2 Samuel 6:18
ESV
And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts
NIV
After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord Almighty.
NASB
When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of armies.
CSB
When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Armies.
NLT
When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
KJV
And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts.
NKJV
And when David had finished offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts.
What does 2 Samuel 6:18 mean?
David has led a joyful procession to chaperone the ark of the covenant to its new home in Jerusalem. He commissioned singers and musicians, priests, and elders (1 Chronicles 15:24). Every six paces, the Levites sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal (2 Samuel 6:17).Ever the poet, David writes words for a new song, reminding the Israelites why they should trust the God of angel armies:
Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;To end the festivities, David sends the people home with cake, meat, and raisins. God has provided and blessed the people; as God's anointed leader, David does the same.
make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles and the judgments he uttered,
O offspring of Israel his servant,
children of Jacob, his chosen ones!
-–1 Chronicles 16:8–13, ESV
Not everyone is celebrating, however. David's wife Michal watches the party from her window. She sees David dancing wildly, wearing nothing but an ephod in front of the whole crowd: including the humblest servant girls. She's embarrassed and disgusted with his undignified behavior and tells him so when he gets home (2 Samuel 6:16, 20–23).
