Chapter XXX
Ver. 1-5. The Amalekites Si'oil Ziklao. 1. the Amalf^kites l»ad invaded tlie south, and Ziklaff—Wli ilo the strength of the Philistine foi-ces was poured out of tlieir country into the plain of Esdraelon, the Anialekite marandei'S seized the opportunity of the def(;nccU'ss state of Philisfia to Invade the .southern terrltoi-y. Of cotn-se, David's town suffered from the ravages of these nomad plunderers, in revenge for his recent raid upon llielr territory. 'A. they i^lew not any, either great or small, l>nt carried them away captive — Their conduct seems to Stand In favourable contrast to that of David (eh. 07. 11). liut their apparent clemency did notarise from luimane Con.slderatl(>ns. It Is traceal)Ie to the ancient war usages of the East., where the men of war, on the caiiiure of a city, were unsparingly put to death, but there were no
Influential party of adherents to his cause he could count within his own tribe.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Ver. 1-7. Saul having Lost his Army at (Gilboa, and ms Sons ni'UNa Slain, hk and his .\k»ioukBr.AREU Kill tukmsblvks. 1. Now the Phillsdncs
TUlinyx Brouyht of SauTs Death. 2 SAMUEL I. David Laments Saul and Jonathcm.
fougltt ngainst Israel— In a regular engagement, in
In the towns and villages there to take fright and flee, for had they waited the arrival of the victors, they must, according to the war-usages of the time, have been deprived either of their liberty or their lives.
V. liicli the two armies met (ch. is. 1-4), the Israelites were forced to gi ve way, being annoyed by the arrows of tlie enemy, which, destroying them at a distance before they came to close combat, tlirew tliem Into panic and disorder. Talcing advantage of tlie lieights of Mount Gilboa, they attempted to rally, but in vain. Saul and liis sons fought like heroes; but the onset of tlie Pliilistines being at length mainly directed against the quarter wliere they were, Jonatlian and two brotliers, Abinadab or Isliui (ch. U. -19) aud Melcliislma, overpowered by numl^ers, were killed on the spot. 3. the battle went sore a.galnst
8-10. The Phimstines TiitUMi^H over their Dead Bodies. 8. on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, tliey found Saiil and liis three sons fallen—On discovering the corpses of the .slaughtered princes on the battle-field, the enemy reserved them for special indignities. They consecrated the armour of the king and his sons to the temple of Ashtarotli, fastened their bodies on the temple of Shen, while they fixed the royal heads ignominiously In the temple of Dagon (1 Chronicles 10.10); thus dividing the glory among their several deities. 10. to the wall—(2 Samuel 21. 12)—" the street" of Beth-shan. The street was called from the temple which stood in It. And they had to go along It to the wall of the city (see Joshua 17. 11).
Saiil, &c. — Ue seems to have bravely maintained liis ground for some time longer; but exiiausted witli fatigue and loss of blood, and dreading tliat if lie fell alive into the enemy's hands, they would insolently maltreat him (Joshua 8. 29; 10. 24; Judges 8. 21), he requested his armourbearer to despatch him, which, ho-wever, that officer refused to do. Saul then falling on tlie point of his sword killed himself; and the armour-bearer, who, according to Jewish writers, was Doeg, following the example of his master, put an end to his life also. They died by one and the same sword—the very weapon with whicli they had massacred the Lord's servants at Nob. 6. So Saul died (see on 1 Chronicles 10. 13, 14; Hosea 18. 11), aiid his three sons—The influence of a directing Providence is evidently to be traced in permitting the death of Saul's three eldest and most energetic sons, particularly that of Jonathan, for whom, had he survived his father, a strong party would undoubtedly have risen, and thus obstructed the path of David to the throne, and all Ills men, tliat same day together—His servants oibody-guard (1 Cliron-
11-13. The Men of Jabesh-gilead Recover the Bodies, and Bury them at Jabesh. 11-13. the inliabitants of Jabesh-gilead lieard of that which tlic Philistines l»ad done—Mindful of the important and timely services Saul had rendered them, they gratefully and heroically resolved not to sulTer such indignities to
be inflicted on the remains of the royal family. 13. they went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons—Considering that Beth-shan is an hour and a half's distance, and by a narrow upland passage, to the west of the Jordan—the whole being a, journey from Jabesh-gllead of about ten miles, they must have made all expedition to travel thither to carry off the headless bodies, and return to their own side of the Jordan In the course of a single night, burnt tli<.™— This was not a Hebrew custom. It was probably resorted
Icles 10. 6). 7 . tlie men of Israel thiat were on the other Bide of the valley—Probably the valley of Jezreel—the largest and southernmost of the valley.? that run between Little Hermon and the ridges of the Gilboa range direct Into the Jordan valley. It was very natural for the people
to on this occasion to prevent all risk of the Bethshan-
ites coming to disinter the I'oyal remains for further insult.
THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL,
otherwise called THE SECOND BOOK OF THE KINGS.
the elbow; an ancient mark of ro.yal dignity. It is still worn by kings in some Eastern countries. 13-15. David said unto the young man, Wlicnce art tliouT—The man had at the outset stated who he was. But the question was nov/ formally and judicially put. The punishment inflicted on the Amalekites may seem too severe, but the respect paid lo kings in the West must not bo regarded as the standard for tha t which the East may think due to royal station. David's reverence for Saul, asi the Lord's anointed, was in his mind a principle on which he had faithfully acted on several occasions of great temptation. In present circumstances it was especially Important that his principle should be publicly known ; and to free himself from the imputation of being in any way accessory to the execral)le crime of regicide was the part of a righteous judge, no less than of a good politician.
Ver. 1-lC. An .Vjialekite Brings Tidinos of Saul's Dbath. 1. I>avld abode two days in Zilclag—Though greatly reduced by the Amalekite incendiaries, that town Bras not so compIeteI,v sacked and destro.ved, but David and his 600 followers, with their families, could still tind some accommodation. !i-l!J. a man came out of tlie camp from Sanl—.\s the narrative of Saul's death, given in the last chapter, is inspired, It must be considered the true account, and the Ainalekite's story a f5(tt!on of his own, invented to ingratiate himself with David, the presumptive successor to the throne. David's question, "How went the matter?" evinces the deep Interest he took In the war—an interoKt that sprang from feelings of high and generous patriotism—not from views of ambition. The .\rr.aleklte, however,.|udging him to be actuated by a selfish principle, fabricated a story Improbable and inconsistent, which he thought would procure him a reward. Having probably witnessed the suicidal act of Saul, he thought of turning It to his own account, and sutTered the penalty of his grievousl.v mistaken calculation (cf. I). 9 with 1 Samuel 31.4,5). 10. liie crown-
17-27. David I/aments Saul and Jonathan. IT, David lamented with tltls lamentation—It has always been customary for Eastern people, on the death of great kings and warriors, to celebrate their qualities and deeds In funeral songs. This Initniti'.ble pathetic elegy Is sujjposed b.v many writers to have become a national warsong, and to have been taught to the young Israelites under the name of "The Bow," In conformity with the practice of Hebrew and many classical writers hi giving
small metallic cap or wreath, which encin-Ied the temples, serving the purpose of a helmet, with a very small horn projecting In front, as the embl<;m of power, tlie bracelet that wua on his arm—The armlet worn above
titles to their songs from the principal theme (Psalm
David Goes to Hebron, and is viade King. 2 SAMUEL II, 111. Asahel Slain by Abner,
56.. 45.; 60.; 80.; 100.) AUhongli the words "use of" are a supplement by our translators, they may be riglitly introduced, for the natural sense of this parenthetical verse
dom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner. Ish-bosheth—or Esh-baal (1 Chronicles 8. 3S; 9. 39). The Helirews usually changed names ending with Baal into Boslieth (shame) (cf. Judges 9. iVJ with ch. 11. '21). This prince was so called from his imbecility. Abner—Was first cousin of Saul, commander of the forces, and held in high respect throughout thecountry. Loyalty to the house of his late master was mixed up w ith opposition to David, and views of personal ambition in his originating this factious movement. He, too, was alive to the importance of securing the eastern tribes; so, taking Ish-bosheth across the Jordan, he proclaimed him king at Slalianaim, a town on the north bank of the Jabbok, hallowed in patriarchal times by the Divine presence (Gene-
is, that Pavid took immediate measures for instructing
tlie people in the knowledge and practice of archery, their great inferiority to tlie enemy in tliis military arm having been the main cause of the late national disaster. 19. tlie beauty of Israel Hi., the gazelle or antelope of
Israel. In Eastern countries, that animal is the chosen type of beauty and symmetrical elegance of form, liow are tKe miglity fallen I—Tliis forms the chorus. 31. let
tliere be no dew, neitlier let tlierc be rain—To be deprived of the genial atmospheric influences which, in those anciently cultivated hills, seem to have reared plenty of flrst-fruits in the corn harvests, wa.s specified as the greatest calamity the lacerated feelings of the poet could imagine. The curse seems still to lie upon them;
sis 32. 2). There he rallied the tribes around the standard of the unfortunate son of Saul. 9. over Gilead—used in a loose sense for the land beyond Jordan. Ashurltes— The tribe of Asher in tlie extreme north. Jezreel—The extensive valley bordering on the central tribes, over all Israel . . . but Judah — David neither could nor would force matters; but was content to wait God's time, and studiously avoided any collision with the rival king,
for the mountains of Gilboa are naked and sterile, tlie
glilcld of tlic migbty is vilely cast away—To cast away the shield was counted a national disgrace. Yet, on that
fatal battle of Gilboa, many of the Jewish soldiers, wlio had displayed unflinching valour in former battles, forgetful of their own reputation and their country's honour, tlirew away their shields and fled from the field. Tliis dishonourable and cowardly conduct is alluded to witli exquisitely touching pathos. 34. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, &c.—The fondness for dress, wliich anciently distinguished Oriental women, is their character-
till, at the lap.se of two years, hostilities were threatened from that quarter. 13. Abner . . . and the sei-vants of Ish-1>oslieth went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon This town was near tlie confines of Judah, and as the force with which Abner encamped there seemed to have some aggressive design, David sent an army of observation, under the command of Joab, to watch his movements. 14. Abner said to Joab, Jjet the young men arise and play before us—.Some think that the proposal was only
istic still. It appears in their love of bright, gay, and divers colours, in profuse display of ornaments, and in various other forms. Tlie inmost depths of the poet's feeling are stirred, and his amiable disposition appears in the strong desire to celebrate the good qualities of Saul as well as Jonathan. But the praises of tlie latter form tlie burden of tlie poem, which begins and ends with that excellent prince.
for an exhibition of a little tilting match for diversion. Others suppose that, both parties being reluctant to commence a civil war, Abner proposed to leave the contest to the decision of twelve picked men on either side. This
fight by championship, instead of terminating the mat-
ter, inflamed the fiercest passions of the two rival parties
a general engagement ensued, in which Abner and his forces were defeated and put to flight.
19-22. ASAHEI^ Slain. 19. Asahel pursued after Abner—To gain the general's armour was deemed the gi'andest trophy. Asahel, ambitious of securing Abner's, had outstripped all other pursuers, and was fast making on the retreating commander, who, conscious of possessing more physical power, .and nnwilllng that there should be "blood" between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother twice urged him to desist. The impetuous young soldier being deaf to the generous remonstrance, the veteran raised the pointed butt of his lance, as the modern Arabs do wlien pursued, and, with a sudden back-thrust, transfixed him on the spot, so that he fell, and lay weltering in his blood. But Joab and Abishal continued the pursuit, by another route till sunset. On reaching a rising ground, and receiving a fresh reinforcement of some Benjamitos, Abner rallied his scattered troops, andearnestly appealed
Ver. 1-7. David, by God's Direction, Goes up to Hebuon, and is made King over Judah. 1. David inquired of the Lord—By Urim (1 Samuel 23.6,9; 30.7
K.) He knew his destination, but he knew also that the providence of God would pave the way; and therefore would take no step in such a crisis of his own and tlie nation's history, without asking an<l obtaining the Divine direction. He was told to go into Judah, and fix his headquarters in Hebron, whither he accordingly repaired with liis now considerable force. There his interests were very powerful ; for he was not only within his own tribe, and near chiefs with whom he had been long in friendly relations (see on 1 Samuel 30. 26-31), but Hebron was tlie capital and centre of Judah, and one of the lycvitical
cities; the inhabitants of which were strongly attached to him, both from sympathy with hi.s cause ever aince the massacre at Nob, and from the prospect of realizing In his person their promised pre-eminence among the
to Joab's better feelings to stop the further efl'uslon of blood, which, if continued, would lead to more serious consequences—a destructive civil war. Joab, while upbraiding Ills opponent as the sole cause of the fray, felt the
tribes. The princes of .ludah, therefore, oMored him the crown over tlicir tribe, and it was accepted. More could
force of the appeal, and led off" his men; while Abner ))robably dreading a renewal of the attack when .Toab should learn his brother's fate, and vow fierce revenge, endeavoured, by a forced march, to cross tlie Jonian that night. On David's side the lo.ss was only nineteen men, besides Asahel. But of Ish-bosheth's party there fell three hundred and sixty. This skirmish Is exactly similar to the battles of the Homeric warriors, amongst whom. In the flight of one, the pursuit by another, and the dialogue held between them, there is vividly represented the style of ancient warfare.
not, with prudence, be done in the circumstances of llie country (1 Chronicles 11.3). 5-7. David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead—There can be no doubt that this message of thanks for tlieir bold and dangerous enterprise in rescuing the bodies of .Saul and his sons was an expression of David's personal and genuine feeling of Batisfaetion. At the same time, It was a stroke of sound and timely policy. In this view the announcement of his royal pow(^r in Judah, accompanied by the pledge of his protection to the men of Jabesh-gilead, should they
l)e exposed to danger for tlu^ir ad venture at Beth-slum, would lieiirnn important significance In all parts of the ct>untry, and hold out an assurance that he would render them the same timely and energetic succour that SanI had done at the beginning of his reign.
Ver. 1-.'). Six Sons Born TO David. 1. there was long' war between the hotise of Saul antl the house of David—The rlv.il parties had varying success, but David's Interest steadily Increased; less, however, by tlie fortunes of war, than a growing adherence to him as the divinely
8-17. AiiNEK Makios Isii-nosiiETii KrNfj ovei{ Isiiaeu 8-17. Aimer, Non of Ncr, captain of .Saul's host, took l»h-Iio»heth—Hero was the establishment of a rival king-
AhMr Revolts to David 2 SAMUEL IV. Joah Kills Abner,
designated king. 3. unto David were sons bom in Hebron—Tlie six sons mentioned had all diffei'ent moth-
cepted by David, the guilt and infamy of the transaction wei'e exclusively his.
ers. 3. Cbileab—(his fatliei''s pictuie)—called also Daniel
22-30. JOAB Kills Abxer. 24. Joal> came to tlie kin^ and said, AVhat hast tliou donel—Joab's knowledge of Abner's wily character might have led him to doubt the sincerity of that person's proposals, and to disapprove the policy of relying on his fidelity. But undoubtedly there were other reasons of a private and personal nature which made Joab displeased and alarmed by the reception given to Abner. The military talents of that general, his poiiularity with the army, his influence throughout the nation, rendered him a formidable rival; and in the event of his overtures being carried out, the important service of bringing over all the other tribes to the king of Judah would establish so strong a claim on the gratitude of David, that his accession would inevitably raise a serious obstacle to the ambition of Joab. To these considerations was added the remembrance of the blood-feud that existed between them since the death of his brother Asahel (ch. 2. 23). Determined, therefore, to get Abner out of the way, Joab feigned some reason, probably in the king's name, for recalling him, and, going out to meet him, stabbed him unawares; not within Hebron, for it was a city of refuge, but at a noted well in the neighbourhood. 31. David said to Joab, and to all the people that -were witli liim, Rend yonr clothes; gird you witli snckclotik—David's sorrow was sincere and profound, and he took occasion to give it public expression by tlie funereal lioiiours he appointed for Abner. King David liiinself followed the bier-^A sort, of wooden frame, partly resembling a coffin, ami partly a hand-barrow. 33, 34. the king lamented over Abner—This brief elegy is an effusion of indignation as much as of soiTOw. As Abiier had stabbed Asahel in open war, Joab had not the right of the Goel; and, besides, liad adopted a lawless and execrable method of obtaining satisfaction (see on 1 Kings 2. 5). The deed was an insult lo the authority, as well as most damaging to the prospects of
(] Chronieles 3. 1). Maacab, tlie daugliter of Talmai, king of Geshur—A region in Syria, north of Israel. This marriage seems to have been a political match, made by David, witli a view to strengthen himself again.st Ish-
boslietli's party, by the aid of a powerful friend and ally In the north. Piety was made to j'ield to policy, and the
'>ilter fruits of this alliance M'ith a heathen prince he reaped in the life of the turbulent Absalom. 5. Eglali, David's wife—This addition has led many to think that ICglah was another name for Michal, the first and proper wife, wlio, though she had no family after hex insolent ridicule of David (ch. 6. 23), might have had a child before.
0-12. Abxek Revolts to David. 6-11. Abner made himself strong for the liouse of SaiU—In the East, the Mivcs and concubines of a king are the property of his srccessor to tliis extent, that for a private person to aspire
to marry one of them would be considered a virtual advance of pretensions to the crown (see on 1 Kings 2. 17). It is not clear whether the accusation against Abner was well or ill founded. But he resented the chai'ge as an indignity, and, impelled by revenge, detefmined to transfer
all the weiglit of his influence to the opposite party. He evidently set a full value on his services, and seems to have lorded it over his weak uepliew in a haughty, overbearing manner. 1^. Abner sent messengers to David —^Though Ills language implied a secret conviction, tliat in supporting Ish-bosheth hehad been labouring to fi ustrate the Divine purpose of conferring the .sovereignty of the kingdom on David, this acknowledgment was no justification eitlier of the measure he was now adopting, or of the motives that prompted it. Nor does it seem possible to upliold tlie full integrity and honour of David's conduct In entertaining his secret overtures for undermining Ishbosheth, except we take into account the Divine promise of the kingdom, and his belief that tlie secession of Abner was a means designed by Providence for accomplishing it, riie demand for the restoration of his wife Miclial was perfectly fair ; but David's insisting on it at tliat particular moment, as an indispensable condition of his entering into any treaty witli Abner, seems to have proceeded not so much from a lingering attachment as from an expectation that his possession of lier would incline some adlierents of the house of Saul to be favourable to his caus(\ 17-^1. Abner Itad communication witik tlie elders of Israel—He spoke tlie truth in impressing their minds witli llie well-known fact of David's Divine designation to tlie kingdom. But he acted a base and hypocritical part in pretending that his present movement was prompted by religious motives, when it sprang entirely from malice and revenge against Ish-bosheth. The particular appeal of the Benjamites was a necessary policy; their tribe enjoyed the honour of giving birth to the royal dynasty of Saul; they would naturally be disinclined to lose tUat preiitiffe. They were, besides, a determined people, whose contiguity to Judah might render them troublesome and dangerou.s. Tlie enlistment of their interest, therefore. In the scheme, would smootli the way for the adtieslon of tlie other tribes ; and Abner enjo.yed the most convenient opportunity of using his great influence in gaining over that tribe while escorting Michal to David with a suitable equipage. The mission enabled him to cover his treacherous designs against his master—to draw the attention of theelders and people to David as uniting in himself tliedouble recommendation of being the nominee of Jehovah, no less than a connection of tlic royal house of .Saul, and, without suspicion of any dishonourable motives, to advocate policy of terminating the civil discord, by bestowing the sovereignly on the liusband of Michal. In the same character of public aml)assador, he was received and fetx>d by David; and while, ostensibly, the restoration of Michal wiLS the sole object of his visit, Ue busily employed himself in making private overtures to Davic^for bringing over to his cause those tribes which he had artfully .seduced. Abner pursued a course unworthy of an honourable man ; and lliough his offer was ac-
tlie king. But David's feelings and conduct on hearing of tlie death, together witli the wliole character and ac'- companiments of the funeral solemnity, tended not only
to remove all suspicion of guilt from him, but even to turn t!ie tide of popular opinion in his favour, and to pave the way for his reigning over all the tribes more honourably than by the treacherous negotiations of Abner.
CHAPTEE IV.
Ver. 1-8. Baanah and Rechab Slay Ish-bosheth, AND Bring his Head toTeIebkon. 4. Jonath.in, Saul's son, lind a son tliat was lame of his feet—This is mentioned as a reason for his being considered, according to Oriental notions, unfit for exercising the duties of sovereignty. 5. Kechab and Baanali went and came about
tlie heat of the day to tlie liouse of Ish-bosheth, &c.—
It is still a custom in tlie East to allow their soldiers a certain quantity of corn, togetlier witli some pay; and these two captains very naturally went to the palace the day before to fetch wheat, in order to distribute it to the soldiers, that it might be sent to the mill at (he iiccustomed hour in tlie morning. 7. when they came into the house, he lay on his bed—Rechab and Haanali came in thelieat.of the day, when they knew that Ish-l)0slieth, their master, would be restingon his divan; and as it was necessary, for the reason just given, to have the corn the day before it was needed, their coming at that time, though it might be a little earlier than usual, created no susi)icion, and attracted no notice. IIIakmkk.] gat them away through the plain all night— e., th<' valley of the Jordan, through which their way lay from Malianai)n to II< bron. S. They brought the head of Ish-boshetll unto David, and said, Heboid tlie head of Ish-bosheth —Such bloody trophies of rebels and cons|)irators have always been acceptable to jtriiices In tlie I'.ast, and the carriers been liberaU.y rewanled. Ish-boslieth being a usurper, tlie two assassins thought they wei'e doing a meritorious service to David by removing the only exist ing obstacle to t!ie union of the two kingdoms.
Paviil Tain Zionfrrna the Jebiisiles. 2 SAMUEL V, VI. He Brings the Ark from Kirjath-jcarim.
10-12. Oavtd Cafsks TiiF.M to p,k Put to Death. 11. slew ISit'in, an<l cut ofi" Sheir Itniids and tUeir feet—As the instnmieiits in iK i-petnilint; tlieir crime. The exposure of tlie mutilated remains was intended as not only a punishment of their crime, but also the attestation of David's abliorreuce.
west. It was the route by which they marched again.st Jerusalem. The " hold" to whicli David went down " was some fortified place where he might oppose the progress of the invaders," and where he signally defeated fhein. 31. there tliey left their images—Probably their lares or household deities, which they had brought into the field to fight for them. They were burnt as ordained by law (Deuteronomy 7. 5). 23. the Philistines came up yet again—The next year they renewed their ho.stile attempt with a larger force, but God manifestly interposed in David's favour. 34. the sound of a going in the tops of the mulljerrjtrees—Now generally thought not to lie mull)erry trees, but some other tree, most probably
Ver. 1-). The Tribes Anoint David Kino over IsKAKU 1. Tlien caine all ttie tribes of Isi-ael—A combined de))Utiition of the lending authorities in every
tribe. David possessed the first and indispensahlc quiilification for the throne, viz., tliat of being nn Isiaelite (Deuteronomy 17. 1')); of liis military talejil lie liad I'urnislied ample proof, and the people's desire lor his assumption of the government of Israel v.as fnrtlier increased by their knowledge of the will ami purpose of Goil, as declared by Samuel (1 Samuel Ki. 11-l.i). 3. King D.avid made a lengne ivitli them in Hebron before tbe I^ord—(see on I Samuel ID. 2.5). This formal declaration of tlie constltutiim was chielly made at the commencement of a new dj-nastj", or at the restoration of the royal family after a usurp.ation (2 Kings 11. 17), though circumstances sometimes led to its being renewed on the accession of any new sovereign (1 Kings 12. 4). It seems to hav<' been accompanied by religious solemnities.
tlie poplar, which delights in moist situations, and tlie leaves of which are rustled by the slightest movement of the air. [Uoylf.]
CHATTER VI.
A'er. 1^5. David Fetches the Ark from KikjathJEAU13I ON A New Cart. 1. Again David gathered togetlier all the chosen men of Israel—(See ch. 5. 1.) The ob.ject of this second assembly was to commence a national movement lor establishing the ark in Jerusalem, after it had continued nearly fifty years in the house of Abinadab (see pn 1 Chronicles 13. 1-5). 3. from Baalc of Judah —A very large force of picked men were selected for this important work, lest the undertaking might be opposed or obstructed by the Philistines. Besides, a great concourse of people accompanied them out of veneration for the sacred edifice. The journey lo Baale, which is related
()-12. .He Takes Zion from the .Tebusites. 6. the king and Uis nten went to Jerusalem unto tlie JebnsItcs—Tlie first expedition of David, as king of the whole country, was directed against this place, which had hitherto remained in the liands of the natives. It was strongly fortilied, and deemed so impregnable that the blind and lame were sent to man the battlements, in derisive mockery of the Hebrew king's attack, and to shout "David cannot come in hither." To understand the full meaning and force of tliis Insulting taunt, it is necessary to bear in mind the depth and steepness of the valley of Gilion, and the lofty walls of the ancient Canaanitish fortress. 7. StrongUold of Zion—Whether Zion bo the soutli-western hill commonly so called, or the peak now level on the north of the temple mount, it is the towering heiglit which catches the eye from every quarter; "the hill fort," " the rocky hold " of Jerusalem.
(1 Chronicles 13. 0), is here presupposed, and the historian describes the course of the procession frmn that place to the capital. 3. they set the ark of Go«l upon a new cart—Or covered wagon (see on 1 .Samuel B. 7). This was a hasty and inconsiderate procedure, in violation of an express statute (see on Numbers i. U, \!> ; 7. 9 ; IS. 3).
6-11. UZZAII Smitten. G. they came to Naehcn'g threshing-floor—Or Chidou's (1 Chronicles 13. 9i. Tlio Chaldee version renders the words "came to the place prejiared for the reception of the ark," i. e., near the city of David (i'. 13). the oxen shook it—Or stumbled (1 Chron-
icles 13. 9). Fearing that the ark was in danger of being overturned, Uzzah, under tlie impulse of momentary feeling, laid hold of it to keep it steady. Whether it fell and crushed him, or some sudden disease attacked him, he fell dead upon the spot, and this mehvicholy occurrence not only threw a cloud over the joyous scune, but entirely stopped the procession; for the ark was left where it then was, in the near neighbourhood of the capital. It is of importance to observe the pvoporlioiuite severity of the punislimeuts attending the profanation of the ark. The Philistines sud'ered by diseases, from which they were relieved by their oblations, liecau.se the law liad not been .given to tliem; the Betli-shemiles also sufl'ered, but not fatally ; their error proceeded from ignorance or inadvertency. But U/.zah, who was a Le-
8. Wbosoever gettetli up to tlie gutter—This is thought by some to mean a subterranean passage; by others a spout through which water was poured upon the fire which the besiegers often applied to the woodwork at the gateways, and l).y the projections of which a skilful climbcu' might make his ascent good ; a tliird class render the words, "whosoever dashetli them against the precipice" (1 Chronicles 11. 0). O. David <lwelt In tlie fort, &c. —Having taken it b.y storm, he cluiiiged its name to "the city of David," to signify the importance of the conquest, and to perpetuate the meinor.v of the event. David built
round al»o\«t from Millo anu inward—I'rohalily a row of stone bastions placed on the nortliern side of iMouut Zion, and built by David to secure himself on that side from the Jebusites, who still lived in tlie lower part of thecily. The house of JliUo was perhaps the principal coriu'r-tower of that fortitUd wall. 11, 1~. Iliraiu . . . sent earjieuters and inason!.—The influx of Tyriau arclii-
vite, and well instructed, suflcred death for his broach of the law. The severity of U/.zali's fate may seem to us too great lor the nature and dt'gree of the offence. But it does not become us to sit in judgment on the dispensations of God ; and, besides, it is apparent that the Divine purpose was to inspire awe of His majesty, a submission to His law, anil a profound veneration for tlie symbols and ordinances of His worship. 9. David was afrt.id of the I.iord that ilay, &c.—His feelings on tills alariuiiig judgment were greatly excited on various accounis, dreading that the displeasure of God had been provoked by the removal of the ark, that the punishment would be extended to himself and people, and that they niigl t
tects and meclianics allords a dear evidence of the low state to which, tlirough the disorders of long-continued war, tlie betUu' class of artisans had declined in Israel.
i:i-l(i. Eleven Sons Uorn to Him. 11. David took
Itiin more eoncublnes and wives— In tliis conduct David transgressed an express law, which forbade tlie king of Israel to multiply wives unto himself (Deuteronomy 17. 17).
17-2). He Smites the rini,iSTiNES. 17. when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel— During the civil war between tlie house of Saul and David, tliose restk^ss neighbours had remained
fall into .some error or neglect during the further conveyance of the ark. He resolved, therefore, lo wail for moro light and direc^tion as to tlie'patli of duty. An earlier consultation by Urlm would have led liiin right at the
fjuiet spectators of the coutest. But now. Jealous of David, they resolved to attack him before liis government was luUy (wlahlished. IS. Valley of llephaim
first, whereas in this perplexity and distress, he was neaping llie fruits of iiiconsidiMalion and neglect. IV Obedcdom theGitlite—A Levlte (1 Clironlcles 15. IS, 21, 21 ; 16.
i. e., of giants, a broad auu fertile plain, which descends BrHduutl,y from the ccaitral mountains towards the north-
6; 26.4). He Is called a Gittlte, either from his resldeu(i»
, 2 SAMUEL Vll, VIII. He Subdues the Philislineb.
Atvid Proposes to B iill Cue Temple.
thee an house—As a reward for his pious purpose, God would increase and maintain the family of David, and
al Qath, or more prolinlily from Gath-rimnioii, one of the Levitical cities (J«slin;i 21. 24, >r>).
12-19. David Ai-'TURWAKns I'.kinhs xiiE Auk to Zion. 12. It was fold K.lii>/;- 2>i«vid, iiif';, TIuLoi-jl Uatli blessed tl»e lionsf nl" Oln-(i-<doiti ainl »ll t'nat i «rtalnrtli unto liiin, firvmwe of tlie i«rlt of Clott—The
• secure tlie succession of the throne to his dynasty. 1:1. I will set up thy seed after thee, iScr.—It is customar.v for
tlie C(f(/c4/.so)i born o/lcr fhe /allier's .succctsUin to the throne
to succeed liim in his dignity as king. David had several sons by Bath-shel)a born after his removal to .lerusalein
lup.se of three niontli.s not only restored tlie agitated mind of the monjirch to a tnuKiuil und .settled tone, l)ut led to a (Uscover.y ol his toriiier error. IJiiviii^ learned that tlieark was k< pi in its tt nipovary resting-place r.ot only without ineouvenienee or ilanger, ljut with great advantage, he resolved forthwith to remove it to llie cppital, with the ohservauce of all due form and solemnity (1 C'lironiele.s lo. It wa.s transporied now on tlie slioulders of the priests, who had lieen carefiiUy prepared
(ch. 5. 11-lfi; cf. 1 Chronicles ;!. 5). But by a special ordinance and promise of God liis successor was to be a son born after this time; and the departure from the. established usage of the East in fixing the succession, can be accounted for on no other known ground, exc(-pt the fulfilment of the Divine promise. 13. He sliall Iniild an house for my name ; and I vt ill establish tlie tlirone of
Ills Iiiingdom for ever—This declaration referred, in its primary application, to Solomon, and to tlie temporal kingdom of Drtvid's family. But in a larger and sublimer senxe, it was meant oj' David's Son of another nature.
for the work, and tlie proeession wu.s distinguisi.ed hy extraordinary solemnities and demonstrations of joy. 13. when tlity f !iat bare flif nrk had f;o>»e »ii pat'es— Some think tliat four aliai-swere liastily raistil lor the
(Ileb. l.R.)
1>-'J0. David's Prayer axdThaxksgivixo. 18. Then iv«nt King David In, and sat Ijcfore the Lord—Sitting was anciently an attitude for worship. (Exodus 17. 12; 1 Samuel 4. l;l; 1 Kings 19. A.) As to the particular attitude David sat, most probabl.v, ripon his heels. It was the posture of the ancient Egyptians before the slirines; it is the posture of deepest respect before a superior in the East. Persons of highest dignity sit thus when tliey do sit in the I)resenee of kings; and it is the only sitting attitude assumed l).y the modern Mohammedans in their places and
ofl'erins of saeritieis at tlie distance of every six paces (but see 1 C'lironicles 1">. 2()). 1+. IJavW rfnweed tiefoie tUc liOMl—The Hebrews, like otiier lineient pi'ople, had their sacred danees, whieli were performed on their soleisin anniversaries and oilier •^r<'at (tcensions of eommi'iiiorat-
some special token of liie Divine 'coodness i\nd favour, with all his nil^^ht—iiiiimating violent etVorts of leaping, and divested of iiis royal mantle—in a state of un-
dres.s—conduct oppareiitly niisuilalile to the gravity of age or the dignity of a king. Hut it was nnciuestionably doneasan act of religious liomag<-. his attila(;es and dress Ijeing symbolic, as they have always l)een in Oriental count rier;, of penitence, joy, thankfulness, and devotion. 17. they broiifjJit (he ark of the ILorcl, and stt it In
riles of devotion. 19. is this the manner of man, O Lord?— i. c, is it customary tor men to show such condescension to persons so humble as lam? (See on 1 Chronicles 17. 17.) 20. what eaii David say moi-e unto theel
£. e., my obligations are greater than I can express.
Ills plate In the inldxt of the tabernacle illiitt David had pitched for It—The ol<\ tabernacle remained at Gibeon (1 Chronicles Hi. ?,!t; 2].2t); 2 Chronicles 1. .S). Probably not removed because it was too large for the temporary place the king had approjiriated, and because he contempl.ited the l)uililing of a temple. IS. he Idessed
Ver. 1, 2. David Subdues the PhiIjISTines, and jiakes THE JIOABiTE.s Tributary. 1. David took Mctheg-ammah out of the Itand of the Pliilistines—Th.'xt is, GatU and her suburban towns. (1 Chronicles 18. 1.). That town had been "a bridle" by which the Philistines kept the
tJie people—In the <1ouble character of prophet and king (see on 1 Kings 8. .5), calie of bread—Unleavened and slender, good pieces of flei^h— roast beef.
20-2:i. MicHAI.'S H.viJKKXNF.ss. Michal . . . came out to meet David, &c.—I'lond of her royal extraction, she opbraided her husband for lowering the dignity of the crown, and acting Tnore like a bulToon than a king. Bnt her tainiling sarcasm was repelled in a manner that could not be agreeal)le lo her feelings, while it indicated the warm piety and gratitude of David.
. people of .ludah in check. David used it now as a barrier to repress tliat restless enemy. 2. he smote Moab, and jneasurcd tliem with a lin«^—This refers to a well-known practice of Eastern kings, to command their prisoners of war, particularly those wlio,. notorious' for the atrocity of their crimes,' or distinguished by the indomitable spirit of their resistance, had greatly incensed the victors, to lie down on the ground, and then put to death a certain portion of them, which was determined by lot, but most commonly by a measuring line. Our version makes him put two-thirds to death, and spare one-third. The Septuagint and Vulgate make one-half. This war usage was not, perhaps, usually practised by the people of God; but .Jewish writers assort that the cause of this particular severitj' against this people was their having massacred David's parents and family, whom he had, during his exile, committed to the king of Moab.
Ver. 1-.3. Nathan approves the Pituposk C!F David TOBl'ILU CJOD anHoi-SK. 2. The Uliif; si\U\ unto Nathan the propliet. See now, I dwell In an house of cedar—Tlie palace wliicli Hiram had sent men and materials to build in .Jerusalem had been finished. It was magnltlcent for that age, though made wholly of wood: houses in warm comitries not being required to possess the solidity ami thickness of walls which are requisite for dwellings in regions ("xposed to rain and cold. Cedar was the rarest and most valuable timber. The elegance and uplendour of his own royal mansion, contrasted with the mean and temporary tabernacle in which the ark of God was place<l, distressed the pious mind of David. 3. Nathan said to the kin|;. Go, do all that Is In f hine hearts The piety of the design commended it to the propliet s mind, and he gave his hasty approval and encouragi iiient to the royal plans. The prophets, when following the impulse of their own feelings, or forming conji-ctur'al opinions, fell into frequent mistakes. (See on 1 Samuel 10.6; 2 Kings 4. 27.)
."/-U. He Smites Hadadezer and the Syrians. 3. Zobah— (1 Chronicles IS. 3). This kingdom was bounded on the east by the Euphrates, and it extended westward from that river, perhaps as far north as Aleppo. It was long tlie chief among tlie petty kingdoms of Syria, and
its king bore the hereditary title of Hadadezer or Hadarezer (Hadad—helped), as lie went to recover his border at the river Euphrates—In accordance with the promises God made to Israel that he would give them all the country as far as the Euphrates. (Genesis 15. 18 ; Numbers 2t. 17.) In the first campaign David signall.v defeated him, and, besides a great number of foot-prismiers, took from him an immense amount of boot.y in chariots and' horses; reserving only a small numlier of the latter, he hamstrung the rest. The reason of this mutilation was,
4-17. God appoints his Scccessor to Buii.d It. 4-17. It came to pa.«8 that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nethan—The commanjl was given to the prophet on the night Immediately following; i.e., before I>avid could either take any measures or Incur any expenses. 11. Alao the Lord t«Ueth thee that lie will liiako
that, horses being forbidden to the Hebrews, both in war and agriculture, it was of no use to keep them; and their
nei^jhbours placing much dependence on cavalry, but having, for want of a native breed, to procure them hy
David's Heign over the People. 2 SAMUEL IX, X. Uia Messengers Disgracefully Treated.
appointed steward to manage it, on the condition of receiving one-half of the produce in remuneration of hig labour and expense, wliile the other moiety was to be paid as rent to the owner of the land (ch. 19. 29). 10. Ziba Iiad tifteen sons and t\vei»ty servants—The mention ol his sons and the slaves in his house was to show that Jlephiboslieth would lie honouicd with an equipage "as one of the king's sons." l i. l>Ieplilbosl»etU bad a yoting son whose name was Micah—Whether born before or after his residence in Jerusalem, cannot be ascertained. But througli him the name and memory of the excellent Jonathan was preserved (see on 1 Chronicles 8.34,35; 9.
purchase, the greatest damage that could be done to such enemies was to render their horses unserviceable in war. (See also Genesis 46. 6; Joshua 11. G, S.j A king of Damas-
ceue-Syria came td his succour—but David routed those auxiliary forces also, took possession of their country, put garrisons into their fortified towns, and made them tributary. 9. Toi, king of Hamatli—Coele-Syria ; northwards, It extended to the. city Hamath on the Orontes, which was the capital of the country. The Syrian prince being delivered from the dread of a dangerous neiglibour, sent his son with valuable presents to David to congratulate him on his victories, and solicit his alliance and pro-
tection, ./oram—Or Hadoram. (1 Chronicles IS. 10.) 11.
40, 41). CHAPTER X.
>vliicli also Ivliig David did dedicate unto tlie Lord Eastern princes have always been accustomed to hoard
Ver. 1-5, David's Messengeks, sent to Comfort Hancn, are Disgkacefully Treated. 2. David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun, the son of A'abash, as Ills father showed kindness unto me—It is probable that this was the Nahash against whimi Saul waged war at Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11. 11). David, on leaving Gath, whei"e Ills life was exposed to dang(>r, found an asylum with the king of Moab; and as Nahash, king of the Ammonites, -was his nearest neighbour, it ma.v be that during the feud between Saul and David, he, through enmit.v to the former, was kind and liospitable to David. 3. tlte princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun—Their suspicion was not warranted either by any overt act or by any cherished design of David: it must have. originated in their knowledge of the denunciations of God's law against them (Deuteronomy 2.;. 3-0), and of David's policy in steadlastly avlhering to it. 4. Hanun took David's servnitts aii<l shaved oil' the onehalf of their beards—From the long flowing dress of the Hebrews and other Orientals, the curtailment of their garments must have given them an aspect of gross indelicacy and ludicvousness. Besides, a knowledge of tlie extraorilinar.v respect and value which lias alwa.vs been attached, and the gross insult that is implied in any indignity ofl'ered, to the beard in the East, will account for the shame which the deputies felt, and the determined spirit of revenge which Inirst out in all Israel on learning the outrage. Two instaneesare related in tl;enio<lern liistoi'y of Persia, of similar insults by kings of haught.v and iiuperious temper, involving the nation in war; and we need not, therefore, be surprised that David vowed revenge? for this wanton and public outrage. 5. Tarry at •Tericlio—Or in the neighbourhood, after crossing the lords of the Jordan.
up vast quantities of gold. This is the first instance of a practice uniformly followed by David of reserving, after defraying expenses and bestowing suitable rewards upon lis soldiers, the remainder of the spoil taken in war, to accumulate for the grand project of his life—tlie erection of a national templ(j at Jerusalem. 13. David gat liim a name wlieiilie returned from smiting of tlie Syrians —Instead of Syrians, the Sept. version reads Edomites, which is the true reading, as is evident from r. 14. This conquest made by the army of David, was due to tlie skilful generalship and gallantry of Abishai and Joab.
(1 Chronicles 18. 12; cf. Psalm CO., title.) The valley was the ravine of .salt (the Ghor), adjoining the Salt Mountain, at the south-western extremity of the Dead Sea, separating the ancient territories of Judah and Edom. [RonixsoN.]
15-18. His Reign. 15. David executed judgment and jttstice unto all Uis people—Though involved in foreign wars, he maintained an excellent system of government nt home, the most eminent men of the age composing his
cabinet of ministers. 16. Joab was over tlie Iiost—By virtue of a special promise (ch. 5. 8). reeonler—Historiographer or daily annalist, an office of great trust and imporlaftcein Eastern countries. 17. Zadok . . . and Abiatliar . . . were tlie priests—On the massacre of the priests at Xob, .Saul conferred the priesthood on Zadok, of the family of Elcazar (1 Chronicles 6.50), while David acknowledged Abiathar, of Ithaniar's family, who fled to him. The Iwo high jiriests exercised their oflice under the respective princes to whom they were attached. But, on David's obtaining the kingdom over all Israel, they both retained their dignity ; Abiathar ofliciating'at Jerusalem, and Zadok at Gibeon. (1 Chronicles Iti.S!).) IS. ClieretJiites—/. c, Philistines. (Zephaniah 2.5.) PeletliItes—From I'elct. (1 Chronicles 12. 8.) Thoy were the valiant men who, having accompanied David during his exile among the Philistines, were made his body-guard.
0-14. The A.MiMONiri:s Oveiu'OMk. 0. when the ehlldren of Ammon saw titut iliey stank before David—To chastise those insolent and inhospitable Ammonites, who had violated the common law of nations, David sent a largo army under the command of Joab, while they, informed of the impi-nding attack, made energetic preparations to repel it by engaging the services of an immense number of Syrian mercenaries. Beth-rehob—The I'upi-
Ver. 1-12. David Sends FOR Mepiiiisosiiktii. 1. David said, Is there yet any tliat is left of tlie liouse of Saul On inquiry, Saul's land steward was found, who gave Information that there still survived Mei>Iiib<)slietli, a son of Jonathan, who was five ye.ars old at his father's death, and whom David, tlu'n wandering in exile, had never seen. His lameness (ch. 4. 4) had prevented him from taking any part in the public contests of the time. BeBldes, according to Oriental notions, the younger son of a crowned monarch has .a preferable claim to tlie succesBlon over th<^ son of a mere heir-apparent ; and hence his name was never heard of as the rival of his uncle Ishbosheth. His insignificance had led to his being lost Bight of, and It was only thtougli /iba that David learned
tal of the low-lying region between Lebanon and .\utiIjObanon. Zoba—(seeon cll. 8.;!). of King niniteliah— His territoiies lay on the other side of Jordan, near ( iileail
( neulerononiy 3. 11). Ish-tob— /. c., the men <if Tob—the place of Jephtliali's marauding adventures (see also 1 t'hronicles lil.li; Psalm tiO., title). As the Israelite soldiers poured into the Ammonite teriitory, that people met them at the frontier town of Medelia (1 Chronicles 19. 7-9), the native troops covering the city, while the Syrian nier-
ceiiai ies lay at some distance encamped in tlie tields. In making the attack, Joab divided his lorces into Iwose))- arate cletai^hment.s—the one of which, under the comniMiid of his brother, Aliishai, was to concent rate its attack upon the city, while he himself marched against the overwhelming host of mercenar.v auxiliaries. It was n Just and necu'ssary war that hud been forced on Israel, and they <-ould hope for the l)lessing of (Jod ui>oii tlieir arm.s. With great Judgment the battle opened against the mercenaricH, who cduld not stand against the furious onset of Joab, and not feeling the cause their own. consulted theiT
Ills existence, and the retired life he passed with one of the great J|arriilieK in transjordanic Canaan who remained attached to the fallen dynasty. Mepliibosheth was invited to court, and a place lit the royal table on public days was assigned him, as Is still the custom with I'^astern
'MDnarchs. Saul's family estate, which had fallen to David In right of his wife (Numbers 27. 8), or been for-
I'eiled to the crown by Ish-bosheth's rebellion (ch. 12. 8), was provided (u. II ; also ch. 19. 28), for enabling him to muintaln an establishment suitable to his rank, and Zlba
safety by tllglit. The Ammouitcs, who laid jimcea the*/
J)av{<r» Sin with Balh-sheba. 2 SAMUEL Xr, XII. 2tathan's Faralle.
their sin were necessary, as well for the king's honour as for her safety, for death was the punishment of an adulteress (Leviticus 20. 10). 8. David said to UriaU, Go down to tliy iiouse—Tliis suiddeu recall, the manner of the king, his frivolous questions (v. 7), and his urgency
chief rtependpiice upon a foreign aid, then retreated toen-
tveucli Iht-niKel ves williin the walls of the town. H. So Joab rcturunl ai»«l caine to Jerasalein—l^robably the Reason was too far advanced for entering on a siege.
15-19. The Syrians Defeated. 16. Hadadezer scut and brouglit out tlie Syrians that were beyond tlie rlTer—This prince had enjbyed a breathing-time after
for Uriali to sleep in his own house, probably awakened suspicions of tlie cause of this procedure, tlicre followed liiin a mess of meat from tlie king—A portion of meat from the royal table, sent to one's own house or lodgings, is one of the greatest compliments which an Eastern prince can pay. U. But Uriali slept at tlie door of tile king's liouse—It is customary for servants to sleep in the porch or long gallery; and the guards of the Hebrew king did the same. Whatever his secret suspicions might have been, Uriah's refusal to indulge in the enjoyment of domestic pleasure, and his determination to sleep "at the door of the king's house," arose {v. 11) from a high and honourable sense of military duty and pro-
bis defeat (cli. 8. 3), and alarmed at the increasing power aud greatness of David, as well as being an ally of the Ammonites, levied a vast army not only in Syria, but in Mesopotamia, to invade the Hebrew kingdom. Shobach,
his general, in pursuance of this design, had marched his troops as far as Kelam, a border town of eastern Mauas-
BPh, when David, crossing the Jordan by forced marches, suddenly surprised, defeated, and dispersed them. The
result oC this great and decisive victory was, that all the petty kingdoms of Syria submitted and became his tribu-
taries (nee on 1 Chronicles 19).
priety. But, doubtless, tlie resolution of Uriah was overruled by that Providence whicli brings good out of evil, and which lias recorded this sad episode for the warning of the church.
Ver. 1. JoAB Besieges Rabbah. 1. atthetlmewlien kings go fortli to battle—The return of spring was the asual time of commencing military operations. This expedition took place the year following the war against the .Syrians; and it was entered upon because the disaster of tlie former campaign having fallen chiefly upon the Syrian mercenaries, the Ammonites had not been punisliod for their insult to the ambassadors. David gent .Toa1> and liis servants . . . tliey destroyed tlic
l-t-27. UlllAH Sl.AlN. 14, 15. David wrote a letter to Jo.ab, and sent it l>y tCte bniid of Uriali . . . Set Uriali in tbe fore-front of tlie Iiottest battle — The various arts and stratagems by whicli the king tried to cajole Uriah, till at last lie resorted to the horrid crime of murder—the cold-blooded cruelty of despatching the letter by the hands of the gallant but much-wronged soldier him-
self, the enlistment of Joab to be a partaker of his sin, the heartless aliectalion of moarning, and the indecent haste <fi his marriage witli Bath-sheba, have left an indelible stain upon the character of David, and exhibit a painfully humiliating proof of the awful length* to which the best of men may go when they want the restraining grace of God.
clkililren of Amnion—Tlie powerful army that Joab commanded ravaged the Ammonite country, and committed great havoc both on the people and their property, until having rrac-hed the capital, they besieged Rabbah—" Rabbah "denotes a great city. This metropolis of the Ammonites was situated in the mountainous tract of Gilead, not tar from the source of the Arnon. Extensive ruins ore still found on its site.
2-12. David Commits Adultery with Bath-sheba.
2. it came to pass in an even-tide, tliat David arose from oft" l»is bed—The Hebrews, like other Orientals, rose at dayliivak, and always took a nap during the heat of the ilay, and afterwards they lounged in the cool of the evening on their flat-roofed terraces. It is probable that David had ascended to enjoy the open-air refreshment
Ver. 1-6. Nathan's Parable. 1. tlie L,ord sent IVatlian unto David—The use of parables is a favourite style of speaking amongst Oriental people, especiallj' in the conveyance of unwelcome truth. This exquisitely pathetic parable was founded on a common custom of pastoral people who have pet lambs, which they bring up with their children, and which they address in terms of endearment. The atrocity of the real, however, far exceeded that of the fictitious offence. 5. tliem^ tliat IiatU done tills tiling sliall surely die—This award was more severe than the case deserved, or than was warranted by the Divine statute (Exodus 22. 1). The sympathies of the king had been deeply enlisted, his indignation aroused, but his conscience was still asleep; and at the time when he was most fatally indulgent to his own sins, he was most ready to condemn the delinquencies and errors of others.
earlier than usual. 3. one said lit., he said to himself, "Is not this Bath-sheba?" etc. She seems to have been a celebrated beauty, whose renown had already reached the ears of David, as happens in the East, from reports carried by tlie women from harem to harem. BatH-sIieba, tine daugliter of £Iiam—or Ammiel (1 Chronicles 3. 5), one
of David's worthies (ch. 2.'!. :Ui, and son of Aliitliophel. 4. David sent messcjigers, and took her—The despotic kings of tlie East, when they take a fancy for a woman, send an ollicer to the hou.se where she lives, wlio announces it to be the royal pleasure she should remove to the palace. An apartment is there assigned to her; and if she Is made queen, the monarch orders the announceineut to be made that he has made clioica of her to be queen. Many instances in modern Oriental history show the ease and <lespatch with whiclisuch secondary marriages are contracted, and a new beauty added to the royal seraglio. But David had to make a promise, or rather an express stipulation, to Bath-sheba, before she complied with the royal will (1 Kings 1. 13, 15, 17, 2«); for in addition to her transcendent Iieauty, she appears to have been a woman of superior talents and address in olitaining the object of her ainbi lion; and in her securing that her son should succeed on the throne; in her promptitude to give notice of her pregnancy; in her activity in defeating Adonijah's natural expectation of su(K'eeding to the crown ; in her dignity as tlie king's mother ;—we see very strong in<Ucations of the ascendency she gained an<l maintained over David, who, perh.nps, had ample leisure and opportunity to discover the punishment of this uiinappy connection in more ways than one. [Tavloii's Cai.MKT.) 5. tlie woman conceived, and sent and told DuTld—.Some immediate lueasiU'.s of concealing
7-23. He Applies it to David, who Confesses His Sin, and is Pardoned. 7. Natlian said to David, Tliou art tlie man— These awful words pierced his heart, aroused his conscience, and brought him to his knees. The sincerity and dejjth of his penitent sorrow are evinced by the Psalms he composed [32. ; 51.; 103]. He was pardoned, so far as related to the restoration of the Divine favour. But as from his high character for piety, and his eminent rank in society, his deplorable fall was calculated to do great injury to the cause of religion, it was necessary that God should testify l)is abhorrence of sin by leaving even his own servant to reap the bitter temporal fruits. David was not himself doomed, according to his own view of what justice demanded (v. 5); but he had
to sutler a quadruple expiation in tlie successive deaths of four sons, liesides a lengthened train of other ev'ls. 8.
gave dice tliy master's lioiisc, and tliy master's wivea —The iihraseology means nothing more than that God in
his providence had given Uavid, as king of Israel, every thing that was Saul s. Tlie historv furnishes conclusive evidi iice that he never actually married any of the wives of S:iul. ISut the harem of tlu' pirceding king belongs.
Rdlbch is TaLen. 2 SAMUEL XIIL Amnon DefiUs Tamar.
aocortling to Oriental notions, as a part of the regalia to
liis successor. 11. I will raise up evil against thee out
Ver. 1-5. Amnon Loves Tamar. 1. Tamar—Daugriicr of David by Maachah (ch. 3. 3). 2. for she was a virgin —Unmarried daugliters were kept iu close seclusiim trom the company of men ; no strangers, nor even their relatives of the other sex, being permitted to see them without the presence of witnesses. Of course, Amnon must have seen Tamar, for he had conceived a violent passion for her, which, tliough forbidden by the law (Leviticus
«»f tliiue own Iiouse, &c.—Tlie prophet speaks of God tlireateninj; to do what He onlj' permitted to be done. The tact is, that JDavid's loss%f cliaracter by the discovei'y of his crimes, tended, in the natural course of things, to diminish tlie respect of his family, to weaken the autlior-
it.v -j{ his government, and to encourage the prevalence of any disorders throughout his kingdom. 15-:J3. th* liord struck the cliild . . . nnd it was very sick—The
Is. 11), yet with the sanction of Abraham's example (Genesis 20.12), and tlie common practice in neighbouring countries for princes to marry their half sisters, he seems not to have considered an improper connection. But he had no means of making it known to her, and the pain of that disappointntVnt preying upon his mind produced a visible change in his appearance and healtli. 3. .Tonadab, tile son of Shimeah—Or Shammah (1 Samuel 1G.9). By the counsel and contrivance of this scheming cousin a plan was devised for obtaining an unrestricted interview with the object of his attachment, my broilier Absalom's sister—In Eastern countries, where polygamy prevails, tlie girls are considered to be under, the special care and protection of their uterine brother, who is the guardian of their interests and their honour, even more than their father himself (see on Genesis 34. 6-25).
firnt visible cliastisement inflicted on David appeared on the person of that child which was the evidence and monument of his guilt. His domestics were surprised at his conduct, and in explanation of its singularity, it is necessary to remark that the custom in t!ie East is to leave the nearest relative of a deceased person to tlie full and undisturlied indulgence of liis grief, till on tlie tiiird or fourtli day at farthest (John 11. 17), the other relatives and friends visit him. Invite him to eat, lead liira to a
batli, bring him a change of dress, which is necessary from his having sat or lain on the ground. The surprise of David's servants, then, who had seen his bitter anguisli while the child was sick, arose apparently from this, that when he found it was dead, he who had so deeply lamented arose of himself from the earth, witliout waiting for their coming about him, immediately bathed and anointed
6-27. He Defiles Her. 6. Amnon lay down, and made himself sick—The Orientals are great adepts in feigning sickness, whenever tliey have any object to accomplish, let Tamar my sister come and m.ike me a conjile of cakes—To the king Amnbn spoke of Tamar as "his sister," a term artfully designed to hoodwink his father; and the request appeared so natural, tlie delicate api)etite of a sick man requiring to be humoured, that tlie king promised to send her. The cakes seem to have been a kind of fancy bread, in the preparation of which Oriental ladies take great delight, and Tamar, flattered by the invitation, lost no time in rendering the reipiired service in the house other sick brother. 12-14. do not force me—The remonstrances and arguments of Tamar were so atrecting and so strong, that had not Amnon been violently goaded on by the lustful passion of which lie had become the slave, they must have prevailed with him to desist from his infamous purjiose. In bidding him, Iiowcver, "speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from thee," it is probable that she urged this as her last resource, saying any thing she thought would lUease him, in order to escape for the present out of his hands. 15. Then Amnon hated her exceedingly—It is not unusual lor persons instigated b.v vloh^nt and irregular (lassions to go from one extreme to another. In .-Vmniin's case the sudden revulsion Is easily accounted for; the atrocity of his conduc^t, with all the feelings of shame, remorse, and dread of exposure and punishment, now burst upon his mind, rendering tlie presence of Tamar intoleralily painful to him. 17. bolt the door alter her —The street door of houses In the East is always kept barro<l—the bolts beirtg of wood. In the great mansions, where a porter stands at the outside, this precaution is dispensed with; and the circumstance, therefore, of a prince giving an order so unusual shows the vehement lierluibation ol' Aiiiiion's mind. 18. a garment of divers colours—As embroidery in ancient times was the occupation or pastime of ladles of the highest rank, the possession of these parti-coloured garments was a mark of dislinction ; they were worn exclusively by young women of royal condition. Since the art of nianufacluring cloth stulls has iiiade so gredt progress, dros.ses of this variegated descriiilion are more ('omnion in the East. 10. TauKar put aslies on Iter bend, and rent her garment of divers colours , . . laid her hand on her head, and went on crying—/, p., sobbing. Oriental manners would probal)ly sei^ nothing beyond a strong sense of the Injury Hho had sustained, if Tamar actuall.v rent her garinent.s. But, as her veil is not mentioned, il Is probable that Amnon had turned her out of doors without it, and she raised her hand with tlie design to conceal her face. By
hi)nself, instead of appearing as a mourner, and after worshiping God with solemnity, returned to his wonted repast, without an.v interposition of others.
2t, 2.5. SoT.OMON IS Horn. 34. Batli-sSieba . . . bare a son, a>i<l lie ealled Uis name Solomon i. e., peaceable. But Nathan gave him the name of Jedediah, by command of God, or perhaps only as an expression of God's love. This love and the noble gifts witli which he was endowed, considering the criminality of the marriage from wliicii he sprang, is a remarkable instance of Divine goodness and grace.
2'i-:il. Rarbah is Taken. 20. Joab fouglxt a^nlnst R»bt>aU—Tlie time during which this siege lasted, since the intercourse with Bath-slieba, and the birth of at least one c'.iild, if not two, occurred during the progress of it, probaljly extended over two years. 27. the city of wnttTs—Habbah, like Aroer, was divided into two parts —one the lower town, insulated b,y the winding course of the Jabbok, whi('li flowed almost round it, and the
lipjH-r and stronger town, calli'd the royal city. "The
first was taken by Joab, but the honour of capturing so strongly a tjrtitied place as the other was an honour re-
serveil for t*e king himself." 28. encamp against the city, ami take it— It has always been characteristic of Oriental desjjots to monopolize military honours; and as the ancient world knew nothing of the I'liodern rctinement of kings gaining victories by tlieir generals, so Joab sent for David to command the final assault in person. ' A large force was levied for tlie purpose. David without much dilliculty captured the royal city, and ol)Iaiiied possession of its immense wealth, lest 1 take tlie city, anil it be called after my name—The circumstance of a cily receiving a new name after some great person, as Alexandria, fJonstantiuoiile, llyderabail, is of frequent occurrence in the iincicnt anil modern liistory of the East. 30. he took the kiuji^'s crown from olf his head —Willie the treasures of the (uty were gi viMi as plunder to his soldiers, David reserved lo himself the crown,
vliicli was of rarest value. Its great weight makes it probable that it was like many ancient crowns, not worn, but suspended over the head, or tl.xed on a ennoiiy on the top of the tlirono. the preciojis ntnnvn—Ifrhrrii\ stone was a round ball composed of pearls and other jewels, which was in the crown, ami probably taken out of it to be Inserted in David's own crown, '.ti. lie brouj;ltt fortli the people, and put tliein under saws, This excessive severity and employment of tortures, which the Hebrews on no other occasion are recorded to have practised, was an act of retriluitlve Justice on a people who were Infamous for tlieir cruelties {1 Samuel 11.2; Amos
1. 13>, 202
EASTERN ARTICLES OF DRESS, AND OF THE TOILET.
Frum Layard, ii. S24. Gen. xviti. 4. MTFiRORS. Ex. Kxzviii. H,
Amnon is Slain, and Absalom Fleeth. 2 SAMUEL Xl\. Joab Sent to Bring Absalom Uvme,
it, so as not to be prematurely discovered. Having got the king pli'dged, slie avowed it to her design to satisfy the royal conscience, tliat in pardoning Absalom he was doing nothing more than he would have done in the case of a stranger, where there could be no imputation of par-
tnpse signs, especially I lie rending of lier dlst- .iguiMiinfj
r<)l)e, AlKsalom at once conjecluied what liaU taken place. Reconinienaing lier to he silent al)out it, and not publish her own and her lainilj 's dishonour, he took no notice
of it to Aniuon. But all the while he was in secret "nursing his wrath to keep it warm," and only "biding
tiality. The device succeeded ; David traced its origin to Joab; and, secretly pleased at obtaining the judgment of that rough, but generally sound-thinking soldier, co)nmissioned him to repair to Geshur and biing home his exiled son. 7. tbey sliali queitcli jny coal wliielt is left—The life of man is compared in Scripture to a liglit. To (luencli the light of Israel (ch.21. 17) is to destroy the king's life; to ordain a lamp for any one (I'salm l;>2. 17j is to grant him posterity; to (jueiicli a coal signifies here
his titue" to avenge his sister's wrongs, and by the removal of the heir-apparent perhaps further also his am-
bitious tlesigns. !iO. So T.Tiitar remained desolate in
l»er brother Absalom's bouse—He was her natural pro-
tector, and the children of polygamists lived by them-
selves, as if they constituted dilterent families. !J3. Absalom bad sbeep-slienrers in Banl-baxor, wliicli is be-
side Kplii-aim—A slieep-shearing feast is a grand occa-
tlie <'Xlinction of this woman's only remaining li()pc that the name'and family of her husband would be preserved. The ligure is a beautiful one; a coal live, but Ij-ing under a heav> of embers—all that she had to rekintllo her lii'e— to light her lamp in Israel. 9. the woman said . . . O king, the iniquity be on me— i. e., the iniquity ol arresting the course of justice and pardoning a homicide, wliom the God was bound to slay wherever he miglit find him, unless in a city of refuge. This was exceeding the royal Ijrerogative, and acting in the character of an absolute monarch. The woman's language refers to a common precaution taken by the Hebrew judges and magistrates, solemnly to transfer from themselves the responsil)ility of the lilood they doomed to be shed, either to the accusers or the criminals fch. 1. Ifi; 3. 28); and sometimes tlie accusers took it upon themselves (Matthew 27. 25). 13-17. Wikcrefore, tben, bast tiiou tbongbt snob a tiling against the people of God, &c.—Her argument may be made clear in the following paraphrase:—You have gran ted me Die pardon of a son who had slain his brotiier, and .yet you will not grant to your subjects the restoration of Absalom, whose criminality is not greater than my son's, since he killed his brother in similar circumstan(^es of provocation. Absalom has reason to comjilain tliat he is treated by his own father nrore sternly and si'verely than the meanest subject in the realm; and the M'hole nation will liave cause for saying that the king shows more attention to the petition of a humble woman thai; to the wishes nud desires of a whole ki'.igdom. 'The <ieath of my son is a private loss to my family, while the preservation of Absalom is the conrmon interest of all Israel, who now look to him as your successor on the throne.
sion in the East. Absalom proposing to give such an entcrtaintnent at his estate in Baal-hazor, about eight miles iiorth-eastof Jerusalem, neara town called Ephraim (Joshua 11. 10), he rlrst invited the king and liis court ; but