2 Samuel 6:13

13 When those bearing the ark of ADONAI had gone only six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened sheep.

2 Samuel 6:13 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 6:13

And it was [so], that when they that bare the ark of the Lord,
&c.] The Levites; for now David had seen the former mistake, and rectified it, and ordered the Levites to "carry" it, as they did upon their shoulders, with the staves therein, see ( 1 Chronicles 15:2 1 Chronicles 15:12-15 ) ; when these

had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings;
upon an altar, which was at once erected for that purpose; the number and kind of sacrifices offered were seven bullocks and seven rams, ( 1 Chronicles 15:26 ) ; and these David offered, not by himself, but by the priests that were with him, and that as soon as they had gone six paces from the house of Obededom; whereby they perceived the Levites, were able to carry the ark, with what was in it, the Lord helping them, as in ( 1 Chronicles 15:2 1 Chronicles 15:15 ) , and without stumbling and falling, or any evil attending them; and Kimchi thinks these six paces were just the measure of the ground Uzzah went before what befell him; but it is highly probable that he had gone further; however, no doubt by the order of David, the Levites set down the ark, and sacrifices were offered by way of thanksgiving to God, and for the continuance of his goodness, and for atonement for former errors. Some think these seven oxen and rams were offered, at seven different times and places, at every six paces an ox and a ram; but this is not very likely.

2 Samuel 6:13 In-Context

11 The ark of ADONAI stayed in the house of 'Oved-Edom the Gitti for three months; and ADONAI blessed 'Oved-Edom and all his household.
12 King David was told, "ADONAI has blessed the house of 'Oved-Edom and everyone who belongs to him, thanks to the ark of God." So David went and joyously brought the ark of God up from the house of 'Oved-Edom into the City of David.
13 When those bearing the ark of ADONAI had gone only six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened sheep.
14 Then David danced and spun around with abandon before ADONAI, wearing a linen ritual vest.
15 So David and all the house of Isra'el brought up the ark of ADONAI with shouting and the sound of the shofar.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.