privilege, was willing to expose himself to some hazard; and wisely considered that the late judgment was not to be imputed to the ark, but to Uzzah’ s carelessness in managing it. The Gittite: he was certainly a Levite, ,21,21 16:5 26:4, and here called a Gittite, either, first, from Gath of the Philistines, where he or his father might be born or have sojourned, which might be upon divers occasions; or, secondly, from Gath-rimmon, which was a Levitical city, ,25.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:10
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 Gittite.Ver. 10. So David would not remove.] For he taketh it for granted that it was not God’ s will he should. Into the house of Obededom the Gittite,] i.e., Born in Gathrimmon, a city of priests, and himself a Levite, a good man, and glad of such a guest as the ark, which he entertained cheerfully, and resolved to handle holily. Sancte magis quam scite, as he once said to the Vestalis Virgo.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:10
(10) Obed-edom the Gittite.—He was a Levite, but whether of the family of Kohath or of Merari is uncertain, since at this time the name appears in both these families (see for Merari, 1 Chronicles 15:17-18, and for Kohath, 1 Chronicles 26:1; 1 Chronicles 26:4; 1 Chronicles 26:8; 1 Chronicles 26:13-15). The one hero mentioned was a Gittite, i.e., born at, or belonging to, Gath-rimmon, a Levitical city on the confines of Dan and Manasseh (Joshua 21:24-25). One of these Levites is described as “the son of Jeduthun” (1 Chronicles 16:38, where both are mentioned), and as Jeduthun probably belonged to the family of Merari, it is probable that the one here mentioned was called “the Gittite” for distinction’s sake, and belonged to the family of Kohath, to which Gath-rimmon belonged (Joshua 21:20). Moreover, it is said of the Obed-edom of 1 Chronicles 26:4-5, that “God blessed him,” which seems to refer to this passage. The name, although a singular one (servant of Edom) was not uncommon, and was also borne by one having charge of the vessels of the sanctuary in the days of King Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:24). The Obed-edoms of David’s time were porters of the Tabernacle, Levitical musicians, and took an active part in bringing the ark to Jerusalem, and afterwards in ministering before it (1 Chronicles 15:16; 1 Chronicles 15:18; 1 Chronicles 15:21; 1 Chronicles 15:24; 1 Chronicles 16:4-5; 1 Chronicles 16:37-38; 1 Chronicles 26:1; 1 Chronicles 26:4; 1 Chronicles 26:13-15).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:10
Verse 10. But David carried it aside] The house of Obed-edom appears to have been very near the city, which they were about to enter, but were prevented by this accident, and lodged the ark with the nearest friend.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 6:10
10. Obed-edom the Gittite] Obed-edom was a Levite belonging to the family of the Korahites, who were descended from Kohath (1 Chronicles 26:1; 1 Chronicles 26:4-8; Numbers 16:1). He is called a Gittite probably because he was a native of the Levitical city of Gath-rimmon, in Dan or Manasseh, which was assigned to the Kohathites (Joshua 21:24-25). Thus there was an appropriateness in his being chosen to take charge of the Ark, since he belonged to the family which was originally appointed to carry it from place to place (Numbers 4:15). The site of Gath-rimmon is not determined, but it seems to have been further from Jerusalem than Kirjath-jearim, and this appears to indicate either that Obed-edom had removed from his native place and was living near Jerusalem, or that “Perez-uzzah” was not far from Kirjath-jearim, and that the special fitness of Obed-edom to take charge of the Ark induced David to take it to his house, though at a greater distance from Jerusalem. The name Obed-edom (= servant of Edom) is peculiar. It may possibly refer to the servitude of some member of the family to the Edomites.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 6:10
Obed-edom was a Levite of the family of Merari, being 1 Chronicles 15:18-24; 1 Chronicles 16:38 a son of Jeduthun, who was a Merarite.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:10
10. Obed-edom — A Levite descended from Kohath, (see 1 Chronicles 26:8,) and afterwards honoured as one of the “doorkeepers for the ark.” 1 Chronicles 15:24.