2 samuel 6:2 - David arose, and went with all the people who were with him, from Baale Judah, to bring up from there God’s ark, which is called by the Name, even the name of Yahweh of Armies who sits above the cherubim.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 6:2

What does "2 samuel 6:2" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 6:2 describes David's attempt to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant and bring it to Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning:

"David arose, and went with all the people who were with him, from Baale Judah..." This means David gathered his men and departed from Baale Judah. Baale Judah, also known as Kiriath-jearim, was a town where the Ark had been staying since it was returned by the Philistines (1 Samuel 6-7). This shows that David considered the retrieval of the Ark an important event that needed a large entourage.

"...to bring up from there God’s ark..." The primary purpose of this journey was to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, the newly established capital. David recognized the importance of the Ark as a symbol of God's presence and power.

"...which is called by the Name, even the name of Yahweh of Armies who sits above the cherubim." This phrase emphasizes the significance of the Ark and the God it represents.
"which is called by the Name" indicates that the Ark was closely associated with God's very essence and presence. "The Name" is a common substitute for the explicit mention of God's personal name (Yahweh).
"even the name of Yahweh of Armies who sits above the cherubim" provides a more detailed description of the God associated with the Ark:
"Yahweh" is God's personal name, revealing His covenant relationship with Israel.
"of Armies" (or "of Hosts") highlights God's power and sovereignty, particularly His role as the commander of heavenly armies. It suggests that God is not just a local deity but a universal king.
"who sits above the cherubim" refers to the Ark's cover, called the Mercy Seat, which featured two cherubim (angelic beings) facing each other. This imagery suggests God's presence enthroned above the cherubim, indicating His royal authority and dwelling place in the heavens. It also implies that the Ark was a tangible representation of God's dwelling among His people.

In Summary:

The verse describes David's initiative to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Baale Judah to Jerusalem. The Ark symbolized God's presence, power, and covenant with Israel. The description of God as "Yahweh of Armies who sits above the cherubim" reinforces His sovereignty and emphasizes the Ark's importance as a focal point of worship and divine connection.

It's important to remember that this event was highly significant because it symbolized David's desire to establish Jerusalem as the religious center of Israel and to honor God's presence among His people.