MPV Commentary

David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel to begin a national movement for establishing the ark in Jerusalem. This was nearly fifty years after it had been placed in the house of Abinadab.

The second assembly took place from Baale of Judah, where a large force of picked men were selected to accompany the ark. This was done to prevent opposition or obstruction by the Philistines, and also because many people wanted to show their reverence for the sacred article. The journey to Jerusalem began at Baale, as described in 1 Chronicles 13:6.

The ark was placed on a new cart, which was a covered wagon (see 1 Samuel 6:7). However, this decision was made hastily and without consideration for the law, specifically Numbers 4:15 and 18:3, which governed the transportation of sacred objects.