And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; [it shall] not [be] a burden upon [your] shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
Ver. 3. Put the holy ark in the house.] Heb., The ark of holiness: therefore that ark or chest is not here meant, wherein were put the collection moneys, as some would have it, but the ark of the covenant: which might be put out of its place in the days of his wicked father Amon, to make way for some idol in its room. He might remember, saith Cajetan, what damage had been done to the Philistines, when the ark stood by Dagon. The Hebrews tell us, that the priests in those idolatrous times had carried the holy ark out of the temple - that it might not stand there among those heathenish idols - and conveyed it to the house of Shallum, who was uncle to the prophet Jeremiah, and husband to the prophetess Huldah, 2Ch 34:22 and that therefore Josiah sent to her to consult with the Lord for him.
It shall not be a burden upon your shoulders,] q.d., You are eased of that burden; 1Ki 8:6 therefore,
Serve now the Lord your God, &c.] Employ yourselves so much the more freely and vigorously in this other part of your service. 1Ch 23:26