Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Consulted. David wished to give religion due splendour and authority, in his dominions; and he prudently contrives to obtain the general consent. Bible.—“Where there is no liberty, there is no religion;” and no change in religious matters should be attempted, without the consent of the Church. Calmet.
Verse 2. To us. In the first assembly, David’s motion was adopted, and a more general meeting, particularly of the priests, was convoked. Bible.
Verse 3. Sought. Prot. “inquired not at it.” Yet it is certain that many resorted to the ark, at that time. But is was not treated with such honours as David now wished. Bible.
Verse 5. Emath, from “the troubled river” Nile, (Joshua 13:3. Calmet.) or Rhinocorura, ( Tirinus. Menochius.) to the northern extremities of the promised land, ( Bible.) near Emesa.
Verse 6. Hill. Hebrew “to Baalah,” which was another name, as well as “Baslim,” for Cariathiarim. 1 Kennicott. 7:2. Calmet.
Verse 7. Brother. Hebrew “Acho,” which has the same meaning. Tirinus.—Septuagint Syr. and so forth “his brethren.” Calmet.
Verse 9. Chidon. Alias, Nachon. Challoner. 2 Kennicott. 6.—He had perhaps two names. D.—Syr. and Arab. “of Ramim.” Calmet.—The ox. Prot. “the oxen stumbled.”
Verse 11. Divided. Slain. See Calmet. 14:11, 1 Kennicott. 15:32 and 2 Kennicott. 6:7. Bible.—The soul of brutes perishes; that of man is only divided from the body by death.
Verse 13. Obededom. A Levite was judged more proper to guard the ark. Calmet. 15:18.—Gethite. Because he had dwelt in Geth. Worthington.