Then — The things related here and 2 Samuel 24:1, are by the best interpreters conceived to have been done long before Absalom's rebellion. And this opinion is not without sufficient grounds: first, this particle, then, is here explained, in the days, that is, during the reign of David: which genera... [ Continue Reading ]
Sought — That is, he sought how he might cut them off with some colour of justice, aggravating their faults, and punishing them worse than they deserved; oppressing them with excessive labours, and intending by degrees to wear them out.... [ Continue Reading ]
I will — Having doubtless consulted God in the matter; who as he had before declared Saul's bloody house to be the causes of this judgment, so now commanded that justice should be done upon it, and that the remaining branches of it should be cut off; as sufficiently appears from hence, that God was... [ Continue Reading ]
Spared — For the Gibeonites desiring only such a number, it was at David's choice whom to spare. Of Jonathan — This is added, to distinguish him from the other Mephibosheth, 2 Samuel 21:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
Spread it — As a tent to dwell in: being informed that their bodies were not to be taken away speedily, as the course of the law was in ordinary cases, but were to continue there until God was intreated, and removed the present judgment. On the rock — In some convenient place in a rock, near adjoini... [ Continue Reading ]
David — Who heard it with so much approbation, that he thought fit to imitate her piety, being by her example provoked to do what hitherto he had neglected, to bestow an honourable interment on the remains of Saul and Jonathan, and, with them, upon those that are now put to death, that the honour do... [ Continue Reading ]
The bones — Having first burnt off the flesh which remained upon them when they were taken down. Compare 1 Samuel 31:10, &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
After that — After those things were done which were before related; that is, after they were hanged up: for by that God was pacified, and not by their burial.... [ Continue Reading ]
After this — After the battle last mentioned.... [ Continue Reading ]
Born to the giant in Gath — These giants were probably the remains of the sons of Anak, who, tho' long feared, fell at last.... [ Continue Reading ]