2 Samuel 6 - Introduction

VI.

This chapter contains a condensed narrative of the bringing up of the ark to Jerusalem, of which a much more full account is given in 1 Chronicles 13-16. It was the impulse of David’s piety to desire that the ark might be in the royal city, and the dictate of wise policy that his capital should become the centre of the national worship. The question may be asked, Why he did not at the same time bring up the Tabernacle? Two reasons may be suggested: (1) That by the force of circumstances there were now two high-priests, neither of whom could well be displaced — Abiathar, the companion of David in his trials and outlawry, and the heir to the high-priesthood, as son of the murdered Ahimelech; and Zadok, the high-priest in the later years of Saul, whom David found in office when he came to the throne, and who had joined him at Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:28). It may have been wiser, therefore, for the present, to leave a necessity for high-priestly ministrations in different places. Zadok exercised his office at the Tabernacle at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39), and Abiathar was probably with the ark. (2) It might have been too great a change and shock to the people to concentrate everything at once in the new capital. The removal of the Tabernacle from Gibeon might have been resisted.

There is no sufficient reason to doubt that Psalms 68 was composed and chanted on this occasion, its martial tone being very natural in connection with the recent victories over the Philistines. Psalms 101, 15 were probably sung at the removal of the ark from the house of Obed-edom (2 Samuel 6:12), while Psalms 24 was undoubtedly the triumphant chant with which the ark entered the city. All these should be studied in connection with this narrative. Psalms 132 is also, more doubtfully, referred to this period.