Nathan came to David as if to ask his judicial decision on the case about to be submitted to him (compare 2 Samuel 14:2; 1 Kings 20:35). The circumstances of the story are exquisitely contrived to heighten the pity of David for the oppressed, and his indignation against the oppressor 1 Samuel 25:13,... [ Continue Reading ]
FOURFOLD - The exact number prescribed by the Law (see the marginal references), and acted upon by Zaccheus. The Septuagint has “sevenfold,” as in Proverbs 6:31.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THY MASTER’S WIVES ... - According to Eastern custom, the royal harem was a part of the royal inheritance. The prophets spoke in such matters according to the received opinions of their day, and not always according to the abstract rule of right. (Compare Matthew 19:4.)... [ Continue Reading ]
See the marginal references. In both the points of David’s crime the retribution was according to his sin. His adultery was punished by Absalom’s outrage, his murder by the bloodshed of domestic fights, which cost the lives of at least three of his favorite sons, Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah.... [ Continue Reading ]
For a comment on David’s words, read Psalms 51; Psalms 32:1. THOU SHALT NOT DIE - Not spoken of the punishment of death as affixed to adultery by the Mosaic Law: the application of that law Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22; John 8:5 to an absolute Eastern monarch was out of the question. The death... [ Continue Reading ]
The death of the infant child of one of the numerous harem of an Oriental monarch would in general be a matter of little moment to the father. The deep feeling shown by David on this occasion is both an indication of his affectionate and tender nature, and also a proof of the strength of his passion... [ Continue Reading ]
SOLOMON - Or “peaceable,” a name given to him at his circumcision. Compare Luke 1:59. The giving of the name Jedidiah, by the Lord through Nathan, signified God’s favor to the child, as in the cases of Abraham, Sarah, and Israel. The name Jedidiah (which contains the same root as the name David, nam... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CITY OF WATERS - The lower town of Rabbah (the modern Ammam), so called from a stream which rises within it and flows through it. The upper town with the citadel lay on a hill to the north of the stream, and was probably not tenable for any length of time after the supply of water was cut off.... [ Continue Reading ]
THEIR KING’S CROWN - The word rendered their king (Malcham) is also the name of the national idol of the Ammonites (Jeremiah 49:1, Jeremiah 49:3 margin; Amos 1:15; Zephaniah 1:5). Moreover, the weight of the crown, which is calculated to be equal to 100 or 125 pounds weight, is far too great for a m... [ Continue Reading ]
For the saw as an implement of torture compare Hebrews 11:37. HARROWS OF IRON - Or rather thrashing-machines (Isaiah 28:27; Isaiah 41:15, etc.). AXES - The word so rendered occurs only here and in 1 Chronicles 20:3. It evidently means some cutting instrument. MADE THEM PASS THROUGH THE BRICK-KILN... [ Continue Reading ]