2 Samuel 6
DOYLY2 Samuel 6:5
- — Shalt thou build me an house] That is, How canst thou design to build Me an house? It is intended as a reproof for his forwardness in making a vow to this effect, without asking God’s consent. Dr. Wells.
2 Samuel 6:8
- — was displeased.] Was afflicted and struck with this exemplary judgment. Pyle.
— a breach upon Uzzah.] A breaking forth of the Divine anger upon Uzzah. Dr. Wells.
2 Samuel 6:13
- — he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.] As a thanksgiving to God for the hope now afforded, that His former displeasure respecting the removal of the ark had ceased, and they might bring it safe to Jerusalem without a similar disaster. Dr. Wells. The Hebrew word, translated fatlings, is of uncertain sense: some take it for a ram or lamb: Bochart thinks it means a kind of bullock. Bp. Patrick.
2 Samuel 6:14
- — David was girded with a linen ephod.] He was so clothed on this solemnity, both out of reverence to God, and for convenience, as his royal robes were too cumbersome. Dr. Chandler. He laid aside his royal majesty and dress, as being in the immediate presence of God. Grotius.
2 Samuel 6:15
- — with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.] It is no wonder that David and his people should be transported with joy at this great event, as they could not but consider themselves arrived at that happy period, when all the affairs of religion and government were to be placed on a durable foundation. These things heighten the glory of David’s reign, shew him to be “a man after God’s own heart,” every way fitted for the purpose, for which he was exalted; demonstrate the piety and goodness of his heart, and clothe him with a glory in which no prince could ever rival or equal him. Dr. Chandler.
2 Samuel 6:16
- — saw king David leaping and dancing] It was customary among the Greeks and other nations, to use musick and dancing in religious processions. And it does not appear that David’s behaviour on this occasion was any disparagement of his royal dignity. His dancing (by which is meant, his moving to certain serious and solemn measures, with musick of the same character and tendency) was an exercise highly conducive to purposes of piety; and his mixing with the public festivities of his people was a condescension not unbecoming the greatest monarch. Stackhouse.
— she despised him in her heart.] Imagining that he debased himself, by stripping himself of the orna-
Michal reproveeth David. He is forbidden Before CHRIST about 1042. striched. e 1 Chron. 16. 2. about 1042.
David had † pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
2 Samuel 6:20
- — How glorious &c.] This she speaks ironically, by way of derision and contempt. Bp. Patrick.
— as one of the vain fellows] The haughty woman in the contempt of her heart calls the Levites, the bearers of the ark, “vain fellows,” rather, “empty, low, worthless people:” and likens David to them, because he discovered himself as they discovered themselves; that is, appeared in the same habit, and played and danced just as they did. Dr. Chandler. She, probably, in a fit of passion, aggravates David’s conduct as mean and below himself, intimating that he immodestly exposed himself as shameless fellows do, which is very incredible; for, no doubt, he kept within the rules of modesty, being employed upon a sacred business, and obeying the command of God, who required the Israelites to rejoice in their feasts, Deut. xii. 7; xvi. 11. Bp. Patrick. Though his putting off his royal robes might give some occasion to Michael’s expression of his “uncovering himself,” yet this opprobrious term proceeded from nothing but the overflowing spleen of a proud passionate woman. Stackhouse.
2 Samuel 6:22
- — I will yet be more vile &c.] He intimates, that he thinks nothing too mean for him to stoop to, provided he did honour to God; and that the more he humbled himself for that purpose, the more he would be honoured and esteemed by the people. Dr. Wells.
The vile insinuated reproach was absolutely false, and David knew that all his people knew it to be so. Therefore he gave himself no trouble to refute it; but barely contented himself with retorting the only truth contained in it, that is, his having uncovered or disrobed
himself of his royalty, allowing that he had so done, but affirming that it was for the honour of God. His answer was truly worthy a great king, who knew so well how to unite the humility of a saint with the majesty of a monarch. Dr. Delaney.
— and of the maidservants &c.] The more he humbled himself to do honour to God, the more he was confident he should be had in honour by the people; the esteem of the meanest of whom he more valued than any praises Michal might bestow, for taking state upon him and neglecting God’s service. Bp. Patrick.
2 Samuel 6:23
- — had no child] Either David resented this usage so far as to forsake her bed, or this was a judgment sent upon her for her insolence. Pyle.
Chap. VII. ver. 2. — See now, I dwell &c.] Like a religious prince, David spent much of his time in pious meditations; and, among other things, reflected on the meanness of God’s habitation, in comparison with the splendour of his own palace. This he thought ought not to be endured, and therefore resolved to build a stately house for God’s ark to dwell in. Bp. Patrick.
The pious intention of David to build a temple, as soon as he was placed in peaceable possession of the kingdom, teaches us, that we should shew more zeal for the honour of God than for our own private interest; and that the best use we can make of the goods and advantages which God bestows upon us, is to employ them for His service and glory. Ostervald.