2 Samuel 6:14
Verse
Context
The Ark Brought to Jerusalem
13When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.14And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD,15while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn.
Sermons



Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And David danced before the Lord - Dancing is a religious ceremony among the Hindoos, and they consider it an act of devotion to their idols. It is evident that David considered it in the same light. What connection dancing can have with devotion I cannot tell. This I know, that unpremeditated and involuntary skipping may be the effect of sudden mental elation.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"And David danced with all his might before the Lord (i.e., before the ark), and was girded with a white ephod (shoulder-dress)." Dancing, as an expression of holy enthusiasm, was a customary thing from time immemorial: we meet with it as early as at the festival of thanksgiving at the Red Sea (Exo 15:20); but there, and also at subsequent celebrations of the different victories gained by the Israelites, none but women are described as taking part in it (Jdg 11:34; Jdg 21:19; Sa1 18:6). The white ephod was, strictly speaking, a priestly costume, although in the law it is not prescribed as the dress to be worn by them when performing their official duties, but rather as the dress which denoted the priestly character of the wearer (see at Sa1 22:18); and for this reason it was worn by David in connection with these festivities in honour of the Lord, as the head of the priestly nation of Israel (see at Sa1 2:18). In Sa2 6:15 it is still further related, that David and all the house (nation) of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with jubilee and trumpet-blast. תּרוּעה is used here to signify the song of jubilee and the joyous shouting of the people. In the Chronicles (Ch1 15:28) the musical instruments played on the occasion are also severally mentioned.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
David danced before the Lord--The Hebrews, like other ancient people, had their sacred dances, which were performed on their solemn anniversaries and other great occasions of commemorating some special token of the divine goodness and favor. with all his might--intimating violent efforts of leaping, and divested of his royal mantle (in a state of undress), conduct apparently unsuitable to the gravity of age or the dignity of a king. But it was unquestionably done as an act of religious homage, his attitudes and dress being symbolic, as they have always been in Oriental countries, of penitence, joy, thankfulness, and devotion. [See on Ch1 15:27.]
John Gill Bible Commentary
So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord,.... The elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, Ch1 15:25; besides the common people; there might be as large a number with him now as before: with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet; with the shouts of the people in common, and with blowing of trumpets by those who were appointed for that purpose, and with other instruments of music, see Ch1 15:27; Josephus says (r), that seven choirs went before the priests bearing the ark, as the king commanded, he himself playing on the harp; so the Septuagint version. (r) Antiqu. l. 7. c. 4. sect. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:14 priestly garment: This word (Hebrew ’epod, “ephod”) is associated with an Akkadian word, epattu, meaning “a costly garment.” Richly ornamented with gold, this garment was used for robing statues of gods. Because priests and (sometimes) kings were considered sacred persons, they traditionally used garments of this type (see 1 Sam 2:18, 28; 14:3; 22:18; 23:6, 9).
2 Samuel 6:14
The Ark Brought to Jerusalem
13When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.14And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD,15while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Through the Bible - 2 Samuel
By Zac Poonen2.3K57:34EXO 25:82SA 1:12SA 6:142SA 7:2MAT 6:33ACT 1:81TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not grabbing or taking things for ourselves, but instead waiting for God's timing and provision. He uses the example of Jacob, who was a grabber and could not become Israel until he learned to yield to God. The preacher also highlights the story of David and his response to the man who stole a lamb, showing how David's judgment came back on him fourfold. The sermon concludes with a reminder to not judge others and to appreciate the good in people, even those who may have wronged us. The preacher also emphasizes the need to prioritize seeking the Holy Spirit over seeking material wealth.
(The Ark of the Covenant) 5. Entering Jerusalem
By Roy Hession1.5K53:25Ark Of The CovenantEXO 25:142SA 6:12SA 6:122SA 6:142SA 6:171CH 15:13PSA 132:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses how often Christians rely on worldly methods and strategies to promote their faith and achieve success. He emphasizes that these methods are often poor copies of what the world does and ultimately lead to non-results or even disaster. The speaker highlights the importance of seeking a more excellent way, which involves relying on God and His grace rather than human methods. He also emphasizes the significance of having a personal relationship with Jesus and constantly seeking His presence in our lives.
A Message for New York City
By Carter Conlon1.4K43:33New York City2SA 6:14PSA 149:3MAT 6:33MAT 11:12MAT 11:16MRK 8:22JHN 9:25In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the state of the current generation and their response to the word of God. He mentions the Billy Graham conferences in the 1950s, where many people came to know Jesus Christ. However, he also acknowledges that despite the preaching and the blessings, society is failing and becoming something other than what God intended. The preacher emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding and a genuine encounter with God, beyond cultural experiences. He encourages listeners to come to Jesus, who offers rest and invites them to learn from him. The sermon concludes with the promise that those who are humble and willing to seek God will experience the power of God in their generation.
Uzzah and the Ark of God
By Richard Owen Roberts1.2K1:18:39NUM 4:152SA 6:141CH 15:132CH 7:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of doing things God's way and humbling ourselves before Him. It highlights the need for true preaching that moves hearts, not just teaching, and the significance of returning to the core truths of the Bible. The story of David dancing before the Lord in a linen ephod is used to illustrate the humility and obedience required in worship and leadership. The sermon also addresses the decline in churches, the lack of repentance, and the urgency for revival to bring nations back to God.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And David danced before the Lord - Dancing is a religious ceremony among the Hindoos, and they consider it an act of devotion to their idols. It is evident that David considered it in the same light. What connection dancing can have with devotion I cannot tell. This I know, that unpremeditated and involuntary skipping may be the effect of sudden mental elation.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"And David danced with all his might before the Lord (i.e., before the ark), and was girded with a white ephod (shoulder-dress)." Dancing, as an expression of holy enthusiasm, was a customary thing from time immemorial: we meet with it as early as at the festival of thanksgiving at the Red Sea (Exo 15:20); but there, and also at subsequent celebrations of the different victories gained by the Israelites, none but women are described as taking part in it (Jdg 11:34; Jdg 21:19; Sa1 18:6). The white ephod was, strictly speaking, a priestly costume, although in the law it is not prescribed as the dress to be worn by them when performing their official duties, but rather as the dress which denoted the priestly character of the wearer (see at Sa1 22:18); and for this reason it was worn by David in connection with these festivities in honour of the Lord, as the head of the priestly nation of Israel (see at Sa1 2:18). In Sa2 6:15 it is still further related, that David and all the house (nation) of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with jubilee and trumpet-blast. תּרוּעה is used here to signify the song of jubilee and the joyous shouting of the people. In the Chronicles (Ch1 15:28) the musical instruments played on the occasion are also severally mentioned.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
David danced before the Lord--The Hebrews, like other ancient people, had their sacred dances, which were performed on their solemn anniversaries and other great occasions of commemorating some special token of the divine goodness and favor. with all his might--intimating violent efforts of leaping, and divested of his royal mantle (in a state of undress), conduct apparently unsuitable to the gravity of age or the dignity of a king. But it was unquestionably done as an act of religious homage, his attitudes and dress being symbolic, as they have always been in Oriental countries, of penitence, joy, thankfulness, and devotion. [See on Ch1 15:27.]
John Gill Bible Commentary
So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord,.... The elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, Ch1 15:25; besides the common people; there might be as large a number with him now as before: with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet; with the shouts of the people in common, and with blowing of trumpets by those who were appointed for that purpose, and with other instruments of music, see Ch1 15:27; Josephus says (r), that seven choirs went before the priests bearing the ark, as the king commanded, he himself playing on the harp; so the Septuagint version. (r) Antiqu. l. 7. c. 4. sect. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:14 priestly garment: This word (Hebrew ’epod, “ephod”) is associated with an Akkadian word, epattu, meaning “a costly garment.” Richly ornamented with gold, this garment was used for robing statues of gods. Because priests and (sometimes) kings were considered sacred persons, they traditionally used garments of this type (see 1 Sam 2:18, 28; 14:3; 22:18; 23:6, 9).