_A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042._ The ark is brought from the house of Abinadab, 2 Samuel 6:1. Its progress stopped by the death of Uzzah, 2 Samuel 6:6. It is brought into the city of David with solemn rejoicings, 2 Samuel 6:12. David answers the reproof of Michal, 2 Samuel 6:20.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Again David gathered the chosen men of Israel_ Having defeated the Philistines, and enjoyed some peace, he thought it a seasonable time to fetch up the ark, and settle it in an honourable place; and for that purpose summoned the principal persons in Israel to attend. For he was sensible that purity... [ Continue Reading ]
_From Baale of Judah_ The same with Kirjath-jearim, 1 Chronicles 13:6, called Baalah, Joshua 15:9, and Kirjath-baal, Joshua 15:60; Joshua 18:14. Some have apprehended a difficulty here, because it is said they went _from Baale_, whereas, 1 Chronicles 13:6, it is said they went _to Baale._ But there... [ Continue Reading ]
_And they set the ark of God upon a new cart_ Which ought to have been carried upon the shoulders of the Kohathites, Numbers 7:9; for which reason, no wagons, were allowed to them, as there were to the rest of the Levites, to carry several parts of the tabernacle. “It is matter of astonishment to me... [ Continue Reading ]
_Accompanying the ark of God_ That is, when it was brought out of the house of Abinadab, the people flocked together to attend it. It seems as if Eleazar, who had been sanctified to take care of the ark, was dead, or stayed at home to attend to his father, who was now grown old. _David and all Israe... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the oxen shook it_ There is perhaps no word about the signification of which commentators are more divided, than the word שׁמשׂו, _shametu_, here rendered _shook it._ Bochart and Waterland interpret it, _The oxen stuck in the mire_, or _stumbled._... [ Continue Reading ]
_The anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah_ For his rashness in touching the ark. Some have thought it was because he was not a Levite, and therefore should not have touched it. But it is pretty plain he was, being the brother of Eleazar, who, as a Levite, was consecrated to take care of the a... [ Continue Reading ]
_David was displeased_ Or rather, _grieved_, both for the sin, and for God's heavy judgment; whereby their hopes were dashed, and their joys interrupted. _Because the Lord had made a breach upon Uzzah_ He was sorry that there was any cause for such a breach or destruction, and perhaps was afraid als... [ Continue Reading ]
_David was afraid of the Lord that day_ Apprehensive, it seems, that he himself was in danger. Hence he durst not bring the ark into his city; either thinking, in great humility, that he was unworthy to have it so near him; or that he did not sufficiently understand how to treat it. This, however, h... [ Continue Reading ]
_David carried it to the house of Obed-edom, the Gittite_ He is not called a Gittite from his being born in, or dwelling at, that Gath which was a city of the Philistines, but from Gath-rimmon, a Levitical city, Joshua 21:24. For it is certain he was a Levite, 1 Chronicles 15:18; 1 Chronicles 16:5.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord blessed_, &c. The same hand that punished Uzzah's presumption, rewarded Obed-edom's humble boldness. None ever had, or ever shall have, reason to say that _it is in vain to serve God._ Piety is the best friend to prosperity. His household too shared in the blessing. It is good living in a... [ Continue Reading ]
_That God had blessed the house of Obed-edom because of the ark_ They could not tell to what to impute the extraordinary prosperity and happiness that attended him, but to his willing reception and care of the ark. And it is certain it was, under God, owing to this. _David went and brought up the ar... [ Continue Reading ]
_He sacrificed oxen and fatlings_ As a thanksgiving to God for his goodness, upon an altar erected on purpose on this extraordinary occasion. _And David danced before the Lord_ His joy increased as the procession went happily on. And God having filled his heart with gladness, he was not ashamed to s... [ Continue Reading ]
_So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark_ Undoubtedly this was as solemn and magnificent a procession as can be imagined. The order of it is set forth Psalms 68:25, _The singers went before, the players upon instruments after, in the midst_ (that is, between both) _the damsels playin... [ Continue Reading ]
_She despised him in her heart_ Imagining that he debased himself by stripping himself of the ornaments of majesty, and dancing among the common people. She had no knowledge nor conception, it appears, of those emotions of divine love which David felt, and which he declared to her afterward.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The tabernacle that David had pitched for it_ For the ancient tabernacle made by Moses remained still at Gibeon, 1 Chronicles 16:39; 1Ch 21:29; 2 Chronicles 1:3. From whence David did not think fit to fetch it, because he intended soon to build a temple to place it in. For the present, therefore, h... [ Continue Reading ]
_He blessed the people_ That is, he heartily and solemnly prayed to God for his blessing upon them; which he did both as a prophet and as their king, to whom by office it belonged by all means to seek his people's welfare. He also pronounced them blessed in God's name. _So all the people departed, e... [ Continue Reading ]
_David returned to bless his household_ As he had done his people. Ministers must not think that their public performances will excuse them from family worship; but when they have blessed the public assembly they are to return and bless their own household. And none is too great to do this. It is th... [ Continue Reading ]
_It was before the Lord_ In his presence and service, which, though contemptible to thee, is and ever shall be honourable in my eyes. _Who chose me before thy father_ Who took away the honour from him and his, and transferred it unto me, whereby he hath obliged me to love and serve him with all my m... [ Continue Reading ]
_Therefore_ Because of her proud and petulant speech and carriage to David, which God justly punished with barrenness. _Michal had no child_ After this time.... [ Continue Reading ]