2Sa 6:2-17 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 2. From Baale of Judah ] This is supposed to be the same city which, in , is called Kirjah-baal or Kirjath-jearim ; (see ;) or Baalah , . Whose name is called by the name of the Lord ] That is, The ark is called the ark of the Lord of hosts . But this is not a literal version; the word shem , NAME, occurs twice together; probably one of them should be read sham , THERE. There the name of the Lord of hosts was invoked, &c.

‏ 2 Samuel 6:2-17

Verse 2. From Baale of Judah] This is supposed to be the same city which, in Jos 15:60, is called Kirjah-baal or Kirjath-jearim; (see 1Ch 13:6;) or Baalah, Jos 15:9.

Whose name is called by the name of the Lord] That is, The ark is called the ark of the Lord of hosts. But this is not a literal version; the word shem, NAME, occurs twice together; probably one of them should be read sham, THERE. There the name of the Lord of hosts was invoked, &c.

Verse 3. A new cart] Every thing used in the worship of God was hallowed or set apart for that purpose: a new cart was used through respect, as that had never been applied to any profane or common purpose. But this was not sufficient, for the ark should have been carried on the shoulders of the priests; and the neglect of this ceremony was the cause of the death of Uzzah.

Verse 5. On all manner of instruments made of fir wood] This place should be corrected from the parallel place, 1Ch 13:8: "All Israel played before God, with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries," &c. Instead of bechol atsey, "with all woods" or "trees;" the parallel place is bechol oz. "with all their strength:" this makes a good sense, the first makes none. The Septuagint, in this place, has the verse reading; ενισχυι, with might.

Verse 6. Uzzah put forth his hand] In Nu 4:15-20, the Levites are forbidden to touch the ark on pain of death, this penalty was inflicted upon Uzzah, and he was the first that suffered for a breach Of this law.

Verse 7. Smote him there for his error] Uzzah sinned through ignorance and precipitancy; he had not time to reflect, the oxen suddenly stumbled; and, fearing lest the ark should fall, he suddenly stretched out his hand to prevent it. Had he touched the ark with impunity, the populace might have lost their respect for it and its sacred service, the example of Uzzah must have filled them with fear and sacred reverence; and, as to Uzzah, no man can doubt of his eternal safety. He committed a sin unto death, but doubtless the mercy of God was extended to his soul.

Verse 10. But David carried it aside] The house of Obed-edom appears to have been very near the city, which they were about to enter, but were prevented by this accident, and lodged the ark with the nearest friend.

Verse 11. The Lord blessed Obed-edom] And why? Because he had the ark of the Lord in his house. Whoever entertains God's messengers, or consecrates his house to the service of God, will infallibly receive God's blessing.

Verse 12. So David-brought up the ark] The Vulgate adds to this verse: And David had seven choirs, and a calf for a sacrifice. The Septuagint make a greater addition: "And he had seven choirs carrying the ark, a sacrifice, a calf, and lambs. And David played on harmonious organs before the Lord; and David was clothed with a costly tunic; and David and all the house of Israel, brought the ark of the Lord with rejoicing, and the sound of a trumpet." Nothing of this is found in any MS., nor in the Chaldee, the Syriac, nor the Arabic, nor in the parallel place, 1Ch 15:25.

Verse 14. And David danced before the Lord] Dancing is a religious ceremony among the Hindoos, and they consider it an act of devotion to their idols. It is evident that David considered it in the same light. What connection dancing can have with devotion I cannot tell. This I know, that unpremeditated and involuntary skipping may be the effect of sudden mental elation.

Verse 16. She despised him in her heart.] She did not blame him outwardly; she thought he had disgraced himself, but she kept her mind to herself.