2 Samuel 6:2
And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name--the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it.
David and all his men
This phrase highlights the unity and collective effort of David and his followers. The Hebrew root for "men" is "ish," which can denote not just males but also warriors or people of valor. This indicates that David's mission was not just a personal endeavor but a national one, involving those who were committed to his leadership and the cause of Israel. Historically, this reflects the consolidation of David's rule and the unification of the tribes under his kingship.

set out for Baale of Judah
"Baale of Judah" is another name for Kiriath-jearim, a town in the territory of Judah. The Hebrew root "Baale" can mean "lords" or "masters," suggesting a place of significance or authority. This journey signifies a purposeful movement towards reclaiming a central symbol of Israel's faith—the Ark of the Covenant. Archaeologically, Kiriath-jearim is identified with modern-day Deir el-Azar, and excavations have provided insights into its historical significance.

to bring up from there the ark of God
The "ark of God" is central to Israel's worship and identity, representing God's presence among His people. The Hebrew word for "ark" is "aron," which means a chest or box, but in this context, it is the sacred chest containing the tablets of the Law. The act of bringing up the ark signifies a restoration of spiritual focus and a desire to place God at the center of national life.

which is called by the Name
The phrase "called by the Name" underscores the sacredness and reverence associated with the ark. In Hebrew, "Name" is "Shem," which implies not just a label but the essence and character of God. This reflects the deep theological understanding that God's presence is intrinsically linked to His name, which is holy and powerful.

the name of the LORD of Hosts
"LORD of Hosts" is a title that emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. The Hebrew "Yahweh Sabaoth" conveys God's omnipotence and His role as the divine warrior who fights for Israel. This title reassures the Israelites of God's protection and His active involvement in their history.

who is enthroned between the cherubim
The imagery of God being "enthroned between the cherubim" evokes the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence was believed to dwell. The cherubim are angelic beings that symbolize divine protection and holiness. This phrase highlights the ark as not just a religious artifact but the very throne of God on earth, a place where heaven and earth meet.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, signifying God's presence and blessing upon the nation.

2. Baale-judah
Also known as Kiriath-jearim, this is the location from which David intended to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. It had been there since the time of Samuel.

3. The Ark of God
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel and His presence among His people.

4. The Name of the LORD of Hosts
This title emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as well as His role as the divine warrior and protector of Israel.

5. Cherubim
Angelic beings associated with the presence of God, depicted as part of the Ark's design, symbolizing God's throne and His dwelling among His people.
Teaching Points
Reverence for God's Presence
The Ark symbolizes God's holy presence. As believers, we should approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and majesty.

Desire for God's Presence
David's initiative to bring the Ark to Jerusalem reflects a deep desire for God's presence. We should cultivate a similar longing for God's presence in our lives.

God's Sovereignty and Power
The title "LORD of Hosts" reminds us of God's supreme authority and power. Trusting in His sovereignty can bring peace and confidence in our daily lives.

Worship and Obedience
The Ark's journey to Jerusalem was an act of worship and obedience. Our worship should be characterized by a heart of obedience to God's commands.

Community in Worship
David involved "all the people" in bringing the Ark, highlighting the communal aspect of worship. We are called to worship God together as a community of believers.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the Ark of God represent in the context of Israel's relationship with God, and how can this understanding deepen our own relationship with Him?

2. How does David's desire to bring the Ark to Jerusalem challenge us to prioritize God's presence in our own lives?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate reverence for God's holiness in our daily actions and decisions?

4. How does understanding God's sovereignty as the "LORD of Hosts" impact our trust in Him during challenging times?

5. What are some practical ways we can foster a sense of community in our worship and spiritual practices today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25:22
This verse describes God's promise to meet with Moses above the mercy seat of the Ark, highlighting the Ark's role as a place of divine communication and presence.

1 Chronicles 13:6
This parallel account of David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem provides additional details and emphasizes the importance of the Ark in Israel's worship.

Psalm 80:1
This psalm refers to God as the Shepherd of Israel who is enthroned between the cherubim, reinforcing the imagery of God's presence and leadership.

Hebrews 9:4-5
This New Testament passage describes the contents of the Ark and the cherubim, connecting the Old Testament symbolism to the new covenant in Christ.
The Ark Sought After Long NeglectB. Dale 2 Samuel 6:1, 2
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
People
Abinadab, Ahio, David, Israelites, Michal, Obed, Obededom, Perez, Saul, Uzzah
Places
Baale-judah, Geba, Jerusalem, Perez-uzzah
Topics
Almighty, Ark, Armies, Baal, Baale, Baale-judah, Ba'ale-judah, Bring, Cherubim, Cherubs, David, Dwelleth, Enthroned, Holy, Hosts, Inhabiting, Judah, Named, Ones, Riseth, Sits, Sitteth, Thence, Whereupon, Winged
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 6:2

     4150   cherubim
     5042   name of God, significance
     5581   throne
     9230   judgment seat

2 Samuel 6:1-7

     8470   respect, for God

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 6:2-3

     5248   cart

2 Samuel 6:2-5

     5332   harp
     5400   lyre

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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