2 Samuel 6 13

2 Samuel 6:13 kjv

And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

2 Samuel 6:13 nkjv

And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep.

2 Samuel 6:13 niv

When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.

2 Samuel 6:13 esv

And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.

2 Samuel 6:13 nlt

After the men who were carrying the Ark of the LORD had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.

2 Samuel 6 verses

2 Samuel 6 13 Meaning

2 Samuel 6:13 details David's actions during the successful second attempt to bring the Ark of the Lord into Jerusalem. After the priests, bearing the Ark according to divine instruction, had moved just "six paces," David offered significant sacrifices of oxen and fatted animals. This act demonstrates David's renewed reverence, the learning of obedience to God's prescribed method of handling the Ark after Uzzah's death, and his deep gratitude for God's approval and presence. It marks a moment of purification, thanksgiving, and a commitment to a God-centered approach.

2 Samuel 6 13 Context

This verse is part of the narrative concerning David's relocation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, establishing it as the religious and political capital of Israel. Following an initial disastrous attempt (2 Sam 6:1-11), where Uzzah was struck dead for touching the Ark, David paused and learned the proper divine instructions for its handling. The first attempt involved moving the Ark on a new cart, contravening the Law, which stipulated that it must be carried by Levites on poles.

After the Ark resided safely for three months in the house of Obed-Edom, bringing him great blessing, David recognized God's favor and decided to try again. This second attempt, as detailed in 2 Samuel 6:12-19 and mirrored in 1 Chronicles 15, is marked by careful adherence to God's commands. The "six paces" followed by sacrifices (verse 13) signify a shift from casual approach to profound reverence and worship, underscoring the vital lesson David learned about God's holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His own terms. This was a critical step in establishing correct worship in Israel.

2 Samuel 6 13 Word analysis

• And it was so: (Hebrew: וַיְהִ֕י vayhi) Signifies an immediate consequence or progression of events. It implies that the event described followed directly from the previous context, which was the safe transport of the Ark from Obed-Edom's house.

• that when they that bare: (Hebrew: כִּי֩ צָעֲד֨וּ נֹשְׂאֵי֩ ki tsa'adu nos'ei)

  • "they that bare": This explicitly refers to the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, who were commanded to carry the Ark by means of its poles on their shoulders (Num 4:15; 1 Chr 15:2). This highlights the fundamental correction from the first failed attempt where a cart was used. David had learned the proper way.

• the ark of the Lord: (Hebrew: אֲר֥וֹן יְהוָ֑ה aron YHWH) This phrase emphasizes the divine nature and ultimate sacredness of the object. "Lord" (YHWH) stresses God's covenant relationship with Israel and His holy presence associated with the Ark. The Ark represented God's throne among His people and was the most sacred object in Israel's worship.

• had gone six paces: (Hebrew: שִׁשָּׁ֣ה צְעָדוֹת֒ shishah tse'adot)

  • "six paces": This precise detail indicates a measured, cautious movement. It implies a trial period, a brief test of God's acceptance and blessing after each segment of the journey. There's no explicit biblical command for such a practice. However, it signifies David's humility, perhaps a collective sigh of relief or gratitude that after these initial steps, God had not struck anyone down. It could represent an early checkpoint to ensure continued divine favor. It shows that they proceeded not casually, but with careful, prayerful observance, possibly offering a thanksgiving sacrifice at these intervals to confirm divine approval before proceeding further.

• he sacrificed: (Hebrew: וַיִּזְבַּ֕ח vayyizbaḥ from zavah) The verb implies killing and offering for worship. Although David was not a priest, kings often acted in a priestly leadership capacity, particularly in providing the animals and overseeing communal sacrifices. It implies a communal offering under his authority and leadership.

• oxen and fatlings: (Hebrew: בָּקָ֖ר וּמְרִיאִֽים baqar u'mri'im)

  • "oxen": Mature cattle, often used for burnt offerings (Lev 1:3-9), symbolizing complete dedication or atonement.
  • "fatlings": Fatted animals (often sheep or goats), representing the choicest and most valuable of the herd (Mal 1:8). They would typically be used for peace offerings (Lev 3:1-5), signifying fellowship with God and thanksgiving. The offering of the best indicates a lavish and wholehearted dedication, demonstrating David’s earnestness, relief, and gratitude, emphasizing the high cost and sincerity of his worship. This costly sacrifice underscored the profound joy and the sense of renewed divine favor David and the people experienced.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "they that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces": This phrase emphasizes a deliberate, cautious progression. The correction from the previous error is clear: the Ark is now being borne by the appointed carriers, and not on a cart. The "six paces" suggests that David and the procession were not presumptuous, but actively seeking God's ongoing favor and approval after a short distance, a sign of their humility and newfound reverence for God's holiness. It represents a 'stop-and-check' mentality, ensuring continuous divine endorsement of the journey.
  • "he sacrificed oxen and fatlings": This represents David's immediate response to what he perceived as divine acceptance and safety for the initial steps. The scale and quality of the sacrifice—costly "oxen and fatlings"—demonstrate David's profound gratitude, joy, and perhaps penitence for the previous failure. These were substantial offerings likely encompassing burnt offerings for atonement and commitment, and peace offerings for fellowship and thanksgiving. This lavish act cemented the idea that the Ark's successful movement was entirely dependent on God's grace and Israel's obedience.

2 Samuel 6 13 Bonus section

• The specificity of "six paces" in this text, compared to "when they had gone a ways" (1 Chron 15:26 in some translations), emphasizes the intense scrutiny and immediate gratitude David demonstrated. While not a prescriptive command, it signifies the cautious yet jubilant atmosphere that had been absent in the first attempt.
• The nature of the sacrifices (burnt offerings for total dedication and peace offerings for fellowship) indicates a desire for renewed right relationship with God and a celebratory expression of that relationship restored.
• This verse can be seen as an early example of Israel learning the difficult but essential lesson that God is holy and must be approached on His terms. It foreshadows the continued biblical emphasis on internal righteousness accompanying external religious practice.

2 Samuel 6 13 Commentary

2 Samuel 6:13 encapsulates a pivotal moment in David's reign, marking a shift from careless enthusiasm to consecrated worship. After the devastating loss of Uzzah, David profoundly re-evaluated his approach to God's holiness. This verse highlights his commitment to obeying the divine stipulations concerning the Ark. The previous attempt was characterized by innovation (a new cart), but this one by meticulous adherence to God's instructions regarding carrying the Ark by the Levites.

The detail of "six paces" followed by sacrifice signifies a newfound humility and caution. It reflects David's realization that every step of the Ark's journey, symbolic of God's presence among His people, required divine approval and thanksgiving. This was not a perfunctory act but a costly, deliberate offering of oxen and choice fatlings, demonstrating a heart of gratitude and wholehearted devotion. David, as the king, leads the people in this communal act of worship, showing that righteous leadership involves facilitating proper approaches to God. This sacrifice served not only as thanksgiving for God's forbearance but also as a continued prayer for His blessings upon the remaining journey, establishing a pattern of seeking God's constant presence and approval.