_And David arose and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah to bring up from thence the Ark of God._ THE ARK BROUGHT TO ZION In order to understand the full meaning of this transaction, it will be necessary to recall what the Ark was, and what was the occasion due the signi... [ Continue Reading ]
_And they set the Ark of God upon a now cart._ NOVELTIES IN RELIGION AND THEIR END The ark is taken from its resting place amid the reverent joy of the assembly, and placed upon a vehicle specially manufactured for the transit, while “Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.” I.... [ Continue Reading ]
_David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord._ JOY IN RELIGION The orchestra was probably as rustic and rude as the procession. “Instruments made of fir-wood” sounds strange, and probably the text should be emended from the account in 1 Chronicles, which reads, “with all their might, e... [ Continue Reading ]
_Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God._ UZZAH; OR THE DANGER OF FAMILIARITY WITH SACRED THINGS: Some would have us believe that this was an accident; that Uzzah, in the effort to save the ark, dislocated his shoulder, or broke his arm, and died of haemorrhage. We are told, however, that it w... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord blessed Obed-edom, and all his household._ THE ARK IN THE HOUSE OF OBED-EDOM The wanderings of the ark and the opposite effects which its presence produced according to the manner of its reception, are symbols of a great truth which runs all through human life, and is most especially man... [ Continue Reading ]
_And David danced before the Lord._ RELIGIOUS USES OF MUSIC AND DANCING The nations of the East have ever combined the dance as well as music with their most solemn religious ceremonies. There is nothing frivolous or trifling in the manner in which Orientals strive by the rhythmical movements and g... [ Continue Reading ]
_Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window._ THE BELIEVER AND THE SCOFFER CONTRASTED I. The temper and conduct of a scoffer at religion. Michal scorned David in her heart, because, being a king, she thought it unbecoming his dignity, and derogatory to his high place in Israel, that he should... [ Continue Reading ]
_David returned to bless his household._ FAMILY WORSHIP 1. There can be no question that these words are intended to denote that when the public work of the day was done David returned to his own dwelling to implore the blessing of Almighty God upon his family by prayer and supplication. I. With... [ Continue Reading ]
_David said unto Michal, It was before the Lord, which chose me before thy father._ DAVID DANCING BEFORE THE ARK BECAUSE OF HIS ELECTION I What effect had this doctrine, this experience, this inward conviction upon David? I. It made God the leading thought with David. 1. This was especially the... [ Continue Reading ]