1 Chronicles 13:2

“And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, etc.] To the above persons, as representatives of it: if it seem good unto you, and that it be of the Lord our God; if it could be thought by them a good and useful thing, and agreeable to the will of God, and would make for his glory: let us send abroad unto our brethren everywhere that are left in all the land of Israel; that were not then present with them, even all the common people; whom David, though king, owns as his brethren; nor is his antitype ashamed to own this relation between him and his people, (<580211>Hebrews 2:11) and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs: given to them in the…”

“If it seem good unto you, and . . . it be of the Lord--that is, I shall conclude that this favorite measure of mine is agreeable to the mind of God, if it receive your hearty concurrence. let us send abroad to our brethren everywhere--He wished to make it known throughout the country, in order that there might be a general assembly of the nation, and that preparations might be made on a scale and of a kind suitable to the inauguration of the august ceremonial. with them also to the priests and Levites . . . in their cities and suburbs--(See on Num 35:2). The original terms, "Let us send," imply immediate execution; and, doubtless, the publication of the royal edict would have been followed…”

“David said - After this was proposed by the king and accepted by the people, this great assembly was dismissed, only some of them David reserved to go with him against Jerusalem, which accordingly he did, and succeeded in his enterprize. But before this resolution could be executed, the Philistines came and fought twice with David, as is related Sa2 5:17, Sa2 5:22, &c. and here Ch1 14:8, &c. And after they were repulsed with great loss and shame, David sets upon the execution of what he had resolved, and in order to it calls another general assembly of the people. Of the Lord - If this translation of the ark be pleasing to God. Are left - After the great desolations and destructions which…”

“If it seem: Kg1 12:7; Kg2 9:15; Pro 15:22; Plm 1:8, Plm 1:9 and that it be: Exo 18:23; Sa2 7:2-5 send abroad: Heb. break forth, and send left: Ch1 10:7; Sa1 31:1; Isa 37:4 the priests: Ch1 15:2-14; Num. 4:4-20; 2Chr. 31:4-21 their cities and suburbs: Heb. the cities of their suburbs, 1Chr. 6:54-81; Num 35:2-9 1 Chronicles 13:3”