Bible Commentaries

1 Chronicles 13:3. For we enquired not at it in the days of Saul— For we consulted him not in the days of Saul. Houbigant.

1 Chronicles 13:5. Shihor of Egypt— The Nile, according to Dr. Shaw. The LXX render it, from the borders of Egypt. See Travels, p. 283.

1 Chronicles 13:6. The ark of God the Lord, that dwelleth, &c.— The ark of the Lord God, who sitteth upon the cherubim, where his name is invoked. Houbigant.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, No sooner was David gone up from Hebron, and had secured the fortress of Jerusalem, where he resolved to take up his future abode, than he was solicitous to raise the neglected ark from its obscurity, and to bring it to a more honourable place.

1. He proposes the matter to his great men and officers for their advice and concurrence. They had neglected the ark in the days of Saul, when religion went greatly to decay. It would be now the stability of the kingdom, and the happiness of the land, to enjoy the divine presence and favour; and therefore, if it seemed good to them, as he doubted not they would approve the motion, they would without delay collect the priests and Levites, and the principal men of the land, to attend the solemnity of bringing up the ark to Jerusalem. Note; (1.) To have God with us, should be our first and chief desire, as the foundation of all true felicity. (2.) Respect paid to those whom we might command, engages their consent to our wishes, and is the way to be obeyed with cheerfulness.

2. The proposal was very much applauded; the congregation assembled from one end of the land to the other, and with great joy began the procession. Note; (1.) It is matter of unspeakable joy to true Israelites, to see the drooping cause of God revive. (2.) Widen princes are promoters of godliness, it should stir up ministers and people to correspond with their pious designs.

2nd, The error they committed in removing the ark, has been already observed, 2 Samuel 6 as well as the death of Uzza, and the interruption of the solemnity consequent thereupon. It may teach us, 1. Careful attention in the divine prescription, and not to make light of the least commandment. 2. That ignorance in those who minister before the ark, is especially criminal. 3. That in the midst of every earthly joy, we have need to tremble. 4. That discouraging providences are apt to cool our zeal in the way of duty; so that, like David in the present instance, we stop short. 5. The same word of God, like the ark to Uzzah and Obed-edom, is to one man the savour of life unto life, to another the savour of death unto death.