The event of David bringing up the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem is a significant moment in biblical history, marked by celebration, worship, and offerings. The peace-offerings made by David during this occasion are particularly noteworthy, reflecting both the communal and covenantal aspects of Israel's relationship with God.

Biblical Context

The narrative of David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem is found in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 15-16. After a failed initial attempt to transport the Ark, which resulted in the death of Uzzah, David successfully brings the Ark to the City of David with great rejoicing. This event is characterized by elaborate preparations, musical celebrations, and sacrificial offerings.

Peace-Offerings Defined

Peace-offerings, or "shelamim" in Hebrew, are a type of sacrifice described in the Levitical law (Leviticus 3; 7:11-21). These offerings are distinct in that they are voluntary and express fellowship and thanksgiving. Unlike burnt offerings, which are wholly consumed by fire, peace-offerings are shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing communion with God and among His people.

David's Peace-Offerings

In 2 Samuel 6:17-18 , it is recorded: "So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts."

David's peace-offerings during the Ark's procession underscore several key themes:

1. Celebration and Thanksgiving: The peace-offerings were part of a larger celebration, expressing gratitude for God's presence and favor. The successful relocation of the Ark signified God's blessing and the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual center of Israel.

2. Communal Fellowship: By offering peace-offerings, David facilitated a communal meal, as portions of the sacrifice were distributed among the people. This act fostered unity and shared joy among the Israelites, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:19 : "Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake."

3. Covenantal Relationship: The peace-offerings also reaffirmed the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. By bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, David was not only establishing a political and religious center but also renewing the nation's commitment to the covenant with Yahweh.

4. Worship and Reverence: The offerings were part of a broader context of worship, which included music, dancing, and the presence of the Levites. David's actions demonstrated reverence for God's holiness and a desire to honor Him through proper worship practices.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, David's peace-offerings highlight the importance of worship that is both joyful and reverent. They illustrate the balance between celebrating God's blessings and maintaining a posture of humility and obedience. The peace-offerings serve as a reminder of the communal nature of worship and the centrality of God's presence in the life of His people.

In summary, the peace-offerings by David during the bringing up of the Ark are a profound expression of thanksgiving, fellowship, and covenant renewal, reflecting the deep spiritual and communal dimensions of Israel's worship.2 Samuel 6:17
And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the middle of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Temple and Its Dedication
... Here it was that when David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to stay
the ... In bringing to the temple the sacred ark containing the two tables of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
... offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made ... he, a mere lad,
sits on David's throne. ... has a wonderful power of bringing illumination, even ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a young mans wise choice.htm

Princely Service.
... throughout the camp to restrain them from bringing more ... Our David still thirsts,
not for the waters of ... oxen for the sacrifice of the peace-offerings were twenty ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

Scriptural Types.
... was wholly expiatory and propitiatory, bringing the offerer ... In the case of monarchs,
like David and Solomon ... represented as paying his peace-offerings to God for ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Service Common to the Festivals of the Holy virgin.
... offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings, and I ... The selected Psalm: Remember
David, O Lord, and all ... the earth dried with sins, and bringing unto the ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter ii the service common.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... continue excluded; but receiving it, and bringing it back ... of which the Lord spake
to David and to ... of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace-offerings and thank ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

"Lo, I Come": Exposition
... words could not be fulfilled in David, but must ... the sacrifices, and presented their
peace-offerings; but the ... eternity into time"the Father bringing him into ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/lo i come exposition.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... merely voluntary: the burnt-offering: the peace-offerings, that were ... as at once of
the lineage of David according to ... It supposes bringing into a state of good ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

In Judaea
... Jewish fathers, Messiah, the Son of David, was to ... offered as burnt-offerings, the
females as peace-offerings. ... till we realise that, after bringing their flocks ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the ... neighbours, they had given themselves
up to agricultural ... This change of habits, in bringing about a greater ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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