Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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2 Samuel
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 6
Overview:
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.