So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

2 SAMUEL 6:10KJV
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2 Samuel 6:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 6:10 mean?

2 Samuel 6:10 describes how David decided not to bring the ark of the LORD into the city of David after a troubling incident, but instead took it aside to the house of Obededom the Gittite. David made this choice out of caution and respect for the ark’s holiness, temporarily placing it in someone else’s care.

In this verse, David is the king of Israel and is leading the effort to move the ark (a sacred chest representing God’s presence) to Jerusalem. After an earlier mishap during the transport, David hesitates to bring the ark directly into the city and instead leaves it with Obededom, a man from Gath. This moment shows David’s concern for handling something holy properly and sets up what happens next in the story.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 6:10

  • "Ark" (אָרוֹן, ʾārōn): This word refers to the sacred chest that symbolized God's presence among the Israelites. Its mention highlights the seriousness of handling something considered extremely holy.
  • "Remove" (סוּר, sur): This word means to turn aside or depart. Here, it shows David’s deliberate choice not to bring the ark into Jerusalem at that time.
  • "Aside" (נָטָה, natah): This word means to stretch out or turn aside. It emphasizes that David intentionally redirected the ark’s journey, not simply abandoning it but placing it somewhere specific.
  • "House" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word means house or household. The ark was not left out in the open but was placed in the home of Obededom, showing care for its safekeeping.

Why 2 Samuel 6:10 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that David was careless with the ark; instead, it shows he was deeply concerned about treating it with proper respect after a previous tragedy.
  • The verse highlights the importance of the ark and the seriousness with which it was regarded in Israel’s history, shaping how people approached God’s presence.
  • By mentioning Obededom the Gittite, the verse sets up the next part of the story, where blessings come to his household, showing that God’s presence brings both responsibility and blessing.