_an ephod of linen_] worn exceptionally by David for the purpose of the religious procession. A linen ephod was the ordinary vestment for all priests (1 Samuel xxii. 18). The high-priest’s ephod was a more elaborate garment (Exodus xxviii. 6‒12), fitted with the means of divination (1 Samuel xxiii. 6, 9‒12). ²⁸Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, sounding aloud with psalteries and harps. =28.= _with shouting_] The Hebrew word (_tĕrū‘ah_) is technical in the sense of _a blast_ with the festal trumpets (Numbers x. 1‒10), and in this sense it should be taken here, since the Chronicler has expanded the account given in Samuel by introducing a mention of these trumpets. ²⁹And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at the window, and saw king David dancing and playing; and she despised him in her heart. =29.= _playing_] a synonym of _dancing_, obsolete in modern English. The closest rendering is perhaps, =leaping as in sport=. The unrestrained joyousness of this action might easily degenerate (as in idolatrous worship) into licence. The Chronicler omits to say that the dancing was “before the Lord” (2 Samuel vi. 16). David’s subsequent interview with Michal (2 Samuel vi. verses 20‒23) is also passed over in Chronicles. CHAPTER XVI. ¹And they brought in the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. =1.= _the tent_] Compare xv. 1, note. _they offered_] In 2 Samuel vi. 17, _David offered_. The Chronicler associates the elders with David as in xv. 26. _burnt offerings_] Compare Leviticus i. 1‒9. _peace offerings_] The “peace offering” (Hebrew _shelem_) was a thank-offering or an offering made in expiation of a vow; compare Proverbs vii. 14. ²And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. =2.= _blessed the people_] Compare 2 Chronicles vi. 3. ³And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a portion _of flesh_¹, and a cake of raisins. ¹ Or, _of wine_. =3.= _a loaf of bread_] A flat round cake such as is still made in Egypt is meant. _a portion_ of flesh] margin “of wine.” The meaning of the Hebrew word is unknown. _Of flesh_ is rightly in italics here as in 2 Samuel vi. 19. _a cake of raisins_] Compare Isaiah xvi. 7 (Revised Version) where the same Hebrew word is used. =4‒6= (compare verses 37, 38). DAVID’S ARRANGEMENTS FOR MINISTRATION BEFORE THE ARK. ⁴And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to celebrate and to thank and praise the LORD, the God of Israel: