2 Samuel 6

2Sa 6:1-5.

DAVID

FETCHES THE

ARK FROM

KIRJATH-JEARIM ON A

NEW

CART.

1. Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel--(See

2Sa 5:1).

The object of this second assembly was to commence a national movement

for establishing the ark in Jerusalem, after it had continued nearly

fifty years in the house of Abinadab (see on

1Ch 13:1).

2. from Baale of Judah--A very large force of picked men were selected

for this important work lest the undertaking might be opposed or

obstructed by the Philistines. Besides, a great concourse of people

accompanied them out of veneration for the sacred article. The journey

to Baale, which is related

(1Ch 13:6),

is here presupposed, and the historian describes the course of the

procession from that place to the capital.

3. they set the ark of God upon a new cart--or a covered wagon

(see on

1Sa 6:7).

This was a hasty and inconsiderate procedure, in violation of an

express statute (see on

Nu 4:15

and see

Nu 7:9; 18:3).

2Sa 6:6-11.

UZZAH

SMITTEN.

6-8. they came to Nachon's threshing-floor--or Chidon's

(1Ch 13:9).

The Chaldee version renders the words, "came to the place prepared for

the reception of the ark," that is, near the city of David

(2Sa 6:13).

the oxen shook it--or, "stumbled"

(1Ch 13:9).

Fearing that the ark was in danger of being overturned, Uzzah, under

the impulse of momentary feeling, laid hold of it to keep it steady.

Whether it fell and crushed him, or some sudden disease attacked him,

he fell dead upon the spot. This melancholy occurrence not only threw a

cloud over the joyous scene, but entirely stopped the procession; for

the ark was left where it then was, in the near neighborhood of the

capital. It is of importance to observe the proportionate severity of

the punishments attending the profanation of the ark. The Philistines

suffered by diseases, from which they were relieved by their oblations,

because the law had not been given to them

[1Sa 5:8-12];

the Bethshemites also suffered, but not fatally

[1Sa 6:19];

their error proceeded from ignorance or inadvertency. But Uzzah, who

was a Levite, and well instructed, suffered death for his breach of the

law. The severity of Uzzah's fate may seem to us too great for the

nature and degree of the offense. But it does not become us to sit in

judgment on the dispensations of God; and, besides, it is apparent that

the divine purpose was to inspire awe of His majesty, a submission to

His law, and a profound veneration for the symbols and ordinances of

His worship.

9, 10. David was afraid of the Lord that day, &c.--His feelings on

this alarming judgment were greatly excited on various accounts,

dreading that the displeasure of God had been provoked by the removal

of the ark, that the punishment would be extended to himself and

people, and that they might fall into some error or neglect during the

further conveyance of the ark. He resolved, therefore, to wait for more

light and direction as to the path of duty. An earlier consultation by

Urim would have led him right at the first, whereas in this perplexity

and distress, he was reaping the fruits of inconsideration and neglect.

11. Obed-edom the Gittite--a Levite

(1Ch 15:18, 21, 24; 16:5; 26:4).

He is called a Gittite, either from his residence at Gath, or more

probably from Gath-rimmon, one of the Levitical cities

(Jos 21:24, 25).

2Sa 6:12-19.

DAVID

AFTERWARDS

BRINGS THE

ARK TO

ZION.

12. 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 that the ark was kept in

its temporary resting-place not only without inconvenience or danger,

but with great advantage, he resolved forthwith to remove it to the

capital, with the observance of all due form and solemnity

(1Ch 15:1-13).

It was transported now on the shoulders of the priests, who had been

carefully prepared for the work, and the procession was distinguished

13. when they that bare the ark . . . had gone six paces--Some think

that four altars were hastily raised for the offering of sacrifices at

the distance of every six paces

(but see on

1Ch 15:26).

14. David danced before the Lord--The Hebrews, like other ancient

people, had their sacred dances, which were performed on their solemn

anniversaries and other great occasions of commemorating some special

token of the divine goodness and favor.

with all his might--intimating violent efforts of leaping, and

divested of his royal mantle (in a state of undress), conduct

apparently unsuitable to the gravity of age or the dignity of a king.

But it was unquestionably done as an act of religious homage, his

attitudes and dress being symbolic, as they have always been in

Oriental countries, of penitence, joy, thankfulness, and devotion.

[See on

1Ch 15:27.]

17. they brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in his place, in

the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it--The old

tabernacle remained at Gibeon

(1Ch 16:39; 21:29;

2Ch 1:3).

Probably it was not removed because it was too large for the temporary

place the king had appropriated, and because he contemplated the

building of a temple.

18. he blessed the people--in the double character of prophet and

king (see

1Ki 8:55, 56).

[See on

1Ch 16:2.]

19. cake of bread--unleavened and slender.

a good piece of flesh--roast beef.

2Sa 6:20-23.

MICHAL'S

BARRENNESS.

20-22. Michal . . . came out to meet David, &c.--Proud of her royal

extraction, she upbraided her husband for lowering the dignity of the

crown and acting more like a buffoon than a king. But her taunting

sarcasm was repelled in a manner that could not be agreeable to her

feelings while it indicated the warm piety and gratitude of David.