David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem

David heard that Obed-Edom's household had been blessed because God's ark was there. So he prepared a place for the ark in David's city and gathered all Israel to bring it up to the place he had prepared. He said the Levites were to carry it, and the priests and Levites made themselves ready for this holy task.

David appointed musicians to sing and play with joy. Cymbals, harps, stringed instruments and trumpets sounded as the Levites carried the ark on their shoulders with its poles, as Moses had commanded. David, Israel's elders and the commanders went with them, glad that God was helping the Levites who bore the ark.

As they travelled, sacrifices were offered. After the bearers had gone six paces, sacrifices were made, and later more were offered when God helped the Levites. David danced before Yahweh with all his might. He wore linen garments, and all Israel brought up the ark with shouting and the sound of trumpets.

They brought the ark into the tent David had pitched for it and set it in the middle of that tent. Burnt offerings and peace offerings were offered before God. Then David blessed the people in Yahweh's name and gave portions of food to everyone, men and women alike. He also appointed Levites to serve before the ark with thanksgiving and praise.

When the ark came into David's city, Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through the window and saw King David dancing and celebrating before Yahweh. She despised him in her heart. Later, when David returned to bless his household, Michal spoke with contempt about how he had acted in front of the servant girls.

David answered that he had been celebrating before Yahweh, who had chosen him above Saul's house to rule over Israel. He said he was willing to be brought low in his own eyes as he rejoiced before Yahweh. Michal, the daughter of Saul, had no child to the day of her death.