2 Samuel 6:17
So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
So they brought the ark of the LORD
The "ark of the LORD" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. In Hebrew, the word for "ark" is "aron," which means a chest or box. The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people. Its return to Jerusalem marked a significant spiritual and national event, signifying God's favor and presence with Israel. Historically, the Ark had been captured by the Philistines and its return was a cause for great celebration and reverence.

and set it in its place
The phrase "set it in its place" indicates the careful and deliberate action of placing the Ark in a designated location. This reflects the reverence and respect for the Ark as the dwelling place of God's presence. The Hebrew word for "set" is "yanach," which implies rest or settling, suggesting that the Ark was finally at rest in a place of honor and significance.

inside the tent that David had pitched for it
David's action of pitching a tent for the Ark shows his devotion and desire to honor God. The tent, or "ohel" in Hebrew, was a temporary dwelling, indicating that David intended to build a more permanent structure, which would later be realized in the Temple built by Solomon. This tent was a precursor to the Temple, symbolizing the transition from a nomadic to a settled worship of God.

and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings
The "burnt offerings" and "peace offerings" were integral parts of Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and fellowship with God. The Hebrew word for "burnt offering" is "olah," meaning "that which goes up," referring to the smoke rising to God. "Peace offerings," or "shelamim," were expressions of thanksgiving and communion with God. These offerings demonstrated the people's gratitude and desire for reconciliation and fellowship with the LORD.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" signifies the presence of God and the acknowledgment of His sovereignty. In Hebrew, "before" is "paniym," meaning "face" or "presence." This indicates that the offerings were made in direct acknowledgment of God's presence and authority. It underscores the importance of worshiping God with sincerity and reverence, recognizing His holiness and majesty.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel who orchestrated the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His actions reflect his deep desire to honor God and establish a central place of worship.

2. The Ark of the LORD
A sacred chest that represented the presence and covenant of God with Israel. Its return to Jerusalem was a significant spiritual and national event.

3. The Tent
A temporary dwelling place for the Ark, set up by David in Jerusalem. This tent symbolizes the preparation and reverence for God's presence.

4. Burnt Offerings
Sacrifices made to atone for sin and express devotion to God. These offerings signify a renewal of commitment and worship.

5. Peace Offerings
Sacrifices that symbolize fellowship and thanksgiving to God. They represent the restored relationship between God and His people.
Teaching Points
Reverence for God's Presence
The Ark's placement in the tent underscores the importance of preparing a place for God in our lives. We should approach God with reverence and intentionality.

Worship as a Priority
David's actions demonstrate that worship should be central in our lives. We are called to prioritize our relationship with God through regular worship and devotion.

Sacrificial Living
The offerings made before the LORD remind us of the need for sacrificial living. We are to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

Community and Fellowship
The peace offerings highlight the importance of community and fellowship in worship. We are encouraged to cultivate relationships that honor God and reflect His love.

God's Faithfulness
The return of the Ark signifies God's faithfulness to His promises. We can trust in God's unchanging nature and His commitment to be with His people.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the placement of the Ark in the tent reflect the importance of preparing a place for God in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we prioritize worship in our daily routines, similar to how David prioritized the Ark's return?

3. What are some practical ways we can live sacrificially, offering our lives to God as a form of worship?

4. How can we foster a sense of community and fellowship in our worship practices, reflecting the peace offerings made by David?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness. How does this encourage you to trust in His promises today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25:10-22
Describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing its significance as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

1 Chronicles 16:1
Provides a parallel account of the Ark's placement in the tent, highlighting the importance of worship and thanksgiving.

Hebrews 9:4
Mentions the Ark in the context of the Old Covenant, pointing to its fulfillment in Christ, who is the ultimate presence of God with us.
The Ark and the BibleB. Dale 2 Samuel 6:17
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
Ark, Ascend, Bring, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offerings, Causeth, David, Fellowship, Inside, Midst, Offered, Offerings, Peace, Peace-offerings, Pitched, Sacrificed, Spread, Tabernacle, Tent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 6:17

     5578   tents
     7306   ark of the covenant

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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