1 Chronicles 15:25 Kommentar

The bringing in of the ark to the city of David was a very good work; it was resolved upon (Ch1 13:4), and attempted, but not perfected; it lay by the way in the house of Obed-edom. Now this chapter gives us an account of the completing of that good work. I. How it was done more regularly than before. 1. A place was prepared for it (Ch1 15:1). 2. The priests were ordered to carry it (Ch1 15:2-15). 3. The Levites had their offices assigned them in attending on it (Ch1 15:16-24). II. How it was done more successfully than before (Ch1 15:25). 1. The Levites made no mistake in their work (Ch1 15:26). 2. David and the people met with no damp upon their joy (Ch1 15:27, Ch1 15:28). As for Michal's despising David, it was nothing (Ch1 15:29).

All things being got ready for the carrying of the ark to the city of David, and its reception there, we have here an account of the solemnity of this conveyance thither from the house of Obed-edom. I. God helped the Levites that carried it. The ark was no very great burden, that those who carried it needed any extraordinary help. But, 1. It is good to take notice of the assistance of the divine providence even in those things that fall within the compass of our natural powers: if God did not help us, we could not stir a step. 2. In all our religious exercises we must particularly derive help from heaven. See Act 26:22. All our sufficiency for holy duties is from God. 3. The Levites, remembering the breach upon Uzza, were probably ready to tremble when they took up the ark; but God helped them, that is, he encouraged them to it, silenced their fears, and strengthened their faith. 4. God helped them to do it decently and well, and without making any mistake. If we perform any religious duties so as to escape a breach, and come off with our lives, we must own it is God that helps us; for, if left to ourselves, we should be guilty of some fatal miscarriages. God's ministers that bear the vessels of the Lord have special need of divine help in their ministrations, that God in them may be glorified and his church edified. And, if God help the Levites, the people have the benefit of it. II. When they experienced the tokens of God's presence with them they offered sacrifices of praise to him, Ch1 15:26. This also he helped them to do. They offered these bullocks and rams perhaps by way of atonement for the former error, that it might not now be remembered against them, as well as by way of acknowledgment for the help now received. III. There were great expressions of rejoicing used: the sacred music was played, David danced, the singers sang, and the common people shouted, Ch1 15:27, Ch1 15:28. This we had before, Sa2 6:14, Sa2 6:15. Learn hence, 1. That we serve a good master, who delights to have his servants sing at their work. 2. That times of public reformation are, and should be, times of public rejoicing. Those are unworthy of the ark that are not glad of it. 3. It is not any disparagement to the greatest of men to show themselves zealous in the acts of devotion. Michal indeed despised David (Ch1 15:29); but her despising him did not make him at all despicable; he did not regard it himself, nor did any that were wise and good (and why should we covet the esteem of any but such?) think the worse of him.

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 15 David, having prepared a place for the ark of God, gathered the Israelites, Levites, and priests, to assist in the bringing of it up thereunto, Ch1 15:1 and which was done in a very honourable and joyful manner, Ch1 15:24, though David, for his behaviour, was despised by Michal his wife in her heart, Ch1 15:29.

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord,.... Not merely granted them bodily strength to carry it, which did not require a great deal; but helped them to carry it with cheerfulness, and without fear, and so as to commit no error, nor in any respect provoke his displeasure, as when it was brought before from Kirjathjearim: that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams; by way of thanksgiving, besides what David offered; and this was done by the way, see Sa2 6:13.

David prepares to bring home the ark, and musters the Levites, Ch1 15:1-11. They sanctify themselves, and bear the ark upon their shoulders, Ch1 15:12-15. The solemnities observed on the occasion, Ch1 15:16-26. David dances before the ark, and is despised by his wife Michal, Ch1 15:27-29.

DAVID BRINGS THE ARK FROM OBEDEDOM. (1Ch. 15:1-24) David made him houses in the city of David--Through the liberality of his Tyrian ally (Ch1 14:1), David was enabled to erect not only a palace for himself, but to furnish suitable accommodation for his numerous family. Where polygamy prevails, each wife has a separate house or suite of apartments for herself and children. prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent--that is, made an entirely new one upon the model of the former. The old tabernacle, which Moses had constructed in the wilderness and which had hitherto served the purpose of a sacred covering, was to be left at Gibeon, either because of the unwillingness of the inhabitants to part with such a venerable relic, or because there was no use for it in Jerusalem, where a more solid and sumptuous edifice was contemplated. If it appear surprising that David "made him houses" before he prepared this new tabernacle, it should be remembered that he had received no divine intimation respecting such a work.

So David, and the elders . . . and captains . . . went--The pious design of David in ordering all his principal ministers and officers to take part in this solemn work and imparting so much pomp and imposing ceremony to the procession, was evidently to inspire the popular mind with a profound veneration for the ark and to give the young especially salutary impressions of religion, which would be renewed by the remembrance that they had been witnesses of the august solemnity in which the king and the highest aristocracy of the land participated, vying with all other classes to do honor to the God of Israel.

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 15 David, having prepared a place for the ark of God, gathered the Israelites, Levites, and priests, to assist in the bringing of it up thereunto, Ch1 15:1 and which was done in a very honourable and joyful manner, Ch1 15:24, though David, for his behaviour, was despised by Michal his wife in her heart, Ch1 15:29.

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord,.... Not merely granted them bodily strength to carry it, which did not require a great deal; but helped them to carry it with cheerfulness, and without fear, and so as to commit no error, nor in any respect provoke his displeasure, as when it was brought before from Kirjathjearim: that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams; by way of thanksgiving, besides what David offered; and this was done by the way, see Sa2 6:13.