2 Samuel 6:19
Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. And all the people departed, each for his own home.
Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel
This phrase highlights King David's role as a benevolent leader who ensures that all people, regardless of gender, receive a share of the blessings. The act of distributing food to every man and woman signifies inclusivity and equality, reflecting the communal nature of Israelite society. This event occurs during the celebration of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a significant religious and national event. The distribution of food can be seen as a form of fellowship and unity among the people, reminiscent of the communal meals in the early Christian church (Acts 2:46).

a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake
These items were common in ancient Israel and hold symbolic significance. Bread is a staple food, representing sustenance and life, and is often used in biblical texts to symbolize God's provision (Exodus 16:4). Date cakes and raisin cakes were considered delicacies, indicating a time of celebration and abundance. The inclusion of these items suggests a festive atmosphere and the joy of the occasion. The provision of these foods can also be seen as a precursor to the messianic banquet, a theme found in prophetic literature (Isaiah 25:6).

And all the people departed, each to his own home
This phrase indicates the conclusion of the communal celebration, with each person returning to their daily life. It reflects the orderly nature of the event and the satisfaction of the people after receiving both spiritual and physical nourishment. The return to their homes signifies peace and contentment, as well as the successful integration of the Ark into the life of Israel. This moment can be compared to the peace and fulfillment believers find in Christ, who provides both spiritual and physical sustenance (John 6:35).

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel who orchestrated the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His actions in this chapter reflect his leadership and devotion to God.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel who participated in the celebration of the Ark's return. They received gifts from David, symbolizing unity and blessing.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the Ark was brought, signifying the central place of worship and God's presence among His people.

4. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest representing God's covenant with Israel, symbolizing His presence and favor.

5. Loaf of Bread, Date Cake, Raisin Cake
The gifts distributed by David to the people, symbolizing provision, celebration, and community.
Teaching Points
Generosity and Leadership
David's distribution of food demonstrates a leader's role in providing for and uniting the community. Leaders today can learn from his example of generosity and care.

Celebration of God's Presence
The return of the Ark and the subsequent celebration remind us of the joy and reverence we should have for God's presence in our lives.

Unity in Worship
The communal aspect of the celebration underscores the importance of unity among believers. Worship and celebration are meant to bring people together.

Symbolism of Provision
The bread and cakes symbolize God's provision and blessing. We are reminded to be thankful for God's daily provisions in our lives.

Returning Home with Blessing
After receiving from God, the people returned to their homes, suggesting that our encounters with God should impact our daily lives and environments.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's act of distributing food reflect his understanding of leadership and community?

2. In what ways can we celebrate God's presence in our lives today, similar to how the Israelites celebrated the return of the Ark?

3. How does the communal aspect of this event compare to the practices of the early church in Acts 2:46-47?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate generosity and provision to those around us, following David's example?

5. How can our personal encounters with God influence our homes and communities, as seen in the Israelites returning home with blessings?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 16:3
This passage parallels 2 Samuel 6:19, providing additional context to the event of distributing food to the people.

Exodus 25:10-22
Describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting its significance as the dwelling place of God's presence.

Acts 2:46-47
The early church's practice of breaking bread and sharing meals, reflecting the communal and celebratory aspects seen in David's actions.
Bringing Up the ArkC. Ness.2 Samuel 6:1-23
Care of the ArkJ. Parker, D. D.2 Samuel 6:1-23
David Restoring the ArkB. W. Newton.2 Samuel 6:1-23
Seeking the Ark of the CovenantC. S. Robinson, D. D.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark Brought BarkA. Mitchell, D. D.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark Brought to ZionW. H. Green, D. D., LL. D.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark Brought to ZionG. F. Coster.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark Brought Up to JerusalemW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark the Centre of Service and WorshipMonday Club Sermons2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Return of the ArkC. M. Fleury, A. M.2 Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark Brought to ZionG. Wood 2 Samuel 6:12-19
The Ark Established in its Chosen Resting PlaceB. Dale 2 Samuel 6:17-19
People
Abinadab, Ahio, David, Israelites, Michal, Obed, Obededom, Perez, Saul, Uzzah
Places
Baale-judah, Geba, Jerusalem, Perez-uzzah
Topics
Apportioneth, Ashisha, Bread, Cake, Crowd, Dates, Dealt, Departed, Distributed, Dry, Eshpar, Flagon, Flesh, Further, Grapes, Homes, Israelites, Masses, Measure, Meat, Multitude, Pan, Piece, Portion, Raisin-cake, Raisins, Sweet, Wine, Women
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 6:19

     4404   food
     4418   bread
     4450   fruit
     5325   gifts
     5707   male and female

2 Samuel 6:1-19

     7241   Jerusalem, significance

2 Samuel 6:1-23

     7270   Zion, as a place

2 Samuel 6:12-19

     7240   Jerusalem, history

2 Samuel 6:16-23

     5745   women

2 Samuel 6:17-19

     4458   grape

Library
Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
"From Beth-horon to Emmaus it was hilly."--It was sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem.--"To eight hundred only, dismissed the army, (Vespasian) gave a place, called Ammaus, for them to inhabit: it is sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem." I inquire, whether this word hath the same etymology with Emmaus near Tiberias, which, from the 'warm baths,' was called Chammath. The Jews certainly do write this otherwise... "The family (say they) of Beth-Pegarim, and Beth Zipperia was out of Emmaus."--The
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The King --Continued.
The years thus well begun are, in the historical books, characterized mainly by three events, namely, the bringing up of the ark to the newly won city of David, Nathan's prophecy of the perpetual dominion of his house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. These three hinges of the narrative are all abundantly illustrated in the psalms. As to the first, we have relics of the joyful ceremonial connected with it in two psalms, the fifteenth and twenty-fourth, which are singularly alike not
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." St. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles. The care of the churches gathered among them devolved particularly on him. At the writing of this epistle he had no personal acquaintance with the church to which it is addressed.* Epaphras, a bishop of the Colossians, then his fellow prisoner at Rome, had made him acquainted with their state, and the danger
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches on the Subject.
To set forth the present teaching of the Latin Church upon the subject of images and the cultus which is due them, I cite the decree of the Council of Trent and a passage from the Catechism set forth by the authority of the same synod. (Conc. Trid., Sess. xxv. December 3d and 4th, 1563. [Buckley's Trans.]) The holy synod enjoins on all bishops, and others sustaining the office and charge of teaching that, according to the usage of the Catholic and Apostolic Church received from the primitive times
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and Reprobation Promiscuously Handled, in Eleven Chapters.
WHEREIN THE MOST MATERIAL OBJECTIONS MADE BY THE OPPOSERS OF THIS DOCTRINE, ARE FULLY ANSWERED; SEVERAL DOUBTS REMOVED, AND SUNDRY CASES OF CONSCIENCE RESOLVED. BY JOHN BUNYAN OF BEDFORD, A LOVER OF PEACE AND TRUTH. 'What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.'--Romans 11:7 London: Printed for G. L., and are to be sold in Turn-stile-alley, in Holbourn. Small 4to, 44 pages. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This valuable tract
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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