And I will, &c. — That such a wretch as Absalom should aim at his father's throat is not strange. But that the body of the people, to whom David had been so great a blessing, should join with him in it, is amazing. But the finger of God was in it. Let not the best of parents, or the best of princes... [ Continue Reading ]
Call Hushai — A wonderful effect of Divine Providence, influencing his heart, that he could not rest in Ahithophel's counsel, though it was so evidently wise, and approved by the general consent of his whole party; and that he should desire Hushai's advice, though neither his reputation for wisdom w... [ Continue Reading ]
Pit — Having been often accustomed to that course, and well acquainted with in all hiding — places from Saul's time. In one of them, unknown to us, he will lurk with some of his chosen men, and lie in ambush for us; and, when they see a fit opportunity, they will suddenly come forth and surprize som... [ Continue Reading ]
I counsel — His pretence was, that they might make sure, though slow work: his design was to gain David time, that he might increase his army, and make better provision for the battle; and that the present heat of the people might be cooled, and they might bethink themselves of their duty, and retur... [ Continue Reading ]
As dew — That is, plenteously, suddenly, irresistibly, and on all sides; for so the dew falls.... [ Continue Reading ]
Bring ropes — It is an hyperbolical expression, suited to the vain — glorious temper of this insolent young man: implying, that they would do so if they could not destroy him another way: or, that they should be enough to do so, if there were occasion. River — Adjoining to the city; it being usual t... [ Continue Reading ]
Absalom and all, &c. — Be it observed, to the comfort of all that fear God, he turns all mans hearts as the rivers of water. He stands in the congregation of the mighty, has an over — ruling hand in all counsels, and a negative voice in all resolves, and laughs at mens projects against his children.... [ Continue Reading ]
Lodge not — Lest the king's and people's mind's change, and Ahithophel persuade the king to pursue you speedily.... [ Continue Reading ]
Enrogel — Or, the fullers well. A place near Jerusalem, Joshua 15:7, Joshua 18:16. Wench — Pretending to go thither to wash some cloaths, or to draw water.... [ Continue Reading ]
Spread corn — Under pretence of drying it by the sun: which shews it was summer — time.... [ Continue Reading ]
Over the brook of water — That is, over Jordan. This was a manifest lie.... [ Continue Reading ]
Hanged himself — See here contempt poured upon the wisdom of man! He that was more renowned for policy than ever any man was, played the fool with himself more than ever any man did. See likewise honour done to the justice of God! The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.... [ Continue Reading ]
Passed — Not speedily, but when all the men of Israel were gathered together according to Hushai's counsel.... [ Continue Reading ]
Nahash — Nahash is the name of Jesse's wife, by whom he had this Abigail, as he had Zeruiah by another wife; so they were sisters by the father, but not by the mother.... [ Continue Reading ]
Shobi — Who, as it may seem, disliked and disowned that barbarous action to the ambassadors; and therefore, when the rest were destroyed, was left king or governor of the residue of the Ammonites. Machir — See above 2 Samuel 9:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
In — Having been in the wilderness. Thus God sometimes makes up to his people that comfort from strangers, which they are disappointed of in their own families.... [ Continue Reading ]