So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

2 SAMUEL 6:15KJV
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2 Samuel 6:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 6:15 mean?

2 Samuel 6:15 describes how David and the people of Israel brought the ark of the LORD into Jerusalem with loud celebration, including shouting and the sound of trumpets. The verse highlights the joyful and public nature of this important event as the ark was carried up to its new home.

In this scene, King David leads the "house of Israel"—meaning the people of the nation—in a procession as they move the ark, which represented God's presence. The shouting and trumpet blasts show that this was not a quiet or private moment, but a national celebration marking a significant religious and cultural milestone for Israel.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 6:15

  • "shouting" (תְּרוּעָה, teru‘ah): This word often means a loud, joyful noise or a blast, especially in the context of celebration or religious festivals. It emphasizes the exuberance and communal excitement as the ark is brought up.
  • "trumpet" (שׁוֹפָר, shofar): This refers to a ram’s horn used as a musical instrument in ancient Israel, especially for important religious occasions. The sound of the shofar was a signal of both celebration and sacredness, marking the event as deeply significant.

Why 2 Samuel 6:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the movement of the ark was a public, national event, not just a private religious act by David or the priests.
  • The emphasis on shouting and trumpet sounds shows the deep joy and reverence the people felt, underlining how important the ark was to their identity and faith.
  • Understanding the use of "teru‘ah" and "shofar" connects this moment to other major celebrations in Israel’s history, helping readers see the continuity of worship practices and the significance of the ark’s arrival in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“shouting” Hebrew H8643 · used in 33 verses

  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • 1 Samuel 4:6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.
  • Psalms 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

“trumpet” Hebrew H7782 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
  • 1 Samuel 13:3 And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
  • Isaiah 27:13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.