How does 2 Samuel 6:13 connect with other biblical teachings on sacrifice? Six Paces and an Offering—2 Samuel 6:13 “When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.” Why David Paused to Sacrifice • The ark signified God’s holy presence; sacrifice acknowledged His absolute holiness. • David had recently seen Uzzah die for touching the ark (6:6–7). He now approaches with reverent bloodshed, fulfilling Leviticus 17:11—“for the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” • Six steps underscore man’s work-week number (Genesis 1). After six days comes rest; after six paces comes worship. Obedience precedes further progress. Echoes from the Law • Daily burnt offerings, morning and evening (Exodus 29:38-39), kept Israel in uninterrupted fellowship; David’s repeated offerings revive that rhythm. • Transporting the tabernacle always combined movement with sacrifice (Numbers 7:1-3, 15-17). David mirrors Moses’ pattern, showing continuity between tabernacle and monarchy. • Blood at the doorway before approaching God (Leviticus 1:3-5) parallels blood every few yards before the ark can enter Jerusalem. Parallels in Israel’s National Moments • 1 Chronicles 15:26—when “God helped the Levites… seven bulls and seven rams were sacrificed.” The Chronicler highlights divine aid and abundant offerings, reinforcing 2 Samuel 6:13. • Solomon’s temple dedication (1 Kings 8:62-64) lavished sacrifices as the ark settled in its final earthly resting place, amplifying David’s precedent. • Ezra 6:17 shows the post-exilic community imitating earlier kings by sacrificing at the temple’s re-dedication. Theological Threads Woven Together • Sacrifice affirms that access to God costs life; without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). • The ark’s journey foreshadows God’s greater dwelling among people through Christ—“Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). • Hebrews 10:10 declares the once-for-all fulfilment: “we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” David’s repeated oxen anticipate the ultimate single offering. Living the Six-Step Rhythm Today • Regular intervals of submission: every task, every “six paces,” is punctuated by conscious surrender. • Romans 12:1 calls believers to present their bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” David’s oxen become our daily obedience. • Worship propels mission; sacrifice is not the end but the way to carry God’s presence farther into the world, step after step. |
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