What does 2 Samuel 6:11 mean?

The ark of the covenant has traveled a long, unusual path. Moses oversaw its construction at the foot of Mt. Sinai (Exodus 25:10–22). Joshua brought it over the Jordan River and put it in the tabernacle at Shiloh (Joshua 3; 18:1). Eli's sons took it into battle (1 Samuel 4:4). Philistines stole it (1 Samuel 4:11). After experiencing God's judgment, the Philistines sent it away and it wound up in Beth-shemesh (1 Samuel 6:1–18). God killed men there for disrespecting it, and it landed in Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 6:21). It stayed in that city for twenty years until Saul apparently started taking it to battles (1 Samuel 14:18). By the time David became king, it was back in Kiriath-jearim (2 Samuel 6:2). David decided he wanted it in Jerusalem. He loaded it on an ox cart, but God killed the man who tried to steady it when the oxen stumbled (2 Samuel 6:1–8).

Now, strangely, it's in the home of Obed-edom, a man who might be a vineyard owner but is probably a Philistine. David left it there after realizing he wasn't ready for the ark to come to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:10).

Scholars think Obed-edom may have been part of a squad of soldiers from the Philistine city of Gath who served as David's bodyguard. Though a trusted servant of David, Obed-edom may not even worship Israel's God. Still, the Lord blesses the man and his entire household simply because the ark of God's presence is at his home.

David hears how God is blessing Obed-edom and tries again. This time, the Levites carry the ark according to the instructions in the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 10:8). David also adds sacrifices, music, and dancing to accompany the huge procession. Finally, the ark reaches Jerusalem where it will remain until it mysteriously disappears centuries later (2 Samuel 6:12–15).