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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>S E C O N D S A M U E L</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. VI.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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The obscurity of the ark, during the reign of Saul, had been as great a
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grievance to Israel as the insults of the Philistines. David, having
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humbled the Philistines and mortified them in gratitude for that
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favour, and in pursuance of his designs for the public welfare, is here
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bringing up the ark to his own city, that it might be near him, and be
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an ornament and strength to his new foundation. Here is,
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I. An attempt to do it, which failed and miscarried. The design was
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well laid,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:1,2">ver. 1, 2</A>.
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But,
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1. They were guilty of an error in carrying it in a cart,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:3-5">ver. 3-5</A>.
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2. They were punished for that error by the sudden death of Uzzah
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:6,7">ver. 6, 7</A>),
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which was a great terror to David
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:8,9">ver. 8, 9</A>)
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and put a stop to his proceedings,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:10,11">ver. 10, 11</A>.
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II. The great joy and satisfaction with which it was at last done,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:12-15">ver. 12-15</A>.
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And,
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1. The good understanding between David and his people,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:17-19">ver. 17-19</A>.
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2. The uneasiness between David and his wife upon that occasion,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:16,20-23">ver. 16, 20-23</A>.
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And, when we consider that the ark was both the token of God's presence
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and a type of Christ, we shall see that this story is very
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instructive.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Removal of the Ark.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1045.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Again, David gathered together all <I>the</I> chosen <I>men</I> of
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Israel, thirty thousand.
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2 And David arose, and went with all the people that <I>were</I>
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with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of
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God, whose name is called by the name of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> of hosts that
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dwelleth <I>between</I> the cherubims.
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3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it
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out of the house of Abinadab that <I>was</I> in Gibeah: and Uzzah and
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Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
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4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which <I>was</I>
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at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the
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ark.
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5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>
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on all manner of <I>instruments made of</I> fir wood, even on harps,
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and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on
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cymbals.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have not heard a word of the ark since it was lodged in
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Kirjath-jearim, immediately after its return out of its captivity among
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the Philistines
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+7:1,2">1 Sam. vii. 1, 2</A>),
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except that, once, Saul called for it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:18">1 Sam. xiv. 18</A>.
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That which in former days had made so great a figure is now thrown
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aside, as a neglected thing, for many years. And, if now the ark was
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for so many years in a house, let it not seem strange that we find the
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church so long in the wilderness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+12:14">Rev. xii. 14</A>.
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Perpetual visibility is no mark of the true church. God is graciously
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present with the souls of his people even when they want the external
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tokens of his presence. But now that David is settled in the throne the
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honour of the ark begins to revive, and <I>Israel's care of it to
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flourish again, wherein also,</I> no doubt, the good people among them
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<I>had been careful, but they lacked opportunity.</I> See
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+4:10">Phil. iv. 10</A>.</P>
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<P>
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I. Here is honourable mention made of the ark. Because it had not been
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spoken of a great while, now that it is spoken of observe how it is
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described
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>):
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it is <I>the ark of God whose name is called by the name of the Lord of
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hosts that dwelleth between the cherubim,</I> or <I>at which the name,
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even the name of the Lord of hosts, was called upon,</I> or <I>upon
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which the name of the Lord of hosts was called,</I> or <I>because of
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which the name is proclaimed, the name of the Lord of hosts</I> (that
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is, God was greatly magnified in the miracles done before the ark), or
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<I>the ark of God, who is called the name</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+24:11,16">Lev. xxiv. 11, 16</A>),
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<I>the name of the Lord of hosts, sitting on the cherubim upon it.</I>
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Let us learn hence,
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1. To think and speak highly of God. He is the name above every name,
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<I>the Lord of hosts,</I> that has all the creatures in heaven and
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earth at his command, and receives homage from them all, and yet is
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pleased to dwell between the cherubim, over the propitiatory or
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mercy-seat, graciously manifesting himself to his people, reconciled in
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a Mediator, and ready to do them good.
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2. To think and speak honourably of holy ordinances, which are to us,
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as the ark was to Israel, the tokens of God's presence
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:2">Matt. xxviii. 2</A>),
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and the means of our communion with him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+27:4">Ps. xxvii. 4</A>.
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It is the honour of the ark that it is the ark of God; he is jealous
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for it, is magnified in it, his name is called upon it. The divine
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institution puts a beauty and grandeur upon holy ordinances, which
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otherwise have no form nor comeliness. Christ is our ark. In and by him
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God manifests his favour and communicates his grace to us, and accepts
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our adoration and addresses.</P>
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<P>
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II. Here is an honourable attendance given to the ark upon the removal
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of it. Now, at length, it is enquired after, David made the motion
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+13:1-3">1 Chron. xiii. 1-3</A>),
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and the heads of the congregation agreed to it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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All the chosen men of Israel are called together to grace the
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solemnity, to pay their respect to the ark, and to testify their joy in
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its restoration. The nobility and gentry, elders and officers, came to
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the number of 30,000
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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and the generality of the common people besides
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+13:5">1 Chron. xiii. 5</A>);
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for, some think, it was done at one of the three great festivals. This
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would make a noble cavalcade, and would help to inspire the young
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people of the nation, who perhaps had scarcely heard of the ark, with a
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great veneration for it, for this was certainly a treasure of
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inestimable value which the king himself and all the great men waited
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upon, and were a guard to.</P>
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<P>
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III. Here are great expressions of joy upon the removal of the ark,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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David himself, and all that were with him that were musically inclined,
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made use of such instruments as they had to excite and express their
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rejoicing upon this occasion. It might well put them into a transport
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of joy to see the ark rise out of obscurity and move towards a public
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station. It is better to have the ark in a house than not at all,
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better in a house than a captive in Dagon's temple; but it is very
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desirable to have it in a tent pitched on purpose for it, where the
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resort to it may be more free and open. As secret worship is better the
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more secret it is, so public worship is better the more public it is;
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and we have reason to rejoice when restraints are taken off, and the
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ark of God finds welcome in the city of David, and has not only the
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protection and support, but the countenance and encouragement, of the
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civil powers; for joy of this they <I>played before the Lord.</I> Note,
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Public joy must always be as <I>before the Lord,</I> with an eye to him
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and terminating in him, and must not degenerate into that which is
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carnal and sensual. Dr. Lightfoot supposes that, upon this occasion,
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David penned the
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+68:1-35">68th Psalm</A>,
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because it begins with that ancient prayer of Moses at the removing of
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the ark, <I>Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered;</I> and
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notice is taken there
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+68:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>)
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of the <I>singers and players on instruments</I> that attended, and
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+68:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>)
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of the princes of several of the tribes; and perhaps those words in the
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+68:35">last verse</A>,
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<I>O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places,</I> were added upon
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occasion of the death of Uzzah.</P>
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<P>
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IV. Here is an error that they were guilty of in this matter, that they
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carried the ark in a cart or carriage, whereas the priests should have
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carried it upon their shoulders,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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The Kohathites that had the charge of the ark had no wagons assigned
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them, because <I>their service was to bear it upon their shoulders,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+7:9">Num. vii. 9</A>.
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The ark was no such heavy burden but that they might, among them, have
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carried it as far as Mount Sion upon their shoulders, they needed not
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to put it in a cart like a common thing. It was no excuse for them that
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the Philistines had done so and were not punished for it; they knew no
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better, nor had they any priests or Levites with them to undertake the
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carrying of it; better carry it in a cart than that any of Dagon's
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priests should carry it. Philistines may cart the ark with impunity;
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but, if Israelites do so, they do it at their peril. And it mended the
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matter very little that it was a new cart; old or new, it was not what
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God had appointed. I wonder how so wise and good a man as David was,
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that conversed so much with the law of God, came to be guilty of such
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an oversight. We will charitably hope that it was because he was so
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extremely intent upon the substance of the service that he forgot to
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take care of this circumstance.</P>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Uzzah Slain for Touching the Ark; The Ark in the House of Obed-edom.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1045.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>6 And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put
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forth <I>his hand</I> to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the
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oxen shook <I>it.</I>
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7 And the anger of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> was kindled against Uzzah; and God
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smote him there for <I>his</I> error; and there he died by the ark of
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God.
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8 And David was displeased, because the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> had made a breach
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upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to
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this day.
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9 And David was afraid of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> that day, and said, How
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shall the ark of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> come to me?
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10 So David would not remove the ark of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> unto him into
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the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of
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Obed-edom the Gittite.
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11 And the ark of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> continued in the house of Obed-edom
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the Gittite three months: and the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> blessed Obed-edom, and all
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his household.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here Uzzah struck dead for touching the ark, when it was upon
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its journey towards the city of David, a sad providence, which damped
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their mirth, stopped the progress of the ark, and for the present,
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dispersed this great assembly, which had come together to attend it,
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and sent them home in a fright.</P>
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<P>
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I. Uzzah's offence seems very small. He and his brother Ahio, the sons
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of Abinadab, in whose house the ark had long been lodged, having been
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used to attend it, to show their willingness to prefer the public
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benefit to their own private honour and advantage, undertook to drive
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the cart in which the ark was carried, this being perhaps the last
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service they were likely to do it; for others would be employed about
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it when it came to the city of David. Ahio went before, to clear the
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way, and, if need were, to lead the oxen. Uzzah followed close to the
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side of the cart. It happened that the oxen shook it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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The critics are not agreed about the signification of the original
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word: <I>They stumbled</I> (so our margin); <I>they kicked</I> (so
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some), perhaps against the goad with which Uzzah drove them; <I>they
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stuck in the mire,</I> by some. By some accident or other the ark was
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in danger of being overthrown. Uzzah thereupon laid hold of it, to save
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it from falling, we have reason to think with a very good intention, to
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preserve the reputation of the ark and to prevent a bad omen. Yet this
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was his crime. Uzzah was a Levite, but priests only might touch the
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ark. The law was express concerning the Kohathites, that, though they
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were to carry the ark by the staves, yet <I>they must not touch any
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holy thing, lest they die,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+4:15">Num. iv. 15</A>.
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Uzzah's long familiarity with the ark, and the constant attendance he
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had given to it, might occasion his presumption, but would not excuse
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it.</P>
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<P>
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II. His punishment for this offence seems very great
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>):
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<I>The anger of the Lord was kindled against him</I> (for in sacred
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things he is a jealous God) and he <I>smote him there for his
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rashness,</I> as the word is, and struck him dead upon the spot. There
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he sinned, and there he died, <I>by the ark of God;</I> even the
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mercy-seat would not save him. Why was God thus severe with him?
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1. The touching of the ark was forbidden to the Levites expressly under
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pain of death--<I>lest they die;</I> and God, by this instance of
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severity, would show how he might justly have dealt with our first
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parents, when they had eaten that which was forbidden under the same
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penalty--<I>lest you die.</I>
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2. God saw the presumption and irreverence of Uzzah's heart. Perhaps he
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affected to show, before this great assembly, how bold he could make
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with the ark, having been so long acquainted with it. Familiarity, even
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|
with that which is most awful, is apt to breed contempt.
|
|
|
|
3. David afterwards owned that Uzzah died for an error they were all
|
|
guilty of, which was carrying the ark in a cart. Because it was not
|
|
carried on the Levites' shoulders, <I>the Lord made that breach upon
|
|
us,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:13">1 Chron. xv. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
But Uzzah was singled out to be made an example, perhaps because he had
|
|
been most forward in advising that way of conveyance; however he had
|
|
fallen into another error, which was occasioned by that. Perhaps the
|
|
ark was not covered, as it should have been, with the covering of
|
|
badgers' skins
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+4:6">Num. iv. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
and that was a further provocation.
|
|
|
|
4. God would hereby strike an awe upon the thousands of Israel, would
|
|
convince them that the ark was never the less venerable for its having
|
|
been so long in mean circumstances, and thus he would teach them to
|
|
rejoice with trembling, and always to treat holy things with reverence
|
|
and holy fear.
|
|
|
|
5. God would hereby teach us that a good intention will not justify a
|
|
bad action; it will not suffice to say of that which is ill done that
|
|
it was well meant. He will let us know that he can and will secure his
|
|
ark, and needs not any man's sin to help him to do it.
|
|
|
|
6. If it was so great a crime for one to lay hold on the ark of the
|
|
covenant that had no right to do so, what is it for those to lay claim
|
|
to the privileges of the covenant that come not up to the terms of it?
|
|
To the wicked God says, <I>What hast thou to do to take my covenant in
|
|
thy mouth?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+50:16">Ps. l. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Friend, how camest thou in hither?</I> If the ark was so sacred, and
|
|
not to be touched irreverently, what is the <I>blood of the
|
|
covenant?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:29">Heb. x. 29</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. David's feelings on the infliction of this stroke were keen, and
|
|
perhaps not altogether as they should have been. He should have humbled
|
|
himself under God's hand, confessed his error, acknowledged God's
|
|
righteousness, and deprecated the further tokens of his displeasure,
|
|
and then have gone on with the good work he had in hand. But we find,
|
|
|
|
1. He was displeased. It is not said because Uzzah had affronted God,
|
|
but because God had made a breach upon Uzzah
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>David's anger was kindled.</I> It is the same word that is used for
|
|
God's displeasure,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Because God was angry, David was angry and out of humour. As if God
|
|
might not assert the honour of his ark, and frown upon one that touched
|
|
it rudely, without asking David leave. Shall mortal man pretend to be
|
|
more just than God, arraign his proceedings, or charge him with
|
|
iniquity? David did not now act like himself, like <I>a man after God's
|
|
own heart.</I> It is not for us to be displeased at any thing that God
|
|
does, how unpleasing soever it is to us. The death of Uzzah was indeed
|
|
an eclipse to the glory of a solemnity which David valued himself upon
|
|
more than any thing else, and might give birth to some speculations
|
|
among those that were disaffected to him, as if God were departing from
|
|
him too; but he ought nevertheless to have subscribed to the
|
|
righteousness and wisdom of God in it, and not to have been displeased
|
|
at it. When we lie under God's anger we must keep under our own.
|
|
|
|
2. He was afraid,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
It should seem he was afraid with amazement; for he said, <I>How shall
|
|
the ark of the Lord come to me?</I> As if God sought advantages against
|
|
all that were about him, and was so extremely tender of his ark that
|
|
there was no dealing with it; and therefore better for him to keep it
|
|
at a distance. <I>Que procul a Jove, procul a fulmine--To retire from
|
|
Jove is to retire from the thunder-bolt.</I> He should rather have
|
|
said, "Let the ark come to me, and I will take warning by this to treat
|
|
it with more reverence." <I>Provoke me not</I> (says God,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+25:6">Jer. xxv. 6</A>)
|
|
|
|
<I>and I will do you no hurt.</I> Or this may be looked upon as a good
|
|
use which David made of this tremendous judgment. He did not say,
|
|
"Surely Uzzah was a sinner above all men, because he suffered such
|
|
things," but is concerned for himself, as one conscious, not only of
|
|
his own unworthiness of God's favour, but his obnoxiousness to God's
|
|
displeasure. "God might justly strike me dead as he did Uzzah. <I>My
|
|
flesh trembles for fear of thee,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+119:120">Ps. cxix. 120</A>.
|
|
|
|
This God intends in his judgments, that others may hear and fear. David
|
|
therefore will not bring the ark into his own city
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>)
|
|
|
|
till he is better prepared for its reception.
|
|
|
|
3. He took care to perpetuate the remembrance of this stroke by a new
|
|
name he gave to the place: <I>Perez-uzzah, the breach of Uzzah,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
He had been lately triumphing in the breach made upon his enemies, and
|
|
called the place <I>Baal-perazim, a place of breaches.</I> But here is
|
|
a breach upon his friends. When we see one breach, we should consider
|
|
that we know not where the next will be. The memorial of this stroke
|
|
would be a warning to posterity to take heed of all rashness and
|
|
irreverence in dealing about holy things; for <I>God will be sanctified
|
|
in those that come nigh unto him.</I>
|
|
|
|
4. He lodged the ark in a good house, the house of Obed-edom a Levite,
|
|
which happened to be near the place where this disaster happened, and
|
|
there,
|
|
|
|
(1.) It was kindly entertained and welcomed, and continued there
|
|
<I>three months,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:10,11"><I>v.</I> 10, 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Obed-edom knew what slaughter the ark had made among the Philistines
|
|
that imprisoned it and the Bethshemites that looked into it. He saw
|
|
Uzzah struck dead for touching it, and perceived that David himself was
|
|
afraid of meddling with it; yet he cheerfully invites it to his own
|
|
house, and opens his doors to it without fear, knowing it was a
|
|
<I>savour of death unto death</I> only to those that treated it ill. "O
|
|
the courage," says bishop Hall, "of an honest and faithful heart!
|
|
nothing can make God otherwise than amiable to his own people: even his
|
|
very justice is lovely."
|
|
|
|
(2.) It paid well for its entertainment: <I>The Lord blessed Obed-edom
|
|
and all his household.</I> The same hand that punished Uzzah's proud
|
|
presumption rewarded Obed-edom's humble boldness, and made the ark to
|
|
him a <I>savour of life unto life.</I> Let none think the worse of the
|
|
gospel for the judgements inflicted on those that reject it, but set in
|
|
opposition to them the blessings it brings to those that duly receive
|
|
it. None ever had, nor ever shall have, reason to say that <I>it is in
|
|
vain to serve God.</I> Let masters of families be encouraged to keep up
|
|
religion in their families, and to serve God and the interests of his
|
|
kingdom with their houses and estates, for that is the way to bring a
|
|
blessing upon all they have. The ark is a guest which none shall lose
|
|
by that bid it welcome. Josephus says that, whereas before Obed-edom
|
|
was poor, on a sudden, in these three months, his estate increased, to
|
|
the envy of his neighbours. Piety is the best friend to prosperity. In
|
|
wisdom's left hand are riches and honour. His household shared in the
|
|
blessing. It is good living in a family that entertains the ark, for
|
|
all about it will fare the better for it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa6_12"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa6_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa6_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa6_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa6_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa6_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa6_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa6_19"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Michal Despises David.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1045.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>12 And it was told king David, saying, The L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> hath blessed
|
|
the house of Obed-edom, and all that <I>pertaineth</I> unto him,
|
|
because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark
|
|
of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with
|
|
gladness.
|
|
13 And it was <I>so,</I> that when they that bare the ark of the
|
|
L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
|
|
14 And David danced before the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> with all <I>his</I> might; and
|
|
David <I>was</I> girded with a linen ephod.
|
|
15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of
|
|
the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
|
|
16 And as the ark of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> came into the city of David,
|
|
Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king
|
|
David leaping and dancing before the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>; and she despised him
|
|
in her heart.
|
|
17 And they brought in the ark of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, and set it in his
|
|
place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for
|
|
it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before
|
|
the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>.
|
|
18 And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt
|
|
offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name
|
|
of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> of hosts.
|
|
19 And he dealt among all the people, <I>even</I> among the whole
|
|
multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a
|
|
cake of bread, and a good piece <I>of flesh,</I> and a flagon <I>of
|
|
wine.</I> So all the people departed every one to his house.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here the second attempt to bring the ark home to the city of
|
|
David; and this succeeded, though the former miscarried.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. It should seem the blessing with which the house of Obed-edom was
|
|
blessed for the ark's sake was a great inducement to David to bring it
|
|
forward; for when that was told him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>)
|
|
|
|
he hastened to fetch it to him. For,
|
|
|
|
1. It was an evidence that God was reconciled to them, and his anger
|
|
was turned away. As David could read God's frowns upon them all in
|
|
Uzzah's stroke, so he could read God's favour to them all in
|
|
Obed-edom's prosperity; and, if God be at peace with them, they can
|
|
cheerfully go on with their design.
|
|
|
|
2. It was an evidence that the ark was not such a burdensome stone as
|
|
it was taken to be, but, on the contrary, happy was the man that had it
|
|
near him. Christ is indeed a <I>stone of stumbling, and a rock of
|
|
offence,</I> to those that are disobedient; but to those who believe he
|
|
is a <I>corner-stone, elect, precious,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+2:6-8">1 Pet. ii. 6-8</A>.
|
|
|
|
When David heard that Obed-edom had such joy of the ark, then he would
|
|
have it in his own city. Note, The experience others have had of the
|
|
gains of godliness should encourage us to be religious. Is the ark a
|
|
blessing to others' houses? let us bid it welcome to ours; we may have
|
|
it, and the blessing of it, without fetching it from our
|
|
neighbours.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Let us see how David managed the matter now.
|
|
|
|
1. He rectified the former error. He did not put the ark in a cart now,
|
|
but ordered those whose business it was to carry it on their shoulders.
|
|
This is implied here
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>)
|
|
|
|
and expressed
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+15:15">1 Chron. xv. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
Then we make a good use of the judgments of God on ourselves and others
|
|
when we are awakened by them to reform and amend whatever has been
|
|
amiss.
|
|
|
|
2. At their first setting out he offered sacrifices to God
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>)
|
|
|
|
by way of atonement for their former errors and in a thankful
|
|
acknowledgment of the blessings bestowed on the house of Obed-edom.
|
|
Then we are likely to speed in our enterprises when we begin with God
|
|
and give diligence to make our peace with him, When we attend upon God
|
|
in holy ordinances our eye must be to the great sacrifice, to which we
|
|
owe it that we are taken into covenant and communion with God,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+50:5">Ps. l. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
3. He himself attended the solemnity with the highest expressions of
|
|
joy that could be
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>He danced before the Lord with all his might;</I> he leaped for joy,
|
|
as one transported with the occasion, and the more because of the
|
|
disappointment he met with the last time. It is a pleasure to a good
|
|
man to see his errors rectified and himself in the way of his duty. His
|
|
dancing, I suppose, was not artificial, by any certain rule or measure,
|
|
nor do we find that any danced with him; but it was a natural
|
|
expression of his great joy and exultation of mind. He did it with all
|
|
his might; so we should perform all our religious services, as those
|
|
that are intent upon them and desire to do them in the best manner. All
|
|
our might is little enough to be employed in holy duties: the work
|
|
deserves it all. On this occasion David laid aside his imperial purple,
|
|
and put on a plain linen ephod, which was light and convenient for
|
|
dancing, and was used in religious exercises by those who were no
|
|
priests, for Samuel wore one,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+2:18">1 Sam. ii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
That great prince thought it no disparagement to him to appear in the
|
|
habit of a minister to the ark.
|
|
|
|
4. All the people triumphed in this advancement of the ark
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>They brought it up</I> into the royal city <I>with shouting,</I> and
|
|
<I>with sound of trumpet,</I> so expressing their own joy in loud
|
|
acclamations, and giving notice to all about them to rejoice with them.
|
|
The public and free administration of ordinances, not only under the
|
|
protection, but under the smiles, of the civil powers, is just matter
|
|
of rejoicing to any people.
|
|
|
|
5. the ark was safely brought to, and honourably deposited in, the
|
|
place prepared for it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
They set it in <I>the midst of the tabernacle,</I> or tent, <I>which
|
|
David had pitched for it;</I> not the tabernacle which Moses reared,
|
|
for that was at Gibeon
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ch+1:13">2 Chron. i. 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
and, we may suppose, being made of cloth, in so many hundred years it
|
|
had gone to decay and was not fit to be removed; but this was a tent
|
|
set up on purpose to receive the ark. He would not bring it into a
|
|
private house, no, not his own, lest it should seem to be too much
|
|
engrossed, and people's resort to it, to pray before it, should be less
|
|
free; yet he would not build a house for it, lest that should supersede
|
|
the building of a more stately temple in due time, and therefore, for
|
|
the present, he placed it within curtains, under a canopy, in imitation
|
|
of Moses's tabernacle. As soon as ever it was lodged, he offered
|
|
burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, in thankfulness to God that the
|
|
business was now done without any more errors or breaches, and in
|
|
supplication to God for the continuance of his favour. Note, All our
|
|
joys must be sanctified both with praises and prayers; <I>for with such
|
|
sacrifices God is well pleased.</I> Now, it should seem, he penned the
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+132:1-8">132nd Psalm</A>.
|
|
|
|
6. The people were then dismissed with great satisfaction. He sent
|
|
them away,
|
|
|
|
(1.) With a gracious prayer: <I>He blessed them in the name of the Lord
|
|
of hosts</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
having not only a particular interest in heaven as a prophet, but an
|
|
authority over them as a prince; for <I>the less is blessed of the
|
|
better,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+7:7">Heb. vii. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
He prayed to God to bless them, and particularly to reward them for the
|
|
honour and respect they had now shown to his ark, assuring them they
|
|
should be no losers by their journey, but the blessing of God upon
|
|
their affairs at home would more than bear their charges. He testified
|
|
his desire for their welfare by this prayer for them, and let them know
|
|
they had a king that loved them.
|
|
|
|
(2.) With a generous treat; for so it was, rather than a distribution
|
|
of alms. The great men, it is probable, he entertained at his own
|
|
house, but to the <I>multitude of Israel, men</I> and <I>women</I> (and
|
|
<I>children,</I> says Josephus), he dealt to every one a <I>cake of
|
|
bread (a spice-cake,</I> so some), <I>a good piece of flesh--a handsome
|
|
decent piece</I> (so some)--<I>a part of the peace-offerings</I> (so
|
|
Josephus), that they might feast with him <I>upon the sacrifice,</I>
|
|
and a <I>flagon,</I> or bottle, <I>of wine,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
Probably he ordered this provision to be made for them at their
|
|
respective quarters, and this he did,
|
|
|
|
[1.] In token of his joy and gratitude to God. When the heart is
|
|
enlarged in cheerfulness the hand should be opened in liberality. The
|
|
feast of Purim was observed with <I>sending portions one to
|
|
another,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Es+9:22">Esth. ix. 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
As those to whom God is merciful ought to show mercy in forgiving, so
|
|
those to whom God is bountiful ought to exercise bounty in giving.
|
|
|
|
[2.] To recommend himself to the people, and confirm his interest in
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them; for <I>every one is a friend to him that giveth gifts.</I> Those
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that cared not for his prayers would love him for his generosity; and
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this would encourage them to attend him another time if he saw cause to
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call them together.</P>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_20"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_21"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_22"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa6_23"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>David Expostulates with Michal.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1045.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the
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daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious
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was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in
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the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain
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fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!
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21 And David said unto Michal, <I>It was</I> before the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, which
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chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint
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me ruler over the people of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, over Israel: therefore will
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I play before the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>.
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22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in
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mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken
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of, of them shall I be had in honour.
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23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the
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day of her death.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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David, having dismissed the congregation with a blessing, <I>returned
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to bless his household</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>),
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that is, to pray with them and for them, and to offer up his family
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thanksgiving for this national mercy. Ministers must not think that
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their public performances will excuse them from their family-worship;
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but when they have, with their instructions and prayers, blessed the
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solemn assemblies, they must return in the same manner to bless their
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households, for with them they are in a particular manner charged.
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David, though he had prophets, and priests, and Levites, about him, to
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be his chaplains, yet did not devolve the work upon them, but himself
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<I>blessed his household.</I> It is angels' work to worship God, and
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therefore surely that can be no disparagement to the greatest of
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men.</P>
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<P>
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Never did David return to his house with so much pleasure and
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satisfaction as he did now that he had got the ark into his
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neighbourhood; and yet even this joyful day concluded with some
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uneasiness, occasioned by the pride and peevishness of his wife. Even
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the palaces of princes are not exempt from domestic troubles. David had
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pleased all the multitude of Israel, but Michal was not pleased with
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his dancing before the ark. For this, when he was at a distance, she
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scorned him, and when he came home she scolded him. She was not
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displeased at his generosity to the people, nor did she grudge the
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entertainment he gave them; but she thought he degraded himself too
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much in dancing before the ark. It was not her covetousness, but her
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pride, that made her fret.</P>
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<P>
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I. When she saw David in the street dancing before the Lord she
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<I>despised him in her heart,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
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She thought this mighty zeal of his for the ark of God, and the
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transport of joy he was in upon its coming home to him, was but a
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foolish thing, and unbecoming so great a soldier, and statesman, and
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|
monarch, as he was. It would have been enough for him to encourage the
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devotion of others, but she looked upon it as a thing below him to
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appear so very devout himself. "What a fool" (thinks she) "does my
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husband make of himself now! How fond is he of this ark, that might as
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|
well have lain still where it had lain for so many years! Much devotion
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|
has almost made him mad." Note, The exercises of religion appear very
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mean in the eyes of those that have little or no religion
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themselves.</P>
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<P>
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II. When he came home in the very best disposition she began to upbraid
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him, and was so full of disdain and indignation that she could not
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contain till she had him in private, but went out to meet him with her
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reproaches. Observe,</P>
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<P>
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1. How she taunted him
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>):
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"<I>How glorious was the king of Israel to-day!</I> What a figure didst
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thou make to-day in the midst of the mob! How unbecoming thy post and
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|
character!" Her contempt of him and his devotion began in the heart,
|
|
but out of the abundance of that the mouth spoke. That which displeased
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her was his affection to the ark, which she wished he had no greater
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kindness for than she had: but she basely represents his conduct, in
|
|
dancing before the ark, as lewd and immodest; and, while really she was
|
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displeased at it as a diminution to his honour, she pretended to
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dislike it as a reproach to his virtue, that he <I>uncovered himself in
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the eyes of the maid-servants,</I> as no man would have done but <I>one
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of the vain fellows</I> that cared not how much he shamed himself. We
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|
have no reason to think that this was true in fact. David, no doubt,
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|
observed decorum, and governed his zeal with discretion. But it is
|
|
common for those that reproach religion thus to put false colours upon
|
|
it and lay it under the most odious characters. To have abused any man
|
|
thus for his pious zeal would have been very profane, but to abuse her
|
|
own husband thus, whom she ought to have reverenced, and one whose
|
|
prudence and virtue were above the reach of malice itself to disparage,
|
|
one who had shown such affection for her that he would not accept a
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crown unless he might have her restored to him
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:13"><I>ch.</I> iii. 13</A>),
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was a most base and wicked thing, and showed her to have more of Saul's
|
|
daughter in her than of David's wife or Jonathan's sister.</P>
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<P>
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2. How he replied to her reproach. He did not upbraid her with her
|
|
treacherous departure from him to embrace the bosom of a stranger. He
|
|
had forgiven that, and therefore had forgotten it, though, it may be,
|
|
his own conscience, on this occasion, upbraided him with his folly in
|
|
receiving her again (for that is said to pollute the land,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+3:1">Jer. iii. 1</A>),
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|
but he justifies himself in what he did.</P>
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<P>
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|
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(1.) He designed thereby to honour God
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>):
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<I>It was before the Lord,</I> and with an eye to him. Whatever
|
|
invidious construction she was pleased to put upon it, he had the
|
|
testimony of his conscience for him that he sincerely aimed at the
|
|
glory of God, for whom he thought he could never do enough. Here he
|
|
reminds her indeed of the setting aside of her father's house, to make
|
|
way for him to the throne, that she might not think herself the most
|
|
proper judge of propriety: "<I>God chose me before thy father, and
|
|
appointed me to be ruler over Israel,</I> and now I am the fountain of
|
|
honour; and, if the expressions of a warm devotion to God were looked
|
|
upon as mean and unfashionable in thy father's court, yet <I>I will
|
|
play before the Lord,</I> and thereby bring them into reputation again.
|
|
And, if this be to be vile
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>),
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|
<I>I will be yet more vile.</I>" Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] We should be afraid of censuring the devotion of others though it
|
|
may not agree with our sentiments, because, for aught that we know, the
|
|
heart may be upright in it, and who are we that we should despise those
|
|
whom God has accepted?
|
|
|
|
[2.] If we can approve ourselves to God in what we do in religion, and
|
|
do it as before the Lord, we need not value the censures and reproaches
|
|
of men. If we appear right in God's eyes, no matter how mean we appear
|
|
in the eyes of the world.
|
|
|
|
[3.] The more we are vilified for well-doing the more resolute we
|
|
should be in it, and hold our religion the faster, and bind it the
|
|
closer to us, for the endeavours of Satan's agents to shake us and to
|
|
shame us out of it. <I>I will be yet more vile.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He designed thereby to humble himself: "<I>I will be base in my
|
|
own sight,</I> and will think nothing too mean to stoop to for the
|
|
honour of God." In the throne of judgment, and in the field of battle,
|
|
none shall do more to support the grandeur and authority of a prince
|
|
than David shall; but in acts of devotion he lays aside the thought of
|
|
majesty, humbles himself to the dust before the Lord, joins in with the
|
|
meanest services done in honour of the ark, and thinks all this no
|
|
diminution to him. The greatest of men is less than the least of the
|
|
ordinances of Jesus Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) He doubted not but even this would turn to his reputation among
|
|
those whose reproach Michal pretended to fear: <I>Of the maid-servants
|
|
shall I be had in honour.</I> The common people would be so far from
|
|
thinking the worse of him for these pious condescensions that they
|
|
would esteem and honour him so much the more. Those that are truly
|
|
pious are sometimes <I>manifested in the consciences</I> even of those
|
|
that speak ill of them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:11">2 Cor. v. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Let us never be driven from our duty by the fear of reproach; for to be
|
|
steady and resolute in it will perhaps turn to our reputation more than
|
|
we think it will. Piety will have its praise. Let us not then be
|
|
indifferent in it, nor afraid or ashamed to own it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
David was contented thus to justify himself, and did not any further
|
|
animadvert upon Michal's insolence; but God punished her for it,
|
|
writing her for ever childless from this time forward,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+6:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
She unjustly reproached David for his devotion, and therefore God
|
|
justly put her under the perpetual reproach of barrenness. <I>Those
|
|
that honour God he will honour;</I> but those that despise him, and his
|
|
servants and service, <I>shall be lightly esteemed.</I></P>
|
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