2 Samuel 6:12
Now it was reported to King David, "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 had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing.
Now it was reported to King David
This phrase indicates a moment of revelation and communication. The Hebrew root for "reported" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or make known. This suggests that the news was significant and carried weight, prompting action from King David. In the historical context, communication was often verbal and carried by messengers, emphasizing the importance of this report reaching the king.

The LORD has blessed
The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which conveys a sense of divine favor and prosperity. This blessing is directly attributed to the presence of the LORD, highlighting the covenant relationship between God and His people. Theologically, it underscores the belief that God's presence brings tangible benefits and prosperity.

the household of Obed-edom
Obed-edom was a Gittite, and his household experienced God's blessing due to the ark's presence. This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity of God's blessings, extending beyond Israel to those who honor Him. Historically, Obed-edom's household became a symbol of God's favor, demonstrating that proximity to the divine presence results in blessing.

and all that belongs to him
This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of God's blessing, affecting not just Obed-edom but everything associated with him. It reflects the holistic impact of divine favor, touching every aspect of life. Scripturally, it serves as a reminder of God's abundant provision and care for those who honor His presence.

because of the ark of God
The ark of God, representing God's presence and covenant, was central to Israel's worship and identity. The Hebrew word for "ark" is "אֲרוֹן" (aron), signifying a sacred chest. Theologically, the ark symbolizes God's throne on earth, and its presence signifies His active involvement in the lives of His people.

So David went and brought up the ark of God
David's action in bringing up the ark signifies a deliberate and reverent response to God's blessing. The phrase "brought up" suggests an elevation, both physically and spiritually, as the ark is moved to a place of prominence. Historically, this act was a pivotal moment in establishing Jerusalem as the religious center of Israel.

from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David
The movement of the ark from Obed-edom's house to the City of David (Jerusalem) marks a significant transition. Jerusalem, known as the City of David, was chosen as the political and spiritual capital of Israel. This relocation signifies the unification of the nation under God's rule and the centralization of worship.

with rejoicing
The Hebrew word for "rejoicing" is "שִׂמְחָה" (simchah), denoting joy and celebration. This phrase captures the communal and spiritual joy that accompanies the presence of God. It reflects the appropriate response to God's blessings and the fulfillment of His promises, inspiring worship and gratitude among His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King David
The second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

2. Obed-edom
A Gittite whose household was blessed by God during the time the Ark of the Covenant was in his care.

3. The Ark of God
Also known as the Ark of the Covenant, it symbolized God's presence and was central to Israelite worship.

4. The City of David
Another name for Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel, where David intended to establish the Ark.

5. The Blessing
The divine favor and prosperity experienced by Obed-edom's household due to the presence of the Ark.
Teaching Points
The Presence of God Brings Blessing
The presence of the Ark in Obed-edom's house brought tangible blessings. Similarly, when we invite God's presence into our lives, we can expect His blessings, though they may not always be material.

Reverence and Preparation for God's Presence
David's initial failure to transport the Ark correctly (2 Samuel 6:1-11) teaches us the importance of approaching God with reverence and according to His instructions. We must prepare our hearts and lives to welcome His presence.

Joy in Worship
David's rejoicing as he brought the Ark to Jerusalem highlights the joy that should accompany our worship. Worship is not just a duty but a celebration of God's presence and goodness.

God's Sovereignty and Timing
The delay in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem reminds us that God's timing is perfect. We must trust His sovereignty and wait for His timing in our endeavors.

Community and Leadership
David's actions as a leader in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem demonstrate the importance of godly leadership in guiding a community towards worship and obedience to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the blessing of Obed-edom's household challenge our understanding of God's presence in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we prepare our hearts to welcome God's presence, as David eventually did with the Ark?

3. How can we incorporate joy into our worship practices, both individually and corporately?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's initial failure and subsequent success in transporting the Ark about following God's instructions?

5. How does the account of the Ark's journey to Jerusalem inspire us to trust in God's timing and leadership in our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 13-15
These chapters provide a parallel account of the events surrounding the transportation of the Ark, offering additional details about David's preparations and the significance of the Ark.

Exodus 25:10-22
Describes the construction and purpose of the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing its role as the earthly throne of God.

Psalm 24
Often associated with the Ark's entrance into Jerusalem, this psalm celebrates God's kingship and the purity required to stand in His presence.

Hebrews 9:4
Mentions the Ark in the context of the Old Covenant, highlighting its contents and its role in the worship practices of Israel.
Bringing Up the ArkC. Ness.2 Samuel 6:1-23
Care of the ArkJ. Parker, D. D.2 Samuel 6:1-23
David Restoring the ArkB. W. Newton.2 Samuel 6:1-23
Seeking the Ark of the CovenantC. S. Robinson, D. D.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark Brought BarkA. Mitchell, D. D.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark Brought to ZionW. H. Green, D. D., LL. D.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark Brought to ZionG. F. Coster.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark Brought Up to JerusalemW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark the Centre of Service and WorshipMonday Club Sermons2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Return of the ArkC. M. Fleury, A. M.2 Samuel 6:1-23
A Prospering Religion DesiredJ. Trapp.2 Samuel 6:11-12
Make Room for the ArkJ. Robertson.2 Samuel 6:11-12
The Ark in the House of Obed-EdomA. Maclaren, D. D.2 Samuel 6:11-12
The Ark in the House of Obed-EdomC. Ness.2 Samuel 6:11-12
The Cultivation of Faultily WorshipE. Steane.2 Samuel 6:11-12
The Nature and Profitableness of Family ReligionE. Cooper.2 Samuel 6:11-12
Why Obed-Edom Found the Ark a BlessingJ. Parker, D. D.2 Samuel 6:11-12
The Ark Led Forth with Devout EnthusiasmB. Dale 2 Samuel 6:12-15
The Ark Brought to ZionG. Wood 2 Samuel 6:12-19
People
Abinadab, Ahio, David, Israelites, Michal, Obed, Obededom, Perez, Saul, Uzzah
Places
Baale-judah, Geba, Jerusalem, Perez-uzzah
Topics
Account, Ark, Belongs, Blessed, Blessing, Bringeth, David, Declared, Edom, Family, Gladness, Household, Joy, Obed, Obededom, Obed-edom, O'bed-e'dom, Pertaineth, Pertains, Rejoicing, Saying, Town
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 6:1-12

     7306   ark of the covenant

2 Samuel 6:1-15

     5089   David, significance

2 Samuel 6:1-19

     7241   Jerusalem, significance

2 Samuel 6:1-23

     7270   Zion, as a place

2 Samuel 6:11-12

     1105   God, power of

2 Samuel 6:12-13

     4615   bull
     4618   calf

2 Samuel 6:12-15

     8642   celebration

2 Samuel 6:12-19

     7240   Jerusalem, history

Library
Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
"From Beth-horon to Emmaus it was hilly."--It was sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem.--"To eight hundred only, dismissed the army, (Vespasian) gave a place, called Ammaus, for them to inhabit: it is sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem." I inquire, whether this word hath the same etymology with Emmaus near Tiberias, which, from the 'warm baths,' was called Chammath. The Jews certainly do write this otherwise... "The family (say they) of Beth-Pegarim, and Beth Zipperia was out of Emmaus."--The
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The King --Continued.
The years thus well begun are, in the historical books, characterized mainly by three events, namely, the bringing up of the ark to the newly won city of David, Nathan's prophecy of the perpetual dominion of his house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. These three hinges of the narrative are all abundantly illustrated in the psalms. As to the first, we have relics of the joyful ceremonial connected with it in two psalms, the fifteenth and twenty-fourth, which are singularly alike not
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." St. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles. The care of the churches gathered among them devolved particularly on him. At the writing of this epistle he had no personal acquaintance with the church to which it is addressed.* Epaphras, a bishop of the Colossians, then his fellow prisoner at Rome, had made him acquainted with their state, and the danger
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches on the Subject.
To set forth the present teaching of the Latin Church upon the subject of images and the cultus which is due them, I cite the decree of the Council of Trent and a passage from the Catechism set forth by the authority of the same synod. (Conc. Trid., Sess. xxv. December 3d and 4th, 1563. [Buckley's Trans.]) The holy synod enjoins on all bishops, and others sustaining the office and charge of teaching that, according to the usage of the Catholic and Apostolic Church received from the primitive times
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and Reprobation Promiscuously Handled, in Eleven Chapters.
WHEREIN THE MOST MATERIAL OBJECTIONS MADE BY THE OPPOSERS OF THIS DOCTRINE, ARE FULLY ANSWERED; SEVERAL DOUBTS REMOVED, AND SUNDRY CASES OF CONSCIENCE RESOLVED. BY JOHN BUNYAN OF BEDFORD, A LOVER OF PEACE AND TRUTH. 'What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.'--Romans 11:7 London: Printed for G. L., and are to be sold in Turn-stile-alley, in Holbourn. Small 4to, 44 pages. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This valuable tract
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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