1 Chronicles 15 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The priests and Levites, at the command of David, bring the ark of God with great pomp to the city of David: Michal derides David for dancing before the ark.

Before Christ 1044.

With psalteries on Alamoth— With psalteries of a deeper sound. Houbigant. But respecting this, the word Sheminith in the next verse, and other words of the like sort, we refer to our notes upon the Psalms.

When God helped the Levites— 1:e. He favoured those who bare the ark, and insisted no plague upon them, as had happened to Uzza. Or it may be, God added strength to the Levites bearing the ark, enabling them to support the burthen during all the time that the sacrifices were offered. Houbigant.

A robe of fine linen—also—an ephod of linen— David was clothed with a double garment, with a robe of fine linen, and with a linen ephod. These two garments are expressly distinguished in the account of the vestments of the high-priests, Exodus 4:6; Exodus 29:5; Exodus 39:23. The fabric of them was different; the ephod was made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet; whereas the robe was formed all of blue. The shape of them was different; the ephod reaching only to the knees, the robe flowing down to the very covering of the feet. The robe had no division in it throughout, but was made whole and round, with an opening in the middle of it, at the top, so that it was impossible that any part of the body could be seen through it, especially as the ephod on this occasion of David's dancing, was thrown over it, and tied probably with a girdle, as the priest's ephod always was. David clothed himself with these linen garments on this solemnity out of reverence to God. It may be further observed, that this robe, which covered their other garments, was worn by kings, their children, princes, priests, Levites, and prophets, when they appeared on any solemn occasion. See 1 Samuel 28:14. 2 Samuel 13:18. David, therefore, dressed himself on this occasion with this long flowing linen robe, instead of the robe of state proper to him as king of Israel, and which was made of richer materials; and hence he was scornfully insulted by Saul's daughter as uncovering himself, &c. 1:e. uncovering himself as a king, and appearing in a habit wholly unworthy, as she thought, of his royal character and dignity. See 2 Samuel 6:20 and Chandler's Review.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, The first attempt to remove the ark proved abortive. The reason of their misfortune David had now learnt; he therefore justifies God, humbles himself, and warns the Levites to be more exact for the future. When we mean well, yet suffer for our mistakes, we must not be discouraged, but apply with greater circumspection to the work before us.

1. David having built his own house, and reared a tabernacle for the reception of the ark, gathers the priests and Levites to the amount of eight hundred and sixty-two, besides their six chiefs; and having admonished them of the cause of the late disaster, exhorts them to prepare for the solemnity, and be more exactly observant of the divine prescription. Note; (1.) The greatest reformers are but men, and therefore not faultless. (2.) It is a mercy when we discover our errors, and amend them.

2. The Levites now carefully observed the divine rule, and God enabled them for their work. Each man had his several post; some bore the ark, others were porters to keep the doors of the tabernacle from intruders, and now probably surrounded the ark, that others might not touch it as Uzza had done. Some with musical instruments joined in concert, while others were appointed to lead the sacred song, and join the vocal with instrumental harmony. Note; (1.) When we have a right understanding of the way of duty, and ability to walk in it, both these come from the Lord. (2.) Church-music, when under good regulations, may still be made a great blessing; though the absurd and irreligious manner in which it is too often performed, is justly offensive, and a disturbance to devotion.

2nd, With solemn sacrifices, as atonements for past mistakes, and to obtain present assistance, the Levites proceeded, divinely supported under their burden; and with every expression of joy David and the people rejoiced before the ark. Michal, David's wife, seems the only discontented spirit that was that day in Israel. She could not without indignation and contempt behold her husband thus, as she thought, degrading himself. Note; (1.) Songs of praise are the natural expressions of the soul that is happy in God. (2.) They who have no relish for a Christian's joys are apt to despise them, and think those services of religion mean and contemptible which the believer accounts his most honourable and happy enjoyment.