2 Samuel 6:13

13 When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.

2 Samuel 6:13 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
13 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
English Standard Version (ESV)
13 And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.
New Living Translation (NLT)
13 After the men who were carrying the Ark of the LORD had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.
The Message Bible (MSG)
13 extravagantly all the way, with frequent sacrifices of choice bulls.
American Standard Version (ASV)
13 And it was so, that, when they that bare the ark of Jehovah had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
13 When those who carried the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
13 When those carrying the ark of the Lord advanced six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
13 Those who were carrying the ark of the LORD took six steps forward. Then David sacrificed a bull and a fat calf.

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 the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and his entire household.
12 Now King David was told, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.
13 When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.
14 Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the LORD with all his might,
15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 1 Kings 8:5,62; Ezra 6:17
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.