Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem; Uzzah's Death and David's Joy
2 Samuel 6:1-23
2 S.6.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- בחור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:1 (verbal): Near-identical wording and the same episode—David again gathers the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand (direct parallel/retelling of 2 Sam 6:1).
- 1 Chronicles 15:1–3 (thematic): A later, more detailed account of David assembling Israel to bring up the ark; parallels the purpose and communal mobilization implied in 2 Sam 6:1.
- 2 Samuel 6:2 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: explains why David gathered the thirty thousand (to bring up the ark of God), linking the muster to the ark-transport episode.
- 1 Chronicles 12:38–40 (thematic): Describes large numbers of men united to support David’s rule and move to Hebron—parallel theme of mass mobilization and national backing for David’s initiatives.
Alternative generated candidates
- David again mustered all the chosen men of Israel—thirty thousand.
- David again mustered all the valiant men of Israel—thirty thousand.
2 S.6.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- מבעלי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- להעלות: VERB,hiphil,inf
- משם: PREP
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נקרא: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- שם: ADV
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הכרבים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:6 (verbal): Nearly identical narrative account—David rises and goes to Baale-judah (Kiriath‑jearim) to bring up the ark; parallel wording and action.
- 1 Samuel 7:1 (allusion): Locates the ark at Kiriath‑jearim (Baale‑Judah) after the Philistine period—background for David’s retrieval of the ark.
- Exodus 25:22 (quotation): Divine presence associated with the mercy‑seat between the cherubim; parallels the statement that the LORD (YHWH Sabaoth) ‘sits upon the cherubim’.
- Psalm 99:1 (thematic): Declares the LORD enthroned upon the cherubim—echoes the theological motif of God’s kingship and presence on the ark noted in 2 Sam 6:2.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13 (structural): Reflects the later, corrective account when David properly assigns Levites to carry the ark—shows the narrative consequence of the earlier transport attempt.
Alternative generated candidates
- David rose and went, with all the people who were with him, from Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim.
- David rose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name the LORD of hosts, who sits above the cherubim.
2 S.6.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירכבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- עגלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חדשה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- וישאהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבינדב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בגבעה: PREP+PNOUN,f,sg
- ועזא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואחיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אבינדב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- נהגים: VERB,qal,ptcp,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העגלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- חדשה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:7 (quotation): Direct parallel account: the ark is placed on a new cart and brought out of the house of Abinadab, with Uzzah and Ahio driving (near-verbatim narrative parallel).
- 1 Samuel 6:7-8 (verbal): Philistines send the ark back on a cart drawn by cows—parallels the motif of transporting the ark on a cart rather than by poles.
- Exodus 25:14-15 (structural): God's explicit instructions that the ark be carried with poles in rings (not removed), providing the prescriptive background against which transporting the ark on a cart is irregular.
- Numbers 4:15 (structural): Regulation that the Levites are to carry holy objects with poles, underscoring that designated Levites—not a cart driven by laymen—were the proper bearers of the ark.
- 1 Chronicles 15:15 (thematic): Later corrective episode in which David and the Levites transport the ark properly with poles and appointed Levites—serves as a thematic resolution/contrast to the earlier cart transport in 2 Samuel 6:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab on the hill; Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart.
- They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.
2 S.6.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישאהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבינדב: NOUN,m,sg,abs,proper
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בגבעה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואחיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- הארון: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:7-8 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel account of taking the ark out of Abinadab's house; Uzzah and Ahio go before the ark.
- 1 Chronicles 15:2-15 (thematic): Later, corrective and successful transport of the ark: David instructs Levites to carry the ark on their shoulders (contrast to the earlier attempt described in 2 Sam 6).
- Exodus 25:14-15 (allusion): Divine instruction that the ark be borne on poles inserted through rings—background law relevant to proper method of transporting the ark.
- Numbers 4:15 (verbal): Priestly/Levitical regulation specifying that the holy things (including the ark) be carried with poles and not touched—legal basis for criticizing non-Levitical/vehicular transport.
- 1 Samuel 6:12-13 (structural): Narrative of the ark being placed on a new cart (by the Philistines) and transported on wheels—parallels the image of the ark being moved on a cart in 2 Samuel 6.
Alternative generated candidates
- They brought it from the house of Abinadab on the hill, with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark.
- They brought it out of Abinadab's house on the hill, with the ark of God; and Ahio went before the ark.
2 S.6.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משחקים: VERB,qal,ptc,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ברושים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובכנרות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובנבלים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובתפים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובמנענעים: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,m,pl
- ובצלצלים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:8 (verbal): Almost verbatim parallel: 'David and all Israel played before God' with musical accompaniment—same event and wording.
- 1 Chronicles 15:16–28 (structural): Expanded account of bringing the ark: Levites appointed and a detailed list of instruments (harps, lyres, cymbals, tambourines, etc.), closely mirroring the worship scene in 2 Sam 6:5.
- 1 Chronicles 16:4–6 (verbal): David assigns Levites to minister with harps, lyres, and cymbals when presenting the ark—echoes the instrument list and liturgical function in 2 Sam 6:5.
- Psalm 150:3–5 (thematic): Doxology calling for praise with trumpet, harp, lyre, timbrel, strings, pipe, and cymbals—thematically parallels the communal use of diverse instruments in worship described in 2 Sam 6:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- David and all the house of Israel were dancing and playing before the LORD with all kinds of instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, rattles, and cymbals.
- David and all the house of Israel were playing and dancing before the LORD with all kinds of musical instruments—on harps, lyres, timbrels, drums, rattles, and cymbals.
2 S.6.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- גרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נכון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עזא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאחז: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שמטו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הבקר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:9 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the same episode; Chronicles repeats that Uzzah reached out to the ark when the oxen stumbled.
- 1 Chronicles 13:10 (verbal): Continuation of the parallel: Chronicles reports the immediate divine punishment for touching the ark.
- Numbers 4:15 (allusion): Priestly law forbidding unauthorized touching of holy objects (Kohathite carriers); provides legal/background explanation for the severity of touching the ark.
- Exodus 25:14 (thematic): Specification that the ark was to be carried with poles remaining in its rings — relevant to proper transport of the ark and why touching it was problematic.
Alternative generated candidates
- They came to the threshing-floor of Nachon, and Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled.
- They came to the threshing floor of Nachon; and Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled.
2 S.6.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בעזה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויכהו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- השל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- עם: PREP
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chron.13.9-10 (quotation): Direct parallel account of Uzzah’s death while touching the ark; essentially the same narrative as 2 Samuel 6:7.
- Num.4.15 (verbal): Law concerning handling of holy objects: those who touch sacred items improperly risk death — provides legal background for the ark incident.
- Lev.10.1-2 (thematic): Nadab and Abihu struck dead for offering unauthorized fire before the LORD — thematically parallels divine punishment for improper approach to holy things.
- 2 Chron.26.16-21 (thematic): King Uzziah punished (stricken with leprosy) for unlawfully entering priestly service — another case of death/affliction for presuming on sacred duties.
- 1 Chron.15.13-15 (allusion): Later account reflects on the earlier failure to transport the ark properly, stating that the LORD’s displeasure came because they had not inquired of God or followed the proper order.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; God struck him there for his irreverent touch, and he died there beside the ark of God.
- Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him there because of his irreverence; and he died there beside the ark of God.
2 S.6.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פרץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- פרץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעזה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- למקום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- פרץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עזה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:9-11 (verbal): Direct parallel account of Uzzah's death; repeats the language and records that David named the place Perez-uzzah (פרץ עזה).
- 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 (thematic): After the failed attempt, David reorganizes the transport of the ark according to Levitical/legally prescribed practice—shows the corrective response to the holiness issue raised by Uzzah's death.
- 1 Samuel 6:19 (thematic): When the ark was returned to Beth‑shemesh, many Israelites were struck for looking into/handling the ark—a parallel theme of divine holiness and lethal consequences for improper contact with the ark.
- Exodus 25:14-15 (verbal): God's instruction that the ark be carried on poles inserted through rings—an explicit regulation for handling the ark that Uzzah's action violated, explaining the theological background for the fatal punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- David was displeased because the LORD had burst out against Uzzah; therefore that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day.
- David was displeased because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; therefore that place is called Perez-uzza to this day.
2 S.6.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איך: ADV
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:12-13 (structural): Direct parallel account of the same incident: David is afraid after the LORD strikes Uzzah, and questions how the ark should come to him; the ark is left at the house of Obed‑edom.
- 2 Samuel 6:8 (structural): Immediate context in the same narrative: God 'burned' against Uzzah for touching the ark, provoking David's fear and refusal to bring the ark into his city.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13 (thematic): Explains the reason for David's earlier fear and delay: the ark was not handled according to the proper order, so the LORD had 'made a breach' when they brought it improperly.
- 1 Samuel 6:20 (thematic): After ark‑related judgments, the people express fear of the holy LORD ('Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?'), reflecting the same theme of awe and terror before God's holiness.
- Leviticus 10:1-3 (thematic): The death of Nadab and Abihu for improper approach to God illustrates the theological background: God's holiness can have lethal consequences for improper handling or irreverence, explaining David's fear about receiving the ark.
Alternative generated candidates
- David was afraid of the LORD that day and said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?”
- David was afraid of the LORD that day and said, "How can the ark of the LORD come to me?"
2 S.6.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- אבה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להסיר: VERB,hiph,inf
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויטהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אדום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:13 (verbal): Almost identical report: David would not bring the ark into the City of David and instead left it in the house of Obed-edom (direct parallel in wording and action).
- 2 Samuel 6:11 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: the ark remains in Obed-edom’s house for three months and the household is blessed, explaining why David delayed bringing the ark to Jerusalem.
- 1 Chronicles 15:25 (structural): Later chronicled resolution: David ultimately brings the ark to Jerusalem with proper priestly procedure and celebration, contrasting the earlier refusal and ill-fated first attempt.
- Psalm 132:8 (thematic): Expresses the theological/liturgical aim behind bringing the ark to Zion/City of David—inviting the ark (and the LORD) to dwell in Zion—highlighting the motive behind David’s actions and the significance of the ark’s location.
Alternative generated candidates
- David would not take the ark of the LORD into the city of David; David moved it aside to the house of Obed‑Edom the Gittite.
- So David would not move the ark of the LORD into the city of David; but David took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.
2 S.6.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלשה: NUM,m
- חדשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויברך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:14 (verbal): Direct parallel account: the ark remained in the house of Obed‑edom three months and the LORD blessed his household (near‑identical wording).
- 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 (structural): Later, successful transfer of the ark to Jerusalem with rejoicing and musicians—contrasts the earlier failed move and shows the ark’s proper installation and associated blessing.
- 2 Samuel 6:12 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: David sees the blessing on Obed‑edom’s house and then brings the ark to the city of David—connects the three‑month stay to the decision to move the ark.
- 1 Samuel 7:1-2 (thematic): Earlier tradition of the ark dwelling in a private household (house of Abinadab/Kirjath‑jearim) for an extended period—echoes motif of the ark residing in a household and the community’s response.
- Psalm 132:13-16 (allusion): Theme of the LORD choosing Zion as his dwelling and blessing the household associated with his presence—theological resonance with the ark’s resting place bringing divine blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed‑Edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed‑Edom and all his household.
- The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household.
2 S.6.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ברך: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA,NA
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בעבור: PREP
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשמחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 13:14 (quotation): Parallel account: explicitly reports that the LORD blessed the house of Obed‑edom while the ark remained there, giving the same reason for David’s action.
- 1 Chronicles 15:25 (verbal): Describes bringing up the ark with shouting and trumpets—matches the joy and celebratory procession implied by David bringing the ark to the city ‘with gladness.’
- 2 Samuel 6:15 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: records David’s joyful dancing and the celebratory atmosphere when the ark was brought into the City of David, amplifying the ‘with gladness’ note of 6:12.
- Numbers 10:35–36 (allusion): Liturgical formula recited when the ark set forward and rested; connects the movement of the ark to ritual acclamation and the cultic rejoicing that accompanies its transport.
Alternative generated candidates
- When it was told King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed‑Edom and all that belongs to him because of the ark of God,” David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed‑Edom into the city of David with rejoicing.
- It was told King David, "The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the city of David with rejoicing.
2 S.6.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- צעדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ששה: NUM,card,m,pl
- צעדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויזבח: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומריא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:25 (verbal): Parallel account of David bringing up the ark; the chronicler narrates the same procession and celebratory rites when the ark is moved to Jerusalem.
- 1 Chronicles 16:1 (thematic): After the ark is brought in, David and the people offer sacrifices and distribute portions — closely parallels the sacrificial thanksgiving (oxen and fatlings) in 2 Samuel 6:13.
- 1 Chronicles 13:9 (structural): Earlier, a failed attempt to transport the ark (Uzzah’s death) forms the narrative background that explains the revised, reverent procession and sacrificial actions in 2 Samuel 6:13.
- Psalm 132:8 (thematic): Psalm celebrating the bringing of the ark to Zion: 'Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your strength' — thematically linked to the procession and installation of the ark in Jerusalem.
- Numbers 10:10 (allusion): Uses sacrificial/ritual motifs accompanying movement of the LORD’s presence (trumpets and offerings when setting out) — relates to the ritualized, sacrificial character of the ark’s procession in 2 Samuel 6:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- When those who bore the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.
- When those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fatling.
2 S.6.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכרכר: VERB,qal,ptc,NA,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חגור: VERB,qal,ptc,NA,m,sg
- אפוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:29 (quotation): Nearly identical wording in Chronicles: David 'danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod'—an explicit retelling of the same scene.
- Exodus 28:6-12 (allusion): Describes the ephod as a cultic/priestly garment. David's wearing of a linen ephod evokes priestly attire and cultic service.
- Exodus 15:20-21 (thematic): Miriam and the women 'danced' and praised the LORD after deliverance—a parallel motif of communal, celebratory dance before God.
- Psalm 150:4 (thematic): A liturgical call to 'praise him with dancing,' reflecting the biblical theme that dance can be an appropriate form of worship before Yahweh.
Alternative generated candidates
- David danced with all his might before the LORD; David was girded with a linen ephod.
- David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.
2 S.6.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעלים: VERB,hiph,ptc,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בתרועה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובקול: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שופר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chron.15:25 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel: Chronicles records David and all Israel bringing up the ark 'with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet,' matching Samuel's phrasing.
- 2 Sam.6:14 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter: David's exuberant dancing accompanies the bringing up of the ark, situating verse 15 within the celebratory procession.
- Num.10:35-36 (thematic): Earlier ritual pattern for moving the ark/covenant presence: when the ark set forward Moses invoked the LORD and the community used trumpet blasts—connecting movement of the ark with shouts and trumpets.
- Ps.47:5 (verbal): Shared imagery and language: 'God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet,' echoing the motif of ascent/entrance accompanied by shouting and trumpet-sound.
Alternative generated candidates
- David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.
- David and all Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn.
2 S.6.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומיכל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נשקפה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בעד: PREP
- החלון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפזז: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- ומכרכר: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ותבז: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בלבה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:29 (verbal): Near-identical retelling: Michal watches from a window, sees David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and despises him in her heart (parallel wording and event).
- 2 Samuel 6:14 (structural): Immediate narrative context describing David dancing and celebrating before the LORD as the ark is brought into the city (same event from the narrator's perspective).
- 2 Samuel 6:20 (structural): Direct continuation/response: Michal reproaches David for his conduct, and David defends his worshipful behavior—shows the aftermath and theological/relational tensions introduced in 6:16.
- Psalm 149:3 (thematic): The psalmic call to praise God with dancing connects thematically to David's use of dance as an act of worship before Yahweh.
- 1 Samuel 19:11–17 (thematic): Earlier episode involving Michal and David (she helps him escape from Saul) provides character/contextual contrast to her later contemptuous reaction in 2 Sam 6:16, illuminating changed attitudes and relational history.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked through a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.
- As the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal, daughter of Saul, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.
2 S.6.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויצגו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- במקומו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- בתוך: PREP
- האהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נטה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ושלמים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 16:1 (verbal): Nearly identical wording: the ark is set in the tent David prepared and burnt and peace offerings are offered before the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 15:1 (structural): Narrates David's assembly and the bringing of the ark to Jerusalem, providing the broader structural context for its placement in David's tent.
- 1 Chronicles 13:6-14 (allusion): The earlier, failed attempt to move the ark (Uzzah's death) is recalled by Chronicles and contrasts with the successful, reverent placement described in 2 Samuel 6:17.
- 1 Kings 8:6 (thematic): Solomon later has the priests bring the ark 'to its place' into the Most Holy Place of the temple, paralleling the theme of establishing the ark in its proper dwelling.
- Psalm 132:7-8 (thematic): Davidic psalm expressing the intention to bring the ark to Zion and asking God to come to his resting place—echoes the motive and theology behind setting the ark in David's tent.
Alternative generated candidates
- They brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
- They brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
2 S.6.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהעלות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- העולה: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg,def
- והשלמים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויברך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 16:1-3 (quotation): Closely parallels the wording and sequence: the ark is set in its place, burnt and peace offerings are presented, and David blesses the people in the name of the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 15:25-28 (structural): Describes the liturgical procession, sacrifices, and musical accompaniment that accompany bringing the ark to Jerusalem—same ritual context and ceremonial features.
- 2 Samuel 6:17 (verbal): Immediate context in the same narrative: it records the bringing of the ark, the offering of sacrifices, and the celebratory worship that leads directly into v.18.
- 1 Kings 8:4-6 (thematic): Solomon’s later bringing of the ark into the temple mirrors David’s act—both involve placing the ark in its designated dwelling with priestly/Levitical ministry and sacrificial observance.
- Psalm 132:7-8 (allusion): Celebrates the ark’s coming to Zion and God’s dwelling there; thematically echoes David’s establishment of the ark and the notion of God taking his resting place among the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
- When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
2 S.6.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחלק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לכל: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכל: PREP
- המון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למאיש: PREP
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חלת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- ואשפר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- ואשישה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לביתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 16:1-3 (verbal): Almost identical account in Chronicles of distributing to all the people 'a loaf of bread, a good piece of meat, and a flagon of wine' after the Ark was brought in.
- 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 (verbal): Chronicles' parallel narrative of the Ark's transport and the subsequent sacrificial meal and distribution to every man and woman of Israel.
- Exodus 16:16-18 (thematic): Theme of communal provision and allotted portions for each person ('take an omer for every one who is in his tent') — parallels the regulated distribution of food to all.
- Nehemiah 8:10-12 (thematic): After a public religious celebration the people eat, drink, send portions and return home with joy — similar pattern of communal meal/portioning and dispersal to houses.
- 1 Kings 8:65-66 (structural): After a major cultic dedication and feasting all the people return to their homes joyful — a parallel concluding motif to the liturgical celebration and dispersal.
Alternative generated candidates
- He distributed to all the people of Israel—everyone, man and woman—each a loaf of bread, a portion, and a flagon of wine; and all the people went back to their homes.
- He distributed to every one of the people of Israel, both to men and women, to each a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins; and all the people departed every one to his house.
2 S.6.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לברך: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- מיכל: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לקראת: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- נכבד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נגלה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- אמהות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- כהגלות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- נגלות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- הרקים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 2 Sam 6:16 (verbal): Same episode earlier in the chapter: Michal sees David dancing 'leaping and playing' and 'despises him in her heart' — sets up her verbal rebuke in 6:20.
- 2 Sam 6:21 (quotation): David's reply to Michal ('I will celebrate before the LORD...') immediately follows 6:20 and directly answers her charge about his behavior.
- 2 Sam 6:23 (structural): Summarizes the long-term consequence of Michal's attitude — she remained childless — presented as outcome linked to her contempt in 6:20.
- 1 Sam 19:11-17 (thematic): Earlier portrait of Michal's loyalty (she helps David escape from Saul) contrasts with her later contempt in 2 Sam 6:20, highlighting a change in her stance toward David.
- 1 Chron 15:29 (verbal): Parallel account of the same celebration: Chronicles likewise reports that Michal 'despised him in her heart,' offering a close retelling of the Samuel narrative behind 2 Sam 6:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- David returned to bless his household. Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel has made himself distinguished today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of the female servants of his servants!”
- David returned to bless his household. Michal, daughter of Saul, came out to meet David and said, "How glorious is the king of Israel today, who has uncovered himself today before the eyes of the servant-girls of his attendants!"
2 S.6.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- מיכל: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בחר: VERB,qal,perf,3,ms
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מאביך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ומכל: CONJ
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לצות: VERB,qal,infc
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- נגיד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- עם: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושחקתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 6:14 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same narrative: describes David 'dancing before the LORD with all his might,' the action to which Michal's reproach and David's reply (v.21) respond.
- 1 Chronicles 15:29 (verbal): A closely related retelling: Michal looks out, sees David leaping and playing before the LORD, and despises him — mirrors Michal's reaction and the централь incident behind David's defense in 2 Sam 6:21.
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (allusion): Alludes to the earlier divine choice of David over Saul: Samuel anoints David and the Spirit of the LORD comes upon him — background for David's claim 'the LORD who chose me instead of your father and all his house.'
- Exodus 15:20-21 (thematic): Shows an earlier biblical precedent of liturgical dancing before Yahweh (Miriam and the women celebrating the deliverance at the sea), framing David's dancing as a form of worship rather than mere spectacle.
- Psalm 149:3 (thematic): Expresses the theme of praising God with dancing ('Let them praise his name with dancing'), supporting David's claim that his bodily action was an act of worship before the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- David said to Michal before the LORD, “It was before the LORD—who chose me above your father and all his house to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel—that I would play (dance) before the LORD.”
- David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me instead of your father and all his house to appoint me ruler over the LORD's people, over Israel, that I should celebrate and play before the LORD.
2 S.6.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונקלתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- עוד: ADV
- מזאת: PREP+DEM,f,sg
- והייתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- שפל: ADJ,m,sg
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ועם: CONJ+PREP
- האמהות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אמרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- עמם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אכבדה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.6.21 (structural): Immediate context—David's preceding statement about humbling himself and 'playing' before the LORD provides the direct lead‑in to v.22; together they form his reply to Michal's reproach.
- 1 Chron.15.29 (structural): Parallel account of the same episode: Michal sees David leaping and despises him. Chronicles records the event from another perspective, linking to David's behavior before the ark.
- Ps.113.7-8 (thematic): Speaks of God lifting the poor and seating the humble with princes—resonates with the motif of humility before God leading to honor (David choosing to be 'low' yet honored before the maidservants).
- 1 Sam.2.8 (thematic): Hannah's song: God raises the poor from the dust and exalts the humble—a theological background for the idea that lowliness before God can result in exaltation or honor.
- Luke 14.11 (thematic): 'Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted'—New Testament parallel expressing the same principle of willing humility resulting in honour.
Alternative generated candidates
- “I will be even more contemptible than this and will be humble in my own eyes; yet by the female servants you spoke of I shall be held in honor.”
- I will be even more contemptible than this, and I will be low in my own eyes; yet by the maidservants whom you have mentioned I shall be honored."
2 S.6.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולמיכל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ילד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מותה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:29 (structural): Parallel account of the same episode: Michal watches David from a window and despises him—part of the wider narrative that 2 Sam 6:23 concludes by noting her childlessness.
- 1 Samuel 18:20-29 (structural): Earlier background to Michal’s relationship with David (her marriage to him and her status as Saul’s daughter), which helps explain the narrative tension culminating in 2 Sam 6:23.
- 1 Samuel 1:5-6 (thematic): Statement about Hannah’s barrenness highlights the biblical motif of a woman’s childlessness being a notable social/theological condition; parallels the terse notice that Michal had no children.
- Genesis 11:30 (thematic): The brief statement ‘Sarai was barren’ provides a comparable biblical pattern of succinctly noting a woman’s lack of offspring as significant background information.
- Luke 1:7 (thematic): Elizabeth’s childlessness (until God intervenes) is a New Testament parallel showing the recurring narrative/theological significance attached to women’s barrenness in Scripture; contrasts with Michal’s permanent childlessness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Michal daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.
- Michal, daughter of Saul, had no child to the day of her death.
And David again mustered all the chosen men of Israel—thirty thousand. And David rose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose Name is called the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned above the cherubim.
They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart. And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab on the hill, with the ark of God; and Ahio went before the ark. And David and all the house of Israel celebrated and played before the LORD with all kinds of musical instruments—on lyres, harps, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.
They came to the threshing floor of Nachon; and the oxen stumbled. Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark and took hold of it. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him there because he touched the ark; and he died there beside the ark of God.
David was displeased because the LORD had burst out against Uzzah; therefore that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day.
David was afraid of the LORD that day and said, "How can the ark of the LORD come to me?" So David would not take the ark into the city of David; but David turned aside and carried it into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household. And it was told King David, "The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that is his, because of the ark of God." Then David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And it came to pass, when the bearers of the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, that he sacrificed a bull and a fatling. And David danced with all his might before the LORD; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the horn.
As the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked through a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.
They brought in the ark of the LORD and set it in its place within the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts. And he distributed to every one of the people, to all the multitude of Israel, both men and women, a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins; and all the people departed every man to his house.
Then David returned to bless his household; and Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, "How glorious today is the king of Israel, who has uncovered himself today before the eyes of the servant girls of his servants!" And David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel; therefore I will play before the LORD.
I will be even more lowly than this, and will be base in my own sight; yet by the handmaidens whom you have spoken of I shall be held in honor." And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.