And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

2 SAMUEL 6:12KJV
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2 Samuel 6:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 6:12 mean?

2 Samuel 6:12 describes how King David heard that the LORD had blessed the household of Obededom because the ark of God was there, so David decided to bring the ark from Obededom’s house into Jerusalem with great happiness. The verse highlights the connection between God’s blessing and the presence of the ark, prompting David’s joyful action.

The setting is after a previous attempt to move the ark ended in tragedy, so the ark had stayed at Obededom’s house. News reached David that Obededom’s family was prospering because of the ark’s presence, which encouraged David to try again to bring the ark to the city of David (Jerusalem). The verse shows David’s response to God’s blessing and sets the stage for the ark’s joyful arrival in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 6:12

  • "Blessed" (בָּרַךְ, bāraḵ): This word means to bestow favor or goodness. The verse emphasizes that the LORD’s blessing was clearly seen in everything connected to Obededom, not just his immediate family.
  • "Gladness" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah): This word means joy or rejoicing. The verse highlights that David’s second attempt to bring the ark was marked by celebration and happiness, in contrast to the earlier fear and caution.
  • "Ark" (אֲרוֹן, aron): This refers specifically to the sacred chest representing God’s presence. The blessing was tied directly to the ark, showing its significance in Israel’s relationship with God.

Why 2 Samuel 6:12 matters

  • The verse clarifies that God’s blessing was not random but directly connected to the presence of the ark, which represented God’s presence and favor.
  • It shows a turning point for David, who moves from fear to joyful confidence in bringing the ark to Jerusalem after seeing the positive results at Obededom’s house.
  • This verse connects the story to the larger theme of God’s presence among His people and prepares for the celebration that follows as the ark enters the city.

Where else these words appear

“Obededom” Hebrew H5654 · used in 15 verses

  • 2 Samuel 6:10 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:38 And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:

“gladness” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.