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<div2 id="iCh.xvi" n="xvi" next="iCh.xvii" prev="iCh.xv" progress="76.19%" title="Chapter XV">
<h2 id="iCh.xvi-p0.1">F I R S T   C H R O N I C L E
S</h2>
<h3 id="iCh.xvi-p0.2">CHAP. XV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iCh.xvi-p1">The bringing in of the ark to the city of David
was a very good work; it was resolved upon (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.13.4" parsed="|1Chr|13|4|0|0" passage="1Ch 13:4">xiii. 4</scripRef>), and attempted, but not perfected;
it lay by the way in the house of Obed-edom. Now this chapter gives
us an account of the completing of that good work. I. How it was
done more regularly than before. 1. A place was prepared for it,
<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.1" parsed="|1Chr|15|1|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:1">ver. 1</scripRef>. 2. The priests were
ordered to carry it, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.2-1Chr.15.15" parsed="|1Chr|15|2|15|15" passage="1Ch 15:2-15">ver.
2-15</scripRef>. 3. The Levites had their offices assigned them in
attending on it, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.16-1Chr.15.24" parsed="|1Chr|15|16|15|24" passage="1Ch 15:16-24">ver.
16-24</scripRef>. II. How it was done more successfully than
before, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.25" parsed="|1Chr|15|25|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:25">ver. 25</scripRef>. 1. The
Levites made no mistake in their work, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.26" parsed="|1Chr|15|26|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:26">ver. 26</scripRef>. 2. David and the people met with no
damp upon their joy, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.27-1Chr.15.28" parsed="|1Chr|15|27|15|28" passage="1Ch 15:27,28">ver. 27,
28</scripRef>. As for Michal's despising David, it was nothing,
<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.29" parsed="|1Chr|15|29|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:29">ver. 29</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iCh.xvi-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15" parsed="|1Chr|15|0|0|0" passage="1Ch 15" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iCh.xvi-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.1-1Chr.15.24" parsed="|1Chr|15|1|15|24" passage="1Ch 15:1-24" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Chr.15.1-1Chr.15.24">
<h4 id="iCh.xvi-p1.11">The Removal of the Ark. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p1.12">b. c.</span> 1047.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iCh.xvi-p2">1 And <i>David</i> made him houses in the city
of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for
it a tent.   2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of
God but the Levites: for them hath the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p2.1">Lord</span> chosen to carry the ark of God, and to
minister unto him for ever.   3 And David gathered all Israel
together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p2.2">Lord</span> unto his place, which he had prepared for
it.   4 And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the
Levites:   5 Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his
brethren an hundred and twenty:   6 Of the sons of Merari;
Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:   7
Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred
and thirty:   8 Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief,
and his brethren two hundred:   9 Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel
the chief, and his brethren fourscore:   10 Of the sons of
Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren a hundred and twelve.
  11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and
for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel,
and Amminadab,   12 And said unto them, Ye <i>are</i> the
chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves,
<i>both</i> ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p2.3">Lord</span> God of Israel unto <i>the
place that</i> I have prepared for it.   13 For because ye
<i>did it</i> not at the first, the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p2.4">Lord</span> our God made a breach upon us, for that we
sought him not after the due order.   14 So the priests and
the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p2.5">Lord</span> God of Israel.   15 And the
children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders
with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word
of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p2.6">Lord</span>.   16 And David
spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren <i>to
be</i> the singers with instruments of music, psalteries and harps
and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.   17
So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his
brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari
their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;   18 And with them
their brethren of the second <i>degree,</i> Zechariah, Ben, and
Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah,
and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and
Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the porters.   19 So the singers, Heman,
Asaph, and Ethan, <i>were appointed</i> to sound with cymbals of
brass;   20 And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and
Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with
psalteries on Alamoth;   21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and
Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the
Sheminith to excel.   22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites,
<i>was</i> for song: he instructed about the song, because he
<i>was</i> skilful.   23 And Berechiah and Elkanah <i>were</i>
doorkeepers for the ark.   24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat,
and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer,
the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and
Obed-edom and Jehiah <i>were</i> doorkeepers for the ark.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xvi-p3">Preparation is here made for the bringing
of the ark home to the city of David from the house of Obed-edom.
It is here owned that in the former attempt, though it was a very
good work and in it they <i>sought God,</i> yet they <i>sought him,
not after the due order,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.13" parsed="|1Chr|15|13|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. "We did not go about our work
considerately; and therefore we sped so ill." Note, It is not
enough that we do that which is good, but we must do it well—not
enough that we seek God in a due ordinance, but we must seek after
him, in a due order. Note, also, When we have suffered for our
irregularities we must learn thereby to be more regular; then we
answer the end of chastisement. Let us see how the matter was
mended. 1. David now prepared a place for the reception of the ark,
before he brought it to him; and thus he sought in the due order.
He had not time to <i>build a house,</i> but he <i>pitched a
tent</i> for it (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.1" parsed="|1Chr|15|1|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:1"><i>v.</i>
1</scripRef>), probably according to the pattern shown to Moses in
the mount, or as near it as might be, of curtains and boards.
Observe, When he made houses for himself in the city of David he
prepared a place for the ark. Note, Wherever we build for
ourselves, we must be sure to make room for God's ark, for a church
in the house. 2. David now ordered that the Levites or priests
should carry the ark upon their shoulders. Now he bethought himself
of that which he could not but know before, that, <i>none ought to
carry the ark but the Levites,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.2" parsed="|1Chr|15|2|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. The Kohathites carried it in
their ordinary marches, and therefore had no wagons allotted them,
because their work was to <i>bear upon their shoulders,</i>
<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.7.9" parsed="|Num|7|9|0|0" passage="Nu 7:9">Num. vii. 9</scripRef>. But upon
extraordinary occasions, as when they passed Jordan and compassed
Jericho, the priests carried it. This rule was express, and yet
David himself forgot it, and put the ark upon a cart. Note, Even
those that are very knowing in the word of God, yet have it not
always so ready to them as were to be wished when they have
occasion to use it. Wise and good men may be guilty of an
oversight, which, as soon as they are aware of, they will correct.
David did not go about to justify what had been done amiss, nor to
lay the blame on others, but owned himself guilty, with others, of
not seeking God in a due order, and now took care not only to
summon the Levites to the solemnity, as he did all Israel
(<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.5" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.3" parsed="|1Chr|15|3|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), and had done
before (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.6" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.13.2" parsed="|1Chr|13|2|0|0" passage="1Ch 13:2"><i>ch.</i> xiii.
2</scripRef>), but to see that they assembled (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.7" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.4" parsed="|1Chr|15|4|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>), especially the sons of Aaron,
<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.8" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.11" parsed="|1Chr|15|11|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. To them he
gives the solemn charge (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.9" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.12" parsed="|1Chr|15|12|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:12"><i>v.</i>
12</scripRef>): <i>You are the chief of the fathers of the
Levites,</i> therefore do you <i>bring up the ark of the Lord.</i>
It is expected that those who are advanced above others in dignity
should go before others in duty. "You are the chief, and therefore
more is expected from you than from others, both by way of service
yourselves and influence on the rest. You did it not at first,
neither did your duty yourselves nor took care to instruct us, and
we smarted for it: <i>The Lord made a breach upon us;</i> we have
all smarted for your neglect; <i>this has been by your means</i>
(see <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.10" osisRef="Bible:Mal.1.9" parsed="|Mal|1|9|0|0" passage="Mal 1:9">Mal. i. 9</scripRef>): therefore
<i>sanctify yourselves,</i> and mind your business." When those
that have suffered for doing ill thus learn to do better the
correction is well bestowed. 3. The Levites and priests sanctified
themselves (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.11" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.14" parsed="|1Chr|15|14|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>)
and were ready to carry the ark on their shoulders, according to
the law, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.12" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.15" parsed="|1Chr|15|15|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>.
Note, Many that are very remiss in their duty, if they were but
faithfully told of it, would reform and do better. The breach upon
Uzza made the priests more careful to sanctify themselves, that is,
to cleanse themselves from all ceremonial pollution and to compose
themselves for the solemn service of God, so as to strike a
reverence upon the people. Some are made examples, that others may
be made exemplary and very cautious. 4. Officers were appointed to
be ready to bid the ark welcome, with every possible expression of
joy, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.13" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.16" parsed="|1Chr|15|16|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>. David
ordered the chief of the Levites to nominate those that they knew
to be proficients for this service. Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were
now first appointed, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.14" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.17" parsed="|1Chr|15|17|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:17"><i>v.</i>
17</scripRef>. They undertook to sound with symbols (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.15" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.19" parsed="|1Chr|15|19|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>), others with
psalteries (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.16" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.20" parsed="|1Chr|15|20|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>),
others with harps, on the <i>Sheminith,</i> or <i>eighth,</i> eight
notes higher or lower than the rest, according to the rules of the
concert, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.17" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.21" parsed="|1Chr|15|21|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>.
Some that were priests blew with the trumpet (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.18" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.24" parsed="|1Chr|15|24|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>), as was usual at the removal
of the ark (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.19" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.8" parsed="|Num|10|8|0|0" passage="Nu 10:8">Num. x. 8</scripRef>) and
at solemn feasts, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.20" osisRef="Bible:Ps.81.3" parsed="|Ps|81|3|0|0" passage="Ps 81:3">Ps. lxxxi.
3</scripRef>. And one was appointed for song (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.21" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.22" parsed="|1Chr|15|22|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>), for he was skilful in it,
could sing well himself and instruct others. Note, As every man has
<i>received the gift,</i> so he ought to <i>minister the same,</i>
<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.22" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.10" parsed="|1Pet|4|10|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:10">1 Pet. iv. 10</scripRef>. And those
that excel in any endowment should not only use it for the common
good themselves, but teach others also, and not grudge to make
others as wise as themselves. This way of praising God by musical
instruments had not hitherto been in use. But David, being a
prophet, instituted it by divine direction, and added it to the
other <i>carnal ordinances</i> of that dispensation, as the apostle
calls them, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.23" osisRef="Bible:Heb.9.10" parsed="|Heb|9|10|0|0" passage="Heb 9:10">Heb. ix. 10</scripRef>.
The New Testament keeps up singing of psalms, but has not appointed
church-music. Some were appointed to be porters (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.24" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.18" parsed="|1Chr|15|18|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>), others door-keepers for the
ark (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p3.25" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.23-1Chr.15.24" parsed="|1Chr|15|23|15|24" passage="1Ch 15:23,24"><i>v.</i> 23, 24</scripRef>),
and one of these was Obed-edom, who reckoned it no doubt a place of
honour, and accepted it as recompence for the entertainment he had
given to the ark. He had been for three months housekeeper to the
ark, and indeed its landlord. But, when he might not be so any
longer, such an affection had he for it that he was glad to be its
door-keeper.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iCh.xvi-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.25-1Chr.15.29" parsed="|1Chr|15|25|15|29" passage="1Ch 15:25-29" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Chr.15.25-1Chr.15.29">
<p class="passage" id="iCh.xvi-p4">25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the
captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant
of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p4.1">Lord</span> out of the house of
Obed-edom with joy.   26 And it came to pass, when God helped
the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p4.2">Lord</span>, that they offered seven bullocks and seven
rams.   27 And David <i>was</i> clothed with a robe of fine
linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and
Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also
<i>had</i> upon him an ephod of linen.   28 Thus all Israel
brought up the ark of the covenant of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p4.3">Lord</span> with shouting, and with sound of the
cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with
psalteries and harps.   29 And it came to pass, <i>as</i> the
ark of the covenant of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xvi-p4.4">Lord</span> came
to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out
at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised
him in her heart.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xvi-p5">All things being got ready for the carrying
of the ark to the city of David, and its reception there, we have
here an account of the solemnity of this conveyance thither from
the house of Obed-edom.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xvi-p6">I. God helped the Levites that carried it.
The ark was no very great burden, that those who carried it needed
any extraordinary help. But, 1. It is good to take notice of the
assistance of the divine providence even in those things that fall
within the compass of our natural powers: if God did not help us,
we could not stir a step. 2. In all our religious exercises we must
particularly derive help from heaven. See <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Acts.26.22" parsed="|Acts|26|22|0|0" passage="Ac 26:22">Acts xxvi. 22</scripRef>. All our sufficiency for holy
duties is from God. 3. The Levites, remembering the breach upon
Uzza, were probably ready to tremble when they took up the ark; but
God helped them, that is, he encouraged them to it, silenced their
fears, and strengthened their faith. 4. God helped them to do it
decently and well, and without making any mistake. If we perform
any religious duties so as to escape a breach, and come off with
our lives, we must own it is God that helps us; for, if left to
ourselves, we should be guilty of some fatal miscarriages. God's
ministers that bear the vessels of the Lord have special need of
divine help in their ministrations, that God in them may be
glorified and his church edified. And, if God help the Levites, the
people have the benefit of it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xvi-p7">II. When they experienced the tokens of
God's presence with them they offered sacrifices of praise to him,
<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.26" parsed="|1Chr|15|26|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:26"><i>v.</i> 26</scripRef>. This also he
helped them to do. They offered these bullocks and rams perhaps by
way of atonement for the former error, that it might not now be
remembered against them, as well as by way of acknowledgment for
the help now received.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xvi-p8">III. There were great expressions of
rejoicing used: the sacred music was played, David danced, the
singers sang, and the common people shouted, <scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.27-1Chr.15.28" parsed="|1Chr|15|27|15|28" passage="1Ch 15:27,28"><i>v.</i> 27, 28</scripRef>. This we had before,
<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.14-2Sam.6.15" parsed="|2Sam|6|14|6|15" passage="2Sa 6:14,15">2 Sam. vi. 14, 15</scripRef>. Learn
hence, 1. That we serve a good master, who delights to have his
servants sing at their work. 2. That times of public reformation
are, and should be, times of public rejoicing. Those are unworthy
of the ark that are not glad of it. 3. It is not any disparagement
to the greatest of men to show themselves zealous in the acts of
devotion. Michal indeed despised David (<scripRef id="iCh.xvi-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.29" parsed="|1Chr|15|29|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>); but <i>her</i> despising him
did not make him at all despicable; he did not regard it himself,
nor did any that were wise and good (and why should we covet the
esteem of any but such?) think the worse of him.</p>
</div></div2>