So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David;David's reluctance to move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, the City of David, follows the tragic incident involving Uzzah, who was struck dead for touching the Ark (
2 Samuel 6:6-7). This event underscores the holiness of the Ark and the importance of following God's instructions precisely. The Ark represented God's presence and was central to Israel's worship. David's fear and reverence for God are evident here, reflecting a deep respect for the divine holiness and the consequences of disobedience. The City of David, Jerusalem, was to become the political and spiritual center of Israel, and David's initial hesitation highlights the gravity of bringing the Ark to this significant location.
instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
Obed-edom, identified as a Gittite, suggests he was from Gath, a Philistine city, or possibly from Gath-rimmon, a Levitical city. His willingness to house the Ark indicates a reverence for God and a willingness to serve. The Ark's presence in his home brought blessings, as noted in subsequent verses (2 Samuel 6:11). This reflects the theme that God's presence brings blessing and prosperity to those who honor Him. Obed-edom's role foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan, as he was not an Israelite by birth. This act of housing the Ark also demonstrates God's grace and the extension of His blessings beyond the boundaries of Israel, prefiguring the New Testament revelation of salvation to all nations.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe King of Israel who sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, the City of David. His initial attempt was halted due to the death of Uzzah, which led to a temporary change in plans.
2.
The Ark of the LORDA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. Its movement was a significant event, symbolizing God's blessing and presence.
3.
City of DavidAnother name for Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel, where David intended to establish the Ark to signify God's centrality in the nation's life.
4.
Obed-edom the GittiteA Levite from the city of Gath who temporarily housed the Ark of the LORD. His household was blessed during the Ark's stay, demonstrating God's favor.
5.
The House of Obed-edomThe location where the Ark was kept for three months, during which time Obed-edom and his household experienced God's blessings.
Teaching Points
Reverence for God's PresenceThe Ark represented God's holy presence. We must approach God with reverence and respect, understanding the seriousness of His holiness.
God's Blessings through ObedienceObed-edom's household was blessed because of the Ark's presence. Similarly, when we align our lives with God's will, we open ourselves to His blessings.
God's Sovereignty in Our PlansDavid's initial plan was interrupted, reminding us that God's ways and timing are perfect. We should remain flexible and open to His leading.
Hospitality and StewardshipObed-edom's willingness to host the Ark demonstrates the importance of being good stewards of what God entrusts to us, whether it be His presence, resources, or opportunities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 6:10?
2.Why did David choose Obed-edom's house for the ark's temporary stay?
3.How does 2 Samuel 6:10 demonstrate God's presence bringing blessings?
4.What lessons can we learn from Obed-edom's response to hosting the ark?
5.How does this verse connect with God's holiness and reverence in worship?
6.How can we invite God's presence into our homes like Obed-edom did?
7.Why did David choose Obed-edom's house for the Ark in 2 Samuel 6:10?
8.What significance does the Ark of the Covenant hold in 2 Samuel 6:10?
9.How does 2 Samuel 6:10 reflect God's presence and blessing?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 6?
11.Who was Obed-Edom in the Bible?
12.When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14)
13.Who was Obed-Edom in the Bible?
14.What does the Bible say about house blessings?What Does 2 Samuel 6:10 Mean
So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David“So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David” (2 Samuel 6:10)
• David’s hesitation comes right after the sudden death of Uzzah for touching the ark (2 Samuel 6:6-9). The shocking judgment impressed on David—and on us—the absolute holiness of God.
• Fear of the LORD, according toProverbs 9:10, is “the beginning of wisdom,” and David demonstrates that awakening fear. Compare1 Chronicles 13:11-12, where he even names the place Perez-uzzah (“outburst against Uzzah”) to memorialize the lesson.
• The ark symbolized God’s throne on earth (Exodus 25:22). Mishandling it was tantamount to irreverence toward God Himself (Leviticus 10:1-3;Hebrews 12:28-29).
• David pauses the project because he recognizes that good intentions never excuse disobedience. He had placed the ark on a cart (2 Samuel 6:3), copying Philistine practice (1 Samuel 6:7-8) instead of following the Levite carrying instructions (Numbers 4:15).
• This moment highlights God’s unchanging standard: He desires wholehearted worship, yet He also demands it be offered His way (John 4:24;1 Corinthians 14:40).
instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite“…instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite” (2 Samuel 6:10)
• Obed-edom, likely a Levite living near Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:18, 24; 26:4-8), welcomes the ark into his home. His willingness contrasts with David’s hesitation and demonstrates faith that God’s presence brings blessing when received with reverence.
• The next verse confirms that “the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household” during the three-month stay (2 Samuel 6:11). Blessing follows obedience, echoingGenesis 39:5 (Joseph) andPsalm 24:3-6 (the pure in heart receiving God’s favor).
• This temporary detour becomes a teaching moment for the nation: God’s holiness does not repel the faithful; it safeguards them. When handled rightly, His presence turns a household into a sanctuary of grace (Psalm 91:1-2).
• David hears of the blessing (2 Samuel 6:12) and, encouraged, restarts the procession—this time with Levites carrying the ark on their shoulders and with sacrifices offered every six steps (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13-15). Obedience restores joy (Psalm 30:11).
• Obed-edom’s family is later assigned temple gatekeeping and musical duties (1 Chronicles 26:8). Proximity to God’s presence shapes future generations.
summaryDavid’s initial refusal to bring the ark to Jerusalem arises from a rightful fear after Uzzah’s judgment, underscoring God’s uncompromising holiness. Redirecting the ark to Obed-edom’s house reveals that the same holy presence that judges irreverence also showers blessing on those who honor God according to His word. The episode teaches that reverent obedience, not mere enthusiasm, invites God’s favor and advances His purposes.
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Obed-edom the Gittite.--He was a Levite, but whether of the family of Kohath or of Merari is uncertain, since at this time the name appears in both these families (see for Merari,
1Chronicles 15:17-18, and for Kohath,
1Chronicles 26:1;
1Chronicles 26:4;
1Chronicles 26:8;
1Chronicles 26:13-15). The one hero mentioned was a
Gittite, i.e.,born at, or belonging to, Gath-rimmon, a Levitical city on the confines of Dan and Manasseh (
Joshua 21:24-25). One of these Levites is described as "the son of Jeduthun" (
1Chronicles 16:38, where both are mentioned), and as Jeduthun probably belonged to the family of Merari, it is probable that the one here mentioned was called "the Gittite" for distinction's sake, and belonged to the family of Kohath, to which Gath-rimmon belonged (
Joshua 21:20). Moreover, it is said of the Obed-edom of
1Chronicles 26:4-5, that "God blessed him," which seems to refer to this passage. The name, although a singular one (
servant of Edom) was not uncommon, and was also borne by one having charge of the vessels of the sanctuary in the days of King Amaziah (
2Chronicles 25:24). The Obed-edoms of David's time were porters of the Tabernacle, Levitical musicians, and took an active part in bringing the ark to Jerusalem, and afterwards in ministering before it (
1Chronicles 15:16;
1Chronicles 15:18;
1Chronicles 15:21;
1Chronicles 15:24;
1Chronicles 16:4-5;
1Chronicles 16:37-38;
1Chronicles 26:1;
1Chronicles 26:4;
1Chronicles 26:13-15). . . .
Verse 10. -
Obed-Edom. We find two Levites of this name among David's officials - one belonging to the family of Merari, a singer and doorkeeper for the ark (
1 Chronicles 15:18, 21, 24); the other of the family of Korah (
1 Chronicles 26:4, 5). And as it is there said that "God blessed him," he probably it was into whose house the ark was taken. He is called a Gittite, because he belonged to Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city in the tribe of Dan (
Joshua 19:45;
Joshua 21:24).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So heדָוִ֗ד(ḏā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessewas unwillingאָבָ֣ה(’ā·ḇāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 14:To breathe after, to be acquiescentto moveלְהָסִ֥יר(lə·hā·sîr)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5493:To turn asidethe arkאֲר֥וֹן(’ă·rō·wn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727:A chest, arkof the LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeltoעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe Cityעִ֣יר(‘îr)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892:Excitementof David;דָּוִ֑ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesseinstead, he tookדָוִ֔ד(ḏā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesseit asideוַיַּטֵּ֣הוּ(way·yaṭ·ṭê·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bendto the houseבֵּ֥ית(bêṯ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseof Obed-edomאֱד֖וֹם(’ĕ·ḏō·wm)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5654:Obed-edom -- 'servant of Edom', an Israelite namethe Gittite.הַגִּתִּֽי׃(hag·git·tî)Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1663:Gittite -- an inhabitant of Gath
Links
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OT History: 2 Samuel 6:10 So David would not remove the ark (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) 
