Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 6

Verses 1-23

The bringing of the Ark from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem

1. Again] This probably refers to the previous assembling of the chosen men of Israel to repel the Philistine invasion (2 Samuel 5:22-25).

2. From Baale of Judah] should probably be ’to Baal of Judah’ (1 Chronicles 13:6). The town was also known as Kirjath-baal (City of Baal).

3. Out of the house of Abinadab] It had been there ever since its removal from Bethshemesh (1 Samuel 7:1). In Gibeah] RV ’in the hill.’ Kirjath-jearim was situated on high ground.

5. On all manner of instruments made of fir wood] Read with Chronicles ’with all their might, even with songs.’

7. He died] If this punishment seem severe, we must remember that one great lesson the Israelites had to learn was reverence and fear of God. The whole symbolism of both Tabernacle and Temple was intended to impress upon them the holiness of God and the fact that He could not be rashly approached by sinful man.

10. Gittite] The later tradition (1 Chronicles 15:18) makes him a Levite. If this is correct, he probably came from Gath-rimmon, a Levitical city (Joshua 21:25).

13. When they.. had gone six paces] They offered sacrifices as soon as it was seen that God permitted the removal of the ark.

17. The tabernacle] This translation, though correct, is misleading. It was an ordinary tent. The Tabernacle was at Gibeon. Burnt offerings] represented the self-dedication of the worshipper. Peace offerings] were sacrifices of thanksgiving.

19. A flagon of wine] RV ’a cake of raisins.’

23. David thus inflicted on Michal the greatest disgrace which could befall an Eastern woman. This condemnation seems to our minds extreme; but such sudden impulses were characteristic of David.