mh_parser/vol_split/10 - 2Samuel/Chapter 6.xml

<div2 id="iiSam.vii" n="vii" next="iiSam.viii" prev="iiSam.vi" progress="41.53%" title="Chapter VI">
<h2 id="iiSam.vii-p0.1">S E C O N D   S A M U E L</h2>
<h3 id="iiSam.vii-p0.2">CHAP. VI.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiSam.vii-p1">The obscurity of the ark, during the reign of
Saul, had been as great a grievance to Israel as the insults of the
Philistines. David, having humbled the Philistines and mortified
them in gratitude for that favour, and in pursuance of his designs
for the public welfare, is here bringing up the ark to his own
city, that it might be near him, and be an ornament and strength to
his new foundation. Here is, I. An attempt to do it, which failed
and miscarried. The design was well laid, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.1-2Sam.6.2" parsed="|2Sam|6|1|6|2" passage="2Sa 6:1,2">ver. 1, 2</scripRef>. But, 1. They were guilty of an
error in carrying it in a cart, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.3-2Sam.6.5" parsed="|2Sam|6|3|6|5" passage="2Sa 6:3-5">ver.
3-5</scripRef>. 2. They were punished for that error by the sudden
death of Uzzah (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.6-2Sam.6.7" parsed="|2Sam|6|6|6|7" passage="2Sa 6:6,7">ver. 6,
7</scripRef>), which was a great terror to David (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.8-2Sam.6.9" parsed="|2Sam|6|8|6|9" passage="2Sa 6:8,9">ver. 8, 9</scripRef>) and put a stop to his
proceedings, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.10-2Sam.6.11" parsed="|2Sam|6|10|6|11" passage="2Sa 6:10,11">ver. 10,
11</scripRef>. II. The great joy and satisfaction with which it was
at last done, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.12-2Sam.6.15" parsed="|2Sam|6|12|6|15" passage="2Sa 6:12-15">ver.
12-15</scripRef>. And, 1. The good understanding between David and
his people, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.17-2Sam.6.19" parsed="|2Sam|6|17|6|19" passage="2Sa 6:17-19">ver. 17-19</scripRef>.
2. The uneasiness between David and his wife upon that occasion,
<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.16 Bible:2Sam.6.20-2Sam.6.23" parsed="|2Sam|6|16|0|0;|2Sam|6|20|6|23" passage="2Sa 6:16,20-23">ver. 16, 20-23</scripRef>. And,
when we consider that the ark was both the token of God's presence
and a type of Christ, we shall see that this story is very
instructive.</p>
<scripCom id="iiSam.vii-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6" parsed="|2Sam|6|0|0|0" passage="2Sa 6" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiSam.vii-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.1-2Sam.6.5" parsed="|2Sam|6|1|6|5" passage="2Sa 6:1-5" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.6.1-2Sam.6.5">
<h4 id="iiSam.vii-p1.11">The Removal of the Ark. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p1.12">b. c.</span> 1045.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.vii-p2">1 Again, David gathered together all <i>the</i>
chosen <i>men</i> of Israel, thirty thousand.   2 And David
arose, and went with all the people that <i>were</i> with him from
Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name
is called by the name of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p2.1">Lord</span> of
hosts that dwelleth <i>between</i> the cherubims.   3 And they
set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house
of Abinadab that <i>was</i> in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons
of Abinadab, drave the new cart.   4 And they brought it out
of the house of Abinadab which <i>was</i> at Gibeah, accompanying
the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.   5 And David
and all the house of Israel played before the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p2.2">Lord</span> on all manner of <i>instruments made of</i>
fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on
cornets, and on cymbals.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p3">We have not heard a word of the ark since
it was lodged in Kirjath-jearim, immediately after its return out
of its captivity among the Philistines (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.7.1-1Sam.7.2" parsed="|1Sam|7|1|7|2" passage="1Sa 7:1,2">1 Sam. vii. 1, 2</scripRef>), except that, once, Saul
called for it, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.18" parsed="|1Sam|14|18|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:18">1 Sam. xiv.
18</scripRef>. That which in former days had made so great a figure
is now thrown aside, as a neglected thing, for many years. And, if
now the ark was for so many years in a house, let it not seem
strange that we find the church so long in the wilderness,
<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Rev.12.14" parsed="|Rev|12|14|0|0" passage="Re 12:14">Rev. xii. 14</scripRef>. Perpetual
visibility is no mark of the true church. God is graciously present
with the souls of his people even when they want the external
tokens of his presence. But now that David is settled in the throne
the honour of the ark begins to revive, and <i>Israel's care of it
to flourish again, wherein also,</i> no doubt, the good people
among them <i>had been careful, but they lacked opportunity.</i>
See <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:Phil.4.10" parsed="|Phil|4|10|0|0" passage="Php 4:10">Phil. iv. 10</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p4">I. Here is honourable mention made of the
ark. Because it had not been spoken of a great while, now that it
is spoken of observe how it is described (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.2" parsed="|2Sam|6|2|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>): it is <i>the ark of God whose
name is called by the name of the Lord of hosts that dwelleth
between the cherubim,</i> or <i>at which the name, even the name of
the Lord of hosts, was called upon,</i> or <i>upon which the name
of the Lord of hosts was called,</i> or <i>because of which the
name is proclaimed, the name of the Lord of hosts</i> (that is, God
was greatly magnified in the miracles done before the ark), or
<i>the ark of God, who is called the name</i> (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Lev.24.11 Bible:Lev.24.16" parsed="|Lev|24|11|0|0;|Lev|24|16|0|0" passage="Le 24:11,16">Lev. xxiv. 11, 16</scripRef>), <i>the name of the
Lord of hosts, sitting on the cherubim upon it.</i> Let us learn
hence, 1. To think and speak highly of God. He is the name above
every name, <i>the Lord of hosts,</i> that has all the creatures in
heaven and earth at his command, and receives homage from them all,
and yet is pleased to dwell between the cherubim, over the
propitiatory or mercy-seat, graciously manifesting himself to his
people, reconciled in a Mediator, and ready to do them good. 2. To
think and speak honourably of holy ordinances, which are to us, as
the ark was to Israel, the tokens of God's presence (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Matt.28.2" parsed="|Matt|28|2|0|0" passage="Mt 28:2">Matt. xxviii. 2</scripRef>), and the means of our
communion with him, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.27.4" parsed="|Ps|27|4|0|0" passage="Ps 27:4">Ps. xxvii.
4</scripRef>. It is the honour of the ark that it is the ark of
God; he is jealous for it, is magnified in it, his name is called
upon it. The divine institution puts a beauty and grandeur upon
holy ordinances, which otherwise have no form nor comeliness.
Christ is our ark. In and by him God manifests his favour and
communicates his grace to us, and accepts our adoration and
addresses.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p5">II. Here is an honourable attendance given
to the ark upon the removal of it. Now, at length, it is enquired
after, David made the motion (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.13.1-1Chr.13.3" parsed="|1Chr|13|1|13|3" passage="1Ch 13:1-3">1
Chron. xiii. 1-3</scripRef>), and the heads of the congregation
agreed to it, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.4" parsed="|2Sam|6|4|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>.
All the chosen men of Israel are called together to grace the
solemnity, to pay their respect to the ark, and to testify their
joy in its restoration. The nobility and gentry, elders and
officers, came to the number of 30,000 (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.1" parsed="|2Sam|6|1|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>), and the generality of the common
people besides (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.13.5" parsed="|1Chr|13|5|0|0" passage="1Ch 13:5">1 Chron. xiii.
5</scripRef>); for, some think, it was done at one of the three
great festivals. This would make a noble cavalcade, and would help
to inspire the young people of the nation, who perhaps had scarcely
heard of the ark, with a great veneration for it, for this was
certainly a treasure of inestimable value which the king himself
and all the great men waited upon, and were a guard to.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p6">III. Here are great expressions of joy upon
the removal of the ark, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.5" parsed="|2Sam|6|5|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:5"><i>v.</i>
5</scripRef>. David himself, and all that were with him that were
musically inclined, made use of such instruments as they had to
excite and express their rejoicing upon this occasion. It might
well put them into a transport of joy to see the ark rise out of
obscurity and move towards a public station. It is better to have
the ark in a house than not at all, better in a house than a
captive in Dagon's temple; but it is very desirable to have it in a
tent pitched on purpose for it, where the resort to it may be more
free and open. As secret worship is better the more secret it is,
so public worship is better the more public it is; and we have
reason to rejoice when restraints are taken off, and the ark of God
finds welcome in the city of David, and has not only the protection
and support, but the countenance and encouragement, of the civil
powers; for joy of this they <i>played before the Lord.</i> Note,
Public joy must always be as <i>before the Lord,</i> with an eye to
him and terminating in him, and must not degenerate into that which
is carnal and sensual. Dr. Lightfoot supposes that, upon this
occasion, David penned the <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.68.1-Ps.68.35" parsed="|Ps|68|1|68|35" passage="Ps 68:1-35">68th
Psalm</scripRef>, because it begins with that ancient prayer of
Moses at the removing of the ark, <i>Let God arise, and let his
enemies be scattered;</i> and notice is taken there (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.68.25" parsed="|Ps|68|25|0|0" passage="Ps 68:25"><i>v.</i> 25</scripRef>) of the <i>singers and
players on instruments</i> that attended, and (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.68.27" parsed="|Ps|68|27|0|0" passage="Ps 68:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>) of the princes of several of
the tribes; and perhaps those words in the <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p6.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.68.35" parsed="|Ps|68|35|0|0" passage="Ps 68:35">last verse</scripRef>, <i>O God, thou art terrible out
of thy holy places,</i> were added upon occasion of the death of
Uzzah.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p7">IV. Here is an error that they were guilty
of in this matter, that they carried the ark in a cart or carriage,
whereas the priests should have carried it upon their shoulders,
<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.3" parsed="|2Sam|6|3|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. The Kohathites
that had the charge of the ark had no wagons assigned them, because
<i>their service was to bear it upon their shoulders,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.7.9" parsed="|Num|7|9|0|0" passage="Nu 7:9">Num. vii. 9</scripRef>. The ark was no such heavy
burden but that they might, among them, have carried it as far as
Mount Sion upon their shoulders, they needed not to put it in a
cart like a common thing. It was no excuse for them that the
Philistines had done so and were not punished for it; they knew no
better, nor had they any priests or Levites with them to undertake
the carrying of it; better carry it in a cart than that any of
Dagon's priests should carry it. Philistines may cart the ark with
impunity; but, if Israelites do so, they do it at their peril. And
it mended the matter very little that it was a new cart; old or
new, it was not what God had appointed. I wonder how so wise and
good a man as David was, that conversed so much with the law of
God, came to be guilty of such an oversight. We will charitably
hope that it was because he was so extremely intent upon the
substance of the service that he forgot to take care of this
circumstance.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiSam.vii-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.6-2Sam.6.11" parsed="|2Sam|6|6|6|11" passage="2Sa 6:6-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.6.6-2Sam.6.11">
<h4 id="iiSam.vii-p7.4">Uzzah Slain for Touching the Ark; The Ark in
the House of Obed-edom. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p7.5">b. c.</span> 1045.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.vii-p8">6 And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor,
Uzzah put forth <i>his hand</i> to the ark of God, and took hold of
it; for the oxen shook <i>it.</i>   7 And the anger of the
<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p8.1">Lord</span> was kindled against Uzzah; and
God smote him there for <i>his</i> error; and there he died by the
ark of God.   8 And David was displeased, because the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p8.2">Lord</span> had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he
called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to this day.   9 And
David was afraid of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p8.3">Lord</span> that
day, and said, How shall the ark of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p8.4">Lord</span> come to me?   10 So David would not
remove the ark of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p8.5">Lord</span> unto him
into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house
of Obed-edom the Gittite.   11 And the ark of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p8.6">Lord</span> continued in the house of Obed-edom the
Gittite three months: and the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p8.7">Lord</span>
blessed Obed-edom, and all his household.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p9">We have here Uzzah struck dead for touching
the ark, when it was upon its journey towards the city of David, a
sad providence, which damped their mirth, stopped the progress of
the ark, and for the present, dispersed this great assembly, which
had come together to attend it, and sent them home in a fright.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p10">I. Uzzah's offence seems very small. He and
his brother Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, in whose house the ark had
long been lodged, having been used to attend it, to show their
willingness to prefer the public benefit to their own private
honour and advantage, undertook to drive the cart in which the ark
was carried, this being perhaps the last service they were likely
to do it; for others would be employed about it when it came to the
city of David. Ahio went before, to clear the way, and, if need
were, to lead the oxen. Uzzah followed close to the side of the
cart. It happened that the oxen shook it, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.6" parsed="|2Sam|6|6|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. The critics are not agreed about
the signification of the original word: <i>They stumbled</i> (so
our margin); <i>they kicked</i> (so some), perhaps against the goad
with which Uzzah drove them; <i>they stuck in the mire,</i> by
some. By some accident or other the ark was in danger of being
overthrown. Uzzah thereupon laid hold of it, to save it from
falling, we have reason to think with a very good intention, to
preserve the reputation of the ark and to prevent a bad omen. Yet
this was his crime. Uzzah was a Levite, but priests only might
touch the ark. The law was express concerning the Kohathites, that,
though they were to carry the ark by the staves, yet <i>they must
not touch any holy thing, lest they die,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.4.15" parsed="|Num|4|15|0|0" passage="Nu 4:15">Num. iv. 15</scripRef>. Uzzah's long familiarity with the
ark, and the constant attendance he had given to it, might occasion
his presumption, but would not excuse it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p11">II. His punishment for this offence seems
very great (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.7" parsed="|2Sam|6|7|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>):
<i>The anger of the Lord was kindled against him</i> (for in sacred
things he is a jealous God) and he <i>smote him there for his
rashness,</i> as the word is, and struck him dead upon the spot.
There he sinned, and there he died, <i>by the ark of God;</i> even
the mercy-seat would not save him. Why was God thus severe with
him? 1. The touching of the ark was forbidden to the Levites
expressly under pain of death—<i>lest they die;</i> and God, by
this instance of severity, would show how he might justly have
dealt with our first parents, when they had eaten that which was
forbidden under the same penalty—<i>lest you die.</i> 2. God saw
the presumption and irreverence of Uzzah's heart. Perhaps he
affected to show, before this great assembly, how bold he could
make with the ark, having been so long acquainted with it.
Familiarity, even 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> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.13" parsed="|1Chr|15|13|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:13">1
Chron. xv. 13</scripRef>. 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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.4.6" parsed="|Num|4|6|0|0" passage="Nu 4:6">Num. iv. 6</scripRef>), 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> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.50.16" parsed="|Ps|50|16|0|0" passage="Ps 50:16">Ps. l. 16</scripRef>.
<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> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:Heb.10.29" parsed="|Heb|10|29|0|0" passage="Heb 10:29">Heb. x.
29</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p12">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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.8" parsed="|2Sam|6|8|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>): <i>David's anger was
kindled.</i> It is the same word that is used for God's
displeasure, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.7" parsed="|2Sam|6|7|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>.
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,
<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.9" parsed="|2Sam|6|9|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. 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,
<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:Jer.25.6" parsed="|Jer|25|6|0|0" passage="Jer 25:6">Jer. xxv. 6</scripRef>) <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>" <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.119.120" parsed="|Ps|119|120|0|0" passage="Ps 119:120">Ps. cxix. 120</scripRef>. This God intends in his
judgments, that others may hear and fear. David therefore will not
bring the ark into his own city (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p12.6" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.10" parsed="|2Sam|6|10|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>) 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> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p12.7" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.8" parsed="|2Sam|6|8|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:8"><i>v.</i>
8</scripRef>. 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> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p12.8" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.10-2Sam.6.11" parsed="|2Sam|6|10|6|11" passage="2Sa 6:10,11"><i>v.</i> 10, 11</scripRef>. 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>
</div><scripCom id="iiSam.vii-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.12-2Sam.6.19" parsed="|2Sam|6|12|6|19" passage="2Sa 6:12-19" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.6.12-2Sam.6.19">
<h4 id="iiSam.vii-p12.10">Michal Despises David. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p12.11">b. c.</span> 1045.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.vii-p13">12 And it was told king David, saying, The <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p13.1">Lord</span> 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p13.2">Lord</span> had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and
fatlings.   14 And David danced before the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p13.3">Lord</span> 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p13.4">Lord</span> with shouting, and with the sound of the
trumpet.   16 And as the ark of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p13.5">Lord</span> came into the city of David, Michal Saul's
daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and
dancing before the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p13.6">Lord</span>; and she
despised him in her heart.   17 And they brought in the ark of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p13.7">Lord</span>, 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p13.8">Lord</span>.   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 <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p13.9">Lord</span> 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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p14">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 class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p15">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
(<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.12" parsed="|2Sam|6|12|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>) 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> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.2.6-1Pet.2.8" parsed="|1Pet|2|6|2|8" passage="1Pe 2:6-8">1 Pet. ii. 6-8</scripRef>. 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 class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p16">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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.13" parsed="|2Sam|6|13|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>) and expressed <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.15.15" parsed="|1Chr|15|15|0|0" passage="1Ch 15:15">1 Chron. xv. 15</scripRef>. 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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.13" parsed="|2Sam|6|13|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>) 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,
<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.50.5" parsed="|Ps|50|5|0|0" passage="Ps 50:5">Ps. l. 5</scripRef>. 3. He himself
attended the solemnity with the highest expressions of joy that
could be (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.14" parsed="|2Sam|6|14|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>):
<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, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.2.18" parsed="|1Sam|2|18|0|0" passage="1Sa 2:18">1 Sam. ii. 18</scripRef>. 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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.7" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.15" parsed="|2Sam|6|15|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:15"><i>v.</i>
15</scripRef>): <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, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.8" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.17" parsed="|2Sam|6|17|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>. 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
(<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.9" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.1.13" parsed="|2Chr|1|13|0|0" passage="2Ch 1:13">2 Chron. i. 13</scripRef>), 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 <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.10" osisRef="Bible:Ps.132.1-Ps.132.8" parsed="|Ps|132|1|132|8" passage="Ps 132:1-8">132nd Psalm</scripRef>. 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> (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.11" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.18" parsed="|2Sam|6|18|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>),
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> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.12" osisRef="Bible:Heb.7.7" parsed="|Heb|7|7|0|0" passage="Heb 7:7">Heb. vii. 7</scripRef>.
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> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.13" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.19" parsed="|2Sam|6|19|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>.
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> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p16.14" osisRef="Bible:Esth.9.22" parsed="|Esth|9|22|0|0" passage="Es 9:22">Esth. ix. 22</scripRef>. 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 them; for
<i>every one is a friend to him that giveth gifts.</i> Those that
cared not for his prayers would love him for his generosity; and
this would encourage them to attend him another time if he saw
cause to call them together.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiSam.vii-p0.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.20-2Sam.6.23" parsed="|2Sam|6|20|6|23" passage="2Sa 6:20-23" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.6.20-2Sam.6.23">
<h4 id="iiSam.vii-p16.16">David Expostulates with
Michal. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p16.17">b. c.</span> 1045.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.vii-p17">20 Then David returned to bless his household.
And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said,
How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself
to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the
vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!   21 And David
said unto Michal, <i>It was</i> before the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p17.1">Lord</span>, which chose me before thy father, and
before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the
<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p17.2">Lord</span>, over Israel: therefore will I
play before the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.vii-p17.3">Lord</span>.   22 And
I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own
sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them
shall I be had in honour.   23 Therefore Michal the daughter
of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p18">David, having dismissed the congregation
with a blessing, <i>returned to bless his household</i> (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.20" parsed="|2Sam|6|20|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>), that is, to pray with
them and for them, and to offer up his family thanksgiving for this
national mercy. Ministers must not think that their public
performances will excuse them from their family-worship; but when
they have, with their instructions and prayers, blessed the solemn
assemblies, they must return in the same manner to bless their
households, for with them they are in a particular manner charged.
David, though he had prophets, and priests, and Levites, about him,
to be his chaplains, yet did not devolve the work upon them, but
himself <i>blessed his household.</i> It is angels' work to worship
God, and therefore surely that can be no disparagement to the
greatest of men.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p19">Never did David return to his house with so
much pleasure and satisfaction as he did now that he had got the
ark into his neighbourhood; and yet even this joyful day concluded
with some uneasiness, occasioned by the pride and peevishness of
his wife. Even the palaces of princes are not exempt from domestic
troubles. David had pleased all the multitude of Israel, but Michal
was not pleased with his dancing before the ark. For this, when he
was at a distance, she scorned him, and when he came home she
scolded him. She was not displeased at his generosity to the
people, nor did she grudge the entertainment he gave them; but she
thought he degraded himself too much in dancing before the ark. It
was not her covetousness, but her pride, that made her fret.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p20">I. When she saw David in the street dancing
before the Lord she <i>despised him in her heart,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.16" parsed="|2Sam|6|16|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>. She thought this mighty
zeal of his for the ark of God, and the transport of joy he was in
upon its coming home to him, was but a foolish thing, and
unbecoming so great a soldier, and statesman, and monarch, as he
was. It would have been enough for him to encourage the devotion of
others, but she looked upon it as a thing below him to appear so
very devout himself. "What a fool" (thinks she) "does my husband
make of himself now! How fond is he of this ark, that might as well
have lain still where it had lain for so many years! Much devotion
has almost made him mad." Note, The exercises of religion appear
very mean in the eyes of those that have little or no religion
themselves.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p21">II. When he came home in the very best
disposition she began to upbraid him, and was so full of disdain
and indignation that she could not contain till she had him in
private, but went out to meet him with her reproaches. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p22">1. How she taunted him (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.20" parsed="|2Sam|6|20|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>): "<i>How glorious was the king
of Israel to-day!</i> What a figure didst thou make to-day in the
midst of the mob! How unbecoming thy post and 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 her was
his affection to the ark, which she wished he had no greater
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 displeased at it as a diminution to his honour, she
pretended to dislike it as a reproach to his virtue, that he
<i>uncovered himself in the eyes of the maid-servants,</i> as no
man would have done but <i>one of the vain fellows</i> that cared
not how much he shamed himself. We have no reason to think that
this was true in fact. David, no doubt, 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 crown unless he might have her restored to him
(<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.13" parsed="|2Sam|3|13|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:13"><i>ch.</i> iii. 13</scripRef>), 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>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p23">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, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.3.1" parsed="|Jer|3|1|0|0" passage="Jer 3:1">Jer.
iii. 1</scripRef>), but he justifies himself in what he did.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p24">(1.) He designed thereby to honour God
(<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.21" parsed="|2Sam|6|21|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>): <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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p24.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.22" parsed="|2Sam|6|22|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>), <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 class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p25">(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 class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p26">(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, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p26.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.11" parsed="|2Cor|5|11|0|0" passage="2Co 5:11">2 Cor. v. 11</scripRef>. 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 class="indent" id="iiSam.vii-p27">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, <scripRef id="iiSam.vii-p27.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.6.23" parsed="|2Sam|6|23|0|0" passage="2Sa 6:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>. 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>
</div></div2>