2 Samuel 6:12 kjv
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.
2 Samuel 6:12 nkjv
Now it was told King David, saying, "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 brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness.
2 Samuel 6:12 niv
Now King David was told, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God." So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.
2 Samuel 6:12 esv
And it was told King David, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing.
2 Samuel 6:12 nlt
Then King David was told, "The LORD has blessed Obed-edom's household and everything he has because of the Ark of God." So David went there and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with a great celebration.
2 Samuel 6 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 6:1-11 | David... fetched the ark... Uzzah reached out... God struck him... David was afraid... "How can the ark... come to me?" So David did not... but took it aside... into the house of Obed-Edom... | Immediate context of Uzzah's death and David's initial fear. |
| 1 Chr 13:9-14 | When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah put out his hand... God struck him... David was afraid... "How can I bring the ark... to me?" So David took it not into the city... but carried it aside... to the house of Obed-Edom... the Lord blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had. | Parallel account of Uzzah and Obed-Edom's blessing. |
| 1 Sam 4:10-11 | And the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated... The ark of God was captured... | Ark's previous captivity causing Israel's misfortune. |
| 1 Sam 5:1-12 | ...the Philistines had taken the ark of God... put it in the house of Dagon... captured the ark of God. | Ark bringing curses/plagues upon Philistines due to improper handling. |
| 1 Sam 6:1-16 | ...ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven months. And they called for the priests and the diviners... | Philistines returning the Ark due to divine judgment. |
| Num 4:15 | When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary... then after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it, but they shall not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the burdens of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting. | Specific instructions for carrying holy objects, by Kohathite Levites on poles, not by cart. |
| Psa 132:8 | Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. | Psalm associated with the Ark's journey and dwelling. |
| Psa 68:24-25 | Your procession is seen, O God, the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary— the singers in front, the musicians last, between them virgins playing tambourines. | Reflects the joyful procession associated with bringing the Ark. |
| Exod 25:10-22 | They shall make an ark of acacia wood... two cubits and a half was its length... You shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I will give you. There I will meet with you... | Divine instructions for the Ark's construction and purpose. |
| Deut 28:2-6 | And all these blessings shall come upon you... Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field... Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb... | General principle of God's blessings for obedience. |
| Prov 10:22 | The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. | Confirmation of divine blessing bringing prosperity. |
| Gen 39:2-3, 5 | The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a prosperous man... the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house and in the field. | Example of divine blessing extending to the household of a believer (or someone God is with). |
| Psa 24:7-10 | Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! | Reflects the triumphant entry of God's presence into the city/Temple. |
| 2 Sam 7:1-17 | ...when David lived in his house... the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies... Then the Lord revealed to Nathan his word: ... "Moreover, I will appoint a place for my people Israel... " | Following the Ark's arrival, God makes the Davidic Covenant. |
| 1 Chr 26:4-5 | Also Obed-Edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn... for God blessed him. | Specific details of Obed-Edom's blessing, highlighting his many children. |
| Psa 16:11 | You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. | Connects God's presence with joy. |
| Psa 30:11-12 | You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. | Reflects David's personal transformation from fear/mourning to joy. |
| Heb 4:16 | Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. | New Covenant principle: drawing near to God's presence, not with fear, but confidence (due to Christ). |
| Exod 40:34-35 | Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle... because the cloud abode on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. | God's glorious presence filling His dwelling place. |
| Luke 10:5-6 | Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!' And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. | Principle of blessing extending to a household from the presence of God's messengers/message. |
| Phil 4:19 | And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. | New Testament concept of God's abundant provision, echoing the blessing on Obed-Edom. |
| Col 3:15-17 | And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. | Emphasizes gratitude and joyful worship in God's presence, akin to David's celebration. |
2 Samuel 6 verses
2 Samuel 6 12 Meaning
The verse marks a pivotal moment in King David's reign, indicating his renewed decision to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. After observing three months of significant blessing on Obed-Edom's household due to the Ark's presence, David understood that God's holiness, though fearsome, also brings abundant prosperity and favor when reverently handled. This news changed David's prior fear and reluctance into joyful resolve, prompting him to move the Ark to the capital with celebration.
2 Samuel 6 12 Context
Chapter 6 of 2 Samuel describes David's first and second attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The immediate context of verse 12 is David's failure in the first attempt (2 Sam 6:1-8), which resulted in Uzzah's death when he touched the Ark in an attempt to steady it on a new cart. This tragic event filled David with fear and dismay (2 Sam 6:9-10), causing him to leave the Ark at the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months. Historically and culturally, the Ark represented the very presence of God among His people, the visible sign of His covenant and power. Its proper handling was dictated by Mosaic Law, emphasizing God's holiness and man's impurity. Uzzah's death reinforced the severe consequences of violating God's commands regarding His sacred objects, causing David to pause and reconsider how he was to approach the divine presence. Verse 12 serves as the turning point: David hears that the Ark, far from being a source of solely dread, has brought immense blessings upon Obed-Edom's household, indicating that God's presence brings prosperity and favor when respected. This news prompts David to correct his understanding and re-attempt the transfer, this time with joyful and proper reverence.
2 Samuel 6 12 Word Analysis
- And it was told King David: The dissemination of information. This "telling" marks a turning point, implying that the positive news about Obed-Edom's prosperity was widespread and noteworthy. King David's reception of this information directly impacts his subsequent actions, demonstrating the influence of God's evident work.
- The Lord has blessed: YHWH Barach (יְהוָה בֵּרַךְ). This highlights that the blessing came directly from God (Yahweh), emphasizing divine initiative. "Blessed" indicates a tangible, measurable increase in prosperity, well-being, and fruitfulness. It stands in stark contrast to the judgment Uzzah experienced, revealing the dual nature of God's holiness as both fearsome and benevolent.
- The house of Obed-Edom: Bayit Obed-Edom (בֵּית עֹבֵד אֱדֹם). "House" signifies not just the physical dwelling, but the entire household – family members, servants, property, and livestock. This comprehensive blessing underscored the potent nature of the Ark's presence. Obed-Edom is referred to as a Gittite (2 Sam 6:10), possibly meaning he was from Gath-Rimmon (a Levitical city in Dan) or from Gath (a Philistine city). If the latter, it would signify God's blessing extended even to a foreigner when His presence was honored. Regardless, he was a person prepared to receive the Ark and was blessed because of it, potentially a Levite from the Kohathite clan.
- And all that belongs to him: This reinforces the holistic nature of the blessing, extending to every aspect of his life and possessions.
- Because of the ark of God: Al-aron ha'Elohim (עַל־אֲרוֹן הָאֱלֹהִים). This establishes a direct, undeniable causal link. The Ark, representing God's active presence, was the singular reason for Obed-Edom's prosperity. This provided concrete evidence that God's presence, when reverently hosted, brings abundant good.
- So David went and brought up: A determined and active phrase. "Went" indicates David's personal decision and movement. "Brought up" shows a deliberate and planned action to relocate the Ark, correcting his previous error and fear-induced abandonment.
- The ark of God: The physical embodiment of God's presence and covenant with Israel, central to Israelite worship. Its successful relocation to Jerusalem was crucial for solidifying both David's kingship and the spiritual center of the nation.
- From the house of Obed-Edom into the city of David: The specified journey, from a temporary private residence to the national capital. This move symbolizes the proper placement of God's presence within the heart of Israel, uniting political and spiritual authority in Jerusalem. "City of David" refers to Jerusalem, specifically the area conquered by David.
- With rejoicing: B'simcha (בְּשִׂמְחָה). This crucial detail reflects David's changed heart and understanding. The previous attempt was marked by fear and dismay (Uzzah's death); this one is characterized by joy and celebration. It suggests a proper reverence born not of terror but of joyous appreciation for God's holy, benevolent presence. This contrasts with Philistine relief when returning the Ark (1 Sam 6:13), here it's about the people of God joyfully embracing His presence.
2 Samuel 6 12 Bonus Section
The detail that Obed-Edom was a Gittite (mentioned in the preceding verse 6:10 and its parallel 1 Chr 13:13) can refer to someone from Gath, a Philistine city. If this interpretation is taken, it would highlight God's sovereign blessing upon anyone, even a non-Israelite, who reveres and properly accommodates His holy presence, underscoring that God's favor is not exclusive to a specific ethnicity but based on adherence to His principles. Alternatively, he could be a Levite from the Kohathite clan residing in Gath-Rimmon (a Levitical city in the territory of Dan, Jos 21:24-25), who were specifically responsible for carrying the Ark on poles (Num 4:15). This interpretation would align with the eventual understanding David gains for the Ark's proper transport. The significant number of descendants for Obed-Edom (1 Chr 26:4-5) centuries later suggests that the "blessing" was indeed multi-generational and sustained, affirming God's continued favor upon his lineage because of his family's faithful guardianship of the Ark. The verse implies that David took time to learn from his initial failure, observing the effects of God's presence before acting again, which is a powerful model for learning spiritual lessons through observation and experience.
2 Samuel 6 12 Commentary
This verse is a profound lesson in understanding God's nature. David's initial reaction to Uzzah's death was fear and withdrawal, mistakenly associating the Ark solely with judgment. However, the three-month testimony of Obed-Edom's remarkable blessing demonstrated that God's holiness, though demanding reverence, is fundamentally benevolent and life-giving. The Lord’s blessing was a clear, tangible sign of His pleasure and affirmation for one who correctly accommodated His presence. This revelation corrected David's perspective, moving him from an unhealthy terror to a proper awe coupled with joyful anticipation. It underscores that while God demands purity and respect in approaching Him, His ultimate desire is to bless those who walk rightly before Him and welcome His presence. David's subsequent actions, involving music, sacrifice, and joyful procession, showcase this reformed understanding, leading to Jerusalem becoming the spiritual capital and paving the way for the Temple.
- Example 1 (Changed Perspective): Like a person who once feared a strict teacher but later learns the teacher's methods bring great success, leading to appreciation and enthusiasm rather than dread.
- Example 2 (Obedience Brings Blessing): Similar to how a farmer diligently follows specific instructions for planting a crop and reaps an abundant harvest, showing that careful adherence to God's "instructions" (like the proper way to move the Ark) brings His favor.