2 Samuel 19:14

_AND HE BOWED THE HEART OF ALL THE MEN OF JUDAH, EVEN AS THE HEART OF ONE MAN; SO THAT THEY SENT THIS WORD UNTO THE KING, RETURN THOU, AND ALL THY SERVANTS._ He bowed the heart of all the men of Judah - i:e., Amasa, who had been won over, used his great influence in re-attaching the whole tribe of Judah to the interest of David. They who had stood aloof became ardent in their zeal for the king's restoration; and the partial severance of the kingdom which David apprehended from the coldness and inaction of Judah was nearly produced by the sudden impetuosity of their zeal in the cause of royalty....

9-15 God's providence, by the priests' persuasions and Amasa's interest, brought the people to resolve the recall of the king. David stirred not till he received this invitation. Our Lord Jesus will rule in those that invite him to the throne in their hearts, and not till he is invited. He first bows the heart, and makes it willing in the day of his power, then rules in the midst of his enemies, Psalms 110:2; Psalms 110:3....

Verse 2 Samuel 19:14. _AND HE BOWED THE HEART OF ALL THE MEN OF JUDAH_] The measures that he pursued were the best calculated that could be to accomplish this salutary end. Appear to distrust those whom you have some reason to suspect, and you increase their caution and distrust. Put as much confidence in them as you safely can, and this will not fail to excite their confidence towards you....

EXPOSITION 2 SAMUEL 19:2 THE VICTORY (Hebrew, _the salvation_) THAT DAY WAS turned INTO MOURNING. Naturally, the people did not understand the poignant emotions caused by the activity of David's conscience, and were pained at this seeming ingratitude to them for their brave exertions in his behalf, and at what they must have regarded as indifference to the welfare of the nation. Nor would it be easy for us to understand his conduct during the flight from Jerusalem, and in bearing Shimei's imprecations so tamely, did we not find in the psalms written at this time that David was suffering extreme and even excessive self-reproach and mental anguish at his past sin. It was a relief to bear Shimei's rudeness, for God might remember it for good. Racked thus with self-

AND HE BOWED THE HEART OF ALL THE MEN OF JUDAH, EVEN AS [THE HEART OF] ONE MAN,.... This the Jewish commentators generally understand of Amasa that he used his interest with the men of Judah, and so wrought upon them, that they agreed as one man to send for the king, and bring him back; but it seems best to understand it of David, who by these gentle methods, kind messages, and affectionate speeches, powerfully inclined and engaged the hearts of the people towards him; so that they were unanimously and affectionately agreed to restore him: in this way David chose to return; he could have come without their leave, or any invitation from them, as he was their lawful king, and a victorious one, the rebellion being crushed; and had it in his power to chastise those concerned in it, and use them with severity; but he chose rather to gain the hearts of his people, and to come in a way peaceabl...

9. THE RETURN OF THE KING CHAPTER 19 _ 1. The continued grief of the king (2 Samuel 19:1)_ 2. The return of the king (2 Samuel 19:9) 3. Mercy shown to Shimei (2 Samuel 19:17) 4. Mephibosheth's joy (2 Samuel 19:24) 5. Barzillai and Chimham (2 Samuel 19:31) 6. Strife between Judah and Israel (2 Samuel 19:41) What grief must have been David's that “the victory of that day was turne

Joab induces the king to present himself to the people. 1 SAMUEL 19:9. THE RETURN OF DAVID (J). 2 SAMUEL 19:9. The two parts of 2 Samuel 19:11 must be transposed with the LXX, giving the following: Absalom's death left Western Palestine in a state of anarchy; the obvious remedy was the restoration of David, so that men said, Why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back? And the king learned what was being said throughout Israel; and king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back? They were to promise Amasa that he should supplant Joab as commander-in-chief. The men of Judah invite the king

Negotiations for David's Restoration. His return 10. _whom we anointed_ The anointing of Absalom is not elsewhere mentioned. At the end of the verse the Sept. adds, "And the word of all Israel came to the king," that is, either he heard of the movement for his restoration, or he actually received overtures from Israel. The clause is necessary to introduce 2 Samuel 19:11....

SAY YE TO AMASA, &C.— David did not suffer himself to be conducted home by a deputation from the tribe of Judah; for it appears from 2 Samuel 19:17; 2 Samuel 19:40 _that there were a thousand men of the tribe of Benjamin under Shimei,_ and also _half the people of Israel._ All the tribes in general, except that of Judah, were in motion to bring the king back to his capital: but as this tribe had not yet declared in his favour, as they were in possession of Jerusalem, and as Amasa himself was there present, and had a great interest in the affections of the people, it became absolutely necessary to David's restoration, to gain over that city, and secure the friendship of Amasa. REFLECTIONS.—1st, Deep was the gloom which obscured this day of victory. 1. The king's unu

_The Return to the Jordan._ 2 Samuel 19:9-15 9 And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom. 10 And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back? 11 And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, _even_ to his house. 12 Ye _are_ my brethren, ye _are_ my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king? 13 And say ye to Amasa, _Art_ thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more