2 Samuel 6:13
When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
When those carrying the ark of the LORD
The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolized God's presence among His people. The Hebrew word for "ark" is "aron," which means a chest or box. The Ark was carried by the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, as prescribed in Numbers 4:15. This act of carrying the Ark was a solemn duty, emphasizing the holiness and reverence due to God. The Ark's journey to Jerusalem marked a significant moment in Israel's history, symbolizing God's favor and presence with King David and the nation.

had taken six steps
The number six in the Bible often represents human effort and incompleteness, as it falls short of the divine number seven, which signifies completion and perfection. The act of taking six steps before stopping to sacrifice indicates a deliberate pause, a moment of reflection and reverence. It underscores the importance of acknowledging God's presence and blessing in every endeavor. This careful approach contrasts with the earlier incident where Uzzah was struck down for irreverently touching the Ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7), highlighting the need for obedience and respect for God's commands.

he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf
Sacrifices in the Old Testament were acts of worship and atonement, symbolizing the people's devotion and submission to God. The Hebrew word for "sacrifice" is "zabach," which means to slaughter for a feast or offering. The ox and the fattened calf were valuable animals, representing a significant offering to God. This act of sacrifice after only six steps demonstrates David's deep reverence and gratitude towards God. It reflects a heart of worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision. The sacrifice also served as a communal celebration, uniting the people in worship and thanksgiving as they welcomed the Ark into Jerusalem.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel who is leading the procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His actions reflect his reverence and worship towards God.

2. Ark of the LORD
The sacred chest that symbolizes God's presence among His people. It is being transported to Jerusalem, marking a significant spiritual event for Israel.

3. Jerusalem
The city chosen by David as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The bringing of the Ark signifies the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious heart of the nation.

4. Sacrifice
The act of offering a bull and a fattened calf after six steps, symbolizing worship, thanksgiving, and the seeking of God's favor and presence.

5. Levites
The tribe responsible for carrying the Ark, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions for worship and reverence.
Teaching Points
Reverence in Worship
David's actions demonstrate the importance of approaching God with reverence and awe. Our worship should reflect a heart that honors God’s holiness.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Levites carrying the Ark according to God's command shows the necessity of obedience in our spiritual practices. We must align our actions with God's Word.

Sacrificial Worship
The sacrifices made after six steps signify the cost and dedication involved in true worship. We are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

God's Presence in Our Lives
The Ark symbolized God's presence with Israel. As believers, we are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that reflects His presence in us.

Celebration of God's Faithfulness
The procession and sacrifices were a celebration of God's faithfulness. We should regularly celebrate and give thanks for God's work in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does David's act of sacrificing after six steps teach us about the importance of worship in our daily lives?

2. How can we ensure that our worship is conducted with the same reverence and obedience as demonstrated by David and the Levites?

3. In what ways can we offer "sacrifices" in our own lives to honor God, and how does this relate to Romans 12:1?

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

5. Reflect on a time when you celebrated God's faithfulness in your life. How can you incorporate regular thanksgiving into your spiritual practices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 15:2, 15
These verses highlight the importance of the Levites in carrying the Ark, emphasizing the need for obedience to God's commands regarding worship.

Exodus 25:10-22
Describes the construction and significance of the Ark of the Covenant, providing context for its sacredness and the reverence required in its handling.

Hebrews 9:4
Mentions the contents of the Ark, connecting the Old Testament significance of the Ark to New Testament teachings on God's covenant with His people.
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 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
Ark, Bare, Bearers, Bearing, Beast, Bore, Bull, Calf, Fat, Fatling, Fatlings, Fatted, Fattened, Lifting, Offering, Ox, Oxen, Paces, Pass, Sacrificed, Sacrificeth, Six, Stepped, Steps
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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 6:12-13

     4615   bull

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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