II Samuel 6:13 · Bible study
2 Samuel 6:13 Commentary: Sacrifice at Six Paces
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore the meaning of the sacrifice when the ark had gone six paces. Was it a one-time offering or repeated? Context, debate, and application.
Research Summary
- Meaning: David offers a thanksgiving sacrifice as the ark procession safely begins.
- Key words: 'six paces' (literal steps or technical distance), 'sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf' (costly thanksgiving).
- Main debate: Was the sacrifice a one-time event after the first six paces, or repeated every six paces along the route?
- Theological theme: God's holiness and mercy; obedience in worship; gratitude for God's guidance.
- Best use: Teaching about worshiping God in the way he commands, and celebrating his faithfulness after failure.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
WEB World English Bible 2000
When those who bore Yahweh’s ark had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
KJV King James Version 1769
And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And it was so, that, when they that bare the ark of Jehovah had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And it cometh to pass, when those bearing the ark of Jehovah have stepped six steps, that he sacrificeth an ox and a fatling.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And it was so, that when they that bore the ark of Jehovah had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatted beast.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And when they that carried the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed and ox and a ram:
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y como los que llevaban el arca de Dios habían andado seis pasos, sacrificaban un buey y un carnero grueso.
E quando os que levavam a arca de Deus haviam andado seis desfiladeiros, sacrificavam um boi e um carneiro gordo.
Quand ceux qui portaient l’arche de l’ Éternel eurent fait six pas, on sacrifia un bœuf et un veau gras.
Und da sie einhergegangen waren mit der Lade des HERRN sechs Gänge, opferte man einen Ochsen und ein fettes Schaf.
En het geschiedde, als zij, die de ark des HEEREN droegen, zes treden voortgetreden waren, dat hij ossen en gemest vee offerde.
Quando quelli che portavan l’arca dell’Eterno avean fatto sei passi, s’immolava un bue ed un vitello grasso.
A gdy ci, którzy nieśli skrzynię Pańską, postąpili na sześć kroków, ofiarował wołu i barana tłustego.
И когда несшие ковчег Господень проходили по шести шагов, он приносил в жертву тельца и овна.
抬 耶和華 約櫃 的人走了 六 步，大衛就獻 牛 與肥羊為祭。
And when those who were lifting the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he made an offering of an ox and a fat young beast.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · II Samuel 6:13
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators broadly agree that this verse records a sacrifice of thanksgiving offered at the start of the ark's successful journey to Jerusalem. The failed first attempt (2 Samuel 6:6, 8) and the three-month blessing on Obed-Edom's house (v.11) set the stage. Now, with the Levites carrying the ark correctly on their shoulders (1 Chronicles 15:2,15), David offers an ox and a fattened calf once the bearers have taken their first six paces.
The disagreement concerns whether this sacrifice was a single event or repeated every six paces. Barnes' Notes argues the latter “would have been impossible,” suggesting a one-time offering. Keil and Delitzsch agree, noting that “strictly speaking, all that is stated is, that when the bearers had taken the first six steps, the sacrifice was offered” for consecrating the procession. The Cambridge Bible similarly reads it as a thank-offering “as soon as the procession had started.” Others, like Gill, record the view that the sacrifice may have been repeated, but deem it “not very likely.” The Chronicler's account (1 Chronicles 15:26) places the sacrifice of seven bulls and seven rams at the journey's end, which many see as complementary rather than contradictory: an initial offering of one ox and calf, then a larger sacrifice upon arrival.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Single initial sacrifice: The natural reading of the Hebrew narrative and the practical impossibility of stopping every six steps, argued by Barnes and Keil-Delitzsch.
- Repeated sacrifice at intervals: Some ancient interpreters (Gill mentions Kimchi) took the wording to imply repetition; the Chronicler's account (1 Chronicles 15:26) of seven bulls and seven rams may reflect a cumulative offering.
What is clear: David began the ark's journey with a sacrifice of thanksgiving after the first six paces, marking a moment of grateful consecration for a venture that had begun in failure but now proceeded in obedience.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose of the sacrifice | The sacrifice was a thank-offering for God's help in starting the transport of the ark. | Some see it strictly as a consecration of the new attempt, while others view it as a petition for ongoing protection along the whole route. |
| Frequency of sacrifice | The sacrifice occurred after the bearers had gone six paces. | Most commentators read it as a single event; a few allow the possibility that it was repeated at each six-pace interval, though they find this unlikely. |
| Relation to 1 Chronicles 15:26 | Both accounts describe the same procession and the same concern for correct worship. | The chronicler records seven bulls and seven rams at the journey's end, which many see as a complementary, larger sacrifice, but some readers harmonize the numbers or treat the Samuel account as a summary. |
| Identity of the bearers | The bearers were Levites, as David arranged according to the law (1 Chronicles 15:2,15). | No debate; all supplied sources agree on this. |
| Significance of 'six paces' | It marks a brief initial progress of the procession from Obed-Edom's house. | Some interpret it as six literal steps; others suggest a technical sense (a specific distance like a stadium, per Barnes). |
Historical & Cultural Context
The ark of the covenant had been neglected for years, housed in Kiriath-jearim after its return from Philistine captivity. David's earlier attempt to bring it to Jerusalem ended in tragedy when Uzzah touched the ark and died (2 Samuel 6:6, 7). This event revealed that God's holiness could not be approached casually. The ark then stayed with Obed-Edom for three months, during which God blessed his household (v.11). The blessing signaled to David that God was again willing to dwell among his people if approached properly.
Now David reorganizes the transport according to divine instruction (1 Chronicles 15:2,15). Instead of a cart, the ark is carried on the shoulders of the Levites, as commanded in Numbers 4:15 and 7:9. The procession sets out from Obed-Edom's house. “Six paces” likely represents a short distance, perhaps a test of whether the Levites could bear the ark without incident. Barnes suggests “six steps” might be a technical term for a specific distance, possibly a stadium (about 185 metres). After that initial progress, David halts the procession to offer sacrifice.
The sacrifice of an ox and a fattened calf served as a thank-offering for the successful start and a petition for continued favor. It was a consecration of the entire journey. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 15:26 tells of seven bulls and seven rams sacrificed when the ark arrived safely, a larger celebration at the end. The two accounts are not contradictory; they record two different moments: a smaller, initial sacrifice and a grander, final one. This careful attention to both the start and finish shows David's desire to honor God every step of the way.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for this verse in the Hebrew manuscripts. Keil and Delitzsch mention that the Septuagint rendering is 'senseless,' but they do not quote it, and it does not affect the Hebrew text. The ancient translations (LXX, Syriac, Vulgate) generally follow the Masoretic reading. The parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 15:26 has a different emphasis (seven bulls and seven rams), but that is not a textual variant; it is a complementary account.
Reception History
Throughout church history, this verse has been read as an example of David's obedient worship after his earlier failure. Early Jewish interpreters (e.g., Kimchi, quoted by Gill) noted the connection between the six paces and a measure of ground that Uzzah had covered before his error. In Christian tradition, the passage has been used to illustrate that God's presence demands both proper preparation and joyful response. The sacrifice at six paces is sometimes seen as a type of the Christian's call to consecrate the beginnings of any venture to God. Commentators from the Reformation (Geneva Bible, Matthew Henry) emphasized that human mistakes do not thwart God's purposes; repentance and obedience restore fellowship. The verse has been less prominent in liturgical use but is often cited in discussions of worship and the cultic regulations of the old covenant.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Learning from failure: David's earlier attempt ended in death. Now he proceeds in obedience, not presumption. The sacrifice acknowledges that God's holiness must be honored.
- Obedience brings blessing: The ark is carried by Levites, as commanded. The six paces test God's favor, and the sacrifice responds to that favor with gratitude.
- Sacrifice and joy go together: Immediately after the sacrifice, David dances before the Lord (v.14). Proper worship is both costly and joyful.
Five-point outline
- The ark's journey begins with small steps, six paces, a reminder that obedience starts with the first step.
- David halts to sacrifice, showing that worship is not rushed; gratitude requires pause.
- The sacrifice is costly (an ox and a fattened calf), demonstrating that true worship involves giving something of value.
- The timing, immediately after the blessed beginning, teaches us to thank God quickly when we see his hand at work.
- The larger sacrifice at the end (1 Chronicles 15:26) shows that the journey's completion calls for even greater celebration.
Illustration hooks
- A cautious restart after a major mistake: Like carefully driving after a car accident, handling something precious with extra care. The six paces check that all is well before going further.
- The first steps of a long journey: When you set out on a hiking trip, you often pause at the trailhead to check your gear and thank your companions. That pause is the sacrifice at six paces.
- An installment payment: The initial sacrifice is like a down payment of gratitude, with the larger celebration when the goal is reached.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Was David's offering repeated every six steps? And why does it matter?
- How do I know when to start something new after a failure? What lesson does David's second attempt teach?
- What does it mean to “sacrifice” in worship today, when we don't offer animals?
Leading a Discussion
This verse captures a moment of cautious hope. After the disaster of Uzzah's death, David and Israel had to reconsider how to approach the presence of God. The ark stayed for three months with Obed-Edom, and God blessed his family. That blessing gave David courage to try again. Now, with proper Levitical carrying and a sacrifice at the start of the journey, the procession moves forward in both obedience and celebration.
Discussion questions
- What does David's careful arrangement (six paces, then sacrifice) reveal about his attitude toward God's holiness?
- The text does not say whether the sacrifice was repeated. How does the debate affect your reading of the story? Does the ambiguity matter?
- Compare this journey to the first attempt (2 Samuel 6:1-8). What changed, and what stayed the same? What did David learn?
- How does the cross-reference in 1 Chronicles 15:26 deepen the story? Why might there be two different sacrifices described?
- The sacrifice cost David an ox and a fattened calf. What does costly worship look like in your own life?
- Verse 14 says David danced before the Lord. How does sacrifice and joy connect in your spiritual experience?
- If you were part of the procession, what would you have thought and felt at the six-pace mark? What would you have prayed?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Numbers 4:15 | “When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it; but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. The sons of Kohath shall carry these things belonging to the Tent of Meeting. |
| Numbers 7:9 | But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders. |
| Joshua 3:3 | and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of Yahweh your God’s covenant, and the Levitical priests bearing it, then leave your place and follow it. |
| I Kings 8:5 | King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who were assembled to him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and cattle that could not be counted or numbered for multitude. |
| I Chronicles 15:2 | Then David said, “No one ought to carry God’s ark but the Levites. For Yahweh has chosen them to carry God’s ark, and to minister to him forever.” |
| I Chronicles 15:15 | The children of the Levites bore God’s ark on their shoulders with its poles, as Moses commanded according to Yahweh’s word. |
| I Chronicles 15:25 | So David, the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands went to bring the ark of Yahweh’s covenant up out of the house of Obed-Edom with joy. |
| I Chronicles 15:26 | When God helped the Levites who bore the ark of Yahweh’s covenant, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes clarifies that the phrase does not mean they sacrificed animals every six paces, which would be impossible. He suggests "step" may have been a technical measure, like a stadium, so after successfully carrying the ark about a mile, they paused to offer a solemn thanksgiving sacrifice.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
David offered a sacrifice after the procession had gone only six paces, once it was clear God was not angry. He gave thanks for the safe start and prayed the rest would go well, showing how seriously he took the Ark's journey.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note emphasizes the immediacy of David's worship: he offered sacrifice after the ark had moved only six paces. This early act shows his eagerness to honor God's presence with a costly offering, not waiting for a formal ceremony or longer procession.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill notes that David sacrificed oxen and fatlings after the Levites had carried the ark only six paces, likely testing that they could bear it safely without disaster. He dismisses the theory that a sacrifice was made every six paces, arguing instead for a single offering of thanksgiving and atonement at that point.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB notes that some interpreters believe four altars were hastily built for sacrifices at intervals of six paces, but he directs readers to the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 15:26 for a clearer understanding of the event.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch contends that the sacrifice of an ox and a fatted calf was offered only once, at the
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry sees the blessing on Obed-edom's household as the turning point. That visible evidence of God's favour assured David that the ark could now be brought safely, and he acted on that sign with immediate joy and celebration.