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2 Samuel 6:1
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The Ark Brought to Jerusalem

1 Again David gathered all the choice men of Israel, thirty thousand.
2 And aDavid arose and went with all the people who were with him from1 Baale Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called2 by the Name, the Lord of Hosts, bwho dwells between the cherubim.  
3 So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on athe hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.  
4 And they brought it out of athe house of Abinadab, which was on the hill, accompanying the ark of God; and Ahio went before the ark.  
5 Then David and all the house of Israel aplayed music before the Lord on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals.  
6 And when they came to aNachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his bhand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled.  
7 Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his1 error; and he died there by the ark of God.  
8 And David became angry because of the Lord’s outbreak against Uzzah; and he called the name of the place1 Perez Uzzah to this day.  
9 aDavid was afraid of the Lord that day; and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?”  
10 So David would not move the ark of the Lord with him into the aCity of David; but David took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the bGittite.  
11 aThe ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And the Lord bblessed Obed-Edom and all his household.  
12 Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” aSo David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness.  
Commentaries:
Matthew Henry
<< 2 Samuel 5:25   2 Samuel 6:2 >>


2 Samuel 6:1-23

The ark removed from Kirjath-jearim. (1-5) Uzzah smitten for touching the ark, Obed-edom blessed. (6-11) David brings the ark to Zion. (12-19) Michal's ill conduct. (20-23)

Verses 1-5 God is present with the souls of his people, when they want the outward tokens of his presence; but now David is settled in the throne, the honour of the ark begins to revive. Let us learn hence, to think and to speak highly of God; and to think and speak honourably of holy ordinances, which are to us as the ark was unto Israel, the tokens of God's presence, matthew 28:20 . Christ is our Ark; in and by him God manifests his favour, and accepts our prayers and praises. The ark especially typified Christ and his mediation, in which the name of Jehovah and all his glories are displayed. The priests should have carried the ark upon their shoulders. Philistines may carry the ark in a cart without suffering for it; but if Israelites do so, it is at their peril, because this was not what God appointed.

Verses 6-11 Uzzah was struck dead for touching the ark. God saw presumption and irreverence in Uzzah's heart. Familiarity, even with that which is most awful, is apt to breed contempt. If it were so great a crime for one to lay hold on the ark of the covenant who 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? Obed-edom opened his doors without fear, knowing the ark was a savour of death unto death to those only who treated it wrong. The same hand that punished Uzzah's proud presumption, rewarded Obed-edom's humble boldness. Let none think the worse of the gospel for the judgments on those that reject it, but consider the blessings it brings to all who receive it. Let masters of families be encouraged to keep up religion in their families. It is good to live in a family that entertains the ark, for all about it will fare the better.

Verses 12-19 It became evident, that happy was the man who had the ark near him. Christ is indeed a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, to those that are disobedient; but to those that I Peter us be religious. Is the ark a blessing to others' houses? We may have it, and the blessing of it, without fetching it away from our neighbours. David, at first setting out, offered sacrifices to God. We are likely to speed in our enterprises, when we begin with God, and give diligence to seek peace with him. And we are so unworthy, and our services are so defiled, that all our joy in God must be connected with repentance and faith in the Redeemer's atoning blood. David attended with high expressions of joy. We ought to serve God with our whole body and soul, and with every endowment and power we possess. On this occasion David laid aside his royal robes, and put on a plain linen dress. David prayed with and for the people, and as a prophet, solemnly blessed them in the name of the Lord.

Verses 20-23 David returned to bless his household, to pray with them, and for them, and to offer up family thanksgiving for this national mercy. It is angels' work to worship God, surely that cannot lower the greatest of men. But even the palaces of princes are not free from family troubles. Exercises of religion appear mean in the eyes of those who have little or no religion themselves. If we can approve ourselves to God in what we do in religion, and do it as before the Lord, we need not heed reproach. Piety will have its praise: let us not be indifferent in it, nor afraid or ashamed to own it. David was contented to justify himself, and he did not further reprove or blame Michal's insolence; but God punished her. Those that honour God, he will honour; but those that despise him, and his servants and service, shall be lightly esteemed.


 
<< 2 Samuel 5:25   2 Samuel 6:2 >>

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