Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Samuel 6
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Samuel 6
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Samuel 6
"And David again gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him, from Baale-judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, which is called by the Name, even the name of Jehovah of hosts that sitteth [above] the cherubim. And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in the hill: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was in the hill, with the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. And David and all the house of Israel played before Jehovah with all manner of [instruments made of] fir-wood, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with castanets, and with cymbals." — 2 Samuel 6:1-5 (ASV)
God is present with the souls of His people when they lack the outward tokens of His presence; but now that David is settled on the throne, the honor of the ark begins to revive. Let us learn from this to think and speak highly of God, and to think and speak honorably of holy ordinances, which are to us as the ark was to Israel—the tokens of God's presence (Matthew 28:20).
Christ is our Ark; in and by Him, God manifests His favor 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.
"And when they came to the threshing-floor of Nacon, Uzzah put forth [his hand] to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. And David was displeased, because Jehovah had broken forth upon Uzzah; and he called that place Perez-uzzah, unto this day. And David was afraid of Jehovah that day; and he said, How shall the ark of Jehovah come unto me? So David would not remove the ark of Jehovah unto him into the city of David; but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of Jehovah remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and Jehovah blessed Obed-edom, and all his house." — 2 Samuel 6:6-11 (ASV)
Uzzah was struck dead for touching the ark. God saw presumption and irreverence in Uzzah's heart. Familiarity, even with that which is most sacred, tends to breed contempt. If it were so great a crime for one to take hold of 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 who do not meet its terms?
Obed-edom opened his doors without fear, knowing the ark was a savour of death unto death only to those who treated it wrongly. The same hand that punished Uzzah's proud presumption rewarded Obed-edom's humble boldness. Let no one think worse of the gospel because of the judgments on those who reject it, but consider the blessings it brings to all who receive it.
Let heads of households be encouraged to maintain religious practice in their families. It is good to live in a family that welcomes the ark, for everyone in it will fare better.
"And it was told king David, saying, Jehovah hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. And David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with joy. And it was so, that, when they that bare the ark of Jehovah had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. And David danced before Jehovah with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Jehovah with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. And it was so, as the ark of Jehovah came into the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at the window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before Jehovah; and she despised him in her heart. And they brought in the ark of Jehovah, and set it in its place, in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before Jehovah. And when David had made an end of offering the burnt-offering and the peace-offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Jehovah of hosts. And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to every one a cake of bread, and a portion [of flesh], and a cake of raisins. So all the people departed every one to his house." — 2 Samuel 6:12-19 (ASV)
It became evident that the man who had the ark near him was happy. Christ is indeed a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, to those who are disobedient; but to those who believe, he is a Corner-stone, elect, precious (1 Peter 2:6–8). Let us be religious. Is the ark a blessing to others' houses?
We may have it, and its blessing, without taking it away from our neighbors. David, when first setting out, offered sacrifices to God. We are likely to succeed in our enterprises, when we begin with God and diligently 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 participated with great expressions of joy. We should 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.
"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! And David said unto Michal, [It was] before Jehovah, who chose me above thy father, and above all his house, to appoint me prince over the people of Jehovah, over Israel: therefore will I play before Jehovah. And I will be yet more vile than this, and will be base in mine own sight: but of the handmaids of whom thou hast spoken, of them shall I be had in honor. And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death." — 2 Samuel 6:20-23 (ASV)
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 insignificant 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 to it, nor afraid or ashamed to acknowledge 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.
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