Bibelkommentare

David continues his lamentation for his son, and the people are greatly discouraged, 2 Samuel 19:1-4. Joab reproves and threatens him with the general defection of the people, 2 Samuel 19:5-7. David lays aside his mourning, and shows himself to the people, who are thereby encouraged, 2 Samuel 19:8. The tribes take counsel to bring the king back to Jerusalem, 2 Samuel 19:9-12. He makes Amasa captain of the host in place of Joab, 2 Samuel 19:13. The king, returning, is met by Judah at Gilgal, 2 Samuel 19:14, 2 Samuel 19:15. Shimei comes to meet David, and entreats for his life, which David grants, 2 Samuel 19:16-23. Mephibosheth also meets him, and shows how he had been slandered by Ziba, 2 Samuel 19:24-30. David is met by Barzillai, and between them there is an affecting interview, 2 Samuel 19:31-40. Contention between the men of Judah and the men of Israel, about bringing back the king, 2 Samuel 19:41-43.

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.

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 ad astra;

Daphnin ad astra feremus: amavit nos quoque Daphnis.

"With yours, my song I cheerfully shall join,

To raise your Daphnis to the powers Divine.

Daphnis I'll raise unto the powers above,

For dear to me was Daphnis' well tried love."

See the notes on the preceding chapter, 2 Samuel 18 (note).

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 David acted imprudently at least; and that Joab's firm reproof was necessary to arouse him to a sense of his duty to his people. But still, in his manner, Joab had far exceeded the bonds of that reverence which a servant owes to his master, or a subject to his prince. Joab was a good soldier, but in every respect a bad man, and a dangerous subject.

The king - sat in the gate - The place where justice was administered to the people.

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 no notice of their infidelity, but rather to place confidence in them, that their confidence in him might be naturally excited: and, to oblige them yet farther, purposes to make Amasa captain of the host in the place of Joab.

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 confidence in them as you safely can, and this will not fail to excite their confidence towards you.

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.