And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

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

What does 2 Samuel 6:2 mean?

2 Samuel 6:2 describes how David gathered a group of people and traveled from Baale of Judah to bring up the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. The verse highlights the significance of the ark and the reverence given to the presence of God associated with it.

In this passage, David is leading an important journey to move the ark, a sacred object representing God's presence, from its current location to Jerusalem. The verse emphasizes that the ark is not just a religious artifact but is closely connected to the name and presence of the LORD (Yahweh), who is described as dwelling between the cherubim—angelic figures on the ark's cover.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 6:2

  • אֲרוֹן (aron, "ark"): This word refers to the special chest that held the tablets of the covenant. Its mention here underlines the central role of the ark in Israel’s worship and national identity.
  • שֵׁם (shem, "name"): The verse repeats this word, stressing the importance of God’s name and reputation being associated with the ark. In Hebrew thought, a name carries the idea of character and authority.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, "LORD"): This is the personal name of God, highlighting that the ark is tied directly to Israel’s covenant God, not just a generic deity.
  • כְּרוּבִים (keruvim, "cherubim"): These are the angelic beings depicted on the ark’s cover. The verse’s mention of God dwelling between them points to the ark as the symbolic throne of God on earth.

Why 2 Samuel 6:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s action is not just political but deeply spiritual, centering on restoring the worship of the LORD in Israel’s capital.
  • The description of God as dwelling between the cherubim emphasizes the ark’s role as the earthly meeting point between God and His people.
  • By repeating the idea of God’s name, the verse stresses the holiness and awe surrounding the ark, warning against treating it as an ordinary object.

Where else these words appear

“cherubims” Hebrew H3742 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • Ezekiel 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;