In Second Samuel, chapter six, verse twelve, David brings the ark to Jerusalem as in chapter five, verses six to seven, transforms that city into the worship center and capital of Israel. This time he followed the instructions of the Lord and had Levites carry the ark in First Chronicles five, verse twelve. Two of David’s achievements as king center around the “city of David.” His information of Israel into a solid unified nation with its capital being a well-fortified city of Jerusalem and the establishment in the central location of the worship of the Lord as Israel’s greatest priority.
The immediate reason for David’s action was the knowledge of the blessings which had come to Obed-edom through the presence of the ark, in contrast to the punishment of Uzzah; yet this implies neither jealousy nor a wish to deprive his subject of a blessing. His original purpose to carry the ark to Jerusalem, and he had only desist in a fit of vexation and then of fear. He now saw that such fear was useless, and went on to the completion of his unfinished action. The word “with gladness” means festal shouts and rejoicings.
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—The lapse of three months not only restored the agitated mind of the monarch to a tranquil and settled tone, but led him to a discovery of his former error. Having learned the ark was retained in its temporary resting-place not only without inconvenience or danger, but with great advantage, he resolved to remove it to the capital, with the observance of all due form and solemnity as in First Chronicles fifteen, one through thirteen. It was transported now on the shoulders of the priests, who had been carefully prepared for the work, and the procession was distinguished by extraordinary solemnities and demonstrations of joy.