On which, &c. — That is, by, or before which, they were to present their prayers to God for counsel and succour upon all occasions. And this is mentioned here as the reason why David put himself and his people to so great trouble and charge, because it was to fetch up the choicest treasure which the... [ Continue Reading ]
They set, &c. — Being taught, and encouraged to do so, by the example of the Philistines, who did so without any token of God's displeasure upon them for so doing. But they did not sufficiently consider, that God might wink at the Philistines, because they were ignorant of God's laws; and yet be ang... [ Continue Reading ]
Played before the Lord — Public joy should always be as before the Lord, with an eye to him, and terminating in him. Otherwise it is no better than public madness, and the source of all manner of wickedness.... [ Continue Reading ]
He died — This may seem very severe, considering his intention was pious, and his transgression not great. But, besides that, men are improper judges of the actions of God; and that God's judgments are always just, though sometimes obscure: it is reasonable, God should make some present examples of... [ Continue Reading ]
Displeased — Or, grieved, both for the sin, and for God's heavy judgment; whereby their hopes were dashed, and their joys interrupted. Perez — uzzah — That is, the breach of Uzzah.... [ Continue Reading ]
House of Obed — edom — Obed — edom knew what slaughter the ark had made among the Philistines and the Bethshemites. He saw Uzzah struck dead; yet invites it to his house, and opens his doors without fear, knowing it was a savour of death, only to them that treated it ill. "O the courage, says Bishop... [ Continue Reading ]
The Lord blessed, &c. — The same hand that punished Uzzah's presumption, rewarded Obed — edom's humble boldness. None ever had, or ever shall have reason to say, that it is in vain to serve God. Piety is the best friend to prosperity. His household too shared in the blessing. It is good living in a... [ Continue Reading ]
Danced — To express his thankfulness to God by his outward carriage, according to the manner of those times. Linen ephod — The usual habit of the priests and Levites, in their sacred ministrations yet sometimes worn by others, as it was by the young child Samuel; and so David, who laid by his royal... [ Continue Reading ]
Despised — As one of a base and mean spirit, that knew not how to carry himself with that majesty which became his place.... [ Continue Reading ]
David had pitched — For Moses tabernacle was still at Gibeon, 1 Chronicles 16:39, 1 Chronicles 21:29; 2 Chronicles 1:3, which David left there, because he designed to build a temple at Jerusalem with all speed.... [ Continue Reading ]
He blessed — That is, he heartily and solemnly prayed to God for his blessing upon them: which he did both as a prophet, and as their king, to whom by office it belongs, by all means, to seek his people's welfare.... [ Continue Reading ]
Bless his household — Ministers must not think, that their public performances will excuse them from family worship: but when they have blessed the public assembly, they are to return and bless their own household. And none is too great to do this. It is the work of angels to worship God; and theref... [ Continue Reading ]
Before the Lord — In his presence and service, which though contemptible to thee, is, and ever shall be honourable in mine eyes. Who chose — Who took away the honour from him and his, and transferred it unto me, whereby he hath obliged me to love and serve him with all my might.... [ Continue Reading ]
More vile than thus — The more we are vilified for well doing, the more resolute therein we should be, binding our religion the closer to us, for the endeavours of Satan's agents to shame us out of it. Be base — I will always be ready to abase myself before God, and think nothing to mean to stoop to... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore — Because of her proud and petulant speech and carriage to David, which God justly punished with barrenness. No child — After this time.... [ Continue Reading ]