Menu

2 Samuel 6:3

2 Samuel 6:3 in Multiple Translations

They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart,

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.

And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in the hill: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.

And they put the ark of God on a new cart and took it out of the house of Abinadab which was on the hill: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were the drivers of the cart.

They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab's house, which was on a hill. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab's sons, were directing the cart

And they put the Arke of God vpon a newe cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah. And Vzzah and Ahio the sonnes of Abinadab did driue the newe carte.

And they cause the ark of God to ride on a new cart, and lift it up from the house of Abinadab, which [is] in the height, and Uzzah and Ahio sons of Abinadab are leading the new cart;

They set God’s ark on a new cart, and brought it out of Abinadab’s house that was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.

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 drove the new cart.

And they laid the ark of God upon a new cart: and took it out of the house of Abinadab, who was in Gabaa: and Oza, and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.

The sacred chest was in the house of Abinadab, on top of a hill. They went there, and they put the chest on a new cart. Uzzah and Ahio, the two sons of Abinadab, were guiding the oxen that were pulling the cart.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 6:3

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 6:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּרְכִּ֜בוּ אֶת אֲר֤וֹן הָֽ/אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל עֲגָלָ֣ה חֲדָשָׁ֔ה וַ/יִּשָּׂאֻ֔/הוּ מִ/בֵּ֥ית אֲבִינָדָ֖ב אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּ/גִּבְעָ֑ה וְ/עֻזָּ֣א וְ/אַחְי֗וֹ בְּנֵי֙ אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב נֹהֲגִ֖ים אֶת הָ/עֲגָלָ֥ה חֲדָשָֽׁה
וַ/יַּרְכִּ֜בוּ râkab H7392 to ride Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אֲר֤וֹן ʼârôwn H727 ark N-cs
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
עֲגָלָ֣ה ʻăgâlâh H5699 cart N-fs
חֲדָשָׁ֔ה châdâsh H2319 new Adj
וַ/יִּשָּׂאֻ֔/הוּ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
מִ/בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms
אֲבִינָדָ֖ב ʼĂbîynâdâb H41 Abinadab N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בַּ/גִּבְעָ֑ה gibʻâh H1389 Gibeat Prep | N-fs
וְ/עֻזָּ֣א ʻUzzâʼ H5798 Uzza Conj | N-proper
וְ/אַחְי֗וֹ ʼAchyôw H283 Ahio Conj | N-proper
בְּנֵי֙ bên H1121 son N-mp
אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב ʼĂbîynâdâb H41 Abinadab N-proper
נֹהֲגִ֖ים nâhag H5090 to lead V-Qal
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/עֲגָלָ֥ה ʻăgâlâh H5699 cart Art | N-fs
חֲדָשָֽׁה châdâsh H2319 new Adj
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 6:3

וַ/יַּרְכִּ֜בוּ râkab H7392 "to ride" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
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.
אֲר֤וֹן 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.
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
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.
עֲגָלָ֣ה ʻăgâlâh H5699 "cart" N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to a wheeled vehicle, such as a cart or wagon. It appears in the Bible, describing transportation and trade. The word is often translated as 'cart', 'chariot', or 'wagon'.
Definition: cart, wagon
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cart, chariot, wagon See also: Genesis 45:19; 1 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 46:10.
חֲדָשָׁ֔ה châdâsh H2319 "new" Adj
The Hebrew word for new or fresh, used to describe something recently created or renewed, as seen in God's creation of a new heaven and earth. It emphasizes the idea of something being recent or modern.
Definition: new, new thing, fresh Aramaic equivalent: cha.dat (חֲדַ֑ת "new" H2323)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fresh, new thing. See also: Exodus 1:8; Psalms 40:4; Psalms 33:3.
וַ/יִּשָּׂאֻ֔/הוּ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
מִ/בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" Prep | 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.
אֲבִינָדָ֖ב ʼĂbîynâdâb H41 "Abinadab" N-proper
Abinadab was the name of several Israelites, including a man who sheltered the ark and a brother of King David. His name means 'my father is noble' or 'my father is willing'. These men played important roles in biblical history.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.11; father of: Ben-abinadab (H1125) § Abinadab = "my father is noble" or "my father is willing" 1) a man of Gibeah who sheltered the ark 2) second son of Jesse, David's older brother 3) a son of Saul, slain with him by the Philistines
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Abinadab. See also: 1 Samuel 7:1; 2 Samuel 6:4; 1 Chronicles 13:7.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/גִּבְעָ֑ה gibʻâh H1389 "Gibeat" Prep | N-fs
Gibeat refers to a small hill, with the name meaning hill, and is another spelling of Gibeah. It appears in various KJV translations as hill or little hill.
Definition: This name means hill Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: hill, little hill. See also: Genesis 49:26; Isaiah 30:17; Psalms 65:13.
וְ/עֻזָּ֣א ʻUzzâʼ H5798 "Uzza" Conj | N-proper
Uzza is a person's name, meaning strength, and is found in the book of Ezra, referring to a Levite who lived during the Exile and Return.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.49 § Uzza or Uzzah = "strength" a Merarite Levite
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Uzza, Uzzah. See also: 2 Samuel 6:3; 1 Chronicles 8:7; Nehemiah 7:51.
וְ/אַחְי֗וֹ ʼAchyôw H283 "Ahio" Conj | N-proper
Ahio was a man from the tribe of Benjamin, son of Abiel and Maacah, and brother of several notable men. His name means 'brotherly' and he is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:31.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.8.31; son of: Abiel (H0022) and Maacah (H4601N); brother of: Kish (H7027), Ner (H5369), Abdon (H5658J), Zur (H6698I), Baal (H1168B), Nadab (H5070J), Gedor (H1446I), Zecher (H2144) and Mikloth (H4732) § Ahio = "brotherly" or "fraternal" 1) son of Abinadab who sheltered the ark 2) a Benjamite 3) another Benjamite of Saul's ancestry
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ahio. See also: 2 Samuel 6:3; 1 Chronicles 8:31; 1 Chronicles 13:7.
בְּנֵי֙ bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב ʼĂbîynâdâb H41 "Abinadab" N-proper
Abinadab was the name of several Israelites, including a man who sheltered the ark and a brother of King David. His name means 'my father is noble' or 'my father is willing'. These men played important roles in biblical history.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.11; father of: Ben-abinadab (H1125) § Abinadab = "my father is noble" or "my father is willing" 1) a man of Gibeah who sheltered the ark 2) second son of Jesse, David's older brother 3) a son of Saul, slain with him by the Philistines
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Abinadab. See also: 1 Samuel 7:1; 2 Samuel 6:4; 1 Chronicles 13:7.
נֹהֲגִ֖ים nâhag H5090 "to lead" V-Qal
To moan means to sigh or lament, like in Psalm 77:3 when the psalmist moaned in his sleepless night. It can also mean to lead or guide someone, like in 1 Samuel 25:42 when Abigail led her maids to follow David.
Definition: 1) to drive, lead, guide, conduct 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drive, lead on, drive away, drive off 1a2) to behave itself (fig.) (of heart) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to drive away, lead off 1b2) to lead on, guide, guide on 1b3) to cause to drive
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: acquaint, bring (away), carry away, drive (away), lead (away, forth), (be) guide, lead (away, forth). See also: Genesis 31:18; 1 Chronicles 20:1; Psalms 48:15.
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.
הָ/עֲגָלָ֥ה ʻăgâlâh H5699 "cart" Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to a wheeled vehicle, such as a cart or wagon. It appears in the Bible, describing transportation and trade. The word is often translated as 'cart', 'chariot', or 'wagon'.
Definition: cart, wagon
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cart, chariot, wagon See also: Genesis 45:19; 1 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 46:10.
חֲדָשָֽׁה châdâsh H2319 "new" Adj
The Hebrew word for new or fresh, used to describe something recently created or renewed, as seen in God's creation of a new heaven and earth. It emphasizes the idea of something being recent or modern.
Definition: new, new thing, fresh Aramaic equivalent: cha.dat (חֲדַ֑ת "new" H2323)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fresh, new thing. See also: Exodus 1:8; Psalms 40:4; Psalms 33:3.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 6:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 6:7 Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up.
2 Numbers 7:4–9 And the LORD said to Moses, “Accept these gifts from them, that they may be used in the work of the Tent of Meeting. And give them to the Levites, to each man according to his service.” So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. He gave the Gershonites two carts and four oxen, as their service required, and he gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen, as their service required, all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.
3 Numbers 4:5–12 Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it. And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles. They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand used for light, together with its lamps, wick trimmers, and trays, as well as the jars of oil with which to supply it. Then they shall wrap it and all its utensils inside a covering of fine leather and put it on the carrying frame. Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles. They are to take all the utensils for serving in the sanctuary, place them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and put them on the carrying frame.

2 Samuel 6:3 Summary

This verse is about the Israelites trying to move the ark of God to a new location, but they did it in a way that wasn't in line with God's instructions. They put the ark on a new cart, which was not how God had told them to transport it, as seen in Numbers 4:15. This teaches us that we need to be careful to follow God's commands and approach Him with reverence, just like the Israelites should have done when handling the ark. By following God's instructions, we can show our love and respect for Him, just as we are called to do in John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did they put the ark of God on a new cart?

They put the ark of God on a new cart because they were trying to transport it to a new location, but this method was not in line with God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 4:15 and Deuteronomy 31:9, which emphasize the importance of handling the ark with reverence and according to specific guidelines.

Who were Uzzah and Ahio, and why were they guiding the cart?

Uzzah and Ahio were the sons of Abinadab, and they were guiding the new cart because their father's house had been entrusted with the care of the ark, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 6:3, and they were likely trying to ensure its safe transport.

Was it wrong for them to use a cart to transport the ark?

Yes, it was wrong because God had given specific instructions on how the ark was to be transported, which involved the Levites carrying it on their shoulders using poles, as seen in Exodus 25:14 and Numbers 4:15, to emphasize the reverence and care with which it should be handled.

What can we learn from this verse about our relationship with God?

This verse teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to approach Him with reverence and respect, as seen in Psalm 95:6 and Isaiah 6:1-5, which emphasize the holiness of God and our need to worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I try to 'transport' God into my life, and are these methods in line with His instructions?
  2. How can I show reverence and respect for God in my daily life, just as the Israelites were supposed to do when handling the ark?
  3. What are some areas where I may be trying to 'guide the cart' instead of letting God lead, and how can I surrender these areas to Him?
  4. How can I balance my desire to celebrate and worship God with the need to approach Him with reverence and respect, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:5 and Psalm 100:1-5?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 6:3

And they set the ark of God upon a new cart,.... Which was a great mistake, since it ought not to have been put upon a cart, old or new; it was to be borne upon men's shoulders, and carried by

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 6:3

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:3

They set the ark upon a new cart; being taught and encouraged to do so by the example of the Philistines, who did so without any token of God’ s displeasure upon them for so doing. But they did not sufficiently consider that God might wink at the Philistines, because they were ignorant of God’ s laws; and yet be angry with them for the same thing, because they knew, or might and should have known, the law of God, which commanded the priests to bear it upon their shoulders, ,15 7:9. But their present transports of joy at, the happy change of their affairs, and their greedy desire of having the ark removed, make them hasty and inconsiderate. In Gibeah; or, on the hill, as . Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab; for Abinadab himself seems now to have been dead, or at least detained at home through infirmity or indispensable occasions.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:3

2 Samuel 6:3 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.Ver. 3. And they set the ark of God upon a new cart.] After the example of the Philistines, but not after God’ s command. It was no good that Israelites could learn of Philistines: and that which God will take from Philistines he will not brook from Israel. The staff rings that were upon the ark might have minded the Kohathites of their duty; but it may be that they thought it was a long way from Kirjathjearim to Jerusalem, and were willing to be eased of the burden.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:3

(3) Upon a new cart.—The new cart, one which had been used for no other purpose, was doubtless intended as a mark of respect (comp. 1 Samuel 6:7); yet it was a violation of the law (Numbers 7:9), requiring that the ark should be borne by the Levites. It is not necessary to suppose that David intended to violate the law; but the ark having been left neglected for more than two generations, the exact requirements in regard to it may easily have passed out of mind. Abinadab that was in Gibeah.—Rather, in the hill, as the same word is translated in 1 Samuel 7:1. Abinadab himself may have been long since dead, and Uzzah and Ahio may have been either his sons, now advanced in life, or his grandsons.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:3

Verse 3. A new cart] Every thing used in the worship of God was hallowed or set apart for that purpose: a new cart was used through respect, as that had never been applied to any profane or common purpose. But this was not sufficient, for the ark should have been carried on the shoulders of the priests; and the neglect of this ceremony was the cause of the death of Uzzah.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 6:3

3, 4. The text of these verses is corrupt. Some words have been accidentally repeated by a scribe in copying the Hebrew, and should be struck out, on the authority of the LXX., and the end of 2 Samuel 6:3 and 2 Samuel 6:4 read thus: “Now Uzzah and Ahio the sons of Abinadab were driving the cart with the Ark of God, and Ahio was going before he Ark.” 2 Samuel 6:4 is omitted altogether in 1 Chr. It is doubtful moreover whether Ahio is a proper name at all. The same consonants with different vowels would mean his brethren, as the Sept. renders the word here, or his brother, as the Vulg. renders it in 1 Chronicles 13:7.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 6:3

The house of Abinadab in Gibeah - . Rather, on the hill (as in margin and 1 Samuel 7:1).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:3

3. A new cart — Like that which the Philistine diviners ordered for the removal of this same ark from their coasts. 1 Samuel 6:7. Strange carelessness on the part of the Israelites, amounting to sacrilege.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 6:3

SermonDescription
David Ravenhill The Presence of God - Part 2 by David Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker addresses the anger and setbacks that the people of God are experiencing. He believes that God is using these challenges to discipline and correct the c
Zac Poonen The Word of God Divides Between Soul and Spirit by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical distinction between the soul and spirit as outlined in Hebrews 4:12, illustrating how many Christians today operate from a soulish perspective ra
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo
George Warnock The Ark Brought Back by George Warnock George Warnock preaches about the importance of seeking God's way and intention for His people, emphasizing the need for revival, restoration, and renewal. He warns against relying
F.B. Meyer They Set the Ark of God Upon a New Cart. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, using the example of the Ark of God being placed on a new cart instead of being carried by the Levites as instr
T. Austin-Sparks The Intrusion of Natural Life in the Service of God by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the danger of allowing natural life and worldly methods to intrude into the service of God, warning that Christianity has often become a mere outward sy
John Nelson Darby On the Covering of the Holy Vessels Numbers 4 by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby explores the significance of the coverings of the holy vessels in Numbers 4, emphasizing how each item reflects different aspects of Christ's nature and ministry.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate