Ver. 1. And prepared a place for the ark.] This he had done before he fetched it to Obededom’s house. (1 Chronicles 13:6) See 2 Samuel 6:17.
Ver. 2. None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites.] This should have been better considered before. The law was clear. (Numbers 4:5-15) Wit is best, they say, when bought. For ever.] Let our lay preachers look to it. Ill accidents attend them, as did Uzzah and Uzziah.
Ver. 3. To bring up the ark.] For by this time he saw that the fault was not in the ark, but in their miscarriages.
Ver. 4. And David assembled.] That “all things” might now “be done decently and in order,” by their advice and assistance.
Ver. 11. And David called for Zadok and Abiathar.] These, and those chief captains that follow, were tanquam Ephori et directores totius deductionis, directors and principal doers.
Ver. 12. Sanctify yourselves.] Outwardly and inwardly. Holy things are to be handled sancte magis quam scite.
Ver. 13. God made a breach upon us.] See on 1 Chronicles 13:9. For that we sought him not.] David faulteth himself also. After the due order.] See on 1 Chronicles 13:12.
Ver. 14. So the priests and Levites sanctified themselves.] They replied not, We sufficiently understand our duties, and need not your instruction: but did as they were commanded.
Ver. 16. And David spake to the chief of the Levites] From hence it appeareth, saith one, that this sacred music, vocal and instrumental, was in use even before David’s time; though there be no mention made of it in the law: but David did afterwards illustrate it. (1 Chronicles 25:1-7)
Ver. 20. On Alamoth.] [See Trapp on “Ps 46:1” Title]
Ver. 21. Upon Sheminith.] [See Trapp on “Ps 6:1” Title]
Ver. 22. Because he was skilful.] In music: and haply in other arts also.
Ver. 23. Were doorkeepers.] To keep off any such as would rush rudely upon the ark. Procul, o procul este profani; Stand off.
Ver. 25. With joy.] All God’s services must be performed with joy, or else they lose their lustre.
Ver. 26. When God helped the Levites that bare the ark.] So helped them, say the Rabbis, that they felt not any weight thereof upon their shoulders. Rather God helped there, that is, he not only spared them—Uzzah met not with such a mercy—but enabled them and relieved them. Will he not do as much for his faithful ministers That they offered seven bullocks,] viz., At every sixth pace, (2 Samuel 6:13) because Uzzah perished when he had gone but six paces, say some. Every man that seeth another stricken, and himseff spared, is to offer sacrifice, yea, to keep a passover for himself.
Ver. 27-29. ] See on 2 Samuel 6:14,15, &c.