Ver. 1. And David consulted.] He was not of that king of Scotland’s mind, who seldom asked counsel, and never followed any. But though himself were full of wisdom, yet he advised with his subjects about the weighty work he had in hand. See Proverbs 11:22,20:18 24:6. His first care was to establish religion; as the first thing Abraham did in any place he moved to, was to set up an altar. “Seek first the kingdom of God,” &c.
Ver. 2. If it seem good unto you.] Thus he both getteth their good wills and underfeeleth how they stood affected to God’s sincere service. And that it be of the Lord.] If he hinder it not by any oracle, or cross accident; but assist and succeed our enterprise. Let us send abroad.] Erumpamus, dimittamus. Let us break forth and send; that is, let us send speedily and effectually. See his zeal for the Lord of hosts. Unto our brethren.] So he calleth all his subjects. The great Turk counteth and calleth them all his slaves.
Ver. 3. For we inquired not at it in the days of Saul.] He was so vexed with his enemies without and a spirit of envy and ambition within, that he minded not the ark. Mark here how David faults himself among others as negligent. So Ezra 9:7-15 Da 9:5-15.
Ver. 4. And all the congregation said that they would do so.] Jovianus the Emperor was wont to wish that he might govern wise men, and that wise men might govern him. David had this happiness.
Ver. 5. From Shihor of Egypt.] Called elsewhere the torrent of Egypt, (Numbers 34:5) which some take for a river running near to Rhinocolura; but others for Nile, that ancient river whose seven streams of old are now become four, as travellers tell us. The name Sichor hath a notion of blackness in it, from the blackness of the water, or rather of the mud and slime that it brings down with it; or the black colour of the grounds and soils it passeth through. The Ethiopians called it Sius; the Greeks, Μελας; the Latins, Melo. -Richard.
Ver. 6. That is, to Kirjathjearim.] Called also Kirjathbaal. (Joshua 15:60) For more notes on this and the following verses, see on 2 Samuel 6:2-10. [See Trapp on “2Sa 6:2”] &c
Ver. 7. In a new cart.] This was ill done by such a holy convention. Councils may err.
Ver. 8. David and all Israel played.] How should we rejoice in the gospel now restored! O nos ingratos! And with singing.] Psallunt et saliunt. All this is no warrant for those Popish pompous processions and superstitous will-worships.
Ver. 9. Uzza put forth his hand.] God must be duly worshipped, lest instead of a blessing we meet with a blow; lest instead of making up the breach we become makers of breaches, as here.
Ver. 11. And David was displeased.] At himself, I think; at his own and the people’s error in carting the ark: else he was much mistaken. See on 2 Samuel 6:8. Wherefore that place was called Perezuzza.] To perpetuate the memory of that signal judgment. So Numbers 9:3,22:3 Jos 7:26. For this end also, the brazen censors of those presumptuous sinners against their own souls, were nailed as broad plates upon the altar, (Numbers 16:39,40) for a warning to others.
Ver. 12. And David was afraid of God.] See on 2 Samuel 6:9. How shall I bring the ark?] Why, well enough, if you will take but better heed to the manner; which is either the making or marring of any action. But David was frightened, and for present, unresolved. So suddenly can God change the scene; dash all our comforts, — “ Nulla est sincera voluptas. Sollicitumque aliquid laetis intervenit.”
Ver. 13,14. [See Trapp on “1Ch 13:12”]