2 Samuel 6 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues the story of what David did as the king of Israel. It describes how he brought the Box of Yahweh to Jerusalem and placed it in an honored location in the fortress where he lived, the City of David.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Why did David offer sacrifices after the people carrying the Box had taken six steps?

The author relates in [6:13](../06/13.md) that David had the people who were carrying the Box of Yahweh stop after taking six steps so that he could offer sacrifices. Some interpreters believe that this was a symbolic action that alluded to the commandment to work for six days and then observe a day of rest and worship. The parallel passage in [1 Chronicles 15:2–14](../15/02.md) tells how David specifically said how important it was for the Israelites to obey Yahweh’s instructions in the law. So this action could have been a symbolic affirmation of that. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. However, since this interpretation is not entirely certain, you may wish to describe it in general terms. You might say, for example, that “when the lifters of the Box of Yahweh had stepped six steps, David had them pause reverently, and he worshiped Yahweh by sacrificing an ox and a fatling.”