What is the context?
When David hears of the blessing on Obed-edom’s household, he resumes bringing the ark to Jerusalem with joy. This time the account speaks of people carrying it. After six paces, David sacrifices an ox and a fattened calf.
Wearing a linen ephod, David dances before the LORD with all his might, while Israel joins with shouting and the ram’s horn. Michal watches from a window and despises him in her heart. Her response introduces a conflict that will surface when he comes home.
The ark is placed inside the tent David has prepared. He offers burnt offerings and peace offerings, blesses the people in the LORD’s name, and distributes bread, date cakes and raisin cakes to men and women alike. The public celebration ends with people returning to their households.
How is this passage commonly understood?
1 Chronicles 15:1–15 gives the fuller account of the correction: David appoints Levites, calls them to consecrate themselves, and has the ark carried on shoulders with poles as Moses commanded. Joy and attention to God’s instructions now appear together.
Gill reads the sacrifice after six paces as thanksgiving at the safe beginning of the journey. He questions the idea that it was repeated at every six steps. The BSB describes a sacrifice after six paces; it does not explicitly say every six paces along the entire route.
Wesley and Henry understand David’s linen clothing as a setting aside of royal display in service before God. 1 Chronicles 15:27 also describes his robe of fine linen. The king joins the procession as a worshiper who serves the LORD.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.