‏ 2 Samuel 6

* 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)

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, #Mt 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. 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. 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

believe, he is a Corner-stone, elect, precious, #1Pe 2:6-8|. Let

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. 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.