1 Kronieken 13:2 Commentaar

In the foregoing chapter we have David made king, by which the civil government was happily settled. In this chapter care is taken about religion. I. David consults with the representatives of the people about bringing up the ark out of its obscurity into a public place; and it is resolved on (Ch1 13:1-4). II. With a great deal of solemnity and joy, it is carried from Kirjathjearim (Ch1 13:5-8). III. Uzza is struck dead for touching it, which, for the present, spoils the solemnity and stops the proceedings (Ch1 13:9-14).

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 13 The contents of this chapter are the same with Sa2 6:1, only David's consultation with the principal men of Israel concerning the affair herein transacted is premised in the first four verses of this.

And David said unto all the congregation of Israel,.... To the above persons, as representatives of it: if it seem good unto you, and that it be of the Lord our God; if it could be thought by them a good and useful thing, and agreeable to the will of God, and would make for his glory: let us send abroad unto our brethren everywhere that are left in all the land of Israel; that were not then present with them, even all the common people; whom David, though king, owns as his brethren; nor is his antitype ashamed to own this relation between him and his people, Heb 2:11. and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs: given to them in the several tribes to dwell in, see Ch1 6:54, that they may gather themselves unto us; at a certain time and place appointed.

David consults with his officers, and resolves to bring back the ark from the house of Abinadab, Ch1 13:1-4. They place it on a new cart, and Uzza and Ahio drive the cart; the oxen stumbling, Uzza puts forth his hand to save the ark from falling, and he is smitten by the Lord, Ch1 13:5-10. David is displeased, and orders the ark to be carried to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, Ch1 13:11-13. The ark abides there three months, and the Lord blesses Obed-edom, Ch1 13:14.

DAVID FETCHES THE ARK FROM KIRJATH-JEARIM. (Ch1 13:1-8) David consulted . . . And let us bring again the ark of our God--Gratitude for the high and splendid dignity to which he had been elevated would naturally, at this period, impart a fresh animation and impulse to the habitually fervent piety of David; but, at the same time, he was animated by other motives. He fully understood his position as ruler under the theocracy, and, entering on his duties, he was resolved to fulfil his mission as a constitutional king of Israel. Accordingly, his first act as a sovereign related to the interests of religion. The ark being then the grand instrument and ornament of it, he takes the opportunity of the official representatives of the nation being with him, to consult them about the propriety of establishing it in a more public and accessible locality. The assembly at which he spoke of this consisted of the Sheloshim, princes of thousands (Sa2 6:1). During the reign of the late king, the ark had been left in culpable neglect. Consequently the people had, to a great extent, been careless about the ordinances of divine worship, or had contented themselves with offering sacrifices at Gibeon, without any thought of the ark, though it was the chief and most vital part of the tabernacle. The duty and advantages of this religious movement suggested by the king were apparent, and the proposal met with universal approval.

If it seem good unto you, and . . . it be of the Lord--that is, I shall conclude that this favorite measure of mine is agreeable to the mind of God, if it receive your hearty concurrence. let us send abroad to our brethren everywhere--He wished to make it known throughout the country, in order that there might be a general assembly of the nation, and that preparations might be made on a scale and of a kind suitable to the inauguration of the august ceremonial. with them also to the priests and Levites . . . in their cities and suburbs--(See on Num 35:2). The original terms, "Let us send," imply immediate execution; and, doubtless, the publication of the royal edict would have been followed by the appointment of an early day for the contemplated solemnity, had it not been retarded by a sudden invasion of the Philistines, who were twice repulsed with great loss (Sa2 5:17), by the capture of Jerusalem, and the transference of the seat of government to that city. Finding, however, soon after, peace restored and his throne established, he resumed his preparations for removing the ark to the metropolis.

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 13 The contents of this chapter are the same with Sa2 6:1, only David's consultation with the principal men of Israel concerning the affair herein transacted is premised in the first four verses of this.

And David said unto all the congregation of Israel,.... To the above persons, as representatives of it: if it seem good unto you, and that it be of the Lord our God; if it could be thought by them a good and useful thing, and agreeable to the will of God, and would make for his glory: let us send abroad unto our brethren everywhere that are left in all the land of Israel; that were not then present with them, even all the common people; whom David, though king, owns as his brethren; nor is his antitype ashamed to own this relation between him and his people, Heb 2:11. and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs: given to them in the several tribes to dwell in, see Ch1 6:54, that they may gather themselves unto us; at a certain time and place appointed.