1 And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.

2 And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the Lord our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us:

3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

4 And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

6 And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the Lord, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.

7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

11 And David was displeased, because the Lord had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.

12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

13 So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David consults about the ark.
David said not, What magnificent thing shall I do now? or, What pleasant thing? but, What pious thing? that he might have the comfort and benefit of that sacred oracle. Let us bring the ark to us, that it may be a blessing to us. Those who honour God, profit themselves. It is the wisdom of those setting out in the world, to take God's ark with them. Those are likely to go on in the favour of God, who begin in the fear of God.
McArther Bible Commentary
This section recounts the ark of the covenant being brought from Kirjath Jearim (1Ch 13:5) to Jerusalem.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 12:40 1 Chronicles 13:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David consults about the ark.
David said not, What magnificent thing shall I do now? or, What pleasant thing? but, What pious thing? that he might have the comfort and benefit of that sacred oracle. Let us bring the ark to us, that it may be a blessing to us. Those who honour God, profit themselves. It is the wisdom of those setting out in the world, to take God's ark with them. Those are likely to go on in the favour of God, who begin in the fear of God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
David said - After this was proposed by the king and accepted by the people, this great assembly was dismissed, only some of them David reserved to go with him against Jerusalem, which accordingly he did, and succeeded in his enterprize. But before this resolution could be executed, the Philistines came and fought twice with David, as is related (2 Samuel 5:17) , (2 Samuel 5:22) , &c. and here (1 Chronicles 14:8) , &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. Of the Lord - If this translation of the ark be pleasing to God. Are left - After the great desolations and destructions which God for their sins had made among them.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 13:1 1 Chronicles 13:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David consults about the ark.
David said not, What magnificent thing shall I do now? or, What pleasant thing? but, What pious thing? that he might have the comfort and benefit of that sacred oracle. Let us bring the ark to us, that it may be a blessing to us. Those who honour God, profit themselves. It is the wisdom of those setting out in the world, to take God's ark with them. Those are likely to go on in the favour of God, who begin in the fear of God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
For, &c. - The ark was then neglected; and the generality of the people contented themselves with going 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.
McArther Bible Commentary
the ark of our God. Not only had the ark been stolen and profaned by the Philistines (1 Sam. 5; 6), but when it was returned, Saul neglected to seek God's instruction for it. Scripture records only one occasion when Saul sought God's ark after its return (cf. 1Sa 14:18).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 7:1 1 Samuel 7:2 1 Chronicles 13:2 1 Chronicles 13:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David consults about the ark.
David said not, What magnificent thing shall I do now? or, What pleasant thing? but, What pious thing? that he might have the comfort and benefit of that sacred oracle. Let us bring the ark to us, that it may be a blessing to us. Those who honour God, profit themselves. It is the wisdom of those setting out in the world, to take God's ark with them. Those are likely to go on in the favour of God, who begin in the fear of God.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 13:3 1 Chronicles 13:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David consults about the ark.
David said not, What magnificent thing shall I do now? or, What pleasant thing? but, What pious thing? that he might have the comfort and benefit of that sacred oracle. Let us bring the ark to us, that it may be a blessing to us. Those who honour God, profit themselves. It is the wisdom of those setting out in the world, to take God's ark with them. Those are likely to go on in the favour of God, who begin in the fear of God.
McArther Bible Commentary
Shihor. The "river of Egypt" was a small stream flowing into the Mediterranean Sea which forms the southern boundary of Israel (cf. Jos 13:3). It is also called the "Brook of Egypt" (Jos 15:4, Jos 15:47; Num 34:5; 2Ch 7:8). Hamath. On the northern boundary of Israel's territory. Kirjath Jearim. A location approximately ten miles west of Jerusalem that the Canaanites called Baalah (cf. 1Ch 13:6). The ark of God had resided here for the previous twenty years (cf. 1Sa 7:1-2).
Bible Cross References
Joshua 9:17 1 Samuel 6:21 1 Samuel 7:1 2 Samuel 6:1 1 Kings 8:65 1 Chronicles 13:4 1 Chronicles 15:3 Isaiah 23:3

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The removal of the ark.
Let the sin of Uzza warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing with holy things; and let none think that a good design will justify a bad action. Let the punishment of Uzza teach us not to dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it, and it will be to us a savour of life unto life.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
That is - The same city was called by both names.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 25:22 Joshua 9:17 Joshua 15:9 1 Samuel 6:21 2 Samuel 6:2 2 Kings 19:15

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The removal of the ark.
Let the sin of Uzza warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing with holy things; and let none think that a good design will justify a bad action. Let the punishment of Uzza teach us not to dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it, and it will be to us a savour of life unto life.
McArther Bible Commentary
See notes on 2Sa 6:1-11. The violation of divine directives (Num 4:1-49) for moving the ark proved fatal to Uzza(h) (1Ch 13:7-10).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 7:1 2 Samuel 6:3 2 Samuel 6:4 1 Chronicles 15:13

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The removal of the ark.
Let the sin of Uzza warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing with holy things; and let none think that a good design will justify a bad action. Let the punishment of Uzza teach us not to dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it, and it will be to us a savour of life unto life.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 6:5 1 Chronicles 15:16 2 Chronicles 5:12 Psalm 68:25 Psalm 92:3 Psalm 150:5

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The removal of the ark.
Let the sin of Uzza warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing with holy things; and let none think that a good design will justify a bad action. Let the punishment of Uzza teach us not to dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it, and it will be to us a savour of life unto life.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 50:10 2 Samuel 6:6

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The removal of the ark.
Let the sin of Uzza warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing with holy things; and let none think that a good design will justify a bad action. Let the punishment of Uzza teach us not to dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it, and it will be to us a savour of life unto life.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Put his hand, &c. - Let the case of Uzza warn us, to take heed of presumption or rashness with regard to holy things; and not to think, that a right intention will justify a wrong action.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 10:2 1 Chronicles 13:11 1 Chronicles 15:13 1 Chronicles 15:15

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The removal of the ark.
Let the sin of Uzza warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing with holy things; and let none think that a good design will justify a bad action. Let the punishment of Uzza teach us not to dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it, and it will be to us a savour of life unto life.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
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 quarrel with him. If God be angry with us, shall we dare to be angry with him?
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 13:10 1 Chronicles 13:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The removal of the ark.
Let the sin of Uzza warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing with holy things; and let none think that a good design will justify a bad action. Let the punishment of Uzza teach us not to dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it, and it will be to us a savour of life unto life.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 13:11 1 Chronicles 13:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The removal of the ark.
Let the sin of Uzza warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing with holy things; and let none think that a good design will justify a bad action. Let the punishment of Uzza teach us not to dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it, and it will be to us a savour of life unto life.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 6:10 1 Chronicles 13:12 1 Chronicles 15:25

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The removal of the ark.
Let the sin of Uzza warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing with holy things; and let none think that a good design will justify a bad action. Let the punishment of Uzza teach us not to dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it, and it will be to us a savour of life unto life.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And the Lord blessed, &c - Let this encourage us to welcome God's ordinance into our houses, believing the ark is a guest no body shall lose by. Nor let it be the less precious to us, for its being to others a rock of offence.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 6:10 1 Chronicles 16:38 1 Chronicles 26:4 1 Chronicles 26:5