The ark of the covenant has traveled a long, unusual path. Moses oversaw its construction at the foot of Mt. Sinai (Exodus 25:10–22). Joshua brought it over the Jordan River and put it in the tabernacle at Shiloh (Joshua 3; 18:1). Eli's sons took it into battle (1 Samuel 4:4). Philistines stole it (1 Samuel 4:11). After experiencing God's judgment, the Philistines sent it away and it wound up in Beth-shemesh (1 Samuel 6:1–18). God killed men there for disrespecting it, and it landed in Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 6:21). It stayed in that city for twenty years until Saul apparently started taking it to battles (1 Samuel 14:18). By the time David became king, it was back in Kiriath-jearim (2 Samuel 6:2). David decided he wanted it in Jerusalem. He loaded it on an ox cart, but God killed the man who tried to steady it when the oxen stumbled (2 Samuel 6:1–8).

Now, strangely, it's in the home of Obed-edom, a man who might be a vineyard owner but is probably a Philistine. David left it there after realizing he wasn't ready for the ark to come to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:10).

Scholars think Obed-edom may have been part of a squad of soldiers from the Philistine city of Gath who served as David's bodyguard. Though a trusted servant of David, Obed-edom may not even worship Israel's God. Still, the Lord blesses the man and his entire household simply because the ark of God's presence is at his home.

David hears how God is blessing Obed-edom and tries again. This time, the Levites carry the ark according to the instructions in the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 10:8). David also adds sacrifices, music, and dancing to accompany the huge procession. Finally, the ark reaches Jerusalem where it will remain until it mysteriously disappears centuries later (2 Samuel 6:12–15).

In 2 Samuel 6:5–11, God judges and blesses. David has called a procession to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. When the ox cart that carries it wobbles, Uzzah reaches out to steady it, and God strikes him dead for profaning the sacred object. Angry and fearful, David leaves the ark at the home of Obed-edom. When David hears God has been blessing Obed-edom, David recalls the procession, the Levites hand-carry the ark as they should, and the religious and political capitals of Israel are closer to aligning (2 Samuel 6:12–15). This information is also found in 1 Chronicles 13:5–14.

In 2 Samuel 6, David decides to bring the ark of God (Exodus 25:10–22) to Jerusalem. This includes an enormous crowd and a great procession. Unfortunately, he doesn't follow the Mosaic law, and a man dies for inappropriately touching the ark. David leaves the ark at a house for three months before trying again. Moving the symbol of God's presence into the nation's capital delights everyone except David's first wife, Michal. She is disgusted by David's undignified enthusiasm. The same events are noted in 1 Chronicles 13 and 15.

David has established himself as king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5). In 2 Samuel 6, the ark of the covenant reaches Jerusalem. Since its first home in Shiloh, it's been captured by Philistines, sent back home, housed in Kiriath-jearim, carried with the army, and returned to Kiriath-jearim (Joshua 18:1; 1 Samuel 4, 6; 7:1–2; 14:18). David first puts the ark on a cart, but the cart wobbles and God strikes dead the man who tries to save it. Eventually, Levites carry the ark to Jerusalem properly. Soon, David decides that God deserves a proper temple and asks if he can build one (2 Samuel 7).

Second Samuel continues the story of David, who will become king over Judah. The other tribes of Israel are resistant, eventually sparking a civil war. David wins and makes Jerusalem his capital. Early success is followed by moral failure and controversy in David's house. The book of 1 Kings will begin by detailing David's decline and death.

Accessed 12/14/2025 8:11:02 AM

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