2 Samuel 6:13
ESV
And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.
NIV
When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.
NASB
And so it was, that when those carrying the ark of the Lord marched six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened steer.
CSB
When those carrying the ark of the Lord advanced six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
NLT
After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.
KJV
And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
NKJV
And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep.
What does 2 Samuel 6:13 mean?
David longs to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, his political capital. In his first attempt, no one followed the instructions in the Mosaic law. Uzzah, one of the men who had guarded the ark for decades, reached out to keep the ark from falling off an ox cart, and God struck him dead for irreverence. David, torn between anger and fear, left the ark at the house of Obed-edom and returned home (2 Samuel 6:5–10).Perhaps David believed that God's judgment of Uzzah meant He'd withdrawn His presence from Israel. Or, worse, that God was so displeased with him or with Israel that the ark would bring only judgment. Three months later, however, David learns that the Lord is blessing Obed-edom's household. God's favor and power are still available when His presence is near (2 Samuel 6:6–12).
David wants God's blessing, so he tries again. This time, Levites carry the ark on poles fitted through the rings on its sides, exactly as the Law commands (Exodus 25:12–15; Deuteronomy 10:8). Every six steps, David orders the offering of an ox and a fattened animal. Horns blast, voices shout, and David dances with joy (2 Samuel 6:14).
Although the text says David sacrifices the oxen and other animals, he can't do it himself. He probably provides the animals, and the priests and Levites do the work. In the ancient world, travelers often sacrificed to seek their god's favor. When the ark reaches Jerusalem, David will offer even more burnt offerings and peace offerings (2 Samuel 6:17). Burnt offerings express repentance, while peace offerings express thanks, requests, and fellowship with God. Later, Solomon will dedicate the temple with many thousands of oxen and sheep (1 Kings 8:63).
