David regards the transfer of the Ark as a matter for all the people, so he summoned people from the whole land for the event...
David regards the transfer of the Ark as a matter for all the people, so he summoned people from the whole land for the event. At the same time, the admission that no one consulted the Ark in the days of Saul is astonishing. Indeed, this bears striking witness to Saul’s apostasy.
Uzzah’s death may seem strange and undeserved, for in trying to prevent the holy object from falling from the cart, he meant well. But as we know, even with the best of intentions it is possible to act wrongly. If one can receive an electric shock through an ignorant handling of electrical equipment, then it is all the more dangerous to treat a holy object with undue familiarity when it must be handled with special reverence. If something seems right to us and we intend to do “what is best” according to our own understanding, that does not mean that the Lord sees the situation as we do.
At the same time, the blessing received by Obed-edom showed that Uzzah’s death was not an expression of wrath against the whole people and that the Lord continues to bless those who remain faithful to Him.
13 David brings up the ark from Kirjath - jearim, Ch1 13:1-8.
Uzza being smitten, it is left at the house of Obed - edom, Ch1 13:9-14.
13:2 David said - After this was proposed by the king and accepted by the people, this great assembly was dismissed, only some of them Davidreserved to go with him against Jerusalem, which accordingly he did,and succeeded in his enterprize. But before this resolution could beexecuted, the Philistines came and fought twice with David, as isrelated Ch1 5:17, Ch1 5:22, etc and here chap.Ch1 14:8, etc And afterthey were repulsed with great loss and shame, David sets upon theexecution of what he had resolved, and in order to it calls another generalassembly of the people. Of the Lord - If this translation of the ark bepleasing to God. Are left - After the great desolations and destructionswhich God for their sins had made among them.
13:3 For, etc - The ark was then neglected; and the generality of the people contented themselves with going to Gibeon and offering sacrificesthere, not caring, though the ark, the soul of the tabernacle, was inanother place. As soon as David had power in his hand, he would use itfor the advancement of religion. It ought to be the first care of thosethat are enriched or preferred, to honour God with their honours, and toserve him and the interests of his kingdom among men, with their wealthand power.
13:6 That is - The same city was called by both names.
13:10 Put his hand, etc - Let the case of Uzza warn us, to take heed of presumption or rashness with regard to holy things; and notto think, that a right intention will justify a wrong action.
13:11 Perez - uzza - That is, the breach of Uzza. Let David's displeasure on this occasion caution us, to watch over our spirit,lest when God reproves us, instead of submitting to God, we quarrelwith him. If God be angry with us, shall we dare to be angry with him?
13:14 And the Lord blessed, etc - Let this encourage us to welcome God's ordinance into our houses, believing the ark is a guest no body shall loseby. Nor let it be the less precious to us, for its being to others a rockof offence.