Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 6

Verse 2

Baale. The old Canaanite name of Kirjath-jearim . Compare 1 Samuel 6:21 ; 1Sa 7:2 . 1 Chronicles 13:6 .

God. Hebrew. Elohim . App-4 .

whose name is called by the name . Some codices, with Aramaean and Vulgate, read "whereupon is called the name", &c.

the LORD of hosts . Hebrew. Jehovah. Sebaioth. One of the Jehovah titles. App-4 . Compare 2 Samuel 5:10 , and see note on 1 Samuel 1:3 .

Verse 3

a new cart. This was contrary to the Divinely prescribed law (Numbers 4:15 ; Numbers 7:9 ; Numbers 10:21 .Deuteronomy 10:8 . Joshua 3:14 . Jos 15:24 . 1 Chronicles 13:7 ; 1 Chronicles 15:2 , &c.) When the Philistines did it in ignorance (1 Samuel 6:7 ) no judgment fell on them, because the Law of Moses was not delivered to them. But David should have known: hence judgment came. The solemn lesson is that anything introduced into the worship of God contrary to His requirements is deserving of His judgments. This includes all that is contrary to John 4:24 , and all that is of the flesh, which "profiteth nothing" (John 6:63 ). All this is like David's "new cart" and is sin in God's sight. See note on 1 Samuel 6:7 , and compare 1 Samuel 15:22 .

Verse 5

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

instruments made of fir wood . The Septuagint reads "with all boldness and with songs". See 2 Samuel 6:14 and 1 Chronicles 13:8 . According to Hebrew text "fir woods", put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Material) for instruments made from it. App-6 .

timbrels = drums. See note on Exodus 15:20 .

cymbals = timbrels, or tambourines. Hebrew. zilzilim. See note on 1 Chronicles 13:8 .

Verse 6

Nachon's . Same as Chidon (1 Chronicles 13:9 ).

his hand . These words are contained in the Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate.

Verse 7

error = negligence.

Verse 8

made a breach = broke forth. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .

Verse 12

pertaineth . Authorized Version (1611) reads "pertained".

brought up the ark . Compare 1 Chronicles 15:3 .

Verse 13

six paces . See App-51 . Compare 1 Chronicles 15:26 .

Verse 14

danced . This explains the subscription of Psalms 87:0 , Mahalath Leannoth = dancing with shoutings. Compare 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 . See App-65 .

The Psalms 87:0 subscription reads: "A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief

Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth." See notes on Psalms 87:7 .

a linen ephod . Compare Aaron (Exodus 28:6 ) and Samuel (1 Samuel 2:18 ).

Verse 16

leaping and dancing . See note on 2 Samuel 6:14 .

Verse 17

tabernacle = 'ohel. tent. Not the Tabernacle of Moses, which was at Gibeon, compare 1 Chronicles 16:39 ( App-40 ), but the tent David had prepared on Zion (2 Samuel 7:1-3 ). Compare Psalms 132:3-5 .

offered- offered up. App-43 .

peace offerings, which were for thanksgiving.

Verse 19

men . . . every one . Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .

good piece of flesh . Note, "of flesh" is in italics, following the Vulgate. Translate, "a measure [of' wine]".

flagon of wine . Omit "flagon of wine", and render "a cake of raisins".

Verse 20

daughter of Saul . Note this. It does not say "the wife of David".

uncovered = disrobed, referring to his royal robes.

Verse 21

It was . Omit these words and supply Ellipsis by adding, with Septuagint, "Before Jehovah [did I dance]".