The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 172

Yer. 11.-God's blessing abuUng with tlie ark. Divine cbastieemente and Divine benedictions have in thie world the same end in view-the jromotion of true religion. 'l'he judgmeut on Uzzah and the blessing on the house of Obe -Edom were e.like intended to reawaken a living faith and piety in the nation, by showing that Jehove.b, the living God, w&s amongst them, and was still prepared to honour his own institutions ·e.nd bless those who honoured them, whilst those who dishonoured them would incur hie displee.sure. Obed-Edom honoured God by receiving the ark into his house and caring for it; and, in return, God's blessing rested on him and all his. They act a similar part. who receive into their homes and honour there God's book, God's servants, God's poor; those also who establish in their houses the practice of family worship, and keep alive in their families a warm interest in all that concerns the Church and kingdom of God, They and theirs enjoy the abiding presence and blessing of him who has said, "Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed" (1 Sam. ii. 30). Notice- I. THE U."TRODUCTION OF THE ARK INTO TIIE HOUSE OF 0BED-EDO:M. It was owing to the panic occasioned by the death of Uzzah. May illustrate the apparently accidental circumstances which have sometimes introduced religion and the practice of family worship into families. Il. THE WELOOME IT RECEIVED. Obed-Edom, in this instance, excelled David. The alarm excited by Uzzah's death did not deter him from receiving the ark into his house. Faith subdued fear. He may well have felt that the act would be well-pleasincr to God; that it would bring him and his nearer to God; that the ark would sanctify his home andj,urn it as into a temple; and that it could and would occasion no harm to those who honoured it for God's sake. So should the things, persons, and practices that bring God nearer to a household be welcomed ; and so will they be welcomed by such as have begun to reverence a.nd love him. ill. THE BLESSING WIIICII ACCOMPANIED IT. "The Lord blessed Obed-Edom, and all his household." What form God's blessing took in this case, so that in the course of three months it could become manifest to others, we are not told ; perhaps some marked increase of worldly prosperity. And such an indication of God's blessing is not uncommon in households where piety rules. But there are other blessings of God which to his children a.re more precious, and which are to be confidently expected by families which honour him. 1. .A pervading sense of Gori's presence and love. This would surely result from having the ark in the house; and not less is it the result of having a Bible which is really valued and consulted, and a family altar. 2. The enjoyment of the Divine Spirit. The actual living operation of the present God on the conscience, heart, and life. He" gives his Holy Spirit to them that ask him." As the result of these : 3. .A new sricredness given to family life and duty. The presence of the ark in the house would sanctify everything there, making the relationships sacred, and turning common duties into holy rites. Hence: 4. Higher and more steadfast family affection8. Love to each other sanctified and elevated by common love to the heavenly Father and Divine Brother and Friend; unselfishness; unity; mutual helpfulness. 5. More cheerful andfru, and therefure stricter, obedience to the Divine laws. The will of God as to the duties of parents, children, and servants, and of all towards those without, shining in a diviner light, better understood, and better practised. Hence the virtues which promote material and social welfare. 6. Family MP'Piness. Springing naturally, as we say, but none the less as the result of the Divine appointment and active bless- ing, from such living. Happiness in and from the daily round of duty and affection. Happiness in the enjoyment together of God's gifts. Peace in trouble. Hope when one departs to the bett.er home; a sense of union still (" We are seven "), and assurance of reunion in due time. 7. Moral and spiritual fruitfulness. Such a family dwells in an atmosphere highly favourable for the production aud growth of piety and all moral excellence in those connected with it. It is a nursery for the Church. From such the best Christians and Christian workers go forth. Similar family life is multiplied and perpetWl.ted in the subsequent homes of sons and daughters. IV. THE EFFECT OF THE BLESSING Oli DAVID. He was reassured, and took measures, at once more according to the Law and more successful, for fulfilling his purpose to bring the ark to Zion. Similarly, the aspect presented by families which serve God and manifestly enjoy his blessing is adapted to incite, and has often incited, others to OJT, VJ, 1-23.] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 177