2 Samuel 6

12. it was told king David, saying, The Lord hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God--The lapse of three months not only restored the agitated mind of the monarch to a tranquil and settled tone, but led him to a discovery of his former error. Having learned that the ark was kept in its temporary resting-place not only without inconvenience or danger, but with great advantage, he resolved forthwith to remove it to the capital, with the observance of all due form and solemnity ( 1 Chronicles 15:1-13 ). It was transported now on the shoulders of the priests, who had been carefully prepared for the work, and the procession was distinguished by extraordinary solemnities and demonstrations of joy.

13. when they that bare the ark . . . had gone six paces--Some think that four altars were hastily raised for the offering of sacrifices at the distance of every six paces

14. David danced before the Lord--The Hebrews, like other ancient people, had their sacred dances, which were performed on their solemn anniversaries and other great occasions of commemorating some special token of the divine goodness and favor.
with all his might--intimating violent efforts of leaping, and divested of his royal mantle (in a state of undress), conduct apparently unsuitable to the gravity of age or the dignity of a king. But it was unquestionably done as an act of religious homage, his attitudes and dress being symbolic, as they have always been in Oriental countries, of penitence, joy, thankfulness, and devotion.

17. they brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it--The old tabernacle remained at Gibeon ( 1 Chronicles 16:39 , 21:29 , 2 Chronicles 1:3 ). Probably it was not removed because it was too large for the temporary place the king had appropriated, and because he contemplated the building of a temple.

18. he blessed the people--in the double character of prophet and king (see 1 Kings 8:55 1 Kings 8:56 ).

19. cake of bread--unleavened and slender.
a good piece of flesh--roast beef.

2 Samuel 6:20-23 . MICHAL'S BARRENNESS.

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.