Bible Commentaries

the ark. See notes on 1 Chronicles 13:3 and Exodus 25:22.

pitched for it a tent. Had the Tabernacle of Moses been brought to Jerusalem, difficulties would have arisen in building the Temple. David's Tabernacle was merely provisional. The provision will yet be repeated, before the erection of the future Temple. See Acts 15:16.

None ought to carry. David's mistake in the matter of the "new cart" was not to be repeated. Compare 1 Chronicles 13:7.

God. In most codices = Jehovah. But Cod. Hillel, and one early printed edition, read "God". See note on 1 Chronicles 15:1.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah.

for ever. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Whole), App-6, put for a long time.

children = sons.

sons of Kohath. Of the six Ark-carriers, four were chosen from Kohath, one from Merari, and one from Gershom.

Zadok is put first, of the line of Phinehas. Abiathar was afterward disloyal (compare 1 Kings 2:26, 1 Kings 2:35), See note on 2 Samuel 8:17.

the due order = according to the rule.

as = according as.

brethren: i.e. fellow-tribesmen. See note on the names in 1 Chronicles 15:17 below.

Heman. Samuel's grandson (a Kohathite). 1 Chronicles 2:6.

Asaph. A Gershonite. Compare 1 Chronicles 6:39, and 1 Kings 4:31.

Ethan, or Jeduthun. a Merarite. See the three Psalms connected with him (Psalms 38:61, Psalms 38:76).

Aziel. Another name, Jaaziel, in 1 Chronicles 15:18.

on. Hebrew. "al, relating to.

Alamoth. The maidens" choir (see App-65.) One of three special choirs, the other two being She-minith (a men's choir, see App-65. xix); and Jeduthun's choir. "Alarnoth" found only once as the subscript of Psa 45. See note there. This choir was processional, not ecclesiastical. Compare 1 Chronicles 68:11, 1 Chronicles 68:25, which refers to this event, not to the Exodus.

Sheminith = the eighth. (See App-65.)

to excel = to lead.

chief = prince. Not by birth, but by merit. Probably "the chief musician".

was for song, or, was for service: especially the service of carrying up the Ark.

about the song. Three Psalms appointed: 1 Chronicles 16:7-36. Psalms 5 and Psalm 11; which, being suitable for general use, were afterwards handed over to "the chief musician". See note on the subscript at end of Psa 3.

the elders. As representing "all Israel" (2 Samuel 6:15).

helped. With His favour; there being no miscarriage now, as there had been in 1Ch 13.

they offered = sacrificed. Hebrew. sabach. App-43. 2 Samuel 6:13 is complementary, not contradictory.

an ephod. Compare 2 Samuel 6:14.

despised him. Implying treatment with contempt.