2 Samuel 6:2 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

From Baale of Judah The same with Kirjath-jearim, 1 Chronicles 13:6, called Baalah, Joshua 15:9, and Kirjath-baal, Joshua 15:60; Joshua 18:14. Some have apprehended a difficulty here, because it is said they went from Baale, whereas, 1 Chronicles 13:6, it is said they went to Baale. But there is no disagreement between these two places. They first went from Jerusalem and other places to Baale, where they assembled, and then from it to Gibeah. To bring up from thence the ark of God Where it had been a long time in the house of Abinadab, whose son had been sanctified to attend it, 1 Samuel 7:1. Whose name is called by the name, &c. This rendering is both obscure and inaccurate. The clause should either be translated, On which (ark) is called the name, even the name of the Lord of hosts; that is, which is named the ark of the Lord of hosts: or, At, by, or before which the name, even the name of the Lord of hosts is called upon; that is, by or before which they were to present their prayers to God for counsel and succour on all occasions. And this is mentioned here as the reason why David put himself and his people to so great trouble and charge; it was to fetch up the choicest treasure which they had; it was to convey to its appointed place the ark of the Lord of hosts; the symbol and token of his presence with them, and the medium and principal instrument of their whole worship and service.