CHAPTER XXIV. _ DAVID'S GRIEF FOR ABSALOM._ 2 Samuel 18:19; 2 Samuel 19:1. ''NEXT to the calamity of losing a battle," a great general used to say, "is that of gaining a victory." The battle in the wood of Ephraim left twenty thousand of King David's subjects dead or dying on the field. It is rem... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER XXV. _ THE RESTORATION._ 2 Samuel 19:5. O rouse one's self from the prostration of grief, and grapple anew with the cares of life, is hard indeed. Among the poorer classes of society, it is hardly possible to let grief have its swing; amid suppressed and struggling emotions the poor man mu... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER XXVI. _ DAVID AND BARZILLAI._ 2 Samuel 19:31. IT is very refreshing to fall in with a man like Barzillai in a record which is so full of wickedness, and without many features of a redeeming character. He is a sample of humanity at its best - one of those men who diffuse radiance and happin... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER XXVII. _ THE INSURRECTION OF SHEBA._ 2 Samuel 19:41; 2 Samuel 20:1. DAVID was now virtually restored to his kingdom; but he had not even left Gilgal when fresh troubles began. The jealousy between Judah and Israel broke out in spite of him. The cause of complaint was on the part of the ten... [ Continue Reading ]