2 Samuel 6:20-23

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 6:20

20-22. Michal . . . came out to meet David, &c.—Proud of her royal extraction, she upbraided her husband for lowering the dignity of the crown and acting more like a buffoon than a king. But her taunting sarcasm was repelled in a manner that could not be agreeable to her feelings while it indicated the warm piety and gratitude of David. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 6:12-23

The second move 6:12-23David also observed that the ark’s presence in Obed-edom’s house resulted in blessing for its host. This made him more eager than ever to install the ark in Jerusalem.2 Samuel 6:13 probably means: after the priests had taken six steps, other priests sacrificed an ox and a fatling (a fat, i.e., choice, calf). This happened every time the priests carrying the ark took six steps. [Note: See McCarter, "The Ritual . . .," pp. 273-74, 277, n. 1; or Carlson, pp. 80, 86, for the... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 6:1-23

The bringing of the Ark from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem1. Again] This probably refers to the previous assembling of the chosen men of Israel to repel the Philistine invasion (2 Samuel 5:22-25).2. From Baale of Judah] should probably be ’to Baal of Judah’ (1 Chronicles 13:6). The town was also known as Kirjath-baal (City of Baal).3. Out of the house of Abinadab] It had been there ever since its removal from Bethshemesh (1 Samuel 7:1). In Gibeah] RV ’in the hill.’ Kirjath-jearim was situated on... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Samuel 6:20

(20) Returned.—Michal had seen David from the window as he passed by his house on his way with the ark to its tent. Now, having dismissed and blessed the people, he returns to bless those members of his household whom eastern custom had not allowed to take part in the ceremonies, and is met by Michal with her cutting irony. The account of this is omitted from the narrative in Chronicles. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Samuel 6:21

(21) Therefore will I play.—Rather, have I danced. (See 2 Samuel 6:5.)Before the Lord.—David first gives the true and sufficient reason of his conduct—what he had done was before the Lord, in honouring whom no man can be really humbled; and then he turns with a reproof to Michal, which should have shown her the utter unworthiness of her objections. God had set aside her father and his house for this very spirit of pride in which she was now indulging, and had chosen him instead. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Samuel 6:22

(22) Base in mine own sight.—The LXX., not understanding this expression, has changed it to “in thine eyes.” But the meaning is, that while Michal had charged him with making himself base in the eyes of the maidservants (who were no fit judges of such matters), he was ready to abase himself in his own eyes, to do anything, however humbling it might seem even to himself, which should be for the honour and glory of God. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Samuel 6:23

(23) Had no child.—The severest privation to an Oriental woman. It is quite possible that during Michal’s long separation from David, while he was an outlaw, and she was married to Phaltiel (who was deeply attached to her, 2 Samuel 3:16), they had become somewhat alienated from each other; and when the totally different spirit by which they were animated was brought out on this occasion, David determined to have no further intercourse with her. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:1-23

CHAPTER VIII.THE ARK BROUGHT UP TO JERUSALEM.2 Samuel 6:1-23.THE first care of David when settled on the throne had been to obtain possession of the stronghold of Zion, on which and on the city which was to surround it he fixed as the capital of the kingdom and the dwelling-place of the God of Israel. This being done, he next set about bringing up the ark of the testimony from Kirjath-jearim, where it had been left after being restored by the Philistines in the early days of Samuel. David’s... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Samuel 6:1-23

3. The Ark Brought to Zion CHAPTER 6 1. The ark fetched by David (2 Samuel 6:1-5 ) 2. Uzzah: his error and death (2 Samuel 6:6-9 ) 3. The ark in the house of Obed-edom (2 Samuel 6:10-11 ) 4. The ark brought into David’s city (2 Samuel 6:12-19 ) 5. Michal’s mockery of David (2 Samuel 6:20-23 ) It is of importance to read 1 Chronicles 13:0 for a better understanding of how the ark was brought from Kirjathjearim to David’s city. The book of Chronicles contains these larger records... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 2 Samuel 6:20

6:20 Then David returned to {i} bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!(i) That is, to pray for his house, as he had done for the people. read more

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