2 Samuel 6:2
And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֣קָם׀
arose
H6965
וַיָּ֣קָם׀
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 23
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 23
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָם֙
with all the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
with all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 23
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִתּ֔וֹ
H854
אִתּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 23
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
יְהוּדָ֑ה
that were with him from Baale of Judah
H1184
יְהוּדָ֑ה
that were with him from Baale of Judah
Strong's:
H1184
Word #:
9 of 23
baale-jehudah, a place in palestine
לְהַֽעֲל֣וֹת
to bring up
H5927
לְהַֽעֲל֣וֹת
to bring up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
10 of 23
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
מִשָּׁ֗ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֗ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
11 of 23
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
14 of 23
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִקְרָ֣א
is called
H7121
נִקְרָ֣א
is called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
16 of 23
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שֵׁ֣ם
by the name
H8034
שֵׁ֣ם
by the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
17 of 23
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
שֵׁ֣ם
by the name
H8034
שֵׁ֣ם
by the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
18 of 23
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֧ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֧ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
19 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֛וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֛וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
20 of 23
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
that dwelleth
H3427
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
that dwelleth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Cross References
1 Samuel 4:4So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.Psalms 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.1 Samuel 7:1And the men of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.1 Peter 1:12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.Isaiah 54:5For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.Isaiah 47:4As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of reverence in worship, God's holiness?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.
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.