And David was displeased— Rather was afflicted; was much distressed.
REFLECTIONS.—1. Every stroke upon others for their sin, should be a warning to us to repent of our own. 2. If the breach between the broken law of a holy God, and a sinful soul, be not healed by the Lord Jesus Christ, an everlasting monument will remain of God's inexorable justice upon the sinner. 3. Obed-edom was no loser by his blessed visitant. He welcomed the ark to his house, notwithstanding the terrible judgments which had overtaken those who irreverently treated it. He knew that if he avoided their sin, he need not fear their punishment; and God rewarded him in a remarkable blessing on himself and household; so that in the three months that the ark continued with him, everything prospered. Note; (1.) None ever lost by fidelity to God. Godliness hath the promise of the life which now is, as well as of that which is to come. (2.) It is a blessing to dwell under a good man's roof, for all who are about him are the better for him. (3.) All our prosperity must be ascribed to God; and when he adds to all a thankful heart, then we are blessed indeed!