6:172 Samuel 6:17

The ark brought in was the symbol of the divine presence among Israel.PP 704.5–705.1+1 David sought to honor it by bringing it from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem, the holy city.PP 704.5–705.1+2 It was carried in a triumphal procession with great rejoicing and imposing display, with solemn gladness, exultant shouts, songs of rejoicing, dancing, music, and sacrifices.PP 704.5–705.1+1 The vast procession wound through hills and valleys toward Jerusalem, with David and all the house of Israel playing before the Lord on harps and psalteries and timbrels and cornets and cymbals, a scene of triumph Israel had not witnessed for a long time.PP 704.5–705.1

When Uzzah was smitten for touching the ark, sudden terror fell on the rejoicing throng and the season of gladness was turned to grief and mourning.PP 704.5–705.1 David was astonished and greatly alarmed and questioned the justice of God, and feeling it unsafe to have the ark near him, he left it at the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.PP 704.5–705.1 The ark was then set in its place in the midst of the tent or tabernacle that David had pitched and prepared for it at Jerusalem, while the old tabernacle remained at Gibeon.SG4 111.3–112.2+2 There David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord at the ark.SG4 111.3–112.2+1

The ark was a blessing and strength to those who obeyed God's commandments, and David's reverence and humility before it brought him honor from God and joy.SG4 111.3–112.2 His joy foreshadowed the joy of the saints when God ends their captivity and makes a covenant of peace with those who keep His commandments.SG4 111.3–112.2