he 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, (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.
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
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.
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.
he 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)