1 Chronicles 13

1Ch 13:1-8.

DAVID

FETCHES THE

ARK FROM

KIRJATH-JEARIM.

1-3. David consulted . . . And let us bring again the ark of our

God--Gratitude for the high and splendid dignity to which he had

been elevated would naturally, at this period, impart a fresh animation

and impulse to the habitually fervent piety of David; but, at the same

time, he was animated by other motives. He fully understood his

position as ruler under the theocracy, and, entering on his duties, he

was resolved to fulfil his mission as a constitutional king of Israel.

Accordingly, his first act as a sovereign related to the interests of

religion. The ark being then the grand instrument and ornament of it,

he takes the opportunity of the official representatives of the nation

being with him, to consult them about the propriety of establishing it

in a more public and accessible locality. The assembly at which he

spoke of this consisted of the Sheloshim, princes of thousands

(2Sa 6:1).

During the reign of the late king, the ark had been left in culpable

neglect. Consequently the people had, to a great extent, been careless

about the ordinances of divine worship, or had contented themselves

with offering sacrifices at Gibeon, without any thought of the ark,

though it was the chief and most vital part of the tabernacle. The duty

and advantages of this religious movement suggested by the king were

apparent, and the proposal met with universal approval.

2. If it seem good unto you, and . . . it be of the Lord--that is,

I shall conclude that this favorite measure of mine is agreeable to the

mind of God, if it receive your hearty concurrence.

let us send abroad to our brethren everywhere--He wished to make it

known throughout the country, in order that there might be a general

assembly of the nation, and that preparations might be made on a scale

and of a kind suitable to the inauguration of the august ceremonial.

with them also to the priests and Levites . . . in their cities and

suburbs--(See on

Nu 35:2).

The original terms, "Let us send," imply immediate execution; and,

doubtless, the publication of the royal edict would have been followed

it not been retarded by a sudden invasion of the Philistines, who were

twice repulsed with great loss

(2Sa 5:17),

government to that city. Finding, however, soon after, peace restored

and his throne established, he resumed his preparations for removing

the ark to the metropolis.

5. from Shihor of

Egypt--

(Jos 15:4, 47;

Nu 34:5;

1Ki 8:65;

2Ki 24:7;

2Ch 7:8);

a small brook flowing into the Mediterranean, near the modern El-arish,

which forms the southern boundary of Palestine.

unto the entering of Hemath--the defile between the mountain ranges

of Syria and the extreme limit of Palestine on the north.

6-14. David went up, and all Israel, to

Baalah--(See on

2Sa 6:1-11).

whose name is called on it--rather, "who is worshipped there"

(2Sa 6:2).