2 Samuel 6:5 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:1-5

We have not heard a word of the ark since it was lodged in Kirjath-jearim, immediately after its return out of its captivity among the Philistines (1 Sam. 7:1, 2), except that, once, Saul called for it, 1 Sam. 14:18. That which in former days had made so great a figure is now thrown aside, as a neglected thing, for many years. And, if now the ark was for so many years in a house, let it not seem strange that we find the church so long in the wilderness, Rev. 12:14. Perpetual visibility is no... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:5

And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord ,.... That is, before the ark, which was a symbol of the presence of the Lord: on all manner of instruments made of fir wood : which is a general expression, the particulars follow; though instruments of different sorts are mentioned, and even some of metal, as cymbals, which were vessels of brass, they struck one against another, and gave a very acute sound, being hollow F7 Suidas in voce κυμβαλα . : even on... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 6:5

On all manner of instruments made of fir wood - This place should be corrected from the parallel place, 1 Chronicles 13:8 ; : "All Israel played before God, with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries," etc. Instead of עצי בכל bechol atsey , "with all woods" or "trees;" the parallel place is עז בכל bechol oz . "with all their strength:" this makes a good sense, the first makes none. The Septuagint, in this place, has the verse... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:1-11

The facts are: 1 . David, deeming the time to be come for reorganizing the religious services, raises a select force wherewith to bring the ark from its obscurity at Kirjath-jearim. 2 . Providing a new cart, the ark is set thereon, and brought out of the house of Abinadab under charge of his two sons. 3 . David and the people move in joyous procession before the ark to music from all manner of instruments. 4 . Arriving at a certain place, Uzzab, putting forth his hand to steady... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:3-5

( 1 Chronicles 13:7 , 1 Chronicles 13:8 ). ( KIRJATH - JEARIM .) The ark brought out of deep obscurity. The enterprise was marked by— I. A GREAT DISCOVERY . "We found it in the fields of the wood" ( Psalms 132:6 ). 1 . An invaluable treasure, long hidden, from view; like the "treasure hid in a field," and the "pearl of great price" ( Matthew 13:44-46 ). 2 . A significant memorial of God's mercies in times past. What manifold and mighty events would be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:5

Played . The word does not mean "played on a musical instrument," but "danced and rejoiced." On all manner … of fir wood. The Hebrew literally is, with all cypress woods. In 1 Chronicles 13:8 we find "with all their might, even with songs," etc. Gesenius, in his 'History of the Hebrew Language,' describes this as a mere guess at a misunderstood text, and Maurer ridicules it as a stupid emendation. More sensibly Thenius regards it as the right reading, and the words here as a corruption... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 6:5

Played - i. e. danced to music vocal and instrumental (see Judges 16:25 note).Cornets - Rather, from the etymology of the Hebrew word (to shake), and their being coupled with the cymbals, and being rendered sistra in the Vulgate, some kind of instrument with bells or rings, which gave a sound by being shaken. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 6:4-5

2 Samuel 6:4-5. Accompanying the ark of God That is, when it was brought out of the house of Abinadab, the people flocked together to attend it. It seems as if Eleazar, who had been sanctified to take care of the ark, was dead, or stayed at home to attend to his father, who was now grown old. David and all Israel played before the Lord Who was present with the ark. Public joy should always be as before the Lord, with an eye to him, and terminating in him. Otherwise it is no better than... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:1-23

The ark brought to Jerusalem (6:1-23)Part of the reason for Israel’s weakness during Saul’s reign was the king’s lack of interest in the nation’s religious life. David was determined to correct this state of affairs. He began by restoring the ark, symbol of God’s presence, to its rightful position as the centre of Israel’s religious life. (During Saul’s reign the ark had remained in a country house in Kiriath-jearim, also known as Baal-judah or Baalah; 1 Samuel 7:1-2; 1 Chronicles 13:5-6; 1... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 6:5

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . instruments made of fir wood . The Septuagint reads "with all boldness and with songs". See 2 Samuel 6:14 and 1 Chronicles 13:8 . According to Hebrew text "fir woods", put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Material) for instruments made from it. App-6 . timbrels = drums. See note on Exodus 15:20 . cymbals = timbrels, or tambourines. Hebrew. zilzilim. See note on 1 Chronicles 13:8 . read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:1-5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 6:5

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:3-5

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 6:5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 6:4-5

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 6:1-23

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 6:5

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