What does 2 Samuel 6:14 mean?

The ark of the covenant inches closer to Jerusalem. David has established his house and his capital there, and he wants God's presence to join him. The procession is enthusiastic: "all the house of Israel" (2 Samuel 6:15) celebrates with music and dancing. But it's also worshipful. Levites carefully carry the ark, and every six steps, the people offer an ox and a fattened animal (2 Samuel 6:13). After decades of remaining in private homes or traveling with the army, the ark will finally dwell permanently with God's people.

David honors the Lord by wearing the linen ephod usually worn by priests. As king over Israel, David often takes a position somewhere between the common worshiper and that of a true Levitical priest allowed to offer sacrifices to the Lord on behalf of the people. Even so, although David is described as offering the sacrifices in this passage, it's likely he's directing the priests to do so.

As part of his own celebration, David joins in with furious dancing. He is a poet and a songwriter, so music is integral to his life and especially to his worship. The loud and percussive music is perfect for highly energetic dancing (2 Samuel 6:5). David dances and leaps with such vigor—and while wearing the ephod—that at least one person feels he's being inappropriate: his wife (2 Samuel 6:20). David counters that celebrating before the Lord in this way is honorable and good (2 Samuel 6:21–22).