The Ark Brought to Jerusalem

David gathered thirty thousand chosen men of Israel to bring the ark of God from Baale-judah. The men placed the ark on a new cart driven by Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab. David and the house of Israel played various instruments, including harps, psalteries, timbrels, cornets, and cymbals, before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:5). When the procession reached Nachon's threshing floor, the oxen shook the cart. Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it. The anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error, resulting in his death beside the ark (2 Samuel 6:7).

David became displeased and afraid of the Lord following the death of Uzzah. Consequently, he was unwilling to move the ark into the city of David. Instead, David carried the ark aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, where it remained for three months. During this period, the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household. When David was informed of this blessing, he went and brought the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness (2 Samuel 6:12).

As the ark entered the city, David leaped and danced before the Lord while wearing a linen ephod. Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through a window and saw David's actions, and she despised him in her heart (2 Samuel 6:16). The ark was set in the midst of a tabernacle David had pitched for it, and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. After blessing the people and distributing bread, meat, and wine, David returned to bless his household. Michal met him and critiqued his behavior, stating he had uncovered himself in the eyes of his servants' handmaids. David responded that his actions were before the Lord, who chose him above her father. The text does not say how David felt during Michal's rebuke (2 Samuel 6:21).