2 Samuel 16:14

Came weary, and refreshed themselves there— Josephus tells us, that David suffered his people to take no refreshment till they reached the banks of the Jordan; and the 16th, 21st, and 22nd verses of the next chapter seem to confirm this reading. Houbigant, instead of came weary, renders it, came to Ephim, which he supposes to be the proper name of a place. Note; (1.) Though impotent malice rage, and shew its will to hurt us, it is a mercy that power is wanting. (2.) God's corrections are often misconstrued into judgments; and when their enemy suffers, wicked men would fain bring in God as patronizing their cause. (3.) If we do ill, we may expect to hear of it, well aggravated in the report of an enemy. (4.) Innocence is no protection from a lying tongue. (5.) The curses of the wicked return upon their own heads. But (6.) we must not avenge ourselves, nor return evil for evil, even under the bitterest provocations. (7.) Though the charge laid against us be false, we may know enough to condemn ourselves for, which should make us patient under it. (8.) To see God's hand in every trial, is the way to be reconciled to bear it. (9.) Patience under reproaches, will not fail of its recompence; God will make our righteousness as the light.