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THE K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
in its temporary resting place with great advantage, he resolved forthwith to re move it to the capital with the observ ance of all due form and solemnity (1 Chron. 15:1-13). It was transported now on the shoulders of the priests who had been carefully prepared for the work.— J. F. & B. v. 13. They that bare the ark. All is now done in- accordance with the Word of God and blessing follows. How many today act.like Uzzah (v. 6) when in service for God, employing the meth ods of the world and disregarding en tirely His Word. Godly fear and faith ful submission to the Word of God are essentials in true service for God.— Gaebelein. When they had gone six paces. They offered sacrifices as soon as it was seen that God permitted the removal of the ark.— Dummelow. v. 14. David danced. The Hebrews had their sacred dances which were per formed on their solemn anniversaries and other great occasions of commemor ating some special token of the divine goodness and favor.— Jamieson. With all his might. Indicating violent efforts of leaping, divesting himself of his royal mantle, conduct which some might think unsuitable to the dignity' of a king.— Brown. Girded with a linen ephod. On this occasion David laid aside his im perial purple and put on a plain linen ephod which was light and convenient and which was used in religious exer cises by those who were not priests. (1 Sam. 2:18). David thought it no dis paragement to him to appear in the habit of a minister to the ark.«-Henry. v. 15. Brought the ark with shout ing. There are occasions of great re joicing when all ceremony is forgotten and no forms or experiences are suffer ed to stem the tide of enthusiasm as it gushes right from the heart. The check they had sustained three months before only damned up their feelings and they rolled out now with all the greater volume.— Exp. Bible. v. 16. Saw David dancing before the Lord. No fault is to be found with dancing like this, “ before the Lord.” The dancing to which we are most accust omed in our day is before the devil.— Torrey. Saul’s daughter despised him. Honoring God does not please worldly minds who always kick at what they call emotionalism.— Sel. She looked upon David’s holy joy as an indecent humilia tion. What a contrast with the pride of Saul which is now manifested in his daughter.— Anno. Bible. There may
have been too much abandon in David’s dancing but the spirit of this criticism (v. 20) was not God glorifying, for David’s rebuke of her seemed to have the divine sanction, (v. 23).— Gray. Little do some .people know off the springs of true enthusiasm in the serv ice of God. To their faithless eyes the ark of God is but a chest of gold and where it is kept is of little consequence. — Chadwick. The one event that marred the day was this bitter speech. There is no perfect joy in this world. Every rose has its thorn, (v. 17). Offered burnt offerings. A confession that even in connection with that very holy serv ice there were sins to be confessed, atoned for and forgiven. Our very prayers need to be purged, our tears to be wept over, our repentances repented of. Little could our best services avail us were it not for the High Priest over the house of God who ever liveth to make intercession for us.—Blaikie. In the tabernacle. “ Tent.” Not the taber nacle of Moses which was at Gibeon, (1 Chron. 16:39) but the tent David had prepared on Zion (7:1-3; cf. Ps. 132: 3-5).— Comp. Bible. Memory Verse: “ It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.” Psa. 92:1. Approach: You all look so bright and happy this morning, I just know you can answer a question for me, if you stop and think a little. How many of you can remember BEGINNERS of having some one AND PRIMARY do something for Mabel L. Merrill you that pleased you very much, or had some one give you something? Ev ery hand is up, and I just thought so for you look so happy. Whai do you say to people who give you something, or do nice things for you? “ Thank you.” That is right, and I hope you will never forget to say “ thank you” to those who show you a kindness at any time. You know boys and girls I am afraid there is one person that we often do forget to say “ thank you,” to, the One who gives us all we have. Yes, God Thanking God. 2 Sam. 6:11-19; Psalm 24:7-10.
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