to David at Hebron. B. C. 1056. 28 And n Zadok, a young man A. M. 2948. mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains. 29 And of the children of Benjamin, the 16 kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto 17 the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul. 30 And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, 18 famous throughout the house of their fathers. 31. And of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king. 32 And of the children of Issachar, P which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. 19 33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could 20 keep rank: they were 21 not of double heart. 34 And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and 17 Heb. a multitude of them. - 2 Sam. ii. 8. 18 Heb. men of names. - Esth. i. 13. 19 Or, rangers of battle, or, ranged in battle. 20 Or, set the battle in array.- 21 Heb. without a heart and a heart, Psa. xii. 2. Verses 21, 22. They helped David against the band, &c.-Against the Amalekites, who had taken and burned Ziklag, and whom David and his six hundred men were now pursuing. Or, as in the margin, with a band, or troop of soldiers, which they brought along with them to David's assistance.sented to them for that purpose. They were all mighty men of valour--Therefore they readily came to David's help. At that time, day by day--While David was at Ziklag, and in his march to Hebron, and principally at Hebron. There came to David-like the host of God-An innumerable multitude, like the stars or angels of God, both which are called God's host. Verse 31. Of the half-tribe of Manasseh-Which was within Jordan: for of the other half beyond Jordan he speaks verse 37. Which were expressed by name-Who were not ashamed publicly to own David by putting their names to some paper pre Verses 23, 24. According to the word of the Lord -Whereby he had settled the crown on David after Saul's death. Six thousand, &c.-Who came hither in the name of their brethren: for that whole tribe adhered to David. Verses 27-29. Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites-Not the high-priest, for that was Abiathar, (1 Sam. xxiii. 6,) but one of some eminent place under him. And Zadok-Thought to be the same who was made high-priest in Solomon's time, (1 Kings ii. 35,) which, if true, he must have been very young at that time. Twenty and two captains--Whom he brought along with him. Had kept the ward of the house of Saul--Had endeavoured to keep the crown in their own tribe, and in Saul's family. Verse 32. That had understanding of the times They understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies of the present events. And they showed their wisdom at this time; for as they had adhered to Saul, while he lived, as knowing the time was not yet come for David to take possession of the kingdom; and as they could not join David, while Abner lived, and had the command of the other tribes wherewith they were encompassed, so, as soon as he was dead, and they had opportunity to declare themselves, they owned David for their king. Verse 33. Fifty thousand-For this tribe, being next to that of Issachar, which was generally well affected to David, were probably very much swayed by their opinion and advice. Which could keep rank-Or, which were prepared, or ordered for battle, or to fight for David if occasion required. Not of double heart-They were sincerely loyal, and did not dissemble with David, pretending to be for him, while in their hearts they favoured Saul's family. And none had any separate interests, but all were for the public good. David consults about CHAPTER XIII. bringing back the ark. A. M. 2949. with them with shield and spear thirty || David king over all Israel: and all A. M. 2948. 35 And of the Danites expert in war twenty heart to make David king. B. C. 1056. 39 And there they were with David three 36 And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, days, eating and drinking: for their brethren 37 And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the halftribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, a hundred and twenty thousand. 38 All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make 22 Or, keeping their ranks. Verse 40. They that were nigh them-That lived not far from Hebron, the place where they now were. Unto Issachar, &c.--This is added by way of amplification and explication, to show that this was not to be understood of those Israelites only who lived in the neighbourhood of Hebron, but of those also who lived at some distance, yet were nearer to Hebron than some of the other tribes here named. And on oxen-Which, though not commonly used in this manner, nor very fit for such purposes, yet were now employed, because the quantity of provisions which they brought was very great, as the number of the people at Hebron were, and of horses they had few in Israel, and most of their asses, 40 Moreover, they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar, and Zebulun, and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and 23 meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel. 23 Or, victual of meal. camels, and mules, here mentioned, were probably A. M. 2959. B. C. 1045. AND CHAPTER XIII. B. C. 1045. David brings up the ark from Kirjath-jearim, 1–8. Uzza being smitten, it is left at the house of Obed-edom, 9-14. a 2 And David said unto all the congregation where, that are left in all the land of Israel, Heb. let us break forth and send. NOTES ON CHAPTER XIII. Verse 1. David consulted with the captains of thousands, &c.--With all the principal persons in authority, who had any command over others. For it is a dangerous thing for a prince, especially in the beginning of his reign, to rely wholly on his own wisdom, and not advise with others. Verse 2. David said unto all the congregationUnto all the people then assembled with him at Hebron. In the second book of Samuel (chap. v. and vi.) this story of removing the ark is mentioned after the taking of Jerusalem, and the two first fights with the Philistines, whereas here it is placed before the latter, and there is no mention of the former. 2 a 1 Sam. xxxi. 1; Isa. xxxvii. 4. The case seems to have been as follows: There be- 203 The ark is taken to the I. CHRONICLES. house of Obed-edom. A. M. 2959. and with them also to the priests and || and with harps, and with psalteries, A. M. 2959. Levites which are in their cities and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. B. C. 1045. and suburbs, that they may gather themselves a Heb. in the cities of their suburbs.-3 Heb. bring about. b1 Sam. vii. 1.- - 1 Sam. vii. 1; 2 Sam. vi. 1. d Josh. xiii. 3.- 1 Sam. vi. 21; vii. 1. Josh. xv. 9, 60.- 1 Sam. iv. 4; 2 Sam. vi. 2. Heb. make the ark to ride. Num. iv. 15; Chap. xv. 2, 13. was dismissed, only some of them David reserved to go with him against Jerusalem, which accordingly he did, and succeeded in his enterprise. But before his resolution to fetch the ark could be executed, the Philistines came and fought twice with him, as is related 2 Sam. v. 17, &c., and here chap. xiv. 8, &c. And after they were repulsed with great loss and shame, David sets upon the execution of what he had resolved, and, in order to it, calls another general assembly of the people. And it be of the Lord our God-If this translation of the ark be pleasing to God; let us send abroad-Hebrew,, niphretsa, Let us break out and send. We are now in some sort pent up in one place, but let us break up the assembly, and disperse ourselves, and send messengers speedily and universally to the several tribes about this work. It is a metaphor taken from the sea, or rivers, which, when the banks are broken, suddenly overflow the adjacent country, That are left in all the land of Israel-By which expression he reminds them of the great desolations and destructions brought upon them for their sins; and therefore advises that remnant, whom God had so graciously saved in and from those dreadful ruins, more seriously to set themselves to seek God than they had formerly done. 6 B. C. 1045. 9 ¶ And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen 7 stumbled. 9 13 So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had. il Sam. vii. 1.- k2 Sam. vi. 5.- - Heb. songs. Called Nachon, 2 Sam. vi. 6.—7 Heb. shook it. Numbers iv. 15; Chap. xv. 13, 15.- - Lev. x. 2.- 8 That is, The breach of Uzza.- 9 Heb. removed. -n 2 Samuel vi. 11. Gen. xxx. 27; Chap. xxvi. 5. to Gibeon and offering sacrifices there, not caring, though the ark, the soul of the tabernacle, was in another place. As soon as David had power in his hand, he would use it for the advancement of religion. It ought to be the first care of those that are enriched or preferred, to honour God with their honours, and to serve him, and the interests of his kingdom among men, with their wealth and power. Verses 4, 5. The thing was right in the eyes of all the people-Their consciences smiting them for their former negligence, and being fully convinced of the piety and reasonableness of this proposal. So David gathered all Israel together-All the chosen men of Israel, as it is expressed 2 Sam. vi. 1, their elders and representatives. From Shihor of Egypt-By which the Targum, and most of the Jews, understood the river Nile. It here stands for the southern bounds of the land of Canaan. Unto the entering of Hemath-The northern boundary of the land. Verse 6. David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, Kirjath-jearim-Which explication is justified by Josh. xv. 9, 60, where the same city is called by both names: see note on 2 Sam. vi. 2. The ark of God the Lord, that dwelleth between the cherubim Verse 3. We inquired not at it in the days of -Showing himself in a singular manner present or Saul--The ark was then neglected, and the gener-visible between the cherubim, before which his name ality of the people contented themselves with going was called upon, 2 Sam. vi. 1. David's wars with CHAPTER XV. CHAPTER XIV. the Philistines. David is confirmed in his kingdom, 1, 2. His wives and children, 3-7. His victories over the Philistines, 8–17. A. M. 2961. B. C. 1043, a B. C. 1047. NOW Hiram king of Tyre sent || said unto him, Go up; for I will de- A. M. 2957. messengers to David, and timber liver them into thy hand. of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him a house. 2¶ And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel. 12 And when they had left their gods there David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire. 13 And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley. 14 Therefore David inquired again of God: and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees. 15 And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberrytrees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. 16 David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD i brought the fear of him upon all nations. place of breaches. 2 Sam. v. 22.—f 2 Sam. v. 23.- -2 Sam. v. 25, Geba.- b Josh. vi. 27; 2 Chron. xxvi. 8.- -i Deut. ii. 25. with it. For his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel-But of this and the following verses of this chapter, see notes on 2 Sam. v. 12-26, where the same history is related. A.M. 2962. B. C. 1042. CHAPTER XV. David prepares to bring up the ark, 1-24. It is brought up, 25-28. Michal despises him, 29. AND B. C. 1042. ND David made him houses in a place for the ark of God, and A. M. 2962. the city of David, and prepared pitched for it a tent. NOTES ON CHAPTER XV. a Chap. xvi. 1. Verse 1. David made him houses in the city of David-A palace consisting of many houses or apartments for his several wives and children. And prepared a place for the ark of God-He did not fetch the tabernacle of Moses from Gibeon, because he intended forthwith to build the temple. See note on 2 Sam. vi. 17. David prepares to B. C. 1042. because ye did it not at A. M. 2962. the LORD our God made B. C. 1042. A. M. 2962. 2 Then David said, 'None ought 13 For to carry the bark of God but the the first, Levites for them hath the LORD chosen to a breach upon us, for that we sought him not carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him after the due order. for ever. 14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel. 15 And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves h 4 And David assembled the children of Aaron, thereon, as Moses commanded, according to and the Levites: the word of the LORD. 5 Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his 2 brethren a hundred and twenty: 16 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers 6 Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and with instruments of music, psalteries, and harps, his brethren two hundred and twenty: and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice 7 Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, with joy. and his brethren a hundred and thirty: d 17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son 8 of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of chief, and his brethren two hundred : Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their e 1 9 Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, brethren, 1 Ethan the son of Kushaiah; and his brethren fourscore: 10 Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren a hundred and twelve. 11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab, 12 And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. 1 Hebrew, It is not to carry the ark of God, but for the Levites. b Num. iv. 2, 15; Deut. x. 8; xxxi. 9.— 1 Kings viii. 1; Chap. xii. 5. -2 Or, kinsmen. d Exod. vi. 22.- Exod. vi. 18. Verse 2. David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites-The former miscarriage, when they brought up the ark from Kirjath-jearim, had taught him to treat it with greater reverence, according to the prescription of the law, which ordered the Levites to carry it on their shoulders, Num. iv. 15. Verse 5. Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chiefThe sons of Kohath are mentioned Exod. vi. 17, 18, and Uriel is not one of them: therefore he must have been his grandson, and a person so famous that his descendants are mentioned in the first place. Verses 11, 12. David called for Zadok and Abiathar-The chief priests: Abiathar being the highpriest, and Zadok the second priest. And said, Sanctify yourselves--By solemn purification and preparation of yourselves, both in soul and body: see notes on Gen. xxxv. 2, and Exod. xix. 10. Verse 16. By lifting up the voice with joy-Singing so loud that all might hear, and having their 18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the porters. 19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass; 20 And Zechariah, and 3 Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries TM on Alamoth; m 12 Sam. vi. 3; Chap. xiii. 7.-8 Chap. xiii. 10.— Exod. xxv. 14; Num. iv. 15; vii. 9.- iChap. vi. 33. Ch. vi. 39. 1 Chap. vi. 44.- -3 Verse 18, Jaaziel.-m Psa. xlvi. title. hearts lifted up to God with joy. There was scarce any solemn service performed to their gods, either by Greeks or barbarians, without both vocal and instrumental music. Verse 18. Their brethren of the second degreeThe first rank or degree of sacred musicians was that of those three famous persons, named verse 17; the next consisted of these here mentioned. The porters-Who were to keep the doors of the tabernacle and courts, but withal were instructed in music, that when they were free from attendance upon their proper office, they might not be idle nor unprofitable in God's house. Verse 20. With psalteries on Alamoth—Or, with Alamoth, which is thought by many to be the name of an instrument of music; or of a certain tune, or note, or part in music. Houbigant renders the words with psalteries, of a deeper sound. The certain signification of the expression is not now known. |