boose_magoose/mh_parser
1
0
Fork 0
Code Issues Pull Requests Packages Projects Releases Wiki Activity
39200eff00
mh_parser/matthew_henry/MHC13015.HTM

487 lines
20 KiB
Plaintext
Raw Normal View History

init
2023-11-30 02:23:35 +00:00
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [First Chronicles, Chapter XV].</TITLE>
<meta name="aesop" content="information">
<meta name="description" content=
"This site is for those friends and family members who may or may not know Our Lord Jesus Christ, and if not, they may come to know Our Lord through His Prophets."> <meta name="author" content="Brian Duncalfe">
<meta name="keywords" content=
"Prophecy, Rapture,hope,bible map,bible maps, God, tribulation,Second Coming,Christ,large print bible,commentary,complete">
</HEAD>
<body background="../sueback.jpg" bgproperties="fixed" >
<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
on the Whole Bible</h1>
<h3><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank">Back to Biblesnet.com Home Page</a>
</h3>
</center>
<HR>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
[<A HREF="MHC13014.HTM">Previous</A>]
[<A HREF="MHC13016.HTM">Next</A>]<BR>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
</TD></TR></TABLE>
<HR>
<!-- (Begin Body) -->
<CENTER>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>F I R S T &nbsp; C H R O N I C L E S</B></FONT>
<BR>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XV.</FONT>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
</CENTER>
<FONT SIZE=-1>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
The bringing in of the ark to the city of David was a very good work;
it was resolved upon
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+13:4">xiii. 4</A>),
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,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:1">ver. 1</A>.
2. The priests were ordered to carry it,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:2-15">ver. 2-15</A>.
3. The Levites had their offices assigned them in attending on it,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:16-24">ver. 16-24</A>.
II. How it was done more successfully than before,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:25">ver. 25</A>.
1. The Levites made no mistake in their work,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:26">ver. 26</A>.
2. David and the people met with no damp upon their joy,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:27,28">ver. 27, 28</A>.
As for Michal's despising David, it was nothing,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:29">ver. 29</A>.</P>
</FONT>
<A NAME="1Ch15_1"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_2"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_3"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_4"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_5"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_6"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_7"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_8"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_9"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_10"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_11"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_12"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_13"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_14"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_15"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_16"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_17"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_18"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_19"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_20"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_21"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_22"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_23"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_24"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Removal of the Ark.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1047.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>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.
&nbsp; 2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the
Levites: for them hath the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> chosen to carry the ark of God,
and to minister unto him for ever.
&nbsp; 3 And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring
up the ark of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> unto his place, which he had prepared for
it.
&nbsp; 4 And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:
&nbsp; 5 Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an
hundred and twenty:
&nbsp; 6 Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two
hundred and twenty:
&nbsp; 7 Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an
hundred and thirty:
&nbsp; 8 Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his
brethren two hundred:
&nbsp; 9 Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren
fourscore:
&nbsp; 10 Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren
a hundred and twelve.
&nbsp; 11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for
the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel,
and Amminadab,
&nbsp; 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> God of Israel unto <I>the place
that</I> I have prepared for it.
&nbsp; 13 For because ye <I>did it</I> not at the first, the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> our God
made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due
order.
&nbsp; 14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to
bring up the ark of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> God of Israel.
&nbsp; 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>.
&nbsp; 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.
&nbsp; 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;
&nbsp; 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.
&nbsp; 19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, <I>were appointed</I> to
sound with cymbals of brass;
&nbsp; 20 And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and
Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on
Alamoth;
&nbsp; 21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom,
and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
&nbsp; 22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, <I>was</I> for song: he
instructed about the song, because he <I>was</I> skilful.
&nbsp; 23 And Berechiah and Elkanah <I>were</I> doorkeepers for the ark.
&nbsp; 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.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
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>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
"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
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+7:9">Num. vii. 9</A>.
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
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
and had done before
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+13:2"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 2</A>),
but to see that they assembled
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>),
especially the sons of Aaron,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
To them he gives the solemn charge
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>):
<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
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+1:9">Mal. i. 9</A>):
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
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>)
and were ready to carry the ark on their shoulders, according to the
law,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
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,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
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,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
They undertook to sound with symbols
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>),
others with psalteries
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>),
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,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
Some that were priests blew with the trumpet
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>),
as was usual at the removal of the ark
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+10:8">Num. x. 8</A>)
and at solemn feasts,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+81:3">Ps. lxxxi. 3</A>.
And one was appointed for song
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>),
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>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:10">1 Pet. iv. 10</A>.
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,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+9:10">Heb. ix. 10</A>.
The New Testament keeps up singing of psalms, but has not appointed
church-music. Some were appointed to be porters
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>),
others door-keepers for the ark
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:23,24"><I>v.</I> 23, 24</A>),
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>
<A NAME="1Ch15_25"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_26"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_27"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_28"> </A>
<A NAME="1Ch15_29"> </A>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over
thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>
out of the house of Obed-edom with joy.
&nbsp; 26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare
the ark of the covenant of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, that they offered seven
bullocks and seven rams.
&nbsp; 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.
&nbsp; 28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the
L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with
trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and
harps.
&nbsp; 29 And it came to pass, <I>as</I> the ark of the covenant of the
L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
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> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
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
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+26:22">Acts xxvi. 22</A>.
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> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. When they experienced the tokens of God's presence with them they
offered sacrifices of praise to him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
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> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
III. There were great expressions of rejoicing used: the sacred music
was played, David danced, the singers sang, and the common people
shouted,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:27,28"><I>v.</I> 27, 28</A>.
This we had before,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:14,15">2 Sam. vi. 14, 15</A>.
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
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>);
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>
<!-- (End Body) -->
<HR>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
[<A HREF="MHC13014.HTM">Previous</A>]
[<A HREF="MHC13016.HTM">Next</A>]<BR>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
</TABLE>
<HR>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<!--Matthew_Henry's_Commentary_on_the_Whole_Bible:_First_Chronicles_XV.--><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank"><b>Back to Bibles Net . Com - Online Christian Library </b></a><br>
<a href="http://biblesnet.com/download.html" target="_blank"><br>
<b>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Free Download</b></a><br>
<br>
<A HREF="http://biblesnet.com/contactus.html" target="_blank"><strong>Contact Us </strong></A><br>
</TD></TR></TABLE>
<HR>
</BODY>
</HTML>
Reference in New Issue Copy Permalink