2 Samuel 6 1

2 Samuel 6:1 kjv

Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.

2 Samuel 6:1 nkjv

Again David gathered all the choice men of Israel, thirty thousand.

2 Samuel 6:1 niv

David again brought together all the able young men of Israel?thirty thousand.

2 Samuel 6:1 esv

David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.

2 Samuel 6:1 nlt

Then David again gathered all the elite troops in Israel, 30,000 in all.

2 Samuel 6 verses

2 Samuel 6 1 Meaning

David, in a significant national undertaking, once more assembled a massive force comprising thirty thousand of Israel's finest and strongest men. This assembly marked the commencement of his monumental effort to transport the Ark of the Covenant, the tangible symbol of God's dwelling presence among His people, from its temporary dwelling in Kirjath-Jearim to the newly established capital, Jerusalem. This act was central to David's vision of consolidating both political and spiritual authority within his reign.

2 Samuel 6 1 Context

Following his anointing as king over all Israel (2 Sam 5:1-5) and his decisive capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, establishing it as his capital (2 Sam 5:6-10), David's next paramount task was to bring the Ark of the Covenant to this new political center. For decades, since its capture by the Philistines and subsequent return to Israel, the Ark had remained largely neglected at the house of Abinadab in Kirjath-Jearim (1 Sam 7:1-2). David understood that for Jerusalem to be truly the spiritual capital and for his kingdom to be legitimately founded upon God's favor, the symbol of God's covenant presence must reside within the city. Thus, 2 Samuel 6:1 initiates the highly anticipated and crucial first attempt by King David to retrieve the Ark, underscoring the spiritual importance attached to this political move.

2 Samuel 6 1 Word analysis

• Again (וַיֹּסֶף, vayyosef): This Hebrew word literally means "and he added" or "he continued." In context, it signifies a renewed or intensified effort on David's part. It marks the resumption of a significant national initiative under David's leadership, emphasizing that this was not a spontaneous act but a deliberate and substantial undertaking, perhaps even grander in scale than previous military gatherings. It indicates a fresh phase in his kingship focused on centralizing the national worship of God.
• David (דָּוִיד, David): Refers to the newly established and unifying king of Israel. His personal involvement and leadership are highlighted, indicating that this grand assembly and the Ark's retrieval were not a mere ceremonial act but a deeply personal and political priority for him, underscoring his devotion and strategic vision for the nation.
• gathered (קָהַל, qahal): This verb means to assemble, collect, or convene. It implies a formal and intentional convocation. The root is related to the noun "qahal," meaning "assembly" or "congregation." This was not an informal grouping but a highly organized and significant national mobilization, indicating the seriousness and formality of the endeavor to bring the Ark.
• all the chosen men (כָּל־בַּחוּרֵי, kol-bachurei): "All" (`כָּל`, kol) emphasizes completeness or totality. "Chosen men" (`בַּחוּרֵי`, bachurei) refers to selected or picked men, specifically young, strong, and able-bodied individuals, typically those fit for military service. This phrase implies a select elite force, representing the prime strength and readiness of the nation. It highlights that the very best resources of Israel were deployed for this sacred task, demonstrating its paramount importance to David and the kingdom.
• of Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el): Designates the entire unified nation, composed of the twelve tribes. This signifies that the gathering was not tribal or regional but represented the unified might and purpose of the entire people under their new king, making the endeavor a true national event rather than a local effort.
• thirty thousand (שְׁלֹשִׁים אֶלֶף, shloshim elef): This large, precise number conveys the immense scale and magnitude of the assembly. It suggests not only a security escort for the sacred Ark but also a powerful display of Davidic authority, national unity, and fervent devotion. The sheer number underscores the gravity, grandiosity, and perceived significance of the event in David's eyes, intending to bring a comprehensive and secure process for the Ark's relocation.

• Words-group analysis:
  • "Again David gathered": This phrase immediately places the initiative squarely on King David, showcasing his proactive leadership and renewed focus on this national sacred task. It highlights his intentionality and determination to rectify the Ark's displaced status.
  • "all the chosen men of Israel": This group of words emphasizes both the national unity achieved under David's reign and the quality and dedication of the forces assembled. It was a mobilization of the elite, signifying that the task was deemed worthy of the nation's best and strongest.
  • "thirty thousand": This number highlights the colossal scale of the undertaking, reflecting David's vision for a grand and public relocation of the Ark. It speaks to the national emphasis and strategic significance placed on bringing God's tangible presence into the capital, a logistical and symbolic marvel.

2 Samuel 6 1 Bonus section

• The colossal number of 30,000 men not only indicated military readiness and the protective measures for the Ark but also served as a visible display of David's established authority and the newfound unity of the kingdom under his rule. It was a demonstration of strength that paralleled the spiritual gravity of the event.
• While the verse only states "chosen men," the broader context of 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13 makes it clear that the ultimate purpose of this immense gathering was to retrieve and transport the Ark of God to Jerusalem, thereby centralizing worship and divine presence within David's capital city. This religious purpose profoundly elevated the significance of this assembly beyond mere military review.
• The phrase "again David gathered" (וַיֹּסֶף, vayyosef) also implies a determined and continued resolve on David's part to establish God's centrality. This event follows David's securing of his kingdom and capital, thus representing a spiritual consolidation that mirrors his political achievements.

2 Samuel 6 1 Commentary

2 Samuel 6:1 opens a pivotal narrative in David's reign, marking his concerted effort to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The gathering of "all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand" signifies the immense importance David attached to this task. This was not merely a military procession but a national religious revival. By assembling such a formidable force, David underscored that bringing God's presence into the heart of his kingdom was central to its legitimacy and strength. It was a theological statement—that Yahweh was the true king of Israel and His presence must be enshrined within the new capital. While the intentions were grand and devoted, the scale also serves as a poignant contrast to the flawed methodology (transporting the Ark on a cart, contrary to Mosaic law) that tragically emerged later in the chapter, ultimately highlighting that God's holy presence demands not only zeal but also strict obedience to His commands.