2 Samuel 6:18
When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts.
When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings
David's actions here are significant in the context of Israelite worship. Burnt offerings were entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God, while peace offerings were shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing fellowship with God. This dual offering reflects a holistic approach to worship, combining dedication and communion. The Ark of the Covenant had just been brought to Jerusalem, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's religious life. David's sacrifices underscore the importance of seeking God's favor and presence. This act also connects to the broader biblical theme of sacrifice, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice for sin.

he blessed the people
David, as king, takes on a priestly role by blessing the people. This act of blessing is a common biblical practice, seen in figures like Melchizedek and Aaron, and it signifies the transmission of God's favor and protection. The blessing is a public declaration of God's covenantal promises and serves to unify the nation under God's rule. It also prefigures the role of Christ, who blesses His followers with spiritual blessings and intercedes on their behalf.

in the name of the LORD of Hosts
The title "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over all heavenly and earthly armies. It is a reminder of God's supreme authority and His ability to protect and provide for His people. This name is often used in contexts of divine intervention and deliverance, highlighting God's role as a warrior and protector. By invoking this name, David acknowledges God's ultimate authority and aligns the nation's worship and blessing under His divine rule. This invocation also points to the messianic hope, as Jesus is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the one who commands the hosts of heaven.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is leading the procession of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem.

2. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people.

3. Jerusalem
The city of David, where the Ark is being brought to establish it as the religious and political center of Israel.

4. Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings
Sacrifices made to God, symbolizing atonement and fellowship with Him.

5. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies.
Teaching Points
Worship and Sacrifice
David's actions remind us that true worship involves sacrifice. In our lives, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

Leadership and Blessing
As a leader, David not only worships but also blesses the people. Christian leaders are called to be a source of blessing and encouragement to those they lead.

The Presence of God
The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people. Today, believers have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, guiding and empowering them for daily living.

Community and Celebration
The communal aspect of this event highlights the importance of corporate worship and celebration in the life of the church.

Reverence and Joy
David's reverence in offering sacrifices and his joy in blessing the people demonstrate the balance of awe and joy in our relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's role in this passage reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways can we offer "sacrifices" in our daily lives to honor God?

3. How does the presence of the Ark in Jerusalem parallel the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer?

4. What can we learn from David's example about the importance of community worship and celebration?

5. How can we balance reverence and joy in our personal and corporate worship experiences?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 16
This chapter parallels the events of 2 Samuel 6, providing additional details about the celebration and worship as the Ark is brought to Jerusalem.

Leviticus 9
Describes the offerings and blessings given by Aaron, drawing a parallel to David's role in blessing the people after the sacrifices.

Hebrews 13:15
Encourages believers to offer a sacrifice of praise, connecting the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament to spiritual sacrifices in the New Testament.
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
The Ark Brought to ZionG. Wood 2 Samuel 6:12-19
The Ark Established in its Chosen Resting PlaceB. Dale 2 Samuel 6:17-19
People
Abinadab, Ahio, David, Israelites, Michal, Obed, Obededom, Perez, Saul, Uzzah
Places
Baale-judah, Geba, Jerusalem, Perez-uzzah
Topics
Almighty, Armies, Ascend, Blessed, Blesseth, Blessing, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Burnt-offerings, Causing, David, Ended, Fellowship, Finished, Finisheth, Hosts, Offering, Offerings, Peace, Peace-offerings, Sacrificing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 6:18

     6682   mediation

2 Samuel 6:1-19

     7241   Jerusalem, significance

2 Samuel 6:1-23

     7270   Zion, as a place

2 Samuel 6:12-19

     7240   Jerusalem, history

2 Samuel 6:16-23

     5745   women

2 Samuel 6:17-18

     7364   fellowship offering

2 Samuel 6:17-19

     4458   grape

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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