Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 6:5
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of [instruments made of] fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
5. played ] The word denotes a dance accompanied by music, such as frequently formed part of a religious festival. Cp. 1Sa 18:7.
on all manner of instruments made of fir wood ] The expression is a strange one, and the text seems to be corrupt. Probably we should adopt the reading of the parallel passage in 1 Chron., with all their might and with songs. The Hebrew words are very similar, and the Sept. text here, though interpolated in its present form, supports the change.
even on harps, &c.] The harp (Heb. kinnr) and psaltery (Heb. nebel) were stringed instruments, the exact form of which is unknown; the timbrel, also called the tabret, (Heb. tph) was a tambourine or hand drum. The etymology of the word translated cornet, which occurs here only, shews that it denotes some kind of instrument which was played by being shaken, perhaps similar to the sistrum of the Egyptians, which consisted of rings hung loosely on iron rods, so as to make a tinkling sound when shaken. See the engravings in Wilkinson’s Ancient Egyptians, Vol. 1. p. 497 ff. Chron. reads “trumpets” which probably suggested the misrendering of the E. V. Cymbals were plates of metal, held in each hand, and played by being clashed together.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Played – i. e. danced to music vocal and instrumental (see Jdg 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.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
2Sa 6:5
David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord.
Joy in religion
The orchestra was probably as rustic and rude as the procession. Instruments made of fir-wood sounds strange, and probably the text should be emended from the account in 1 Chronicles, which reads, with all their might, even with songs. The instruments specified are two-stringed, and three of percussion. Castanets should be sistra, which were much used in religious ceremonies, and consisted of rings hung on iron or other metal rods, which made a harsh noise when shaken. Like Eastern music in general, it would have struck our ears as being a joyful noise, rather than a concord of sweet sounds. But it meant gladness and praise, and that was the main thing. His felt nearness should be, as the Psalmist says, the gladness of my joy. Much of our modern religion is far too gloomy, and it is thought to be a sign of devotion and spiritual-mindedness to be sad and of a mortified countenance. Unquestionably, Christianity brings men into the continual presence of very solemn truths about themselves and the world which may well sober them, and make what the world calls mirth incongruous.
There is no music in the life
That rings with idiot laughter solely.
But the Man of Sorrows said that His purpose for us was that His joy might remain in us, and that our joy might be full; and we but imperfectly apprehend the Gospel if we do not feel that its joys much more abound than its sorrows, and that they even burn brightest, like the lights on safety-buoys, when drenched by stormy seas. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 5. On all manner of instruments made of fir wood] This place should be corrected from the parallel place, 1Ch 13:8: “All Israel played before God, with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries,” c. Instead of bechol atsey, “with all woods” or “trees” the parallel place is bechol oz. “with all their strength:” this makes a good sense, the first makes none. The Septuagint, in this place, has the verse reading; , with might.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
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 g;
even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals; harps, psalteries, and timbrels, are frequently met with; cornets, according to Kimchi, are such sort of instruments, that in playing upon them it required an agitation of the whole body. Now it was that David penned the sixty eighth psalm, which begins, “let God arise”, &c. Ps 68:1, words used by Moses when the ark set forward, Nu 10:35.
g Suidas in voce .
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(5) Played.This word means dancing accompanied by music. (See 1Sa. 18:7; 1Sa. 21:11, 1Ch. 13:8; 1Ch. 15:29, &c.)
On all manner of instruments made of fir wood.Instead of this strange expression, the parallel passage in 1Ch. 13:8 has with all their might and with songs. The difference between the two is very slight in the Hebrew, and it is generally thought that the latter is the correct reading. The variation, however, mast have been ancient, since the LXX. combines the two.
Cornets.This word occurs only here, and is thought from its etymology to mean some kind of metal instrument with bells or rings, which gave forth its sound on being shaken. The Vulg. translates sistra. Instead of it Chronicles has trumpets.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
5. Played before the Lord Danced, and sang, and played on the musical instruments here mentioned.
All manner of instruments of fir wood This is properly regarded by most commentators as a corruption of the more correct reading of 1Ch 13:8: with all their might and with songs.
Harps psalteries timbrels See note on 1Sa 10:5.
Cornets Rather, sistra; for the original Hebrew word occurs here only, and seems clearly to mean the sistrum, an instrument of Egyptian origin, which was used by taking it in the right hand and shaking it. The cornet was a sort of horn.
Cymbals Instruments consisting of two convex pieces of metal, which when struck together made a loud clanging sound.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘ And David and all the house of Israel played before YHWH with all manner of instruments made of fir-wood, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with tambourines, and with castanets, and with cymbals.’
While the cart was making its journey it was accompanied by the ecstatic crowds, who played on all kinds of musical instruments before YHWH. It was the celebration of a great occasion, and there would be much singing and dancing. All would be filled with joy at the thought that YHWH’s throne would once more be among them. David never forgot Who the real King was.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
2Sa 6:5. On all manner of instruments made of fir-wood In the Hebrew, on all fir-wood. In the parallel place, 1Ch 13:8 it is, with all their might, and with singing, which is in all respects the preferable reading: for the word atzei, translated fir-wood, is not used for musical instruments; and besides, it is not probable that all the musical instruments were made of the same species of wood, whether fir, or cypress as some translate.
REFLECTIONS.Long had the ark lain neglected in the house of Abinadab: we find but once mention made of consulting God before it during all Saul’s reign; but David knew the value of that sacred treasure, and therefore prepared to remove it to a place more suited to its reception.
1. He speaks highly of the ark, from its relation to God, whose presence made it glorious, and who was pleased to dwell between the cherubims. Note; (1.) It is God’s presence in all ordinances that makes them glorious. (2.) They who have high thoughts of God, will reverence all his holy institutions.
2. He makes great preparations to attend it with a magnificent retinue, in solemn pomp and holy joy. Thirty thousand men, the flower of his army, to guard it; the prime nobility, elders, and great men, out of all the tribes, and instruments of music of all kinds, himself leading the sacred band; and accounting himself honoured, though a king, in this employment of praise and humble attendance before the God of Israel. Note; (1.) The greatest kings need not think it any disparagement to their dignity, to join with the meanest Israelite before that God who regardeth not the persons of the rich more than of the poor. (2.) Sacred psalmody always revives, whenever God revives a spirit of religion.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
(5) And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
Some have thought that David composed Psa 68 for this occasion. If so, there is much of Christ in it, which plainly proves how well informed the mind of David must have been concerning Jesus. It is remarkable that David opens the subject in words similar to those of Moses upon the like occasion. See Num 10:35-36 . And from hence, it is as evident, the mind of Moses had the same views. I cannot stay in this place to particularize: but, if the Reader will turn to Psa 68 and to notice no more, will compare only Psa 68:18 with the triumphal ascension of Jesus, and call to mind what those ascension gifts Of our Jesus are, and how they have been bestowed, and still are bestowing; I think his mind will be led to admire the faith of the patriarchs, equal to that of the highest modern Christians. See Heb 11:24-28 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
“Handfuls of Purpose”
For All Gleaners
“And David and all (he house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments.” 2Sa 6:5 .
Variety of worship is an idea suggested by this circumstance. All the instruments differed one from the other, but the subject of the holy song was the same: all the music spoke the same eloquence and adored the same Lord. The instruments were made of fir wood; they were harps, psalteries, timbrels, cornets and cymbals; and all these various instruments concurred in one lofty and thrilling tribute of praise. What applies to instruments applies to faculties and to attributes of every kind offered upon the altar of religion to the glory and honour of God. One man has a harp, another has a timbrel, another a cornet, and another clashes the cymbals to express his religious emotion and aspiration: one man is eloquent, another liberal, another sympathetic, another wise in counsel, another tender in prayer, another powerful in argument; all these are required to make up the great ministry of the cross. The ministry is not fully represented in any one man; it is only represented in the sum total of its members. The harp must not be silent because the psaltery is not played, or the cornet, or the cymbals. If the harp cannot have company, it must offer its own tribute; even if the cymbals have to be heard alone they must not be ashamed of their offering. Better indeed that all the instruments should concur in one sacred offering of praise, but if any instrument persist in keeping silence, the silent instrument must not deter others from doing what they can to extend the kingdom and multiply the praise of God. The greatest mistake which the Church can make is to turn monotony into an idol. This is a practical danger. How much like one another are ministers of the Gospel! Who can tell one clergyman from another? What a disposition there is to formulate all worship, to give it iron shape and inflexible direction. Where is individuality? where is spontaneity? Where is enthusiasm? Because the harp is not a cymbal, is it therefore not an instrument of music? Because the timbrel differs from the cornet, is it therefore unworthy to express the praise of Almighty God? Some men are learned, dry, tedious, and to popular criticism they present the aspect of nuisances; but they are really doing a very necessary and effective work in the Church, in guarding many approaches to the citadel against the attacks of men who are cultivated, subtle, and desperate in their hostility. Other men are popular because they are eloquent, effective, almost ostentatious in service, and they are apt to be sneered at by those who are labouring in secret, toiling over difficult passages of history, and searching into the meaning of recondite terms and usages. All this is worse than useless; it is most mischievous, it is divisive, it is enfeebling, it is disheartening. The complete idea of praise is that which brings within its range all manner of men, all manner of instruments, and all manner of methods. As the Church grows in wisdom and in love it will grow in inclusiveness of recognition and sympathy.
Fuente: The People’s Bible by Joseph Parker
2Sa 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of [instruments made of] fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
Ver. 5. Played before the Lord. ] According to the custom of that country, and the condition of those times.
Before the Lord,
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.
instruments made of fir wood. The Septuagint reads “with all boldness and with songs”. See 2Sa 6:14 and 1Ch 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 Exo 15:20.
cymbals = timbrels, or tambourines. Hebrew. zilzilim. See note on 1Ch 13:8.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
David: 1Sa 10:5, 1Sa 16:16, 2Ki 3:15, 1Ch 13:8, 1Ch 15:10-24, Psa 47:5, Psa 68:25-27, Psa 150:3-5, Dan 3:5, Dan 3:7, Dan 3:10, Dan 3:15, Amo 5:23, Amo 6:5
on all manner: This place should doubtless be corrected from the parallel place, 1Ch 13:8; where, instead of bechol atzey beroshim, which is literally, “with all trees or wood of fir,” we read bechol oz oovesheerim, “with all their might, and with songs.” This makes a good sense, while the former makes none: the LXX have the same reading here, , .
Reciprocal: Exo 15:20 – all the 2Sa 6:21 – play 1Ki 5:8 – timber of fir 2Ch 20:28 – with psalteries Psa 33:2 – Praise Psa 43:4 – upon Rev 14:2 – harpers
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
6:5 And David and all the house of Israel {c} played before the LORD on all manner of [instruments made of] fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
(c) Praised God, and sang Psalms.