2 Samuel 6:12
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness.
The ark was the symbol of the divine presence, representing God's presence among Israel. When Uzzah was struck dead, sudden terror fell on the rejoicing throng, and David was astonished and greatly alarmed and questioned the justice of God. He had been seeking to honor the ark and could not understand why fearful judgment had turned the season of gladness into grief and mourning, so feeling it would be unsafe to have the ark near him he determined to let it remain where it was. He left it at the nearby house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
The Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that pertained to him because of the ark. Hearing of that blessing moved David to go and bring the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David, to Jerusalem, with gladness. Before moving it, David sanctified himself, and the highest authorities of the kingdom set aside worldly business and distractions so they could devote themselves to the sacred task.
The transfer to Jerusalem was a joyful procession with sacrifices, dancing, and music, ending with the ark placed in a tent prepared for it. The ark brought terror and death to those who disobeyed the commandments it contained, but blessing and strength to those who obeyed them.