CHAPTER XIX _David continues his lamentation for his son, and the people are_ _greatly discouraged_, 1-4. _Joab reproves and threatens him with the general defection of_ _the people_, 5-7. _David lays aside his mourning, and shows himself to the people,_ _who are thereby encouraged_, 8. _The... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:2. _THE VICTORY - WAS TURNED INTO MOURNING_] Instead of rejoicing that a most unnatural and ruinous rebellion had been quashed, the people mourned over their own success, because they saw their king so immoderately afflicted for the loss of his worthless son.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:4. _THE KING COVERED HIS FACE_] This was the custom of mourners. _O MY SON ABSALOM_] Calmet has properly remarked that the frequent repetition of the name of the defunct, is common in the language of lamentation. Thus VIRGIL, act. v., ver. 51: - _____ Daphnin _que team tollemus a... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:5. _THOU HAST SHAMED THIS DAY_] Joab's speech to David on his immoderate grief for the death of his rebellious son is not only remarkable for the _insolence of office_, but also for good sense and firmness. Every man who candidly considers the state of the case, must allow that Dav... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:8. _THE KING - SAT IN THE GATE._] The place where justice was administered to the people.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:11. _SPEAK UNTO THE ELDERS OF JUDAH_] David was afraid to fall out with this tribe: they were in possession of Jerusalem, and this was a city of great importance to him. They had joined Absalom in his rebellion; and doubtless were now ashamed of their conduct. David appears to take... [ Continue Reading ]
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 confide... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:16. _SHIMEI THE SON OF GERA_] It appears that Shimei was a powerful chieftain in the land; for he had here, in his retinue, no less than a thousand men.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:18. _THERE WENT OVER A FERRY-BOAT_] This is the first mention of any thing of the kind. Some think a bridge or raft is what is here intended.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:20. _FOR THY SERVANT DOTH KNOW THAT I HAVE SINNED_] This was all he could do; his subsequent conduct alone could prove his sincerity. On such an avowal as this David could not but grant him his life.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:24. _NEITHER DRESSED HIS FEET_] He had given the fullest proof of his sincere attachment to David and his cause; and by what he had done, amply refuted the calumnies of his servant Ziba.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:27. _THE KING_ IS _AS AN ANGEL OF GOD_] As if he had said, I state my case plainly and without guile; thou art too wise not to penetrate the motives from which both myself and servant have acted. I shall make no appeal; with whatsoever thou determinest I shall rest contented.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:29. _I HAVE SAID, THOU AND ZIBA DIVIDE THE LAND._] At first, David gave the land of Saul to Mephibosheth; and Ziba, his sons, and his servants, were to work that land; and to Mephibosheth, as the lord, he was to give the _half of the produce_. Ziba met David in his distress with p... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:32. _BARZILLAI WAS A VERY AGED MAN_] This venerable person had given full proof of his attachment to David by the supplies he had given him when he lay at Mahanaim, where his case was all but desperate; the sincerity of his congratulations now none can suspect. David's offer to him... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:35. _CAN THY SERVANT TASTE WHAT I EAT_] Here is at once an affecting description of the infirmities of old age; and a correct account of the mode of living at an Eastern court in ancient times. Barzillai was fourscore years old; his _ear_ was become dull of hearing, and his _reli... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:37. _THY SERVANT CHIMHAM_] It is generally understood that this was Barzillai's son; and this is probable from 1 Kings 2:7, where, when David was dying, he said, _Show kindness to the sons of_ _Barzillai_: and it is very probable that this Chimham was one of them. In Jeremiah 41:17... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:39. _THE KING KISSED BARZILLAI, AND BLESSED HIM_] The _kiss_ was the token of _friendship_ and _farewell_; the _blessing_ was a _prayer to God_ for his prosperity, probably a prophetical benediction.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:42. _WHEREFORE THEN BE YE ANGRY FOR THIS MATTER?_] We have not done this for our own advantage; we have gained nothing by it; we did it through loyal attachment to our king.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 19:43. _WE HAVE TEN PARTS IN THE KING, AND - MORE_ RIGHT] We are ten tribes to one, or we are ten times so many as you; and consequently should have been consulted in this business. _THE WORDS OF THE MEN OF JUDAH WERE FIERCER THAN THE WORDS OF THE_ _MEN OF ISRAEL._] They had more wei... [ Continue Reading ]