I M E rf E B IlE W jM 0 MRCHY: A COMjvtENTAKY 711 H •A HA^MONf OF THE I^RALLElTeXTS ^ PRINCETON, N. J. ^' Division 3S IZ.D5 Section J^!^^^ Shelf " Nuviber THE HEBREW MONARCHY. THE HEBREW MONARCHY: a (^ommeittarji, WITH A HARMONY OF THE PARALLEL TEXTS AND EXTRACTS FROM THE PROPHETICAL BOOKS. EDITED, WITH AX INTRODUCTION BY E. PAYNE SMITH, D.D., late DEAN OF CANTERBURY, 7' ANDRE^W ^WOOD, I^I.A., Trinity CoUege, Cambridge; Hector of Great Ponton, Lines.; Diocesan Inspector of Schools. EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE, Her Majesty's Printers, LONDON— GREAT NEW STREET, FLEET STREET, E.C, 1896. VIROEUM SANCTISSIMORUM ET DILECTISSIMORUM MEMORI^, JOSEPHI B. LIGHTFOOT, S.T.P., Episcopi nupee Dunelme^sis, CHEISTOPHOEI WOEDSWOETH, S.T.P., Episcopi quondam Lincoiniensis, QUORUM ILLE me JUYENEM LITTERIS I]VSTITUIT, HIC PAROCHI^ CURATIONI PR^EECIT, UTERQUE TUM CCEPTIS MEIS ANNUIT. TUM LABORES FAVORE. STUDIO, CONSILIO, ETIAM ATQUE ETIAM ADJUVIT, HUNG EGO LIBRUM TERQUAM GRATUS, REVERENTER AUSUS PIE MEMOR, DEDICO. CONTENTS. Introduction . . Synopsis of Sections PAGE I 19 The Kingdom under Saul 1-77 „ „ David and Isii-bosheth 78-85 „ „ David . . . . 85-191 „ „ Solomon .. 191-261 The Divided Kingdom . . . . .. 262-485 The Kingdom of Judah . . . . .. 486-724 Appendices : — A. Additional Notes . . B. Notes on 1 Samuel i-vii . . C. Notes on Obadiah. , Index to Text. . „ „ Parallel Passages „ „ Notes Maps 727 750 757 760 763 765 THE HEBREW MONARCHY. INTRODUCTION. SYNOPSIS OF CONTENTS. Purpose of this Commentary— Divine Disapproval of the Estabhshment of the Kingly Form of Government— Weakness of the Theocratic Rule— Growing: Feebleness of Israel in Palestine — Lons Supremacy of the Philistines, and Degeneracy of Israel — Israel's Repentance under Samuel— Condition of the Country during Samuel's Rule— Saul's Energy and Defects— Results of David's Desertion of his Country, and of the Murder of Abner— Social Progress during Saul's Reign— Greatness of David's Genius— Purpose for which Empire was bestowed on Israel — Israel's Advance in Intellectual Culture — David's Statesmanship in making Jerusalem the Capital— David's Addition of Psalmody to the Mosaic Ritual — The Book of Psalms a Proof of Israel's Spiritual Elevation — The Psalms Contrasted with Classic Poetry — Lavish Splendour of Solomon's Reign — Empire not a Permanent Giit to the Messianic People— Solomon's Polygamy not approved by Prophets— Elijah's Interpretation of the "Still Small Voice"— His AVork and that of other Prophets in the Northern Kingdom — DilTerence in the Fate of Judah and Israel — Light thrown upon the History by the Juxtaposition with it of the Prophetic Wridngs — The Jews at Babylon— Recapitulation— The Jews an Enduring Monument of God's Providence. Purpose of this Commentaky. rriHE object of this important Commentary is nnique. It is to exhibit -'- the History of the Hebrew Monarchy in a connected narrative, with everything necessary for its elucidation. Thus it commences with the agitation of the Israelites for a more permanent form of government, strengthened and made irresistible by the misconduct of Samuel's sons ; and ends with those portions of the prophetic books which throw light upon the purpose of the Hebrew Monarchy, the reasons of its fall, and its survival in that which was ever the true reason of its existence — ^the spiritual reign of David's Son. And throughout, the inner feelings of God's Church of old are shown by the introduction of those Psalms which, either by external evidence or by the nature of their contents, seem either to be contemporaneous with the events recorded, or to have been expressly written 1 2 PUBPOSE OF THE COMMENTABY. to celebrate them. And when read thus in juxtaposition with the history, it is marvellous how clearly their true data and connexion manifest them- selves. Many a doubt as to their time and origin passes away, and we feel that we have in the Psalms the spiritual interpretation of the historic facts and the light in which they were regarded at the time by the more pious portion of God's people. They raise the history to a higher level, and that not one imaginary, but evidenced by the national poetry, and actually the standi^oint of the true worshippers of Jehovah throughout the nation's history. The poetry of a nation is ever the true index to the national character, and that of the Jews holds a position infinitely nobler than that of any other race of men ; and the Editor has done well in thus bringing together the events and the inspired commentary upon them. Divine Disapproval of the Establishment of the Kingly Form of Government — Weakness of the Theocratic Eule. The establishment of kingly rule was undoubtedly a part of the Divine purpose, and as such was looked forward to in the Book of Deuteronomy (ch. 17. 14-20). It was, indeed, an essential part of the j^reparation for the kingdom of the Messiah ; and in lower matters it gave the Israelites greater national security and more rapid progress in civilization than they had ever enjoyed before. Without the kingdom they could scarcely have worked out the purpose for which they were called into being. Why then, we may ask, was it so strongl}^ condemned by Samuel and by God (Hos. 13. 11) ? The reason is not far to seek. The form of Israel's government up to this time had been that of God's direct control. Jehovah was Israel's king, and His will was to be learnt of the priest by the TJrim and Thummim (Num. 27. 21). Now, had the people been living in an advanced stage of holiness, this would have been the best form of rule. It was an ideal government, bat unfit for men half civilized, and still in a low state of morality ; for its success depended upon their faith and trust in their God. As Aristotle teaches us, the corruption of the best is the worst, and the Theocracy as actually administered provided neither for the safety nor for the progress of the people. Something of the sort is attempted in the Papacy. The ideal is high: the actual performance is ruinous. So it was with the government of Israel. Moses, who was king in Jeshurun (Dent. 33. 5), with rare self-renunciation, reserved no special rank or privilege for his own sons. They sank at once to the level of ordinary Levites, and the Levites were left in poverty. Had the Israelites been fit for the theocratic government the position of the Levites would have been a noble one. As it was, they were scarcely more than men- dicants (Judg. 17, 7 S22.). Similarly, Moses had arranged no political WEAKNESS OF THE THEOCRATIC RULE. 3 machinery by which the tribes could act as a united body. They were like the United States of America without the solidifying influence of the Federal Government ; and thus, only on very rare occasions could they be induced to act together. Each tribe had some sort of patriarchal govern- ment, being ruled by the " heads of the fathers' houses " ; but its action was irregular, spasmodic, and destitute of administrative machinery, and, there- fore, of coercive power. It failed in punishing even the most atrocious crimes, and every man's lust was his law. " In those days there was no king in Israel ; every man did that which was right in his own eyes " (Judg. 17. 6; 21. 25). Four times in the Book of Judges we have this lamentation over the want of a king uttered in connexion with the record of unscrupulous wickedness, and the whole book bears witness to the miser- able effects of this absence of political organization. Growing Feebleness op Israel in Palestine — LoNfi Supremacy of THE Philistines, and Degeneracy or Israel. It was this national weakness which made the Israelites unable, after the death of Joshua, to complete the conquest of Canaan (Judg. 1). Nay, more ; about a century afterwards the tables were completely turned upon them, and the Canaanites, under Jabin, king of Hazor, a town which Joshua had destroyed (Josh. 11. 10), for twenty years were the masters of Northern Palestine. Jabin's was no conquest from without by Moabites, or Ammonites, or Midianites ; it was the uisrising of the con- quered race, and the reduction of the Israelites for a time to the abject position to which Joshua had condemned the natives. Undoubtedly this re-conquest of Palestine had been long preparing, and witness is borne to this by the Canaanite king having taken the old name of Jabin — the Phoe- nician title of the ruler of Northern Palestine. Had there been any form of federal government such a reversal of position would have been impossible. The central power would not have permitted the Canaanites to re-establish themselves in so strong a position as Hazor. And even when the ferocity of Sisera had driven the people to desperation, all those portions of Palestine which had not felt, as yet, the weight of his hand, stood aloof in indifference. Ephraim, the key-stone state, did nothing. Judah, destined to play so im- portant a part in the future, is not even alluded to in Deborah's triumi^h- soug. Evidently nothing was expected from it. It was the smaller tribes — Zebulon, Issachar, Naphtali — which, guided by the wisdom of Deborah and the skilful generalship of Barak, stayed the j^rogress of this re-conquest. The revolt was an act of despei'ation on their part, and it was this desperation probably wliich made the charge of the ten thousand down the slopes of Tabor so u-resistible. 4 8UPEEMACY OF PHILISTINES— BEGENEEACT OF ISRAEL. And always, in Israel's extremity, the right man was raised up to save the nation from extinction. But, as we read the Book of Judges, we can come to no other conclusion than that its vitality was rapidly waning. Under Gideon Israel was powerful, and though the civil war which followed his death weakened it, yet it maintained its independence for a long period under a succession of comparatively insignificant judges. But when we reach the age of Samson its independence is gone. From the Egyptian records we know that in the days of Rameses III., that is, about Samson's time, the power of Egypt was diminished, and the Philistines became the dominant peojjle of Southern Palestine.* With these ancient records the Bible is in full accord ; for, in the introduction to the history of S amson, it says : " The Lord delivered the children of Israel into the hand of the Philistines forty years " (Judg. 13. 1). The evidence of these records en- ables us now to form a just estimate of the greatness of the internal reformation wrought by Samuel, and of his bravery and that of Saul ; for it was with no ordinary nation they had to contend, and at the com- mencement of the struggle the Philistines had fortified posts in all the land of Israel (1 Sam. 10. 6; 13. 3), and had disarmed the whole nation (1 Sam. 13. 19-22). It was the immorality of the people which had sapped the national strength. Had they been chaste and temperate, they would have led free, happy, and prosj^erous lives. The Book of Judges sets them before us as a sensual race, though brave, intelligent, and, as we see in the case of Samson, possessed of wit and humour. What then God and Samuel condemned in their seeking after a king was, that they had shown themselves unworthy of having God for their ruler. The cup of their wickedness was full when, * Dr. Brugsch in his History of Egypt under the Pharaohs, which has been translated into English, shows from the Monuments that the Pharaohs of the Eighteenth Dynasty were lords paramount of Southern Palestine, and held Gaza and other Philistine strongholds by garrisons. But under the Nineteenth Dynasty Rameses III. was assailed at the commencement of his reign by a powerful confederacy, incUiding not only Greeks and Cypriotes, Hittites and Philistines, but even Sardinians and Sicilians. At first the confederacy was successful, but gradually Rameses gained the ascendancy, and after some years of struggle was victorious both by sea and land. But his power was so broken that though he subsequently invaded Palestine, yet it was not more than a raid, and the Philistines gained their freedom, and under the name of Pulista appear henceforward frequently upon the monuments. It was not until the reign of Rehoboam that the Egyptians again appeared in force in Palestine. This new light thrown upon the Bible history has a most important bearing upon the History of the Hebrew Monarchy, We now understand how the Philistines were able to hold the Israelites in such long subjection ; and how the struggle with them prepared the way for the empire of David. Trained during Saul's reign in a fierce warfare with this brave and well-armed people, the Isi-aelites were able, on emerging victorious, to win for David all the adjacent countries. His empire was, as we have seen, necessary to enable Israel to work out its Divine mission, but there was always the certainty, with Egypt and Assyria in the background, that Israel's empire must be temporary. Not Israel, but that kingdom of which Israel was the type, was to be the heir of the four great world-monarchies, and fill the whole earth (Dan. 2. 35). ISRAEL'S REPENTANCE UNDER SAMUEL. 5 at the tabernacle of Shiloh, priests set the example of lust and defiled the sanctuary itself. The punishment quickly came in that defeat in which Eh's sons were slain and the Ark captured. With what barbarous cruelty the Phihstines destroyed Shiloh we read in Ps. 78. 60-64; and its fate left so painful an impression upon the hearts of the Israelites that the town was never rebuilt, and the mention of its name by Jeremiah as a warn- ing to Jerusalem so filled the people with rage and horror, that they wanted to put the prophet to death for his ill-omened reference to it (Jer. 26. 8, 9). Israel's Repentance under Samuel. As the result of so terrible a disaster, the Philistines tightened their hold upon Israel. We may be sure that Shiloh was not the only place where the conqueror trampled down the vanquished ; and not merely was Israel dis- armed, but lest it should make weapons for itself it was left without tools, and the farmers had to go down to the land of the Philistines to get repairs even for their agricultural implements. Probably this extreme severity was exercised only in Benjamin and parts of Judah, the districts where Samuel and subsequently Saul were most active. No wonder, then, that when at Eben-ezer. the spot previously so fatal to the nation, Samuel had discomfited the Philistines, the peojole longed for greater security. In reading the summary of the results of this battle in 1 Sam. 7. 13, 14, we must remember that the custom of the Hebrew annalist is to look onward to the ultimate results of an action and describe them as if immediate. The cause includes the effect ; and the repentance of the people, brought about by Samuel's efforts, and crowned with the Divine approval at Mizpeh, contained witlin it the comjilete deliverance of the nation. Israel's regeneration was wi-ought first in the hearts of the people : its restoration to Jehovah's favour was shown by the victory at Eben-ezer; finally, Satil and David, as Samuel's instruments, wrought out the legitimate effects of Samuel's work in setting Israel free from the yoke of foreign dominion. Undoubtedly Samuel was the greatest and wisest of Israel's heroes, and the recovery of the nation was his work. Condition op the Country during Samuel's Rule. Had the repentance of Israel been complete and the lives of the people holy, the nation would have been content and have rejoiced in the personal government of their God. It fell far short of this, and its deliverance as yet was only partial. Its actual condition in Samuel's days was that described in 1 Sam. 13. l^iiUstino outposts still held strong positions 6 CONBITIOX OF THE COUNTEY DURING SAMUEL'S BULE. throughout the land ; the people were still disarmed, but Samuel's victory made the Philistines careful not to provoke the people by wanton acts of cruelty, and they thus enjoyed a fair amount of personal liberty; and Samuel himself took care for the orderly administration of justice in the chief districts of Benjamin, with which the history in this part of the Book of Samuel is concerned. But even this limited degree of independence seemed to the people to rest ujjon the life of one old man. His sons were not treading in his steps, and at his death, what was to be their fate ? They were not caj^able of looking upwards and of seeing their true Euler ; they needed greater earthly security. They had proved their bravery iipon many a well-fought field ; but who was to be their leader ? Their great lawgiver, Moses, had left them without any national organization. He had meant them to be something higher than one of the nations of the earth — even a spiritual people living in communion with God. They had deserted Him and were living in sin. For such the legislation of Moses was insufficient ; for they needed safety and protection. They must have someone to sum- mon them together, to marshal them, and take the command, and unite their strength for any great effort. At jDresent they were not a nation, but were tribes with no more cohesion than the sands. They needed some- thing to consoHdate them and make them into a rock. Saul's Enetigy and Defects. A king, therefore, was politically a necessity, and Saul proved the jorac- tical wisdom of the popular demand. But for his energy the people of Jabesh-gilead would have been deprived each of his right eye as a reproach to all Israel. But Saul rose equal to the occasion, because he had a Divine appointment giving him the right to command ; and it was probably the knowledge of his right that made the people ready to obey. During his reign the power of the Philistines was diminished, and Israel's freedom increased; but the comi^lete realization of the nation's hopes was frustrated by Saul's personal faults. Miserably jealous, looking askance at every man of merit, brooding over every achievement of others as a wrong done to himself, he became the victim of deepest melancholy, and by it at length his mind was unhinged. Had he cherished and loved his noble son Jonathan, and David, his true and faithful heutenant, the battle of Gilboa would either never have been fought, or would have comj)leted Israel's deliverance. It was Saul's persecution of David, and the consequent weakening of his power, which gave the Philistines the opi^ortunity of recovering from their earlier defeats ; and Saul's tragic death was the avenging upon him of that gloomy temper, which had embittered his latter days, and turned his many noble qualities into meanness and treachery. RESULTS OF DAVID'S DESEBTION OF HIS COUNTRY. 7 Eesults of David's Desertion of his Country, and of the Murder of Abner. A defeat so total brought back Israel's worst days. Once again the Phi- listines reduced the whole country west of the Jordan to obedience, Hebron alone excepted, and the adjacent district, wherein David maintained some degree of independence : while Ish-bosheth and Abner, the real ruler, fled far away to Mahanaim, beyond Jordan, in the hill country of Gilead. And this miserable state of things continued for several years, chiefly because of the unworthy act of David in deserting his country and becoming a vassal of the Philistine king of Gath. Placed there in a false position his whole conduct was a tissue of deceit and treachery, though happily he was saved from the worst effects of his crime by the susjjicions naturally entertained of him by the Phihstine lords. But now when Saul had fallen, and the eyes of all would naturally have turned towards the man whom God had chosen to be the heir of the kingdom, men doubted far and wide of his loyalty, and long years passed before he could take possession of Israel's throne. He had proved himself a traitor, and had even accompanied the Philistine army on its march for the subjugation of Israel. David was a man of faith, but his faith had failed. He had felt himself secure enough to take Abigail to wife, but he had grown weary of being hunted up and down, and to obtain ignoble rest he became untrue to his country and his God. And had not the distrust of the Philistines rescued him from the dilemma, what would have been his conduct at Gilboa ? Would he have taken part in slaying his king, and crushing liis nation ? or would he have been doubly a deserter, and betrayed the Philistines as he had betrayed his country ? Whatever might have been his choice, in either case his lot would have been infamy. He was saved from infamy, but his misconduct had disabled Israel. For seven years and six months David at Hebron, and Abner at Mahanaim, made feeble resistance to the Phihstines ; but at length the conviction pre- vailed that internal security could be obtained only by having a king, who could gather to one head the energies of all the tribes. It was this which had made the people gather round Saul, it now made them look toward David. For evidently, in spite of Abner's capacity, safety was not to be found in the house of Saul. Had Jonathan lived, the people would have been content with him, and he would have recalled to his side his dear old friend. That friend was now Israel's only possible chamjiion, and the vigour of his riile at Hebron was in strong contrast with the feebleness which prevailed at Mahanaim. Wearied with a tedious struggle the people at length agreed to make David their one king. But ill-luck stiU pursued him, and the union of the tribes under his rule was made unhappy by the foul murder of Abner. For necessarily David would fall under the suspicion of having connived at this base deed. b 5 8 RESULTS OF THE MUHBEB OF ABNER. It was partly these two crimes, David's desertion to the Pliilistines and Joab's murder of Abner, which, rankling in the minds of the i^eople, made them so ready to join in the rebellion of Absalom ; and the example of a divided kingdom also prepared the way for the final disruption of the tribes in the reign of Rehoboam. The traditions of Saul's house and the remembrance of his kingdom Hved on. Shimei, in cursing David, gave pubhc utterance to what thousands probably felt. Had the nation with one consent elected David to the throne after the battle of Gilboa, he would have ruled over a united and loyal people. As it was, the house of Saul had its adherents for generations among the northern tribes, just as the Stuarts had theirs until the last representative of the race had died. The race of Saul continued until the Captivity (1 Chron. 8. 39-44), but it sank into obscurity, and its place was taken by adventurers belonging to the great tribe of Ephraim. And this long dissension and the many evils arising from it would have been spared, if David had been content to wait upon God, and submit to the many discomforts of his hard lot. And these probably would have been endurable had not David multiplied wives. His position could not have been very trying, when he could take first Abigail and then Ahinoam to wife. His besetting sin was his lust for women. Probably his wives grumbled at his unquiet life; it was vexatious to live in constant expectation of sudden flight. Women like to have things in good order and comfort. To please them he became a deserter, and sowed the seeds of great future trouble for himself, his posterity, and all Israel. Social Progress durixg Satjl's Reign. In his elegy upon the death of Saul and Jonathan, David not only acknowledges the martial quahties of the two heroes, but also the great progress of the nation in social matters under Saul's rule. " He had clothed the daughters of Israel in scarlet delicately, and had put ornaments of gold upon their apj^arel." Such beauty of dress betokens a considerable degree of national prosperity, and some amount of foreign trade. The scarlet dresses would be imported by caravans from Tyre, and even if the golden ornaments were the work of native artificers, still there must be ample means with which to purchase ; for if there were no demand for their goods such artificers would not be called into existence. No one would wear scarlet or purchase trinkets in a state of misery so abject as that described in 1 Sam. 13. The people would live from hand to mouth, and would hide away their corn and stores that they might not be stripped of them by marauders. GSEA7WESS OF DAVID'S GENIUS. Greatness of David's Genius. When power was concentrated in David's hands, he carried on Saul's work with far greater ability and success. Chequered as was his moral character, there can be no doubt of the greatness of his genius both as warrior and as statesman. His piety was sincere, his generosity noble, but withal he was a hbertine. Yet strong in his passions, he was strong also in his virtues, and richly endowed with great mental gifts. When a mere boy he had perceived the feebleness of the boastful Goliath, as he stalked along in his showy panoply. A man so overweighted must fall, he felt, before a light- armed soldier assaihng him with missiles. In eveiy subsequent campaign he had proved victorious ; and in the raid referred to in 1 Sam. 18. 27, ab- horrent as it is to the whole spirit of civilised warfare, David had displayed the qualities necessary for the guerilla warrior. He had shown even greater skiU in foiling all Saul's continued efforts. And when the kingdom was his own, David not only rescued Israel from foreign dominion, but established a mighty empire, embracing not merely the bordering states, but reaching to the Hittites of Hamath on the Orontes. Little did the Israelites, when clamouring to Samuel for a king, dream of such wide extended rule. They thought only of leave to plough and reap in security : their children saw themselves masters of what was to them the whole civilised world. Purpose por which Empire was bestowed on Israel. Now, what was the Divine purpose in this ? If Israel was called into being, as we believe, for a special purpose, in what way did David's wars promote this purpose ? We can clearly see now that if the Israelites were to be a strong and enduring people, fit for high and noble work throughout centuries of oppression and ill-usage, they must have a history that would give them self-respect. They were to be God's witnesses for the unity of His nature ; and of them as concerning the flesh, the Christ was to come. Now, as we see them in the times of the Judges, they were a rough un- cultured people, with many sterling good quaUties, but wholly unfit for any spiritual or intellectual, or even for any moral work. They were tough fighters, but nothing more. It was David who raised them from this low state ; who welded them into an organic whole, who gave them imperial thoughts, and made them sixch as they have ever shown them- selves henceforward in their history, an heroic people. It was to David's empire that they ever looked back, and in their worst distresses the remem- brance of it gave them strength to dare and to endure. They felt sure that they were God's peoj^le, that He had made them for no mean end, and 10 ISRAEL'S ADVANCE IN INTELLECTUAL CULTURE. that He would preserve them until they had done His work. So the Maccabee looked back to David's rule as "the throne of an everlasting dominion " (1 Mace. 2. 57) ; and every pious Jew looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, to be the heir of the "everlasting covenant" (2 Sam. 23. 5), and to restore the Davidic kingdom. Other kingdoms might rise and fall : this was that stone cut out of the mountain without hands that must crush all other empires and reUgions, and fill the whole earth (Dan. 2. 35). The Jew mingled many an earthly aspiration with his diviner hope ; but the earthly passes away, and the spiritual alone remains. The kingdom of the Messiah is taking the place of the earthly type. But it was the Davidic kingdom which gave and formed this type, and which largely contributed to make the Jews a nation noble enough to be the worthy instruments for accomplishing God's great design. Israel's Advance in Intellectual Culture. But the Messianic people must be a cultured race capable of understanding the teaching of the Christ when He came, and of communicating it to others. ITow it was Samuel who laid in the Schools of the Prophets the broad foundation of Israel's culture. But for those Schools, there could never have arisen that line of prophets who were not merely teachers of righteousness but the intellectual leaders of the people. Granted that to Samuel's initiation must be referred all that was best in later Israel, yet we must equally grant that the court of the kings was also a necessary condition for the formation of an intellectual people : and among them David, Solomon, and Hezekiah were the chief promoters of learning. When we think of the miserable condition to wliich Israel was reduced after the battle of Gilboa, and then call to mind the splendours of David's court, with its seers, psalmists, recorders, &c., crowded with learned men as well with warriors, we can the better understand both the great service which Samuel did for Israel in raising up for it men fit to serve God in church and state ; and also the high natural endowments of the Israelites in making such good use, first, of the opportunities afforded them by Samuel, and, subsequently, in recovering so rapidly from the overthrow of their institutions by the Phihstines. No people could so qioickly have attained to such intellectual splendour as surrounded David's throne, had they not been a race endowed with high gifts of genius. David's Statesmanship in making Jerusalem the Capital. In all this progress David led the way; but there are two particulars especially in which he largely contributed towards making the Jews the DAVID'S STATESMANSHIP. 11 Messianic people. Never was there a more statesmanlike act than that whereby he made Jerusalem the centre of the religious life of Israel. As we have seen, the tribes had no cohesion ; Jerusalem, belonging itself to no tribe, was made by him the cajjital, in order to bind them together, and to be the symbol of the national unity. He placed there the Ark of God — in due time to be deposited in a splendid Temjjle — and there he fixed the royal court, to which the people were ever coming for the administration of justice. "How powerfully these influences wrought in making Israel one nation we learn from the fears of Jeroboam, that if the people were allowed to attend the reUgious services in Jerusalem they would soon return to their allegiance to the house of David. Vast numbers of men belonging to the ten tribes did abandon houses and lands in order that they might live where they could enjoy the Temple-service (2 Chron. 11. 16). They came even in such numbers as to make Judah, with its one tribe, a match for the far larger realm which had broken away from it ; and to stay this exodus, Jeroboam set up similar services at the two ancient sanctuaries of Beth-el and Dan.* But a still higher effect of the holy influences of Jerusalem was that they kept Judah true to its God. If we compare the kings of Israel with those of Judah, we find them certainly not inferior in warhke or raental gifts, but absolutely beneath them in moral and religious worth. Aiid with one or two miserable exceptions, the kings of Judah fostered in the nation those moral qualities which made the Jews fit to be the progenitors of the Christ. David's Addition op Psalmody to the Mosaic Eitual. But David wrought a change in the national worship perhaps even more important than his choice of Jerusalem to be the capital, and the placing of the Ark on the holy hill of Zion. The Mosaic ritual was full of tyj^ical instruction, and it continues to be replete with teaching for us. Probably it taught the Hebrews veiy little. The shedding of the blood of the sacrifice bore witness to them of no profound truth. It was the service of God, and a reUgious act, and no more. They, perhaps, thought chiefly of the feast that usually followed the sacrifice, and so, with irreverent hearts, * Beth-el seems to have been a well-known place in the time of Abraham (Gen. 12. 8), though some think that the name is used there by way of anticipation. But subsequently it became a heathen sanctuary, as we gather from the Phffiiiicians liaviiip given the name Bethnlia to certain magical stones, supposed to be endued with life, and which apparently were carved in imitation of the stone set up by Jacob. It is, moreover, recognised as a great religious sanctuary in Judg. 20. 18, 26, 31 ; 21. 2. In the Authorized Vei-sion it is translated House of God, but the Septuagint and Revised Version rightly render it Beth-el. No "House of God" as yet existed. Dan is supposed to have been a religious sanctuary from its anticiuity, as it is mentioned in Gen. 14. 14, and Deut. 31. 1. It was scarcely possible to establish any form of worship eicept in places ah-cady held sacred. 12 ADDITION OF PSALMODY TO THE MOSAIC RITUAL. they sat down to eat and to drink, and rose np to play (Exod. 32. 6). It was David who, with the consent of the nation signified through its chief officers and the cajjtains of the host, introduced a distinctly spiritual service of sacred song (1 Chron. 25). It is noteworthy that not merely the recita- tion of the Psalms, but also the instrumental music, is called "prophecy," that is, the speaking for God. Now, these musical services were no new thing. They were not invented by David. What he did was to introduce them into the Temjjle, and make them rank side by side with the Mosaic ritual. Samuel was their real author, and from his days they have lasted onwards to our own times. Even he, probably, found religious chants in use among the peojDle, and he made them the especial form of Divine Service in his Schools. And solemn and inspiriting must these services have been ! For we find, first of all, Saul's messengers, and then Saul himself, so carried away with enthusiasm at what they heard and saw, that they gave up their purpose of seizing David and joined against their wiU in chanting the praises of God (1 Sam. 19. 20-24). But, if it was Samuel who first gave form and method to the spiritual aspirations of the devout Israehte, it was David who made psalmody a regular part of the pubHc worship of the nation, and installed it in the sanctuary itself. The Book of Psalms a Proof of Israel's Spiritual Elevation. Now, if we would estimate aright the value of these two chief acts o£ David, let us ask ourselves what united Israel at first, and subsequently the kingdom of Judah would have been without Jerusalem ? and what would the Temple have been without its psalmody? And how great would have been our own loss ! All Christendom has reaped the benefit of David's acts ; for music has ever formed a large part of its public worship, and the Book of Psalms has been its best manual of public and private prayer and praise. And it is only when we read the Psalms in con- nexion with the history that we learn the true worth of the Hebrew nation. It is a poor record that we read in the Books of Kings and Chronicles, aUke of the kings of David's line and of the people ; but how pure and spiritual are their hymns, and what a singular depth of piety do they exhibit ! Grant that they are not always on a level with Christ's teaching, especially as regards the forgiveness of enemies, and the returning good for evil, yet even these maledictory Psalms have a good side in their burning love of justice, and their intense conviction that God wiU be on the side of right. But, as a whole, how true a spirit of devotion breathes throughout the Psalms ! and how worthily do they give expression to the best feelings, even of a Christian, though here and there they fall far short of the teaching of Him whose new commandment was love. THE PSALMS CONTBASTED WITH CLASSIC FOETRY. 13 The Psalms Contrasted with Classic Poetry. God seems, in these our days, to have poured out again upon His Church the spirit of psahnody. Hymns are written of exquisite beauty and fervent devotion ; but the Psalms still form our best book of praise. It is no small matter that, in such rough and untutored times, hymns should have been written which hold their rank even when placed side by side with the most si:)iritual songs of Christian times. But, if we compare Hebrew poetry with the poetry of Greece and Rome, we cannot but be impressed with its pure holiness, contrasting so strongly with the wantonness of classic song. For, not at one pei'iod only, but throughout a long succession of ages, it was the glory of God which insj^ired the poetic fervour of the Hebrew race. We cannot understand what the nation was except by studying the Psalms ; and one great use of this Commentary is that it combines the Psalms with the narrative, and constantly they throw great light on one another, and the Psalms are found to fit admirably into the place assigned to them, and to give the key for the explanation of the historic facts. To David then we owe Jerusalem, the centre of Judah's rehgious being, and the type of Christ's kingdom. We owe to him also the addition of a pure element of devotion to the Mosaic ritual, and the introduction of l>salmody into the public worship of Jehovah. It made that worship more directly spiritual, and it has bestowed upon us the Book of Psalms. He also gave the nation greater intellectual activity, and a vigorous political life. And then, upon his reign, followed an era of great temporal prosperity, of profuse magnificence, of brilliant but unchaste splendour, and of consequent decay. The wisdom of Solomon degenerated into the folly of a woman- ridden voluj^tuary, and the gorgeous luxury of his life, and his vast expendi- ture upon buildings, sapped the foundations of his throne. The cost of the Temple had been provided by David ; its erection gave Solomon a taste for architecture; and he continued to raise one costly edifice after another, even when they had to be erected by forced labour, and by money wrung from his subjects. To an agricultural people heavy taxation is especially onerous. The Hebrews were to be a nation of farmers cul- tivating their own lands with the help of servants, that is, slaves born in their house or bought with money. There was to be no trade, and no accumulation of capital. Their ideal citizen was Jesse, the rich farmer of Bethlehem, with abundant oxen and sheep, and fields of corn, but doing most of the work with his own hands, and those of his sons. To him an ass load of bread, a skin of wine, and a kid, seemed a handsome present to send to his king (1 Sam. 16. 20). What would Solomon have thought of such Q gift? Flesh was not an everyday article of consumption in Israel, but Solomon's daily supply was ten fat oxen, twenty oxen straight from tho U EMPIBE NOT A PEEMANENT GIFT TO ISRAEL. meadows, a hundred sheep, and game in abundance. And the service o£ his table was equally imperial. Even in his hunting box in Lebanon the vessels were all of jjure gold. Such lavish cost meant the oppression of the people ; but the Hebrews looked back to his reign as their golden era, and extolled his glory, and mused with pride upon his fleets and their cargoes of costly Oriental wares. Even to this day the wisdom of Solomon is regarded in the East as more than human, and jins and efreets tremble at his name. His good beginning is alone remembered, the cloak of oblivion is drawn round his miserable end. Lavish Splendour op Solomon's Eeign— Empire not a Permanent Gift to the Messianic People. Yet even Solomon's reign had its use. It sei-ved as a glorious halo round the picture of Israel's national greatness. David had made them masters of a mighty empire ; in Solomon they had possessed a king whose wisdom exceeded that of other men, and whose splendour cast a bright radiance upon even their lowest degradation. It thus gave dignity to their character, and helped to form in them that unbending firmness which has carried the Jew un- changed through long ages of affliction. But God gave them earthly empire and material splendour for only a very short period. It was not His will that the Messianic people should be one of earth's conquering races. They had a nobler task set before them ; and soon the realm of David was rent asunder. Even in the times of the Judges we see causes at work which made it difficult for Ephraim and Judah to bear the yoke evenly. David had aggravated these differences when, as the result of his desertion to the Philistines, there was a seven years' strife between him and Ish-bosheth. He did his best by the choice of Jerusalem and the increased beauty of the Temple-services to bind the nation together. Had Solomon made full use of these uniting influences the tribes might have been welded into one nation, but he broke the bond when he built upon the holy hill temples for Ashtoreth and Chemosh, and Milcom and Molech. The peojale might endure heavy taxation and forced laboiir when the object was to rear palaces for their king, or for Pharaoh's daughter, but not when the money was to be wasted on fanes for the abominations of the heathen. Solomon's Polygamy not approved by Prophets. For ever onward from Samuel's time the " sons of the prophets " had laboured assiduously for all that was true and holy, and Solomon's conduct was most distressing in their sight. When Ahijah condemned it in Jehovah's name, and foretold the rending away of ten tribes and their bestowal upon Jeroboam, we are to understand by this act that the whole prophetic body SOLOMONS POLYGAMY NOT APPROVED BY PROPHETS. 15 placed themselves in opposition to Solomon, and having tried in vain to change his purpose, then more or less openly showed their disapproval. And how powerful they were we learn from Kehoboam disbanding his army and not daring to go to war with Israel because Shemaiah forbad his doing so. Now the act of these two prophets proves that the disruption of the kingdom was in accordance with God's will, and the proximate cause of it was Solomon's sensuality and consequent lapse into idolatry. His polygamy may have been a part of his costly magnificence, but it was contrary to the sj^irit of the Mosaic Law, and the habits of the people. A vast harem was an institution borrowed from the customs of the heathen world, and it led naturally to the indulgence of the foreign women in the l^ractice of their idolatries. It was to the credit of the Hebrew women that so many of Solomon's wives had to be brought from abroad. Now the reason why idolatry is ever so strongly condemned in Holy Scripture is that it went hand in hand with moral impurity, and it was for chastity and righteous conduct that the projahets ever laboured. It was they who kept the flame of pure religion buitdng in the hearts of the people, and we may feel sure that it was mainly to them that we owe the Book of Psalms. Such men could not but feel shame and indignation at the impure splendoui* of Solomon's court. Elijah's Interpretation of the " Still Small Voice " — His Work AND that OE other PrOPHETS IN THE NORTHERN KINGDOM. And how great was their influence in forming the Messianic kingdom and keeping it true to its purpose we learn from the history of Elijah. That great prophet of action, who stands forth as the mighty witness for God, was taught at Horeb that the right way of working is not by the display of strength and vigour, but by the " stiU small voice," that is, the calm appeal to the human conscience. And how did he interj^ret this teaching ? We lind the latter years of his life devoted to the re-establishment of the prophetic colleges. Jezebel had destroyed them, and put the prophets to death. The unchaste worship of Astarte set up by her at Samaria was impossible as long as the prophets of Jehovah were numerous and powerful to resist it. She destroyed them : but Elijah, too powerful after the great day at Mount Carmel for Ahab to dare openly to oppose him, gathered once again together the few who remained, and drew others round him. His last earthly work was the visitation of the Schools of the Prophets at Gilgal, at Beth-el, and at Jericho. And after his translation, the whole activity of Elisha, his successor, seems to have concerned itself with their guidance and maintenance. Once again under him the prophets wrought effectually among the Israelites for chastity and honesty and virtuous living. But we 16 ELIJAH'S WOEK IN THE NOBTHEBN KINGDOM. may doubt whether they ever had among the ten tribes as strong an influence as in Judah. They had there the heljj of the priesthood and of the Temple-services, and their chiefs, like Isaiah, were the chosen advisers of the kings. Yet even in the North the influence of men hke Elijah, EHsha, Hosea, and Amos was very great. Of the latter, Amaziah, the high priest at Beth-el, when begging king Jeroboam II. to expel him from the country, said: "The land is not able to bear all his words" (Amos 7. 10). And thus Judah and Israel, shorn of their sj^lendour, and destitute of political power, were yet the appointed field for the development of true religion, and for the preparation for the coming of Christ. It was a hard struggle that the prophets and the believing j)ortion of the people maintained against the many adverse influences which wrought for moral decay : but it was this struggle which so elevated their whole character. As regards the mass of the people, it is a miserable picture which Hosea and Amos draw of the licentiousness rampant in Samaria and in the Northern tribes ; and the victorious career of Jeroboam II. availed nothing for their rescue. They fell ; and it was their immorality which wrought their ruin. And though vice was not so prevalent in Judaea, yet even there degradation was going on. The long reign of Manasseh was more powerful for evil than those of Heze- kiah and Josiah for good. And the Assyrians carried Judah also into captivity, and Jerusalem and the temple of Jehovah were burnt with fire. Difference in the Fate of Judah and Israel. But great is the difference now in the fate of the two portions of the people of God. The ten tribes disappear. Whatever may have been their fate then, or whatever may be in store for them in the future, yet as a fact they had no more part or lot in the preparation for Messiah's kingdom, nor do we know anything certain about their present position. They had failed utterly, and God used them no more. But, as regards Judah, the extracts from the writings of the prophets given in this Work show that God's dealing with her was in love. In her death there was new life. As Isaiah had foretold, the crushing of the grapes in the cluster was in order to bring forth the new wine (Isa. 65. 8, 9). What to the eye of man could seem more hopeless and forlorn than the long string of captives toiling onward in their weary way to Babylon ! Their route marked by the bodies of those who in sheer exhaustion lay down to die ! They themselves without hope, and welcoming death in their despair. We know from the pictures carved on the Assyrian monu- ments how inhuman would be their treatment on their journey, and how terrible their misery. Yet they were God's Church, and in them, in the providence of God, was contained the new wine that was to cheer and bless the whole world. . , THE JEWS AT BABYLON. 17 Light thrown upon the History by the Juxtaposition "with it OF THE Prophetic Writings. The juxtaposition of these extracts with the narrative constantly serves to give the right meaning to the prophetic writings, and to show what was their primary j^urpose. But it has a higher use. For by their help we are able to understand the way in which God's Divine plan for man's redemption was working itself out. Thus doubtless those left behind in Judaea bewailed the hard lot of that band of captives torn from house and home, and dragged to Babylon to people its waste places. Those left behind were spared, they thought, this extremity of misfortune, and might still enjoy their cities and fields. But Jeremiah lifts the curtain, and teaches just the reverse. In chap. 24 (p. 633) he shows that those carried captive to Babylon were chosen by God for a higher purpose. They were put there for safety, for their good ; and after the i^romise of even earthly prosperity in their new home, God speaks to them of better things. " I vrill give them," he says, " a heart to know me, that I am the Lord : and they shall be my people, and I will be their God : for they shall return unto me with their whole heart." Zedekiah and the people left behind at Jerusalem were but as a basket of figs too de- cayed to be eaten, and put aside as worthless. They were too bad for it to be worth while to carry them to Judah's new dwelUng-place. The Jews at Babylon. It was to comfort God's elect that Jeremiah foretold that the captivity at Babylon would last seventy years (Jer. 29. 10). But as this is the ordinary duration of human life, they were to go as men who would leave their bones in the Chaldean land, and they were not merely to build houses there, and marry, and carry on trade, but be good and loyal citizens, and labour and pray for the peace of the city, which was now their home : " for in its peace shall ye have peace" (Jer. 29. 7). But they were to be supported in this cruel wrench from their native land by the sure conviction that God was with them ; that they were His Church, and that the promise was theirs ; and then at the end of seventy years their children would return to the holy land, would rebuild Jerusalem and the Temj^le, and would dwell there until Messiah came. There can be no doubt that this promise not only strengthened the hearts of the j^eople, but helped greatly in that reformation of conduct and belief which changed them into that band of pious and trustful men who returned from exile with Ezra, and who from that day forward never wavered in their firm faith in their God, nor in their adherence to the central truth of which God had made them the keepers, that the Lord Jehovah is one and the only God. 18 EECAPITULATION. Recapitulation, Lastly, these extracts show what was the ultimate purpose of God in establishing monarchy in Israel, and under the veil of an earthly kingdom they reveal to us the nature of the true kingdom of God. Alike Isaiah and Jeremiah at Jerusalem, Daniel and Ezekiel in captivity, and the other prophets, explain to their countrymen of old and to us now the nature of the rule of David's promised Son, and the extent and perpetuity of " the throne of the kingdom that was to be stablished for ever " (2 Sam. 7. 13). The empire of David, the wisdom and splendour of Solomon, the struggles of the divided kingdom, all had their typical meaning ; and they, and still more directly the Divine teaching of the prophets, were all preparing Israel for the discharge of the great duty to which God had appointed its children, of being the teachers of mankind, and as those among whose institutions Christ was to be brought up, whose sons were to be Christ's companions, the depositaries of Christ's doctrines, and His Missionaries to make disciples of all mankind. We can understand Hebrew history only by seeing it in relation to Christ, and as we look back upon the strange course it has run we see in His coming its reason and explanation. And as these were given beforehand in the writings of the goodly fellowship of Judah's prophets, both the history and these writings gain in clearness by being brought close together. The Jews an Enduring Monument of God's Providence. rinally, the Jews remain to this day a wonderful monument of God's mar- vellous providence in their discipHne and formation. Greek and Roman, As- syrian and Egyptian pass away. New races take their place, and the small remnants of those who erst held empire are absorbed in the uprise of tribes and nations unheard of until they bui-st upon and overran the old world and swept its decaying civilization away. Not so the Jew. Moulded and tempered in God's own furnace, he lives on. Great has been his work in the past, great possibly is the work for which he is reserved in the future. And when we see how high are the qualities of the Jews, and how indestructible the race, and how firm and patient they are in endurance, and how energetic in action, we are prepared to find no ordinary record in the Histories of Judah and Israel, and in the details of the training which have made the Jew what he is. SYNOPSIS. SAUL. SEC. PAGE 1. — The Israelites demand a King.— God's Consent is Given 1 ' They have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them ' {v. 7). 1 Samuel 8. 2. — The King is Designated 3 Jehovah bids Samuel anoint Saul to be the ' Captain ' {Ndyid = ruler, or Prince, see Dan. 9. 25 ; sec. 287) ' over My people Israel ' (y. 16). 1 Samuel 9. 3. — Sabiuel Anoints Saul. — Saul Elected King at a National Asseiibly 7 ' The Throne of the Kingdom of the Lord over Israel' (1 Chron. 28. 5). 1 Samuel 10. 4. — Saul delivers Jabesh-Gilead, and is unanimously Accepted as King 10 1 Samuel 11. 5. — The Monarchy is Inaugurated at Gilgal. — Samuel's Address .... 12 Samuel names Saul, 'The Lord's Anointed' ( = Messiah, cp. Pss. 18. 50 & 20. 6, and see Sec. 287). 1 Samuel 12. 6. — Saul's Disobedience. — The first Sentence on Saul 16 Samuel reveals to Saul that his ' Kingdom shall not continue,' and Jehovah's choice of ' a man after His own heart to be Captain over His people ' {v. 14). Jonathan strikes the first lilow, and Israel revolts from the Philistines. — The Philistines invade Benjamin. 1 Samuel 13. 1-22. 7. — Saul's .Self-reliance 20 Jonathan's second exploit. — Panic and Kout of the Philistines. 1 Samuel 13. 23 to 14. 1-23. 8. — Saul's hasty Oath. — The Pursuit of the Philistines Marred .... 23 The Philistine Occupation ends. 1 Samuel 14. 24-46. 9. — The Monarchy Established. — Saul delivers Israel. — His Wars and Family 25 1 Samuel 14. 47-52. 10. — Saul's Commission against Amalek.— Saul is again Disobedient . . 26 1 Samuel 15. 1-15. 19 20 SIWOPSIS. SEC. PAGE 11. — The Final Sentence on Saul. — Saul Rejected from being King.. 28 ' The Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou ' (k 28). 1 Sa)}iuel 15. 16-35. 12. — David is privately Anointed by Samuel 29 The Foundation of the Davidic-Messianic Kingdom. 1 Samuel 16. 1-13. 13. — David, as a Harpee, is summoned to tub Court of Saul 31 1 SaiTiuel 16. 14-23. 14. — David a Deliverer. — A Philistine Invasion is Defeated by David's Victory over Goliath 32 1 Samuel 17. 1-54. Psalm 23. 15. — David's Court Life, and Marriage to Saul's daughter. — Saul's Jealousy of David ; Jonathan's Affection for David 38 1 Samuel 17. 55 to 18. 29. 16. — Saul's attempts on David's Life. — David Flees from Court and takes Refuge with Samuel 41 1 Samuel 18. 30 to Psalm 59. 19. 17. — David appeals to Jonathan. — Jonathan sounds Saul. — The mutual Covenant of David and Jonathan 44 1 Samuel 20. 18. — David's FINAL Flight. — He Visits Nob; the High Priest Aids Him 46 1 Samuel 21. 1-9. 19. — David seeks a Refuge with the Philistine King at Gath. — He Escapes into Judah to Adullam 48 1 Samuel 21. 10 to Psalms 34 & 56. 22. 1. 20. — David at Adullam becomes the Captain op a Band of Outlaws . 50 1 Samuel 22. 1,2. 1 Chronicles 12. 8-18. 21. — David in Moab. — He Returns into Judah (the Forest of Hareth) 51 The prophet Gad bids David return into Judah. 1 Samuel 22. 3-5. 22. — Saul Massacres the High Priest and Priests of Nob 51 Abiathar, now the High Priest, escapes to David with the Sacred Oracle. 1 Samuel 22. 6-23. Psalm 52. 23. — Saul's Pursuit and David's ' Flittings ' (Ps. Ivi. 8, Pr. Sk. V.) begin 53 David delivers Keilah. — David in the Wildernesses of Ziph and Macn. 1 Samuel 23. Psalm 54. 24. — David at Engedi Spares Saul's Life. — His Interview and Covenant with Saul 56 1 Samuel 24. 25. — Death of Samuel : the National Mourning 57 1 Samuel 25. 1. 26. — David in the Wilderness of Paran. — His Marriages 58 1 Samuel 25. 1-44. SYXOPSIS. 21 SEC. PAGE 27. D^VID IN THE AViLDERNESS OF ZiPH. SaUl's PERSECUTION OF DavID RESUMED. — David again Spares Saul's life 61 1 Samuel 26. Psalms 57 & 142. 28. — David takes Refuge froji Saul in Philistia. — David at Gath and ZlKLAG 65 David's despondency ; he takes service with Achish the Pliilistine King, who assigns to him the town of Ziklag. His hand increases. 1 Samuel 27. 1 Chronicles 12. 1-7. 29. — The Philistines Invade Israel. — Saul at Gilboa and En-dor .... 67 David and his band accompany Achish to the war. — Saul, obtaining no response from God, consults the Witch at En-dor. — The transfer of the Kingdom to David is revealed to Saul. 1 Samuel 28. 30. — David is distrusted; Achish sends him back. — His Band incre.\ses 69 1 Samuel 29. 1 Chronicles 12. 19-22. 31. — Amalekites destroy Ziklag. — David's Successful Pursuit 71 1 Samuel 30. 32. — Saul and three of his Sons are Slain on Mount Gilboa 73 1 Samuel Z\. 1 to 1 Chronicles 10. 2 Samuel 1.16. 33. — David's Lamentation for Saul and Jonathan 76 2 Samuel 1. 17-27. DAVID AND ISH-BOSHETH, 34. — David is Elected and Anointed King over Judah at Hebron. — Abner makes Ish-bosheth King at Mahanaiji in Gilead 78 An Assembly of his Tribesmen elects David. — Abner sets up Saul's Son, Ish-bosheth, as a Rival to David. The Philistines are gradually driven from N. and W. Canaan. 2 Samuel 2. 1-7. 35. — Abner makes Ish-bosheth King over all Israel. — The Civil War . 79 The Encounter at Gibeon. 2 Samuel 2. 8-32. 36. — Progress of David, Decline of Saul's Partt.^ — Abner and Ish- bosheth ARE Murdered 81 David's sons born in Heljron. Abner oflfers to bring over Benjamin and the rest of Israel to David. — Joab murders Abner — Two of his own officers murder Ish-bosheth. 2 Samuel 3 & 4. DAVID. 37. — David is Elected and Anointed King over all Israel at Hebron 85 2 Samuel 5. 1-5. 1 Chronicles 11. 1-3. 38. — The Assembly of all Israel at Hebron 86 1 Chronicles 12. 23-40. 39. — The Expedition against Jerusalem : it becomes ' The City of David ' 87 David captures Jerusalem and makes it the National Capital. 2 Samuel 5. 6-10. 1 Chronicles 11. 4-9. 22 SIWOPSIS. SEC. PAGE 40. — David eepels two Philistine Invasions. — ^Battles of Eephaim.... 89 2 Sa7>iuel 6. 17-25. 1 Chronicles 14. 8-17. 41. — David Established as King of all Israel. — His fuether Marriages and Family 90 Names of David's sons born in Jerusalem, including Solomon. 2 Samttel 5. 11-16. 1 Chrcmicles 14. 1-7. 42. — The Ark is removed from Kirjath-jeaeim 91 David moves the Nation to bring the Ark into the New Capital. The Warning of the Judgment on Uzzah. 2 Sa??uiel 6. 1-11. 1 Chronicles 13. 43. — ^The Ark is brought from Obed-bdom's House. — The Ark at Eest IN ' The City of David ' 93 The National Assembly. — David consults the Priests and Levites. — The Ordering of the Procession. — The Feast of Dedication. David revives and develops the National Worship :^The Service of the Ark in the Tent on Zion. The Service of the Tabernacle of Moses at Gibeon. David organizes a Service of Song for each Sanctuary. 2 Samiiel 6. 12-23. 1 Chronicles 15, 16. Psalms 15 & 24. 44. — David, at rest from his Enemies, desires to Build a Temple for the Ark. — Nathan, the prophet, announces God's Covenant WITH David. — 'The Sure Mercies of David' (Isa. 55. 3) . . . . 100 ' I will set vp thy seed after thee . . . and I will establish his kingdom . . . he shall build an house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.' David's Prayer and Thanksgiving. 2 Samuel 7. 1 Chronicles 17. 45. — The Extension of David's Kingdom. — His Conquest of Philistia, MoAB, Syria, and Edom. — David's Just and Righteous Rule.. 103 Toi, King of Hamath, sends an Embassy to David with gifts. — David's Treasures. — His Chief Officials. 2 Samuel 8. 1 Chronicles 18. Psalm 60. 46. — David's kindness to the heir of Saul and Jonathan, Mephibosheth 108 2 Samuel 9. 47. — ^War with Ammon. — David defeats Ammon and its Syrian allies . 109 2 Samiiel 10. 1 Chronicles 19. 48. — ^War with Ammon {continued). — Siege of Rabbah. — David's Sin... Ill David marries Bathsheba, the future mother of Solomon. 2 Samuel 11. 1-26. 1 Chronicles 20. 1. 49. — The retributive Sentence. — David's Penitence 113 ' The sword shall never depart from thine house ... I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house' {ch. 12. 10, 11). 2 Samuel W. 21 io Psalms Z2 & 51. 12. 25. 50. — Capture of Rabbah 117 2 Samuel 12. 26-31. 1 Chronicles 20. 1 (part), 2, 3. 51. — Amnon's Incest. — Absalom murders him and goes into Exile 118 2 Samuel 13. 1-38. 62. — Absalom's Recall. — David finally forgives him 121 2 Samuel 13. 39 to 14. 33. SYXOPSZS. 23 SEC. ^^**^ 53. — Absalom's Conspiracy and Rebellion at Hebron 12-t 2 Satnuel 15. Psalms 5 & 38 & 39 & 41 & .55. oi. — David's Flight across Jordan.— Absalom in Jerusalem 132 David at ]\Iahanaim. 2 Samuel 16. Psalm 63. o5. — The Eival Counsellors in Jerusalem 135 2 Samuel 17. 1-23. Psalms 42 & 43. 56. — Absalom's Defeat and Death. — David's Griee 138 2 Samuel 17. 24 to 18. 33. 57. — David at Mahanaim. — Judah invites David to Eetttrn 141 2 Samuel 19. 1-15. Psahns 3 & 4. 58.' — The Bestoration. — Recompense 141 David's Return. — Scenes ou the 'vvay to Jordan. 2 Samtiel 19. 16-40. 59. — The Restoration. — David at Gilgal ; Discord between Judah and the rest of Israel 1 *'^ 2 Samuel 19. 41-43. 60. — Sheba's Rebellion against David !•! ■> Slielia, a Benjamite, heads the malcontent men of Israel, and they repudiate David. — Judah escorts David to Jerusalem. — Joab and Abishai suppress the Rcljellion. — Death of Sheba. David re-established ; His Chief Officials. 2 Samuel 20. 61. — Saul's Massacre of the Gibeonites Avenged , ■ . 149 A three years' famine is ended by the surrender of seven of Saul's sons to the Gibeonites, who execute them. — David buries the bones of Saul and Jonathan in their father's sepulchre. 2 Samuel 21. 1-14. 62. — Exploits against Philistine Giants 151 2 Samuel 21. 15-22. 1 .Chronicles 20. 4-8. (33 — David's Thanksgiving for Deliverance from his Enemies and Saul 152 2 Samuel 22. G4, — Institutions of David's Kingdom, . , 1 and Abiathar, is proclaimed King. Moved by Nathan the prophet, David causes Solomon to be anointed King over Israel and Judah and placed on the throne. — Solomon, as King, pardons Adonijah. 1 Kings 1. 5-53. 72. — David charges Solomon before the National Assembly. — Solomon is anointed the Second time. — David's private Charge to Solomon 185 David again applies the Promise to Solomon. David declares Solomon's Commission to build the Temple.— He transfers to him the Plans, Patterns, and accumulated Materials. David appeals to the Assembly. — Their offerings. — The Thanksgiving Service. — Solomon is accepted by the Assembly, and anointed the Second time. — The Coronation Feast. 1 Kings 2. 1—9. 1 Chronicles 23. 1, 2 & 28. 1-19 & 29. 1, 22. 73. — David's Death. — Solomon Keiqns alone 191 1 Kinys 2. 10-12. 1 Chronicles 2^. 2Z-ZQ. 74. — Solomon Established. — The Ideal King 192 Adonijah's Conspiracy. — Execution of Adonijah and Joab ; Abiathar deposed and banished. Solomon marries Pharaoh's Daughter. The wor.ship in the high places, esp. at Gibeon. 1 Kings 2. 13 to 2 Chronicles 1.1. Psalm 72. 3. 3. , SYNOPSIS. 25 SEC. PAGB 75. — The Nation.'Il Convocation at G-ibeon. — Solomon Sacrifices there. — Jehov.\h appears to Solomon ; The King's Choice 198 1 Kings 3. 4-15. 2 Chronicles 1. 2-13. 76. — The Wisdom of Solomon — a typicajl Judgment 200 1 Kings 3. 16-28. 77. — Solomon's Empire and its Organisation 201 1 Kings 4. 78. — The Temple begun. — .Solomon's Treaty with Hiram, King of Tyre 205 ' The Lord my God hath given me rest on every side . . . neither ad- versary nor evil occurrent ' (1 Kings 5. 4). 1 Kings 5. 2 Chronicles 2. 79. — Solomon's Temple 209 The Fabric. — The Fittings and Contents. — The Courts. 1 Kings 6. 2 Chronicles 3. 1-14 & 4. 9. 80. — Solomon's Palace. — Huram's Works for the Temple 218 1 Kings 7. 2 Chronicles 3. 15-17 & 4. 1-8, 10-22 & 0. 1. 81. — The Dedication of the Temple. — God accepts the Temple 225 ' The city which the Lord did choose out of all the tribes of Lsrael, to put his name there '(1 Kings 14. 21). National Ceremony of the Removal of the Ark into the Temple. Solomon's Address. — Solomon's Prayer. — The Answer by Fire. Solomon's Thanksgiving and Charge. — The Successive Festivals. 1 Kings 8. 2 Chronicles 5. 2 to 7. 10. 82. — Jehovah appears to Solomon the Second time. — The Promise to David Confirmed to Solomon with a Warning 236 ' Then . . . this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight ; and Israel shall be ... a byword .... Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and this house? ' (1 Kings 9. 7, 8). 1 Kings 9. 1-9. 2 Chronicles 7. 11-22. 83. — Epitome of Solomon's Works and Trade 239 The Cities called Cabul. — Solomon's Conquest of Ilamath-zobah. The Levy for Public Works, Commercial and Military. Installation of Pharaoh's Daughter. Solomon's Religious Practices and Institutions. Solomon's Commerce by Sea. 1 Kings 9. 10-28. 2 Chronicles 8. 84. — The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon at Jerusalem 244 1 Kings 10. 1-13. 2 Chronicles 9. 1-12. 8.5. — Solomon's AVealth 247 1 Kings 10. 14-29. 2 Chronicle.'^ 1. 14-17 & 9. 13-28. 86. — Solomon's Decline. — His Polygamy and Idolatry 251 Solomon builds temples on Mount Olivet for the worship of the gods of his foreign wives. 1 Kings 11. 1-8. 26 SYNOPSIS. SEC. PAGE 87. — Thk Sentence on Solomon for this Apostacy. — Execution begun BY Hadad, Eezon, and Jeroboam. — The Peace of the Keign is Broken 253 'I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant . . . out of the hand of thy son . . . but will give one trilje to thy son for David my servant's sake, and Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen' {vs. 11, 12, 13). Solomon's adversaries : Hadad in Edom, Eezon, King of Damascus, and Jeroboam of Ephraim. — Ahijah foretells to Jeroboam the transfer to him, by Jehovah, of the kingdom over ten of the tribes. — 'Thou . . . shalt be king over Israel. And ... if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk . . . and do ... as David my servant did, I will build thee a sure house as I built for David' (vs. 37, 38). Solomon seeks to kill Jeroboam. 1 Kings 11. 9-40. 88. — Death of Solomon. — Rehoboam Succeeds Him 256 1 Kmc/s 11. 41-43. 2 Chronicles 9. 29-31. 89. — The Secession 258 The National Assembly, met at Shechem to elect Rehoboam, demands, through Jeroboam, the redress of grievances ; Eehoboam's despotic reply. ' All Israel ' rejects the Dynasty of David ; Judah cleaves to it. 1 Kings 12. 1-19. 2 Chronicles 10. THE DIVIDED KINGDOM. 262 90. — The Disruption. — Jeroboam elected King of all Israel; His RELIGIOUS innovations • • • • At the prophet Shemaiah's bidding, Rehoboam and Judah submit to the disruption as from the Lord. — Rival measures of Defence. Jerolioam ' makes Israel to sin ' ; the Immigration of the Priests and Levites into Judah. Rehoboam Established as King of Judah.— His Wives and Family. 1 Kings 12. 20-31. 2 Chronicles 11. 1-23. tjl. Jeroboam's Dedication Festival at Bethel. — A Prophet is sent FROM Judah to denounce Jeroboam's innovations 268 •It is the king's chapel, and it is the kings court' (Amos 7. 13). A Prophet from Judah foretells the Abolition of Jeroboam's Sanctuary and Priesthood by Josiah of David's Dynasty. 1 Kings 12. 32 to 13. 10. 92. Judgment on the Prophet from Judah for Disobedience. — Jero- boam PERSISTS IN HIS INNOVATIONS 270 I Kings 13. 11-34. 93. — Apostacy of Rehoboam and Judah 273 1 Kings 14. 22-24. 2 Chronicles 12. 1. 94.. — The Penalty. — Shishak, King of Egypt, Invades Judah 274 Rel Hiked by Shemaiali, Judah repents; but Shishak carries off the treasures of the Temple and Palace. Psalms 74 & 79 & 1 Kings 14. 21, 25-31. 2 Chronicles 12. 2-16. 89. SYNOPSIS. 27 SEC. ^ ^ ^^^E 95. — Abijah succeeds Kehoboam as King of Judah .• • • • ^°'- 'Nevertheless for David's sake did the Lohd his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem' (1 Kings 15. 4). 1 Kings 15. 1-5. 2 Chronicles 13. 1, 2. 96. — Abijah breaks Jeroboam's Power. — Battle of Mount Zemaraim . 282 ♦ The kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David ' (Chr. V. 8). Abijah's Appeal to Israel. — His decisive victory. 1 Kings 15. 6. 2 Chronicles 13.2-21. Fsalm 78. 97. Jeroboam consults the Prophet Ahijah as to his Son's Illness. — The Sentence on Jeroboam, his House, and People 288 ' Forasmuch as thou (Jeroboam) hast . . . made thee molten images . . . and hast cast me behind thy back ... the Lord shall . . . root up Israel . . . and shall scatter them beyond the river ... he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin' (vs. 7, 9, 15, 16). The Prince's death, as foretold by Ahijah, confirms the prophecy. 1 Kings 14. 1-18. 98. — Death of King Abijah 291 1 Kinqs 15. 7, 8. 2 Chronicles 13. 22 & 14. 1. 99. — Asa succeeds Abijah as King of Judah 291 1 Kings 15. 9, 10. 100. — Death of Jeroboam 291 1 Kings 14. 19, 20. 101. — Nadab succeeds his Father, Jeroboam, as King of Israel 292 1 Kings 15. 26, 26. 102. — Baasha murders Nadab and reigns over all Israel 292 1 Ki7igs 15. 27, 28, 31. 103. — Baasha executes the Sentence on Jeroboam 293 liCm^s 15.29, 30,32-34. 104. — Asa's EEFOKivLiTioN of Eeligion. — The Ten-years' Peace 293 Asa puts down idolatry and the worship of the high places in Judah. Asa strengthens the Defences of Judah. 1 Kings 15. 11-15. 2 Chronicles 14. 1-8 & 15. 16-18. 105. — Zerah THE Ethiopian Invades Judah. — Asa's Prater and Victory 295 Encouraged by the prophet Azariah, Asa resumes the Reforma- tion.— All Judah solemnly Eenews the Covenant with Jehovah. 2 Chronicles 14. 9 to 15. 15, 19. 106. — Asa's Alliance with Syria against Baasha 299 Een-hadad overruns N. and E. Israel (Cp. 2 Kings 15. 29). The prophet Hanani rebukes Asa for trusting in Syria instead of in Jehovah, and is imprisoned : Asa persecutes others also. 1 Kings 15. 16-22. 2 Chronicles 16. 1-10. 28 SYNOPSIS. BEC. PAGE 107. The Sentence on Baasha, by Jehu the son of Hanani. — Death of Baasha. — Elah his son succeeds him 301 ' I . . . made thee prince (Ndgid, cp. 1 Sam. 9. 16, Sec. 2) over my people Israel, and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin ' (v. 2). 1 Kings 16. 1-7. X08. ZlMEI MUBDEES ElAH AND EXECUTES THE SENTENCE ON BaASHA . . . 302 1 Ki7iffs 16. 8-10, 14. ]09. — Civil Wab. in Israel. — Zimei, Omei, and Tibni 303 The army l)esieging Gibbethon elects Omri king, and he makes war on Zimri ; Death of Zimri. — Two parties in Israel ; Death of Tibni. 1 Kings 16. 11-13,15-22. no. — Omei King. — He Builds Samaria to be Israel's Capital. — 'The Statutes of Omei ' -. 304 1 Ki7igs 16. 23-28. 111. — Ahab succeeds his Father Omei. — Worship of Baal and Asherah Established in Israel 305 1 Kings 16. 29-34. ] 1 2. — Asa's Disease and Death 306 1 Kings 15. 23, 24. 2 Chronicles 16. 11-14. 113. — Jehoshaphat succeeds Asa in Judah. — Prosperity of Judah 307 Jehoshaphat pursues Asa's policy of National Defence and Keligious Eeform. — Jehoshaphat Established. 1 Ki7igs 22. 41-43, 46. 2 Chronicles 17. 1-6 & 20. 31-33. 114. — Jehoshaphat provides National Religious Education 309 Jehoshaphat enjoys peace. He waxes 'great exceedingly.' 2 Chronicles 17. 7-19. 115. — Elijah. — The Theee-years' Drought and Famine begin 310 Elijah at the Brook Cherith and at Zarephath in Sidonia. 1 Kings 17. 116. — Elijah's Sacrifice. — Decision for Jehovah 314 Elijah meets Ahab. — The Test ; Baal not God. — Execution of the Baal-prophets. — Elijah's Prayer for Eain is answered. 1 Kings 18. 117. — Elijah's Despair. — The Revelation to him at Horeb 310 Elijah's Flight into the Wilderness. — Elijah at Horeb. Elijah's Mission to Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha. — Call of Elisha. 1 Kings 19. 118. — Syrian Invasion of Israel. — Samaria Besieged 323 God Interposes twice, by a Prophet, in favour of Ahab. 1 Kings 20. 1-25. 119. — The Syrian Invasion Renewed. — Ahab's Fatal Teeaty with Ben-hadad 32G God, by a Prophet, promises Ahab deliverance. — Defeat of the Syrians ; Ahab spares Ben-hadad. A Prophet denounces Ahab's conduct. 1 Kings 22. 26-43. SYNOPSIS. 29 SEC. PAGE 120. — The Judicial Muebee of Naboth. — Elijah delivees God's Sentence ON Ahab and Jezebel, and on Ahab's ' House ' 328 Ahal)'s Repentance. — Execution of the Sentence on him postponed. 1 Kings 21. 121. — Ahaziah Associate-king with his Father Ahab 332 Summary of Ahaziah's reign. — He adopts the religious policy of Jeroboam and of Ahab and Jezebel. 1 Kmffs 22. 51-53. 122. — The Fatal Affinity between the two Eotal Houses. — Joint- : Expedition of the two Kings to eecover Ramoth-gilead foe Iseael. — De.\th of Ahab. — Ahaziah beigns alone 332 Jehoshaphat's son, Jehoram, is married to Ahab's daughter Athaliah. Jehoshaphat Visits Ahab. — The Expedition. — Micaiah's Vision and Message. — Micaiah's Prophecy fulfilled by Ahab's death. 1 Kings 22. 1-40. 44. 2 Chronicles 18. 123. — Jehoshaphat Rebuked. — Moab Revolts feom Iseael 339 The prophet Jehu rebukes Jehoshaphat for his alliance with Ahab. 2 Kings 1. 1 & 3. 4, 5. 2 Chronicles 19. 1-3. 124. — Jehoshaphat's Royal Peogeess. — His Fuethee Refoejis in Judah 340 Religious Reformation throughout Judah. Judicial Reforms. — The Local Courts. — Supreme Court of Appeal. 2 Chronicles 19. 4-11. 125. — Jehoshaphat's Commeecial Alliance with Ahaziah 342 The prophet Eliezer denounces this alliance also. 1 Kings 22. 47-49. 2 Chronicles 20. 35-37. 126." — Ahaziah Consults Baal-zebub ; Elijah Replies, foretelling Ahaziah's Death. — Jehoeam Son of Ahab succeeds Ahaziah . 34,4 Ahaziah sends to arrest Elijah ; God answers Elijah by fire. — Elijah before Ahaziah ; he repeats the message foretelling the King's death. Jehoram, Ahaziah's brother, succeeds him. — Jehoram's partial r Reformation of Religion in Israel. 2 A'm^sl.2-18&3. 1-3. 127. — Moab, Ammon, &c., Invade Judah. — The Geeat Deli\'eeance. — Teanslation of Elijah 347 Jehoshaphat appeals to Jehovah at a National Fast at Jerusalem. — The Answer through Jahaziel. — The Promise fulfilled. — The Thanksgiving in the valley of Berachah and Return in triumph. — God gives Jehoshaphat (' rest ') the blessing of Peace. The Translation of Elijah. — Elisha Elijah's successor. — Elisha gives proofs of his Divine Mission. 2 Kings -2. 2 Chronicles 20. 1-30. P.sff///;.5 46&47&: 48&83. 128. — Jehoshaphat assists Jehoram in the Reconquest of Moab 358 The Expedition of the Three Kings. — Water fails. The Kings at Jehoshajihats instance visit Elisha to enquire of the Lord. — Elisha foretells a flood and promises victory. The allies lay Moab waste and besiege the Capital. 2 Kings 3. 6-27. 129. — Elisha's Mission to Israel. — Illusteations of his AVork and Influence. — Elisha multiplies the Widow's Oil 361 2 Kings 4. 1-7. 30 mifopsis. SEC. PAGE 130. — Elisha's Miracles (continued). — The Shunammite's Son Restored TO LIFE 362 2 Kings 4. 8-37. 131. — Elisha's 'Miract.es {conti7iucd). — Leprosy of Naajian and Gehazi., 366 The Miracle of Mercy. — The Miracle of Judgment. 2 Kings 5. 132. — Elisha's Miracles (continued). — Iron Floats 370 2 Kings 6. 1-7. 133. — Elisha assists Jehoram during the Syeian Invasions of Israel. 371 Elisha preserved from Capture. — Elisha's Magnanimity. The Siege of Samaria. — Elisha consulted ; Jehoram sends to execute Elisha ; the Prophet's answer is fulfilled by the panic and flight of the Syrians. 2 iTfwffs 6. 8-33 & 7. 1-20. 134. — Jehoram Associate-king with Jehoshaphat in Judah. — He re- introduces Idolatry 376 'Yet the Lord would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him always a light (Heb. lamp), and to his children.' Jehoram, influenced by his wife Athaliah, re-introduces the Ahabite idolatries into Judah aild Jerusalem. — Jehoram, to secure his throne, murders his brothers. 2 Kings 8. 16-19. 2 Chro7iic!es 21. 5-7,2-4. 135. — Elisha's Miracles (continued) 377 The Poisoned Pottage cured. — The Loaves multiplied. 2 Kings 4. 38-44. 136. — Elisha's Influence with Jehoram (son of Ahab). — The Shunam- mite's Estate Restored 378 2 Kings 8. 1-6. 137. — Death of Jehoshaphat 379 1 Kings 22. 45. 2 Chronicles 20. 34. 138. — Jehoram (son of Jehoshaphat) Reigns Alone in Judah. — Decline OF Judah 379 Revolt of Edom and Libnah from Judah. Jehoram restores the high places and idolatry in Judah. — Elijah's ' Writing' (v. 12) foretells disaster to Judah and its apostate King. 1 Kings 22. 50. 2 Chronicles 21. 1,8-15. 2 Kings 8. 20-22. 139. — Death of Jehoram (son of Jehoshaphat). — Ahaziah succeeds him 381 Elijah's Prophecy is fulfllled by an invasion of Philistines, &e., by their massacre of Jehoram's sons (save Ahaziah), and by Jehoram's miserable end and death. 2 Kings 9. 29 & 2 Chronicles 21. 16-20. 8. 23, 24. 140. — Ahaziah's evil reign in Judah. — ^Meeting of Elisha and Hazael AT Damascus 382 Ahaziah, influenced by his mother Athaliah, maintains the Ahabite idolatries in Judah. Hazael murders Een-hadad and usurps the throne of Syria. 2Zw^s8.7-15,25-27. 2 Chronicles 22. 1-4. SYNOPSIS. 31 8BC. PAGE 141. — Jehu Executes the Sentence on Ahab's ' House ' 384 The allied Kings of Israel and Judah war with Hazael and recover Ramoth-gilead. — Ahaziah visits Jehoram at Jezreel. Elisha, by a Prophet, anoints Jehu King of Israel at Eamoth-gilead. Jehu slays both Kings (Ahab's son and grandson) at Jezreel. 2 Kings 8. 28, 29 & 2 Chronicles 22. 5-7, 9. 9. 1-28. 142. — Athaliah Usurps the Throve of Judah. — Jehu Slays Jezebel .. . 389 Athaliah, the queen-mother, massacres the Survivors of the royal family of Judah, and makes herself queen. Joash, Ahaziah's son, is saved and hidden in the Temple. Jezebel is executed by Jehu's order at Jezreel. 2 Kings 11. 1-3 & 2 Chronicles 22. 10-12. 9. 30-37. 143.— Jehu Secures his Throne. — The Zeal of Jehu 391 Massacre of Ahab's Family and Partisans and of Ahaziah's Kins- men. Jehu in Samaria ; Extinction of Ahab's ' house.' — Baal-worship sup- pressed.— Jehu's Reward : The Continuance of his Dynasty to the fourth generation. 2 Kings 10. 1-31. 144. — The Restoration and Reformation in Judah under Jehoiada . . . 395 Jehoiada plans the Restoration of David's Dynasty. Joash is produced, anointed, and crowned by Jehoiada. — Execution of Athaliah. — The people Renew the Covenant with Jehovah and destroy Baal's temple at Jerusalem, and place Joash on the throne. — Jehoiada restores David's organisation of the Temple- Service. 2 Kings 11. 4-20. 2 Chronicles 23. 1-21. 145. — The Minority of Joash (son of Ahaziah). — Jehoiada Protector. — Marriage of Joash 401 The repair of the Temple ordered. — The high-places still tolerated. 2 Kings 11. 21 & 2 Chronicles 24. 1-3. 12. 1-5. 146. — Mission of Jonah to Nineveh 402 The First Message. — The Rebellious Prophet. The Second Message. — The Obedience of Repentance. Jonah's Disappointment and further Instruction. Jonah 1 — 4. 147. — Hazael Conquers Transjordanic Isr.\el from Jehu 410 Jehovah begins ' to cut Israel short.' 2 Kings 10. 32, 33. 148. — Death of Jehu. — Jehoahaz his .son Succeeds him in Israel 410 2 Kings 10. 34-36. 149. — Reform.\tion in Judah — but not in Israel 411 Joash repairs the Temple. Idolatry of Jehoahaz. 2 Kings 12. 6-16 & 2 Chronicles 24. 4-14. 13. 1, 2. 150. — Death of Jehoiada. — He is Buried among the Kings of Judah . 413 2 Chronicles 24. 15, 16. c 32 SYNOPSIS. SEC. ^AGE 151. Hazael Oppresses Israel during the reign of Jehoahaz. — Eepentance of Jehoahaz ; A Deliverer is Promised 414 2 Kings 13. 3-7. 152. — Joash (son of Jehoahaz) Associate-king of Israel 415 2 Kinffs 13. 10. 153. — Apostacy in Judah. — Zechariah the Martyr 415 The princes of Judah persuade Joash to sanction a revival of the suppressed idolatries. — Prophets vainly protest, esp. Jehoiada's son Zechariah, who is stoned (Matt. 23. 35). 2 Chronicles 24. 17-22. 154. — Hazael Invades Judah. — Joash is Defeated and Bui's him off.. 416 Hazael captures Gath and his forces reach Jerusalem. — Disastrous defeat of the Army and destruction of the apostate princes of Judah. 2 Kings 12. 17, 18. 2 Chronicles 24. 23, 24. 155. — Amaziah Succeeds Joash (son of Ahaziah) in Judah. — Death of Hazael ; his son, Ben-hadad III., Succeeds him 417 His own sulijects murder Joash, king of Judah. 2 Kings 12. 19-21 & 2 Chronicles 24. 25-27. 13. 8, 22-24. 156. — Death of Jehoahaz. — Amaziah and Joash (son of Jehoahaz) Reign alone 418 Amaziah punishes his father's murderers. Amaziah's military preparations. — Hire of an Israelite army ; at a Prophet's bidding Amaziah dismisses it. 2 Kings 13. 9-11, & 2 Chronicles 25. 1-10. 14. 1-6. 157. — Elisha's last Illness; Joash visits him. — Elisha promises Israel Deliverance from Syria 419 The trial of Joash's faith and earnestness ; the King's action curtails God's promise. 2 Kings 13. 14-19. 158.— Death of Elisha. — Miracle in his Tomb 421 2 Kings 13. 20, 21. 159. — Joash's Re-conquests from Syria 421 By the three victories promised through Elisha, Joash recovers the cities lost by Jehoahaz. 2 Kings 13. 25. 160. — Amaziah's Re-conquest of Edgm. — His Lapse into Idolatry 421 Ravages of the discharged Israelite army. Amaziah adopts the gods of Edom, and silences the remonstrances of a Prophet. 2 Kings 14. 7. 2 Chronicles 25. 11-16. 161. — Amaziah Challenges Joash. — Israel conquers Judah 423 Amaziah's infatuation. — Amaziah is defeated and captured by Joash at Beth-shemesh. — Joash demolishes part of the northern defences of Jerusalem, carries oif the treasures of the Temple and Palace, and takes hostages of Judah. 2 Kings 14. 8-14. 2 Chro7iicles25. 17-24. 162. — Death of Joash (son of Jehoahaz) 426 2 Kings 13. 12, 13 & 14. 15, 16. SYNOPSIS. 33 9HC. PAGE 163. — Jeroboam II. succeeds his father Joash in Israel 425. 2 Jftrt^s 14. 23, 24. 164. — The Revival of Israel is completed by Jeroboam II 426 Jeroboam II. reconquers from Syria the Trans-jordanic provinces lost by Jehu, and subdues Hamath and Damascus. 2 Kiiiffs 14. 25-27. 165. — His own Subjects Conspire against Amaziah. — His Flight anp Murder 426 2 Ki7iffs 14. 17-20. 2 Chronicles 25. 25-28. 166. — UzziAH succeeds Amaziah in Judah. — His Prosperous and Long Reign 427 Uzziah completes the reconquest of Edom. — His conquests to the frontier of Egypt. — Uzziah strengthens Jerusalem and Judah. 2 Kinffs 14. 21, 22 & 2 Chronicles 26. 1-15. 15. 1-4. 167. — Joel and Amos call both Kingdoms to Repentance 431 The corruption, apostacy, and self-reliance of Israel and Judah ^^411 be punished by an invasion from the North. Joel 1. 1-12; Amos 1. 1, 2 & 2. 4-8. 168. — Amos at Bethel. — Sentence on Israel 433 Amaziah, high-priest of the Temple of the Calf at Bethel, attempts to silence Amos. — The Prophet asserts his inspiration, and repeats more plainly his prophecies of a violent end to Jehu's Dynasty and of the Captivity of the Kingdom of Israel. Amos 7. 10-15. 169. — HosEA foretells a speedy end to the Kingdom of Israel, but Deliverance for Judah, and the Reunion of all Israel UNDER THE Leadership of 'David' after their Captivities.. 434 Hosca 1 to 2. 1. 170. — Death of Jeroboam II. : Israel's Second Founder 436 2 Kings 14. 28, 29. 171. — Zachariah succeeds his father Jeeoboaji II. — Shallum jiurders Zachariah, the Last op Jehu's Dynasty 437 The promise to Jehu fulfilled. — Conspiracy of Shallum. who executes the sentence of Amos (7. 9) on ' the house of Jeroboam.' 2 Kings 15. 8-12. 172. — Shallum king over Israel. — Menahem murders Shallum 437 2 Kings 15. 13-16. 173. — Menahem king over Israel. — Advance of Assyria against Israel 438 Menahem buys off Pul (Tiglath-pileser ,11. or III.), king of Assyria. — Menahem becomes a vassal of Assyria. — His stern rule. 2 Ki7igs 15. 17-20. 174. — Uzziah's Sacrilege is punished by Lepbosy. — Jotham Regent 439 2 Chronicles 26. 16-21. 175. — Death of Menahem 44O 2 Kings 15. 21, 22. 176. — Pekahiah Succeeds his father Menahem in Israel 440 2 Kings 15. 23, 24. 34 SYNOPSIS. 8BC. PAGE ^177. — Isaiah's Appeal to Judah to reform 441 The great Arraignment. — Judah's corruption, apostacy, and self- reliance, and the impending penalty of national disaster. Isaiah 1. 178. — Conspiracy of Pekah. — Pekah murders Pekahiah 444 2 Kings 15. 25, 26. 179. — Death of Uzziah. — Jotham Succeeds iiim. — Pekah King over Israel 444 2 Ki7igs 15. 6, 7, 27, 28. 2 Chronicles 26. 22, 23. 180. — Isaiah's Mission to declare Jehovah's Sentence on Judah 445 The Sentence of judicial blindness. — Judah shall be desolated, but a ' holy seed ' shall survive all her afflictions. Isaiah 6. 181. — Jotham's Kighteousness and Power 447 Jotham strengthens further the defences of Jerusalem and Judah. — He puts down a revolt of Ammon. — The corruption of the people. 2 Ki7igs 15. 32-35. 2 Chronicles 27. 1-8. 182. — Micah foretells the Destruction of Samaria 448 The idolatry of Samaria has infected Judah and even Jerusalem. Micah 1. 1-9. 183. — Syria AND Israel Confederate against Judah. — Death of Jotham 450 2 Kings 15. 37, 38. 2 Chronicles 27. 9. 184. — Ahaz Succeeds Jotham. — Ahaz re-introduces the Ahabite Idola- tries INTO Judah 450 2 Kings 16. 1, 2. 2 Chronicles 28. 1, 2. 185. — The Syro-Israelite League to overthrow David's Dynasty. — Isaiah foretells its failure and the establishment ' for ever ' of David's Kingdom under a ' Son ' op David, ' The Prince of Peace ' 451 The Expedition of Kezin, King of Syria-Damascus, and of Pekah against Jerusalem. Isaiah, sent to reassure Ahaz, foretells the failure of the confederacy and the abolition of the Kingdom of Israel within 65 years. Ahaz refusing to choose a sign confirmatory of the promise, Isaiah gives to ' the House of David ' the Sign of Immanuel as an earnest of the early depopulation of both confederate kingdoms. — But Isaiah foretells also an Assyrian invasion of Judah. Isaiah gives to the people the Sign of Maher-shalal-hash-baz. — Assyria shall ravage the Kingdoms of Damascus and Samaria, and will conquer Judah, except Jerusalem. — The Faithful are encouraged to patient hope, for Jehovah will break the oppressor's yoke, will make wars to cease, and will establish for ever a perfect King of David's lineage upon David's throne. 2 Kings 16. 5. Isaiah 7 to 9. 7. 186. — Idolatrous Practices of Ahaz. — Victories of Syria and Israel. 459 Ahaz introduces foreign idolatries. — He sacrifices a son to Moloch and worships in the idolatrous 'high places.' Invasion by Rezin. — Judah finally loses Elath. Invasion by Pekah. — His great victory over Judah ; the captives of Judah in Samaria restored. — Rezin and Pekah besiege Jerusalem without success. 2 Kings 16. 3, 4, 6. 2 Chronicles 28. 3-15. SYNOPSIS. 35 SEC. PAQB 187. — Ahaz, enciecled by Foes, Calls in Assyeia 461 The Edomites and Philistines also attack Judah. — Ahaz, to procure the intervention of Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, offers to become his vassal. 2 Kings 16. 7. 2 Chronicles 28. 16-19. 188. — The Cost of Assyeian Peotection. — Fiest Captivity of the N. KiNGDO.M. — Fall of the Kingdom of Syria-Damascus — Further Apostacy of Ahaz 462 Ahaz purchases Tiglath-pileser's aid with the treasures of the Palace and Temple. — Tiglath-pileser conquers the N. and E. provinces of Israel, and removes the inhabitants to Assyria : he also con- quers Damascus, slaying Kezin, and removes the inhabitants to Kir. — But Ahaz is ' distressed ' and not strengthened by Tiglath- pileser. Ahaz meets Tiglath-pileser at Damascus. — Superstition and further apostacy of Ahaz ; he closes the Temple and fills Jerusalem and Judah with idolatrous altars and high places. 2 Ki7i(/s 15. 29 & 2 Chronicles 28. 20-25. 16. 8-18. 189. CONSPIHACY OF HOSHEA. HoSHEA MUEDEES PeKAH 465 2 Kings 15. 30, 31. 190. — Hoshea King over Israel. — Shalmanesee IV. invades Iseael. . . . 465 Hoshea submits to Shalmaneser IV., Tiglath-pileser's successor, and retains the throne as a tributary of Assyria. 2 Kings 17. 1-3. 1 9 1 . — Death of Ahaz 466 2 Kings 16. 19, 20. 2 Chronicles 28. 26, 27. 192. — Isaiah Uttees the Buedens of the Philistine Leagues (with Egypt's support) against Ass-i-ria 467 The Philistines are exulting prematurely. The knowledge of Jehovah shall unite Egypt and Assyria with God's People. Isaiah, assuming the condition of a captive, signifies the dis- appointing defeat of Egypt by Assyria. Isa. 14. 28-32 & 19. 23-25 & 20. 193. — Hezekiah Succeeds Ahaz in Judah 470 2 Kings 18. 1-3. 2 Chronicles 29. 1, 2. 194. — Micah Denounces the Corruption of Judah and Foretells the Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple 470 Micah 3. 9-12. 195. — The Reformation of Religion undee Hezekiah 471 Purification of the Temple. — Hezekiah's charge to the tribe of Levi. The service of national atonement. — The service of national conse- cration.— David's Temple-services restored. 2 Chronicles 29. 3-36. 196. — The Great Passovee. — Hezekiah Invites all Israel to Jerusalem 475 Hezekiah and the Princes of Judah invite the remnant of Israel to keep the Passover at Jerusalem (and so far to renounce the ' sin of Jeroboam.') The city purged and the Passover celebrated during a second 7 days. 2 Chronicles 30. 36 SYNOPSIS. SEC. PAGE 197. — Hezekiah's Reformation (continued) 478 The returning worshippers abolish the ' high places ' and idolatry in both kingdoms. The Priesthood and Levites re-instated. — Tithes, &c. paid. 2 Chronicles 31. 198.— Hezekiah's Faith and Successes in Wab. — Hoshea intrigues with Egypt and is iiiprisoned by Shalmaneseb IV 481 Hezekiah continues the Reformation of Religion. — He trusts in Jehovah and prospers. — He rebels against Assyria. Hoshea sends an embassy to So, King of Egypt, and withholds the Assyrian tribute. — Shalmaneser imprisons Hoshea. 2 Kings 17. 4 & iZos.9.12&12.1 & 18. 4-8. 13. 9-11. 199. — The Last Siege of Samaria. — Removal of the remainder of the Ten Tribes and End of the Kingdom of Israel 482 Shalmaneser IV. overruns Israel and besieges Samaria. Samaria is captured by Sargon, King of Assyria ; he removes Israel into Assyria and Media. 2 Kings 17. 5, 6 & 18. 9-12. 2&0. — Rejection of God the cause of Israel's Rejection by God 483 Retrospect of the history of the Kingdom of Israel. — The causes of the Captivity : persistent idolatry and disregard of the Law and of the Prophets. — The like sins of Judah. 2 Kings 17. 7-23. THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH. 201. — Judah, invaded by Sennacherib, son of Sargon, is Encouraged BY Nahum to Trust in Jehovah 486 Nahum promises deliverance to those who trust in Jehovah, and foretells the destruction of Nineveh, i.e. of the Assyrian Empire. 2 Chronicles 32. 1. Nahum 1. 202. — Isaiah denounces Judah's Trust in Egypt 489 Isaiah 30. 1-7 & 31. ]^5. 203. — Sennacherib's Advance ; he besieges Lachish 491 Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem. — Hezekiah's measures of defence. Hezekiah makes submission to Sennacherib and pays the fine imposed. 2 Kings 18. 13-16. 2 Chronicles 32. 2-8. Isaiah 36. 1. 204. — Isaiah encourages Judah by a Promise of Deliverance 493 The self-sufficient Assyrian is God's unconscious instrument to chastise Judah. — The limits of the Mission of the Assyrian. — The instrument shall in turn be punished. — Judah's hope. The Assyrian advance to Jerusalem ; God will break the invader's power, when Jerusalem seems in his grasp. Isaiah 10. 5-34. SYNOPSIS. 37 SEC. PAQE 205. — Hezekiah's Death-Sickness and Prater. — The Twofold Promise AND Sign through Isaiah 497 Hezekiah is promised a rapid recovery, fifteen years of life, and the deliverance of Jerusalem from the King of Assyria. — The con- firmatory sign on the sun-dial of Ahaz. — Hezekiah's thanksgiving. 2 Ki7igs 20. 1-11. 2 Chronicles 32. 24. Isaiah 38. \ 206. — Hezekiah's Prosperity and Self-confidence 501 2 Chronicles 32. 25-30. 207. — Further Warnings to Jerusalem through Isaiah 502 Isaiah 22. 1-3 & 29. 1-3. 208. — Hezekiah Welcomes an Embassy from Merodach - baladan, the ChaldjEAn King of Babylon, and displays his Eesources. — The Sentence on Hezekiah 504 Isaiah rebukes Hezekiah and foretells the removal of his treasures and children to Babylon. 2 Kings 20. 12-19. 2 Chronicles 32. 31. Isaiah 39. 1-8. 209. — Sennacherib Summons Jerusalem to Surrender 506 Sennacherib's message from Lachish. — The colloquy. The rabshakeh's address to the people. — The silent reception. 2 Kings 18. 17-37. 2 Chr. 32. 9-16,18, 19. Isaiah 36. 2-22. 210. — Hezekiah Appeals to God 511 Hezekiali's Prayer in the Temple. — He sends a mission to entreat Isaiah's Intercession with Jehovah. 2 Kings 19. 1-5 2 Chronicles 32. 20. {Isaiah 37. 1-4). 211. — The First Answer through Isaiah 512 Isaiah foretells Sennacherib's retreat and death by violence at homo. 2 Kings 19. 6, 7 {Isaiah 37. 6, 7). 212. — Sennacherib at Libnaii. — Advance of Tirhakah. — Sennacherib's Letter to Hezekiah. — Hezekiah again Appeals to God 512 Hezekiah's Prayer in the Temple for deliverance from Sennacherib. 2 Kings 19. 8-19 2 Chronicles 32. 17. Psalms 75 & 80. {Isaiah 37. 8-20). 213. — The Second Answer through Isaiah. — The Promise of Deliver- ance.— Sennacherib's Retreat. — His End 516 Jehovah will deliver Jerusalem and cause Sennacherib to retrace his steps. — The sign. — The promise of continuance to Judah and Jerusalem, according to the Promise to David. Destruction of Sennacherib's army. — Sennacherib returns to Nineveh. — Respite of Judah from Assyrian aggression. 2 Kings 19. 20-37 2 Chronicles 32. 21. {Isaiah 37. 21-38). 214. — Prosperity and Prestige of Hezekiah 520 2 Chronicles 32. 22, Psalm 87. 23. 215.— A Psalm of Praise 521 Psalm 70. 216. — Death of Hezekiah. — Manasseh succeeds him 521 2 Kings 20. 20, 21. 2 Chronicles 32. 32, 33. 38 Sl'NOPSIS. SEC. PAGE 217. — Manasseh Ke-establishes Idolatry and Peesecutes the Faithful. — The Sentence : God rejects Judah also 522 Gradual apostacy of Judah led by Manasseh. — The ' high places ' restored. — The Prophets announce the rejection of Judah by Jehovah. — The persecution by Manasseh. 2 Kings 21. 1-16. 2 Chro7iicles 33. 1-9. 218. — Israel Colonised from Assyria 525 Israel ceases to be a nation (Isa. 7. 8). — ' The Samaritans.' — Mingled races and religions. 2 Kings 17. 24-11. 219.— Assyrian Invasion of Judah. — Manasseh Captive in Babylon. — His Repentance and Restoration. — He strengthens the defences of Judah and Jerusalem. — He Abolishes Idolatry and Re- forms Religion in Judah. — His Death 527 The people still sacrifice in the ' high places ' but to Jehovah only. 2 Kings 21. 17, 18. 2 Chronicles 33. 10-20. ThePrai/erof Manasses 220. — Amon succeeds Manasseh. — He revives Manasseh's Idolatries. — Conspirators Murder Amon 531 The people avenge Amon and put his son Josiah on the throne. 2 Kings 21. 19-26. 2 Chronicles 33. 21-25. 221. — Josiah succeeds Amon. — His Piety and First Reforms. — Refor- mation TOO LATE 532 Summary of Josiah's reforms in Judah and Israel. 2 Kings 22. 1, 2. 2 Chronicles 34. 1-7. 222. — Zephaniah Foretells Judah's Captivity and Restoration 534 Zephaniah 1. 1-6. 223. — Call and Mission of Jeremiah 535 The irrevocable doom of Judah and Jerusalem. Jeremiah's visions of the almond tree and seething caldron. — The Doom is hastening from the North. Jeremiah the solitary witness for Jehovah against Judah. Jeremiah 1. 224. — The Book of the Law Discovered. — Judah Respited during Josiah's Reign 538 Repair of the Temple. — The Law is discovered and read to Josiah. The enquiry of Huldah. — The respite for Josiah's sake. 2 Kings 22. 3-20. 2 Chronicles 34. 8-28. 225. — National Renewal of the Covenant. — Josiah's further Reform of Religion • • 542 Josiah, in the 18th year of his reign, suppresses idolatry in Jerusalem, and in Judah, and in Samaria, and desecrates irre- trievably the 'high places.' Josiah destroys the altar and ' high place ' of Jeroboam at Beth-el. Completeness of Josiah's reformation. — Private superstitions sup- pressed. 2 Kings 23. 1-20, 2 Chronicles 34, 29-33. 24-27. SYNOPSIS. 39 SEC. PAGE 226. — Josiah's Great Passovee. — The Davidic Services Eestored 547 Preparations for the Passover. — The Feast is kept by greater numbers and more accurately than any since Samuel's day. 2 Kinffs 23. 21-23. 2 Chronicles 35. 1-19. 227. — Josiah is Killed at Megiddo. — Judah's Despair, and Jeremiah's Lamentation 549 Josiah attacks Pharaoh-Necho advancing against the King of Assyria to Carchemish on the Eiver Euphrates, and is slain. The mourning for Josiah. 2 Kings 23. 28-30. 2 Chronicles 35. 20-27. 228. — Josiah's Successors. — (i.) Election and Deposition of Jehoahaz.. 552 The people elect Josiah's second son Jehoahaz (Shallum?). — Necho deposes him at Riblah and makes Judah his tributary. 2 Kings 23. 30-33. 2 Chronicles 36. 1-3. 229. — Josiah's Successors. — (ii.) Jehoiakim — Egypt's Vassal 553 Necho makes Josiah's eldest son Eliakim king, with the title of Jehoiakim. Jehoahaz carried captive into Egypt, dies there. 2 Kings 23. 34-37. 2 Chronicles 36. 4, 5. 230.— Jeremiah Threatens Jerusalem and the Temple with Shiloh's Doom. — His Impeachment 554 Jeremiah is accused ])y the priests and prophets as a false prophet. Jeremiah's defence. — The princes and people acquit Jeremiah. Jeremiah is saved. — The martyrdom of the prophet Urijah. Jeremiah 26. 231. — Habakkuk reveals that the Chald^eans are Judah's destined Scourge 557 Habakkuk 1. 1-10. 232. — Jeremiah foretells Egypt's defeat at Carchemish 559 Jeremiah foretells that Egypt will not recover an impending disaster ' in the north country by Euphrates.' — The prophecy is fulfilled (4th Jehoiakim) when Nebuchadrezzar overthrows Pharaoh-Necho's army at Carchemish. Jeremiah 46. 1-12. 233. — Jeremiah foretells the Seventy Years of Chaldjean Supremacy, and Babylon's Fall 561 The Sentence passed on Judah is confirmed. — Nebuchadrezzar is God's instrument to execute it. — Future Ketribution on the Chaldgean kingdom for its excesses. Jeremiah 25. 1-14. 234. — Judah is put to Shame by the Example of the Eechabites .... 563 The blessing on the Eechabites. Jeremiah 35. 235. — Jeremiah Foretells the Irremediable Euin of the Kingdom of Judah, and of Jerusalem: he is Persecuted 566 The prophecy of the Broken Vessel is delivered in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, and repeated in the Temple. Jeremiah is scourged and put in the stocks by Pashur, the governor of the Temple. — The sentence on Pashur. Jeremiah 17. 1 5 & 19 & 20. 1-6. 40 SYNOPSIS. SEC. PAGE 236*. — Nebuchadnezzar Captures Jerusalem and makes Jehoiakim his Vassal. — The First Captivity 570 2 Chronicles 36. 6, 7. Daniel 1. 1, 2. 237. Daniel and other Captives are Selected for Education at Nebuchadnezzar's Court as Chald,eans 572 The faithfulness of Daniel and his three companions. Daniel 1. 3-16. 238.— Baruch Prepares the Roll of Jeremiah's Prophecies 574 Jeremiah 36. 1-4. 239 Baruch's Dismay. — His hopes are Reproved, but he is Comforted 575 Baruch is promised escape from the evil to come. Jeremiah 45. 240. — The Warning of Jeremiah's Collected Prophecies. — The Final Appeal. — Jehoiakim's Doom 576 The fast of the ninth month. — Baruch reads the roll publicly in the Temple. — The roll is read to the princes, and then to the King. — Jehoiakim's reckless impenitence ; he burns the roll. The roll is rewritten with additions. — Sentence on Jehoiakim. Jeremiah 36.5-32. 241. — Daniel and his Three Companions become Officials of Nebu- chadnezzar's Court 579 Daniel 1. 17-21. 242. — Nebuchadnezzar's Dream. — Daniel Reveals to him the Succession of Empires to follow the Chaldean, ending with the Kingdom of Heaven 580 Daniel 2. 243. — Jehoiakim Rebels against Nebuchadnezzar. — Judah is Overrun. — Death of Jehoiakim 585 Chaldaeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites attack Judah. — The impotence of Egypt. 2 Kings 24. 1-7. 2 Chronicles 36. 8. 244. — Josiah's Successors. — (iii.) Jehoiachin succeeds his father Jehoia- kim. His Short and Evil Reign 587 2 Kings 24. 8, 9. 2 Chronicles 36. 9. 245. — Jeremiah Foretells the Humiliation and Desolation of Judah , 587 Parable of the Linen Girdle. Parable of the Broken Flagons. Jeremiah's appeal, especially to the king and queen-mother. Jeremiah 13.1-19. 246. — Jehoiachin Deposed by Nebuchadnezzar. — The Second and Great Captivity. — Nebuchadnezzar places Zedekiah on the Throne. 590 The second siege of Jerusalem by the Chaldaeans.— Jehoiachin surrenders Jerusalem. — The spoil and captives. — Jehoiachin and the best of the nation are removed to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar makes Josiah's son Mattaniah king over the remnant of Judah, with the title of Zedekiah. 2 Ki7igs 24. 10-17. 2 Chronicles 36. 10. 247.— Josiah's Successors. — (iv.) Zedekiah — Nebuchadnezzar's Vassal... 592 2 Kings 24. 18, 19 2 Chron. 36. 11, 12. Jeremiah 37- 1,2. {Jeremiah 52. 1. 2). SYNOPSIS. 41 SEC. PAGE 248. — Jeremiah's Message to the Exiles in Babylon 593 The Exiles should disbelieve their prophets and settle down in Babylon. — Restoration is promised — after seventy years. The doom impending over Zedekiah and the kingdom of Judah. The doom of two false prophets in Babylon. Jeremiah 29. 1-23. 249. — Jeremiah is Denounced from Bahylon. — The Message in Reply . 596 Sheraaiah, a prophet among the Exiles, demands that Jeremiah be silenced and punished as a false prophet. Jeremiah is inspired to proclaim 8hemaiah a false prophet and to pronounce God's judgment on him. Jeremiah 29. 2i-32. 250. — Jeremiah urges Judah and her neighbours to submit to the Babylonian Yoke because it is of God's Appointment 597 Symbolic Bonds and Yokes and a message are sent by Jeremiah to the nations, Judah's neighbours, by their ambassadors assembled at Jerusalem. Jeremiah's message to Zedekiah, and to the priests and people. — He contradicts the false propiliets. Jeremiah 27. 251. — Hananiah's Counter-Prophecy; his Death vindicates Jeremiah.. 599 Hananiah prophesies the speedy restoration of Jehoiachin and the Exiles and of the vessels of the Temple. — Jeremiah's reply. Hananiah breaks Jeremiah's symbolic yoke and foretells Nebuchad- nezzar's downfall within two years. — Jeremiah denounces Ha- naniah as a false prophet and foretells his death within the year. Jeremiah 28. 252. — Zedekiah at Babylon. — Jeremiah Publishes there his Prophecies against Babylon 601 The roll of Jeremiah's prophecies again.st Babylon is read there and, as a sign, is sunk in the River Euphrates. Jeremiah 51.59-64. 253. — Ezekiel's Call and Mission to the Exiles in Chald,t;a 602 Ezekiel I. 1-3. 254. — Ezekiel Prefigures a Coming Siege of Jerusalem 604 The duration of the siege is a symbol of the punishment of Israel and of Judah. Ezekiel \. 1-8. 255. — Ezekiel's Vision of Idolatry in the Temple 606 Idolatry of the people. — Idolatry of the priesthood. The consequent unsparing punishment of the kingdom of Judah. Ezekiel 8. 256. — Ezekiel Foretells the Captivity of Zedekiah and his .Subjects 609 The fulfilment of the prophecy will not be delayed. ' Ezekiel 12. 1-16, 21-28. 257. — Ezekiel Denounces Zedekiah's Breach of his Oath to Nebuchad- nezzar 611 Parable of the two Eagles, the young Cedar, and the Vine. Zedekiah's intrigues with Egypt will not help but ruin his kingdom. The future Kingdom of David. Ezekiel 17. 42 SYNOPSIS. SEC. PAGE 258. — God Eefuses to be Consulted by the Exiles 614 Ezekiel 20. 1-3. 259. — Ezekiel Foretells the Complete Overthrow of the Kingdom OF Jltjah 615 The sword of the King of Babylon is the sword of the judgment of God. — Ammon or Judah first? — Ezekiel pourtrays Nebu- chadnezzar's decision. The impending suspension of the Davidic kingdom. Ezekiel 21. 1-27. 260. — Zedekiah's Rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar 619 2 Kings 24. 20 2 Chronicles 36. 13-16. {Jeremiah 52. 3). 261. — Advance of Nebuchadnezzar. — Zedekiah Appeals to God. — The Answer through Jeremiah ; No Hope 620 The message to Zedekiah. — The message to the people. Jeremiah 21. 1-10. 262. — Jeremiah Eeviews the Eeigns of Josiah's Successors, and Declares THE End of the Kingdom of Judah 622 The conditions of the permanence of David's dynasty. The ' evil ' reign of Jehoahaz. — His fate. The ' evil ' reign of Jehoiakim. — His doom. The ' evil ' reign of Jehoiaehin. — Jehoiachin and his seed rejected. The rulers condemned. — New rulers over a restored remnant. A future scion and kingdom of David : The ' Branch.' Jeremiah 21. 11 to 23. 8. 263. — The Priesthood and Prophethood of Judah Condemned 629 Jeremiah's warning against false prophets. Some tests of their utterances. — Jeremiah denounces the false prophets. The characteristics of their prophecies. Jeremiah 23. 9-40. 264. — Jeremiah declares the True Nature of Zedekiah's Kingdom... 633 Parable of the two baskets of figs. — The Exiles have been removed in kindness : the germ of the future restored Nation is among them ; The residue with Zedekiah (and in Egypt) is the refuse left to its fate. Jeremiah 24. 265. — Jeremiah Warns Zedekiah against Eesistance to Nebuchadnezzar. 634 The king of Babylon's army overruns Judah ; Lachish and Azekah alone hold out. — Jeremiah foretells the fall and burning of Jerusalem, and Zedekiah's captivity in Babylon. Jeremiah 34. 1-7. 266. — The Beginning of the final Siege of Jerusalem by the CHALDyUANS. EzEKIEL EeVEALS IT TO THE ExiLES, AND FORE- TELLS the Issue 635 Jerusalem invested. — The parable of the Boiling Caldron. The sign of Ezekiel's bereavement and abstention from mourning. Suspension of revelation through Ezekiel. 2 Kings 25. 1 Ezekiel 24. {Jeremiah 52. 4). Jeremiah 39. 1. SYNOPSIS. 43 SEC. PAGE 267. — The Siege is Raised, on the Advance of Pharaoh's Army. — The Hebrew Slaves are Re-enslaved. — Jeremiah foretells the Chald.eans' Return and Success 639 Jeremiah denounces the breach of covenant with the slaves, and foretells the Captivity of Zedekiah, &c., the burning of Jeru- salem, and the depopulation of Judah by the Chaldgeans. Jeremiah 34. 8-22. 268. — Zedekiah's Second Appeal. — The Answer through Jeremiah : Resistance is Hopeless. — The Princes imprison Jeremiah... 641 Zedekiah sends to Jeremiah to enquire of Jehovah. Jeremiah foretells the retreat of the Egyptians and the resumption of the siege. — -He is imprisoned, by the princes, as a deserter. Jeremiah 37. 3-15. 269. — EzEKiEL Denounces Egypt, and Foretells her Conquest by Nebu- chadnezzar 643 ' Egypt is like a very fair heifer, but destruction cometh . . . out of the north' (Jer. 46. 20). Egypt, now once more a ' staff of reed ' to Israel, shall be overrun. Egypt shall be restored but as a base kingdom only. God is against Pharaoh and on the side of Nebuchadnezzar. Ezekiel 29. 1-16 & 30. 20-26. 270. — Zedekiah's Secret Enquiry of Jeremiah 646 Zedekiah sends for Jeremiah. — Jeremiah again foretells Zedekiah's captivity. — The Prophet appeals to the King to change his prison ; he is transferred to the guard-house of the palace. Jeremiah 37.1 6-2 1 . 271. — Jeremiah Collects his Prophecies of the Restoration 648 Deliverance and restoration promised to all Israel, under a future David (Jer. 30. 9) — to the i-emnant of the Ten Tribes — to Judah. — The restoration and regeneration of Israel and Judah. — The New Covenant. Jeremiah 30 & 3 1 . 272. — Jeremiah's Purchase. — A ' Sign ' of the Restoration 661 Hanameel's offer foretold. — Jeremiah's faith. — The prophetic mean- ing of the purchase. — Jeremiah's perplexity. — His prayer. — The answer : Judgment precedes mercy. Jeremiah 32. 273. — The Promises of the Restoration Repeated and Confirmed .... 667 The perpetuity of the Davidie Monarchy over all Israel, and of the Levitical Priesthood. Jeremiah 33. 274. — The Princes demand Jeremiah's Expxution : Zedekiah Abandons him ; Ebed-melech Saves his Life 670 Jeremiah, left to die in a dungeon, is saved by Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian Eunuch of the Palace. — The King transfers Jeremiah once moi'e to the guard-house of the Palace. God's promise to Ebed-melech. Jeremiah 38. 1-13 & 39. 15-18. 44 SmOPSIS. SEC. PAGE 275. — Zedekiah again Consults Jebemiah Seceetlt. Jeremiah urges THE King to Surrender the City; Zedekiah pledges him TO Secrecy 673 Jer. 38. 14-28. 276. — Fall of Jerusalem. — Zedekiah's Flight, Capture near Jericho, AND Punishment by Nebuchadnezzar at Kiblah 675 2 Kings 25. 2-7 Jer. 38. 28 to 39. 5 (Jeremiah 52. 5-8). & 52. 9-11 (39. 5-7). 277. — Jerusalem and the Temple Burned. — Judah Depopulated. — The Last Captivities 679 The prisoners and the residue of the vessels of the Temple are carried to Babylon. — The chief officials of Judah are judged and executed at Riblah. The last captivities of Judah. 2 Kings 25. 8-21 2 Chronicle 36. 18-21. Jeremiah 39. 8 & (Jer. 52. 12-14). 52. 15-30 (39. 9, 10). 278. — Nebuchadnezzar's Care of Jeremiah 684 Nebuchadnezzar's instructions to Nebuzar-adan as to the Prophet. Jeremiah is released and placed under Gedaliah's charge. Jere7niahS9. ll-li. 279. — Jeremiah Laments over Judah and Jerusalem 685 Jerusalem bewails her sufferings as the consequence of her sins. The reproach of Judah— a plea for the mercy of Jehovah. Lam. 1 & 5. 280. — The Eemnant under Gedaliah. — A Gleam of Hope 693 Nebuchadnezzar appoints Gedaliah governor of the cities of Judah, —Jeremiah at Ramah ; he rejoins Gedaliah. Gedaliah endeavours to restore confidence. — The fugitives join him. Gedaliah is warned against the intrigues of Ishmael ' of the seed royal ' ; his magnanimity. 2 Kings 25. 22-24. Jeremiah 40. 281. — Ishmael Murders Gedaliah. — Fate of Gedaliah's Charges 697 Ishmael, after the massacre at Mizpah, starts for Ammon with the princesses of Judah and Gedaliah's other charges. — Johanan rescues the captives at Gibeon. — Ishmael escapes. Johanan and his company prepare to take refuge in Egypt. 2 Kings 25. 25. Jeremiah 41. 282. — The Eemnant of Judah Enquire of God through Jeremiah, but Repudiate the Answer 700 The Answer — Remain in Judah and prosper : Flee into Egypt and perish. — Jeremiah protests against their self-will, but in vain. Jeremiah 42 & 43. 1-3. 283. — The Flight into Egypt ; Jeremiah at Tahpanhes Foretells the Conquest of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar 703 Johanan, &c. carry Gedaliah's charges, including Jeremiah, into Egypt. 2 Kings 25. 26. Jeremiah 4:'iA-\i. SYNOPSIS. 45 SEC. FA.GE 284. — Jeremiah Protests against the Idolatry of Judah in Egypt. — The Doom of this Kemnant 706 The refugees of Judah in Egypt shall not return home, but perish in Egypt. — The sign — the fell of Pharaoh-Hophra. Jeremiah 44. 285. — Ezekiel's Vision of the Dry Bones and Acted Parable of the United Sticks 711 The revival of the Hebrew nation and its restoration to Canaan. The reunion of Israel with Judah under an everlasting kingdom of David {vs. 24, 25). Ezekiel 37. 286. — Jehoiachin Promoted to Honour — A Presage of the Return FROM THE Captivity in Babylonia 716 Evil - merodach, Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor, liberates Jehoiachin and gives him the highest place among the captive kings at Babylon. 2 Kings 25. 27-30. Jeremiah 52. 31-34. 287. — Daniel's Prayer for the Deliverance of his People. — The Answer through Gabriel. — The Kevelation of the Seventy Weeks 717 Daniel, believing the end of the seventy years of the Captivity, as foretold by Jeremiah, to be at hand, makes confession of the sin of all Israel and intercedes witli God for pardon. In answer, Gabriel brings to him the revelation of the restoration of Jerusalem and of the time of the coming of ' Messiah the Prince' (Heb. Messiah Ndgid, lit. one anointed, a Prince. See Sees. 2, 5). Daniel 9. 288. — The End of the Captivity. — The Proclamation of Cyrus for the Rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem (cp. Isa. 44. 28). — Exiles Return under the Prince of Judah as Provincial Governor (Ezra 5. 14) 722 Cyrus delivers the vessels of the Temple to Sheshbazzar, heir to Jehoiachin, the prince of Judah, who conducts the first caravan to Jerusalem. 2 Chron. 36. 22, 23. Esra 1. THE HEBREW MONAECHY. B.C. cir. 1095.] SAUL. 1.— The Israelites demand a King. 1 Samuel viii. iJt came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he "made his ''sons judges over Israel. -Now the name of his firstborn was Joel ; and tlie name of his second, Abiah : . liston and deliver. 19. Said.'] Poli- tically, this dclilK'rate decision of the elders was wise (littrod., p. Ti). Tliey were weary of the interiiiillunt judgeships and of desperate struggles for liberty alteruatiug vvitli a pre- carious peace. 20. Like, &c.] Tlieir wish was not to develop and jjerfect their own institutions, but to escape from the rigour of the Mo.saic law — and to enjoy national independence, without the conditions of faitlifulness to God or of repentance after unfaithfulness. Their consciousness of infe- riority indicates a growingnatioual sentiment. ■Judge.'] Be civil governor and administer justice (ch. 7. 17). -Go out.] i.e. to war. 21. lichearsed.] i.e. repeated. 22. Henrlcen.] .Samuels unwillingness needed a threefold command (vs. 7, 9).- — Go. &c.] The assembly was a truly rejjrescntative body. How well founded \v:is I he i)cc)))]c's ooiifidcncc in Sanuiel. ' Evcrytliin^ was ripr in Israel foi- the cliange, but it was due to tlic nicidci-Mtioii and disin- terestedness of Samuel that the revolu- tion was made vvitliout bloodshed or armed struggle. Samuel yielded to the popular demand : and the nation trusted him so tlioroughly that they left the choi(!e of ilie king entirely to Inni, ami permitted him to settle the terms and limits of the monarchy.' 3 1 vS. ix. — A parenthetical tiarrative (vhs. 9 — 10. 10) now recounts the introduction of the future king to Samuel, and Samuel's inspired action tlioroupon. 1. Kish.] A comparison with Cludnicles gives the order — Kish.Ncr, Abiol, Zeror, IJechorath, Aphiah (or Abiah), Becher, lienjamin — 8 generations for over COO years. Amongst the names omitted from this abridged genealogy arc Matri (t7(. 10. 21) and JehicT, called 'father of Gibeon,' which po.s- sibly means ' founder of Gibeah.' Poiver.^ Mar g.substarice (see 2 Sam. 19. :i2, note, ' great '), J.e. agricultural wealth— so K.V. mnrg.; R.V. valour. Kish's 'house ' was not hereditarily a leading one (ch.9. "21). 2. Choice.^ Possibly =unmarried (Dent.^2.'2rt. Heh.);or. i/oiin/j man simply,/.p. in the flowerof manlioixi ( K.V., but marff'.as A.V.) lli;ilicr.] So \"irL;iI describes Turuus,and Homer Aja.x. Saul must havcap- proachetl 7 feet. All Ea'stcrn sculpture shows the prevailing reverence for stature. Samuel himself was disjiosed to dioose Saul's successor by the 'height of his stature ' (c/(. l(i. 6, 7). 3. A.tses.] Of great value for riding, or as beasts of burden. Cf. ' And ye who ride forth on wlnte assies, as ])rinces and counsellors ride.' — Plumptre's Deborah. The unsuitable- ne.ss of the land of Israel generally for the use of horses, and perliajis tlie language of Deut. 17. ICi, led to a lasting preference of asses (ami later of nniles), which excited tlic ridicule of other nations, e.g. 2 Kin. 18. 2:3. Servant.] Tradition says Doeg, afterwards Saul's chief herdsman (rh. 21. 7). 4. /'(issi'd. itc] Saul's home was (libeah of Jienjauiiu (called also 'of (iod' rh. 10. (>, [1 S. viii. 18— ix. 4.] SEC. 2.] SAUL VISITS BAM AH [B.C. cir. 1095. passed through mount Ephraira, and passed through the land of "^Shalisha, but tliey found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they ivere not : and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. ^And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return ; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us. 6And he said unto him, Behold now, thei'e is in this city <*a man of God, and he is an honourable man; *all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither ; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. ''Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, t/ we go, /what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God : what have we? 8 And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a skekel of silver : that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way. 9(Beforetime in Israel, when a man "went to enquire of God, thus he spake. Come, and let us go to the seer : for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called * a Seer.) l" Then said Saul to his servant, Well said ; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was. = 2Kin. 4. 42. ■'Deut.33.1; 1 Kin. 13.1. ' ch. 3. 19. / See Judg. 6. 18 & 13. 17 ; 1 Kin. 14.3; 2 Kin. 4. 42 & 8. 8. 9 Gen. 25. 22. ''2 Sam. 24. U; 2 Kin. 17.13;1 Chr.26. 28&29. 29 ; 2 Chr. 16. 7, 10; Isa. 30. 10; Amos 7. 12. i.e. Glbeah, where God's high place was); ef. 2 Sam. 21. 6, note. If Tuleil el Ful (ch. 13. 15, note), this Gibeah was about 'i m. N. of Jerusalem. The Heb. root = hill recurs in such names as Gibeon, Geba, Gibeath. See ch. 10. 10, note. Mount Eplu-aim.] Rather, the hill country of Kphraim. This name extended nearly through Benjamin (2 Chr. 13. 4 & 15. 8), and at least as far as Samuel's home, Ramah (ch. 1. 1 ; cp. Judg. 4. 5). Shalisha and Shalim are unideutitied. 5, Land of Znph.~\ i.e. the neighbourhood of Kamah ; so called after Samuers ancestor (ch. 1. 1). Take thought.'] In Elizabethan English this means ' become anxious " ; cf. Matt. 6. 25. In ch. 10. 2 the same Hebrew word is translated ' sorroweth.' 6. Be- hold, &c.] It is strange that Saul, living so near, needed to be told this, which 'all Israel ' had known for many years (ch. 3. 20). It shows that hitherto he had taken little interest in public affairs. City.'\ i.e. Ra- mathaim-Zophim ; a dual name for Ramah, implying that it stood on two hills, or con- sisted of two quiirters (chs. 1. 1 & 8. 4, note). Probably the later ArimathEea. 'Zopbim" = either the watchers or ' the descendants of Zuph'. Man of God."] i.e. a prophet. Hi>ii()nr(ihle.~\ i.e. honoured ; referring rather to hi.s i)ul)lic estimation as seer than his dig- nity as judue. Judges might be no less esteem- ed t)iaii kin<,''s, and in authority be equal to dictatiir.s ; hut having no regal state, and their fuui'tioiis iKing ordinarily limited to private and local matters, they were less well-known. IFn//, &c.] R.Y.jonrney whereon w^ go, i.e. how to attain our object. 7. A present.] A rare word, perhaps the technical term for a fee of this kind, half payment and half gift. As compared with 'the bread,' the quarter- shekel would be a very large fee (P. Smith). [1 S. ix. 5—10.] Food was a customary present to a prophet (1 Kin. 14. 3 ; cp. Ezek. 13. 10). Some pr&sent is essential in the East, when approaching a superior or an equal. A peasant brought ouce to Artaxerxes simply his hands full of water from a stream, haviug nothing else, and was rewarded with 1000 darics and a gold cup for his inventive determination to be courteous. 9. B^oretime, &c.'\ An editorial uote=' Seer ' (ro'eh), now degraded (cp. Isa. 30. 10), was formerly as respectful a title as ' prophet ' (nabi). Seer.'] More exactly, looker, the Heb. root being raah, ' to look,' ' see in vLsiou.' Sept. 6 jSA.eTrtei', Vulg. Videns. The word did not utterly die out (1 Chr. 9. 22). Nor was prophet (nabi) never used before; Sept. irfjo'{]Tris, Vulg. propheta (Gen. 20. 7 ; Deut. 18. 15; Ex. 7. 1 & 15. 20; Num. 11. 24; Judg. 4. 4). Some have both titles, e.g. Gad, 2 Sam. 24. 11, where however the JJeb. of seer is chozeh, from chazah, ' to see,' Gk. opdw. The chozeh differs from ro'eh in that he is called the king's seer; ro'eh, simply the seer, is coupled with the names of Samuel and Hanaiii only ; the nabi is no one's but the Lord's. Heman, Jeduthun, Asaph are called chozeh; Iddo is usually 'seer,' Nathan always 'pro- phet.' The seer beheld things invisible to mor- tal sight. The prophet (the Neb. root mcaiis to boil or bubble over) poured forth from his heart, willing or unwilling, like a bubbling spring, what God had poured into it (2 Pet. 1.21). He was the iuterpreter,medium, spokes- man for God ( Ex. 4. 16 & 7. 1 ; see Introd. p. 12>. He might speak in ecstacy (see ch. 10. 5, note). He miglit predict the future ; but the promi- nence which imagination attaches to this gift has obscured the other functions of the prophets, esp. public and private religious teaching (cp. ch. 12. 23). Prophet is the wider B.C. cir. 1095.] TO CONSULT SAMUEL. [sec. 2. 11 And as they went up the hill to the city, *they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here ? i^ And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, lor he came to day to the city; tor ^' there m a sacrifice of the people to day 'in the high place: '-^as soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him. i* And they went up into the city : and wlrcn they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place. lo^Now the LoKD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 'Gen. 24. 11. * Gen. 31. 54 ; ch. 16. 2. 1 Kin. 3. 2. •» ch. 15. 1 ; Acts 13. 21. word, including seer, and frequently occurs strict.and every slain clean beast was regarded in the I'entateuch. Tliat .Samuel was a .seer as a peace-offering (Lev. 17. .VC), and mi«ht was noteworthy, for 'Inmi the time of Moses be slain only at the Tabernacle door. On to that of Samuel the dirt-ct communications entering Canaan, permission was of necessity from God touiau appear to have been very given (Ueut. l',;. 15) to slay hmistn for food rare ' (ch. 3. 1 ; cf. Kx. Si. 11 ; Num. 12. 8); nor is any prophecy or prophetical message recorded since Deborah's, except Judg. 6. 8 and ch. 2. 27 ; cf. Amos 8. 11. On ' prophecy ' in its widest meaning and on Samuel's guilds of the prophets, see cli, 10. 4, .notus, yn. li,note). [Its plural bamoth, used rarely for natural lioiuhts, means, in Num. -21. 19, r.umotli-Iiaal, translated 'the high places of liaal ' in Num. L'J. 41.] It is not always clear whether of the two kinds the If eb. describes. — Samuel proba))ly erected liis altar (ch. H. \, note) on this hi(jli' place : siicii altars aud worship of the true God were relics of the old patriarchal religion, and are spoken of in the Books of Sanmel without any doubt of their propriety, whereas in the Hooks of Kinys they are con- demned. Worship at a central sanctuary was now suspended, the Ark and Tabernacle being .scii.irati'd (c/(. 7. 2). As to place, the requirement was (Ex. 20. 24), 'In all jdaces where I record My Name,' i.e. in api)ointed j)laces only; and api)arentiy (jod's Name, i.e. His Presence (cf. 2 Chr. 2(i. 8), could be asso- ciated in strict legality with the Ark ouly, in its i)roiier Siinclu.iry, the Holy of holies. The mon II mental IteiilK nite altar at Jordan (Josh. 22) serves to show, by the indii^riMlion aroused, how the Law was then iicner.-illy understood. Later.exceptiotis beeaine (•oMinion,:is('oinTnon probably as previous to the occuiiation of ('anaan, when 'every man did whatsoever was ri^ht in his own eyes' (I)eut. 12. 8), though then the (ueglected) Law was very elsewhere. The first 'place' of Gods choice in Canaan was Shiloh (Jer. 7. 12); aud the next specifically named is Jerusalem (I's. 78. 6'.»). Between - whiles irregularity was allowed. After the building of the Temple, we read of nothing in the way of approval of the general use of hiyh places, though (Sod may be said to have 'winked at' them. Previously, their special use on |)articular occasions, and by men actinji: under Divine uifluence, is fretjuenlly recorded, as by Moses, Gideon, Maiioah, Samuel, David, Solomon (Deut. 27. 5; Judg. 6. 2d & 13. IG; 1 Chr. 21. '22; 1 Kin. 3. 4); but after the building of the Temple, by Elijah alone, aud under plainly exceptional eircumstauces (1 Kin. 18. ;50). In the northern kinudom at that date they were almost a necessity; for its national 'places' were unsanctioned by God, and polluted by calf-worship, and it was the policy of Jero- boam and his successors to make Jeru.salem iiKiccessible. Elijah even laments their de- strnetion (1 Kin. l'.». 14). The deep-rooted attaclinii'Ut to the hivtli. See ch. '.I. ."i, ■note. 3; l'laiu.\ I!i.iiiiis i~.ilateil, and is a natural laiidiiiark. ' It sii]iiilies the i)lace of the iiak in hot aud dry silualimis. and. when leafless, resembles it. "Tlie site of this Tahor is uukuowu. Uuinn up to Uvd to IktlicL] 1 Jos. 18. 28. 9 Gen. 28. 22 & 35. 1, 3, 7. ^ ver. lU. ■ ch. 13. 3. ^ ch. 9. 12. i.e. carrying their offerings (first-fruits? cf. 2 Kin. 4.42) to Jacob's saiietuary. I'.ethel was ouc of the sanctuaries ujion Samuel's circuit. Worship here would be legitimate according' to Ex. 20. 24, in the absence of an appointed central Sanctuary. The Ark sojourned here (Judg. "20. 18, 2(i, 27, where Bethel is translated in A. 'V. 'house of God'). — Bottle.] See c/t. 25. 18, note. 4. Receive.] i.e. iiccept. The Lord's Anointed, i.e. the earthly representa- tive of Israel's King, would not, in so doing', 'rob God ' (Mai. 3. 8). 5. The hill.'] Or (si-e. ch. y. 4, note), (i i b e a h, Saul's home. The high place was above the town. Garrison.] So David bridled the kingdoms of Damascus and Edom, his vassals (2 Sam. 8. (5, 14) ; see ch. i:). 3, note. i'ompanii of prophets^] It had been part of Samuel's' work lo give permanence and effectiveness to the prophetic functions, so notably revived in his own i)ersoii (ch. :\. 21 ife 4. 1). The Talmud gives Samuel the title of Master of the Prophets. We hear nothing^ of prophets as an organised body before his time. Samuel was the Founder and Origina- tor (cf, Acts .3. 24 & 13. 20) of the Order of tho Prophets ; he gathered young men into so- cieties, colleges or guilds, under a head whom Uiey called Father (c/i. 10. 12 & 19. 20), or blaster (2 Kiu. 2. 3). The Proi)hets were stu- dents and ex])ounders ol tho Law, preachers of morality and religion, speakers for God on every occasion. Amos 7. 14 seems to imply that popular expectation looked to see Divine inspiration descend on them alone. They were frequently employed as God's messen. nie]v;ulm to instrumental accompaiiinu'iit. 'l'ri)](hecy' includes all ecstatic vitterance, whether in- spired, devotional, or frenzied (ch. 18. 10) ; it is used of instrumental music in 1 Clir. 2.5. 1-3 also, 'to give thanks and to praise Jehovah.' 6. Spirit . . . come upon.'] As before him on Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, and after him on David (e/i. 10. 1.'). Prophesy.] i.e. act the prophet, be as oae of them. Another man.] As one cast into a fresh mould, enlarged in capability. At first, i-^aul displayed princely parts, modesty, disci'etion, conciliation ; later, he curtailed the blessiug by want of faith and obedience. 7. iJo us,&c.] Heb. do for thee as thine liaiid shall Jind (cp. Judg. 9.:W), i.e. act in the confi- dence of Divine inspiration (eft. 11. C). 8. tio doion, &c.] Hereaftir ( v:i<:iioIy) ; see cA. 13. 8, 14, »iO*es. The corresiionilence of r. 8 with ch. 13. 8,9 suggests that the commencement of an organised rebellion against the Philistines, in pursuance of Saul's mission to deliver [1 S. X. 6—13.] John 7. 15 ; Acts " ch. 13. 8. • ver. 5 ' ch. 19. 20. « ver. 6 * ch. 19. 24; Matt. 13. 54, 4. 13. y Isa. 54. 13 ; John 6. 45 & 7. 16. Israel from her most mighty foe (ch. 9. 16), is meant here. The king was to act only under Samuel's direction as • authorised advisor ' or ' prophot-cuunsellor.' The deliverance was to be uninistakeably God's act and to be obtained throuijh Sam uels intercession. This limitation of the royal initiative should test Saul's fit- ness to be king (.ch. 13. 13), and remind Israel publicly of the nature of the Monarchy. Gilfial.] The fii-st spot in Canaan pronounced 'holy' (Josh. 5. 15). There the Tabernacle rested until moved to Shiloh (Josh. 18. 1 ; see 2 Sam. 19. 15, 40). Politicallj-, Gilgal had succeeded its ruined neighbour Jericho as the city of the fords of the lower Jordan iind of the N.W. oases of the Dead Sea basin. Samuel seems to have foreseen that, after the election of the king at Mizpeh (v. 17) wliich the Philistines would regard as an act of re- bellion, it would be necessary to shift Israel's gathering-place to Gilgal (5 m. from Jordan and 2 m.Jrom Jericho, with Gilead as a refuge in rear; cp. c7m:5. 7, 1'2). 9. i/«(?-t.l ' The centre of the whole mental and spiritual life, of will, desire, thoui;ht. jiercuiitiou. and feel- ing.' 10. The hill.] >,V(; the regular word for such hiyh places, in par- ticular instances followed by a name {ch. 9. 4, note). Prophesied.] Once again (ch. 19. 23) Saul acted as a 'son of the prophets,' though no member of any such guild, and the pro- verb of V. 12 was confirmed. 11. Knew him.~\ ' (iibeah of God' therefore was his own city. 12. Tlieir father.] Sept.. Vulg. (?), Si/riac and Arabic versions hi. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of tlie Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you : ''•• "^and ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations ; and ye have said unto him. Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands. 20 And when Samuel had <* caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. 2i\yhen he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken : and when they sought him, he could not be found. "Therefore they 'enquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. ^3 And they ran and fetched him thence : and when he stood among the people, /he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. -^And Samuel said to all the people. See ye him ''whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said. ' Judg. 11. 11 & 20. 1; ch. 11. 15. • ch. 7. 5, 6. <> Judg. 6. 8, 9. = ch. 8. 7, 19 & 12. 12. '' Josh. 7. 14, 16, 17; Acts 1. 21, 26. ' ch. 23. 2, i, 10. 11. /ch. 9. 2. 3 2Sam. 21. 6. place. 14. Uncle.'] Probably Ner, but possi- bly Abner (see ch. 14. 50, note). 16. Told Mm not.] In diseretiou and modesty (comp. vs. 22 27). i s'. X. 17-27.1 The future king-— privately designated and anointed by Samuel, and in- structed by him as to his mission, and encouraged in It ' by signs following '—is now to be selected publicly, by the sacred lot, from a representative assembly of all Israel. The procedure may be gathered from Num. 1. 18: Josh. 7. 13-18, and ch. 14. 38-42, and V. 20, note. 17, Called together.'] The narrative is resumed from ch. 8. 22. Unto the Lord.] This expression (as also before the Lord. «'. 19) sometimes is ciinivalent to in God's sight or in God'!< ikiiiic ((icu. 27. 7 ; ch. 1.5. .33), but more commonly imjilies that the Ark, or the Tabernacle, or the H. 1'. with ITrim and Thimimim, were present ( but see v. 22, note). Mizjwh.] Of Benjamin (Josh. 18. 26) ; Hcb. the Mizpah, i.e. the tratchtotrer. The site is disputed ; if it be (1) tlie hill l^eby Sinnv'il (i.e. I'rophet SajJMtc/, Samuel's reputed Imrial-iilace alicmt 5 m. N.W. of Jeru- wiiein. w liich sonic idciilifv with Kamah), it was tlic most ciiiisiiicuiius spot in the nei. mustered, formed tlie general levy into au army. JSf-A'k.] If Ib-:ik, ^\'. of Jordan, 14 liiiles N.E. of Shechem on the road to Betlisliaii and al)out 1(> miles from Jabesh Gilead. Israel.] Already distinguished from Judah, as in 2 Sam. 2. Id & .5. 5, ite. — but including Benjamin. Jiidah.] Her contingent, the same as in ch. 15. 4, is quite disi)roportionate. But Judah ever shows a tendency to isolate herself until she gives a king to all Israel (,2 Sam. 5. 3). 9. 7'« morroic] U [1 S. xi. 4—9.] SEC. 5.] THE MONARCHY INAUGURATED AT GILGAL. [b.c. 1095. the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabesh- and they were glad, ^o Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To morrow '"we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you. 11 And it was so on the morrow, that "Saul put the people "in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of tlie day : and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. 12 And the people said unto Samuel, ^'Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? 9 brine the men, that we may put them to death. '3 And Saul said, '"There shall not a man be put to death this day : for to day *the LoKDhath wrought salvation in Israel. i^Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go 'to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. i»And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king "before the Lord in Gilgal; and ^there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace ofierings before the Lord; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. 5.— The Monarchy Inaugurated at Gilgal— Samuel's Address. 1 Samuel xii. iAnd Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto "your voice in all tliat ye said unto me, and ^have made a king over you. 2 And now, behold, the king '^walketh before you: i^and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold.'my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day. SBehold, here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before /his anointed : » whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I >'< ver. :5. » See eh. 31. 11. " Judg. 7. 16. p ch. 10. 27. 1 See Luke 19. 27. ■■ 2 Sam. 19. 22. " Ex. U. 13, 30 ; ch. 19. T,. ' ch. 10. 8. " ch. 10. 17. ' ch. 10. 8. ° ch. 8. .5, 19, 20. "> ch. 10. 24 & 11. U, 1.5. ' Num. 27. 17 ; ch. 8. 20. '' ch. S. 1, a. /ver. 5; ch. 10. 1 & 2-t. 6; 2 Sam. 1. U, 16. 5 Num. 16. 15 ; Acts 20. 33; 1 Thess. 2. 5. It was one long night's march (cp. ch. 31. 12). a coronation feast (comp. 1 Chr. 12. 38-40, 11 III three companies.'] So Gideon also David's ; 1 Kin. 1. 40, Solomon's), Saul's elec- (Judo-. 7. 16). The defeat was so complete tiou at JMiziich having been now ratilied that Ammonites are not mentioned ag^aiu till their king Hauuu insults David, and Amnion, after a long and dangei-ous war, is subdued by him (2 Sam. 10). Moriu'nt/ vntrh.] i.e., the 3rd, from 2 till sunrise. The .k'w s called 10 to 2 the middle watch ( Judg. 7. lii ), and from sunset till 10 the 1st watch. The Romans divided tlie night into 4 watches (Mark 13. 35). 13. Saul said.] An illustration of Saul's good qualities (cp. chs. '.». 21 & 10. 13, 16, 22, 2?) before he gave way to self-will. 14. do to diUiul.'] Samuel now acts on the naticiual rcfo^'^nitiou of Saul's mission as a deliverer (cf. (7(. 10. 27) to procure his formal and universal acceptance as king. Samuel does not seem to have referred to this visit imanimously bv a full national assembly. As animal food is "little eaten in warm climates, peace, i.e. thanksgiving, offerings were the chief occasions of feasts of meat. 1 S. xii.— 1. /.] Samuel had now founded {chs. 8. 22 & 10. 20) the Hebrew Monarchy- one limited by JMoses' Law ami the I'rophetic word— his own office under it being that of Prophet-cimusellor to the king. The king was formally iiistallcd, and both king's and people's constitutional rights and duties had Ijeen defined. Samuel retained the civil and religious authority of his judgeship till his death (chs. 7. 15 & 15. 33); indeed, ch. 22. 2 suggests that Saul's civil government was not successful. 2. Walketh before you.'] As to Gilgal in ch. 10. 8 (see note there), when a .shepherd (John 10. 4) i.e. civil ruler and telliiin' Saul, for his encouragement, that he would not be expected, and, for his warning, that he was not to attempt, to act indepen- dently of his aid and countenance : and, upon the wholi!, it seems probable that he then referred to the future, but indefinite, com- mencement of the national rebellion auainst the I'hilistines (ch. 0. 16). 15. Madi' Saul king.] Possibly anointed him imbliely ; so Sept., cp. ch. 12. 3, 5. Before the Lord.] Cf. ch. 10. 17, note. Rejoiced greatly.] Held [1 S. xi. 10— xii. 3.] 12 military leader (Jer. 23. 4). The kino public life is begun (e.g., v. 3). With you.'] Samuel, quoting the two pretexts for a monarchy (ch. 8. 5), challenses the assembly to impeach his administration, and points out that it can call his sons — now Ijccomo private individuals— to account. 3. Ilek»itd.] K.V. omits. Samuel submits himself for trial before Jehovah and Saul. His Anointed.] The king. This title— Heb. Maschiach (whence Messiah through B.C. 1095.] SAMUEL VINDICATES THE THEOCRACY. [sec. 5» defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to ''blind mine eyes theiewitli? and 1 will restore it you. *And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand, s And he said unto them, The Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, *that ye have not found ought *in my hand. And they answered, He is witness. *And Samuel said unto the people, ^It is the Lord that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. 7j; Isa. 5. 4 ; 2 Coi-. 5. 11). The event attested the reality of the Divine government of Israel which the king was to represent, and the con- tinued eificacy of Samuers prayers (v. S-i; ch. 7. :!; comp. Jas. 5. 17, 18). 17. Wheat hari-i-st.] Wht.'at is sown ( whenever the./ormer rain has sdilfued the ground lor )ilc.ugliiiig) in A'ovi-iiihcr or December. The /ii/tii-nt. 18. (ireathj feared.'] Thun- der in Palestine is qiiile unknown in summer {Jerome); in ordinary seasons, this liolds good still. The thunder was as a conlirniation Ijy God's'voice' (Ps.'J'.L.i ; cf.John IJ. •,".»). Kain in harvest became proverbial of the unlikely ( Prov. •-;(). 1 ) . 19.] Appalled, the people con- fesses its sin and cries for mercy. Eril.'] Ji'ather, wickedness, as in vs. 17, V!0. 20. ,SV(('(/. I Not wishing to weaken Saul's autho- rity, but lionnd, as i)ropbt't, to make known God's mind. II isdoubtliil wbclbrr the words were well ivreived by Saul, whetlior the seeds of future disagreement were not liere sown. Yet.] Or, (iiili/. Israel's fori^et fulness of God in prosjjerity and her i)roneness lo idola- try proved incurable; hence the liual rejection 'Josh. 7.9; Ps. 106. 8; Jer. 14. 21; Ezek. 20. 9, 14. y Deut. 7. 7, 8 & 14. 2 ; Mai. 1. 2. « Acts 12. 5; Rom. 1. 9; Col. 1.9; 2 Tim. 1.3. « Ps. 34. 11; Prov. 4. 11. * 1 Kin. 8. 30 ; 2 Chr. 6. 27 ; Jer. 6. 16. <■ Eccles. 12. 13. '' Isa. 5. 12. ' Deut. 10. 21 ; Ps. 126. 2, 3. / Josh. 24. 20. 5 Deut. 28. 86. of the Ten Tribes (2 Kin. 17. 7-23) and the overthrow of the Kingdom of Judah (2 Kin.21. 2-15). 21. J'or then should ye go.~\ Rather omit, with Sept. Vain things.] Lit. empti- ness (Heb. tohu, A.\. 'void,' Gen. 1. 2). In Elizabethan English, 'vain' means empty (cf. ' vain per.sons,' i.e. adventurers, good-for- nothings, Judg. 9. 4). Here, idols are meant. Compare 'an idol is nothing in the world,' i.e. non-existent, a non-entity (1 Cor. 8. 4); 'a lie ' (Isa. 44. 20). 22. t'or his great name's sake.] i.e. lest He should seem to the Gentiles to be less thau Ahnighty, True, Faithful. To this Moses appeals (Ex. 32. 12.13) when Israel's very existence was at stake. God's 'name' means Himself and Mis perfections. 23. Pray.] God names :\loses and Sanmel as intercessors of jirevailing power (Jer. 15. 1 ; cf. I's. 99. ()). Teach.] K.V. instruct . . . in. The lesson follows (vs. 24,2.5). Intercession and tcacbiuL; sununarise the work of the lini)ibels, and Samuel had jirovided for a cou- slanl succession of teachers aud preachers in his guilds of the prophets. 24. How great things.] Perhaps, the great marvel, this present token of His power, the rain, which no idol could have sent, as .le- remiah declares (Jer. 14. 22; cp. Num. 10. 30). 25. Israel should iu)t enter njjon her new eareer in jieribms self-<'omplacency. Monarchy without faithfulness would not deliver her. Cimsiimed.'] Perhaps a re- ference to the lightning of the storm; the recent disi)lay of God*s power suggested destruction- at least of Israel's property (v. 17 ; ch. 23. 1, notes). i [1 S. sii. 17-25.] SEC. 6.] SAUL FORMS A PERMANENT NATIONAL FORCE, [b.c. 1093. 6.— Saul's Diso'bedience. The first Sentence on Saul. 1 Samuel xiii. 1-22. 1 SAUt reigned one year ; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, 2Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; wAerco/ two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in "mount Beth-el, and a thousand were with Jonathan in fr Gibeah of Benjamin : and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. <• ch. 10. 26. Heb. (so A.V. marg.) the son of one year (=a year old) in his reigriing. Probably Saul was now not less than 35 years of age. Sept. omits t\ 1 altogether (but in a later recension thirty is inserted) ; and i\ 2 in the Hebrew has no grammatical connection with v.l. 2. Saul.'] Bathery'Novf Saul. Three thonsand men.] Always under arms ; a picked (ch. 14. 52) nu- cleus for the people (v. 4) i.e. the general levy or militia ; probably added to the bodyguard (cf . ch. 10. 26), either after Saul's victory over Ammon or two years after his accession. The retention of the 3,000 men and the dismissal of the rest point to an interval of peace and preparation (eft. 10. 8); but their disposition here indicates a first step towards revolt from the Philistines, who at the outbreak of hostilities had a garrison at Geba (v. 3). Per- haps this garrison had moved from Gibeah (eft. 10. 5) when Saul occupied Michmash and thereupon Jonathan had occupied Gibeah. Gibeah, Saul's home, and Geba (?'. 3, note) were 3 miles apart. Michmash, &c.] The probable positions are as follows :— " Gen. 12. 8. 1 S. xiii.] There must be a considerable interval between chapters 12 and 13, and possibly between vs. 1 and 2, and between vs. 2 and 3 of eft. 13. Saul was a young man in eft. 9. 2 (A.V. choice, see note), now he has a grown son. He has organised a national force. His own character has greatly de- veloped ; the self-mistrustful and retiring king-elect is now the self-reliant and even presumptuous king. Seemingly, the histo- rian passes abruptly to the closing years of Saul's reign, to explain Saul's forfeiture of the kingdom (v. 13 ; 2 Sam. 7. 15) and of God's special favour and grace (eft. 10. 6) and to sketch his decline, parallel with the dis- ciplining of David, the king designate, 'a man after Gods own heart.' Hervey allows ten years at the outside for efts. 1.3-31, Kirk- patrick for efts. 17-31. 1.] Apparently, two numbers are wanting in the Hebrew text — which is the customary heading to future reigns. Render ,&a.\i\ was(Uhirty) years old when he began to reign, an dhereign- ed (7 thirty) and two years over Israel. Bethel-o... / "R'lunon Bet^-boron. lowe ■oBeth-horon, upper Gibeon Mizpebo Scale of English Milet 0 12 3 4 ^JERUSALEM Michmash and Geba stood on the E. edge of the plateau of Beujamin on the N. and S. side respectively of a precipitous ravine (Wady es Smveinit, 'the true head of Wady Kelt'); a bridle-path counects them ; cp. Isa. 10. 28, 29. The Wady Kelt runs up from the plain of Jor- dan near Jericho — whence also the great W. trade route to the Jlediterranean ascends the ridge N. of the Wady (cp. eft. 17. 2, note) to Michmash, Ai, and Bethel on the watershed, [1 S. xiii. 1, 2.] 16 and, crossing the mount of Bethel (probably the heights along the watershed) and the plateau,descends to the Shephelah or Lowland (see ch. 17. 2, note), A.V. the vale, and to the plain of Philistia by the pass of Beth-horon and valley of Ajalon. Michmash, standing considerably lower than Geba, on a sort of sad- dle, backed by an open and fertile corn valley, was a very important strategic position.- — - Tent.] i.e. home (2 Sam. 18. 17 & 20. 1, 22, i&c). B.C. 1093.] ISRAEL REVOLTS FROM THE PHILISTINES. [sec. 6. Jonathan strikes the first blow. The Philistmes invade Benjamin. 3And Jonathan smote "the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet tliroughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. *And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. 5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thou- sand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude : and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Beth-aven. •» when the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people ''did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. ^ And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he ?«as yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. ^^ A.nA ' ch. 10. 5. << Judg. 6. 2. ' ch. 10. 8. 3,] Henceforward to ch. 14. 40, the record of a war of iudependence watiecl against the Philistines serves to display ."haul's character iu :{ typical cpisdde.s (». 13 & ch. 14. VJ.'ii) and to exjilaiii liis fort'eiture of the continuance of the kin^tloui in liis family; while in ch. 15, the record of the Amalekite war explains similarly his rejection as Theocratic king- and abandoimient to himself and his own devices (ch. 15. 26, 28; cf. ch. 18. 12). The iuiincdiato cause of each successive sentence prouduiiced by Samuel is an act of impulsive sell-willed iudei)ciidunce, the exact contrary of the pa- tient uiKinestionin;,'^ faith due from the Theo- cratic kiii^^. J<>iititluin.~\ Cp. ch. 14. 6, 10. Jonathan's simple reliance on Israel's cove- nant-God seems to be contrasted with the contrary failing of Saul. The deliver.auce was eventually yratited by his means (ch. 14. 1,4,17,4.".). '-(idirison.'] See c/i. 10. 5. Four words, slightly dilTeriug, are so translated, of which the two that are masc. seem generally to mean the men who form the garrison (2 Sam. 8. 0 ; ch. IX 2:5 ; cf. 1 Kin. 4. 5, where it is ren- dered 'officers'); and the two that aie funi. the fce(7>, or 'statio,' containing the nuirisun ((/(. 14.12; Ezek.20.11). By thisrnilMaiy post, tlie I'hi list i lies appear to have bridled the N., i.e. lUnjainitc sicticin of the central plateau, and controncd the \V. passes up to it (r. 5) Jericho.' Here Saul could secure both water and provisions and liis commuuicatious with the northern tribes through Gilead. Gilgal (see ch. 10. 8, note) was probably chosen also for its sacred and military associations, and because remote from the Pliilistiues. 6. Beth- aven.'] E. of Bethel (c/(. 14.23, Ho^e). The Phi- listines, swarming up the W. passes, seized the great N. route along the watershed, and the cross-route tbroiiL;li Miclimash — which Saul jirobaljly abandoned iijion tliuir advance — and thus isolated llenjaniin and Judah. 6. Strait.] 3,000 opi)osecl to a countless liost. But 30,0(X) chariots — a niiinber witliout parallel, and quite disproportionate to tlie cavalry — must be a scribe's error lor l.noooi- for MOO. letters serving in Hebrew a-s nunierais. with one or more dots or dashes to denote hundreds, thousands, itc. (cf. Judg. 4. 3; Ex. 14. 7; 2 Sam. 10. IS; 1 Kin. 10. 26 ; 2 Chr. 14. 9 & 12. 3 ; Ps. 68. 17). Distressed.'] i.e. overwhelmed ; lit. driven (Heb. asc/(. 14. 24; Isa. 53. 7). Tliei)roni]ititude and numbers of the Philistine invaders checked the response to Saul's sninmons, and, being- hopelessly outnumbered, all the people (r. 7 ; c)). 2 Sam. 15. 23), i.e. Saul's following, gradually fell away (r. 11). Hide.] So the inbal)itaiils ol numberless villages arc driven by the liedouins to hide at this day (cf. c/j. 14. 11). Caves aliouud around Michnuish, and perhaps in consequence of the national move- indeed in all the limestone regicjii of Palestine. " ■ ~ • ■ •' -^ ' Thickets.'] Or, clefts. llaih jilaces.] Rather, holds or holes: pcrha)is tmrer.s; — a rare word rendered 'hold' iu Judg. U. 40. \u\g.antris; Sept. fiodpois. Pits.] Vulg., rightly, cisternis; Sept. \dKKOis. Cf. Lev. 11. .36 (Neb.). 7. Hebretos.] Omit some of. The writer reverts to the original meaning of the word Hebrew — one that comes from the other side. Cf. (ien. 14. l.'i, where Abram is so called, as the settler from beyond the Eu- phrates. But Sei)t. ol StalSalfovTfs 5tf$T]aav nients of chs. 8 & 11, and of the election of a Benjamite as king of Israel (cf. <•/(. 7. 7 ; 2 Sam. 5. 17). (,'ehii.] Saul's jiositioii ( I'.etbel toGi- beah with (;ilgal for a base) lieiim thus com- pleted (r. 2. Ho/c). he— evidently witli Samuel's inspired co-operation — gives the signal for a general revolt, naming Gilgal as the rendez- vous. Cp. ch. 9. 16 & 10. 8. Let the Hebrews hear.] i.e. the news and the order im- l)lied in the proclaniatioTi to come and join Saul in the war which sbould now follow. Bv such feats the Judges had roused the dis])irited people. 4. ^-^-l Rather, the rbv 'Iop5di:/7)i', 'the crossers,' i.e. those who (larriHon (Var., It.V.). (.'ilf/al.'] Gilgal ^y^.^.^. purposing to cross, 'crossed Jordan.' was in the plain of Jordan, 'm the h. border of (_;f,u and Gilead.] In rear of Gilgal. 17 [1 S. xiii. 3-8.] SEC. 6.] SAUrS DISOBEDIENCE.— THE FIRST SENTENCE. [b.c. 1093. he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal ; and the people were scattered from him. ^ And Saul said, Brin" hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offerinc. lOAnd it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. "And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said. Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michraash ; 12 there- fore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. iSAnd Samuel said to Saul, /Thou hast done foolishly: "thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee : for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. "^Butnow thy kingdom shall not continue; 'the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over liis people, because thou /2 Chr. 16. 9. s ch. 15. 11. '■ ch. 15. 28. ■ Ps. 89. 20 ; Acts 13. 22. 8, Had appointed.'] See ch. 10. 8, note. Speci- ally as a test of Saul's obedience and faith ; the danger, defection, and delay enhanced it. As in Gideon's case, the greatness of the trial was probably the measure of God's gracious purpose (cp. Jas. 1. 2-7). Man's extremity is God's opportunity. 9. ^.] Rather, the (so V. 12), and insert the before peace offer- ings. The victims awaitinp; Samuel's arrival are meant. Offered.] Not necessarily by his own hand ; see ch. 14. 3, but comp. chs. 8. '4 & 9. 13, notes. Saul prefers generalship and worldly policy to the prophet's interces- sion and guidance ; cp. ch. H. 19. 10. Came.] Before the seventh day was ended (cp. eft. 1. 3 ; 1 Kin. 3. 4). Salute.] Saul always pays Samuel the highest outward respect (cp. ch. 28. 14). 11. What hnst thou done ?] Saul had forfeited God's support and the benefits to be anticipated from Samuel's intercession — perhaps a second Ebenezer (cf. eft. 7. 7-14, which offers some striking parallels).- — - Scattered.] Saul lacked Jonathan's simple faith (cf. eft. 14. 6-10). 12. Forced myself.] Saul ever makes excuses. Without obedience, Saul's sacrifice must be unacceptable to God (cf. eft. 15. "22). The superstitious formal character of Saul's religion is here illus- trated (cp. efts. 14. 33 & 15. '25, 30 & 27. 3). He called on God to help him in what he was about to do, instead of waiting to know what his King would have him do. Saul was ex- pressly forbidden to begin the war of inde- pendence without Samuel's instructions (eft. 10. 8). 13. Foolishly.] i.e. sinfully, as often in A.V. Folly is the contrary of wisdom, i.e. 'the fear of the Lord.' Obedience to the M'ord of the Lord spoken by Samuel was a condition of Saul's appointment (chs. 10. 8 «& 15. 1). The Divine choice of Saul which, upon his obedience, would have been now confirmed is annulled. Established.] Sa- muel himself had hoped it would be so, and was disappointed (eft. Ui. 1). Saul had violated the first priueijile of the Monarchy, vis. the [1 S. .\iii. y— 14.J 18 dependence of king on prophet (eft. 10. 8, note), their co-ordinate position under God. ' Saul's insensilsihty to the obligations of his oflice constituted unworthiness of it.' For ever.] Probably till his family, in direct line, became extinct (see Gen. 49. 10). 14, Not continue.] The sentence of transference. Yet action is deferred (eft. 16. 1) : and eft. 15. 29 suggests that, if Saul had repented, the sentence was not irrevocable— 'God's threaten- Ings, like His promises, are conditional.' But Saul instead of seeking forgiveness indulged his self-will. When he failed to see the wis- dom or policy of the Word of the Lord he declined to obey it : he decided to act for himself. So the alienation between Israel's visible king and Invisible King grew yearly, until a second and yet more public manifes- tation of Saul's determination not to submit his will to God's will drove the reluctant Samuel to pronounce the doom of disobedience in yet stronger terms, viz. personal rejec- tion. Sought.] The fact was revealed to Samuel, not "the man (eft. 16. 6).— David must have been very young at this time, certainly under 20 (eft. 16. 12 & 17. 56). He was only 30 when he began to reign (2 Sam. 5. 4). Pro- bably we must allow 4 years for Saul's service, 4 years for outlaw life, 2 years nearly for sojourn among the Philistines. A man . . . heart.] i.e. one not self-willed, but ready to submit his will to God's. Observe the para- phrase in Acts 13. 22, IFhich shall .fultil all my ivill. The man whose heart is right is the man after God's own heart, sins, even gross sins, notwithstanding. To the last, when carried away by no sinful passion, David's will was to do God's will as king. No family grief, or consciousness of having fallen, or desertion by his people, could lead him to retire in the spirit of a Charles V. It shows how healthy and true were David's penitence and faith, that after Absalom's reljellion he could return to orpfanize his peo- ple anew, to direct them to the last with ail B.C. 1093.] THE INSURRECTION FAILS. [sec. 6. hast not kept tJiat which the Lord commanded thee. i5_A.nd Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, '^about six hundred men. 16 And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. '7 And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to 'Ophrah, unto the land of Shual : ^^a.\\A another company turned the way to "'Beth-horon : and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of "Zeboim toward the wilderness. 19 Now "there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears : 20 but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and ' ch. 14. 2. ' Josh. IS. 23. ■" Josh. 16. 3 & 18. 13, U. his power. Captain.'] The title of the Theo- cratic king ; see ch. 9. 16, iwte. 15, Samuel arose, &c.] Preceding- Saul (Heb. text)— Samuel returned, probably to Kamah, by way of Gibeah (perhaps to visit and encourage Jonathan). The insurrection having failed, and the bulk of his picked force having deserted, Saul is obliged to effect a junction with Jonathan, and to look on whilst Ben- jamin is ravaged. Gibeah of Benjamin.] ' After my visit to the spot, 1881, I retain very decidedly the opinion that Tuleil el Ful represents Gibeali of Saul. It is true that no distinct traces of ruins exist, but the hill has been artificially scarped and seems to have been a strong fortress. Tuleil el Fnl meets the conditions of the topography and of Isa. 10 as no other place that I can find does.' — Tristram. Numbered.'] i.e. muster- ed, organised {ch. 11. 8, note). 16. Gibeah.] More probably, as Heb., Geba (v. '.i), distant a little more than 'i miles from Michmash across the ravine {Porter). The relative positions of Saul and the Philistines are now reversed (vs. 2, .3). 17. Three companies.] Disregarding Saul — who was south of them— one body went N.E. towards Ophrah and the highlands of Ephraim. Westward, a second body crossed tlie water.shed towards tlie Beth-lioron Pass; and a tliird went S. E. towards the V. of Zebolm, probably Wnebj ahii Dnh'a, which would open to their raids tlu' « lioh; district of the 'mid- bar,' or pastoral highlands of Judah. The operations of this third party would certain- ly not extend to the Ghor, or valley of the .Jordan, but would cover the region between Bethany and the heights overhanging the north end of the De.ad Sea, through which the modern road from .Jerusalem to .Jericho pass- es. The raiders cmiUl thus ravage the whole Benjamito higlihm'.).;.'«, and shnrj) in c. 4. Sitiiati'.^ Kendercd y;/7/(( /•((•/(. ::j. t>); liere pcrha|)s — a rocky »»«.«. U.V. rose up. Gibeah.] Jiather, Gcba (ch. 13. IG). 6. Un- ci rcumcised.] The thought wonirt add fuel to faith and courage — circumcision (though jiractised by some other nations of aiiticjnity) beiut; tlie rite by which tlie llelirews were distinctively marked as a jteoph' sei)a rated to God. Cf. Gen. 34. 14 ; Jer. '.). :ir,, zd. Tliis term of reproach is applied specially to the I'liil- istines (c/i. 17. ^fi, \c.). .lonathan's faith was based on Israel's cov(wiaut-rclatii)n to .Jeho- vah (SO David in ch. 17. 4.V47, cji. Jleb. 11. 34) ; he also reflected that tlie Philistines had no such privilege. Hence the stinyof the I'hil- istiue triumph over the Lord's Anointed (2 Sam. 1. -JO). 7. JSehold, .Vc] Like ' Here am I,' implying reaam. 11. 11 & 1j. 24). But we should probably read with the Septuayint — ' the ei^hod, for he bare the ephod at that time be/ore Israel' (see v. 'i), especially as Saul was seeking an oracle, which was procured tlirough the Urim and Thummim in the Higli Priest "s ephod (ch. 2:5, 6, 9 & 30. 7, 8, where the same word is used for 'bring,' a word inapplicable to the Ark). 19. Withdraiv, &c.] i.e. Abandon the in- quiry. Saul could endure no delay (cf. r. 35). Tlie contrast of Jonathan's reliance on Jehovah brings into strong relief Saul's unfitness to be the Theocratic monarch. Jonatlian this day eclipses Saul. 21. More- over, &c.] R.V. Aojc . . . as beforetime. Hebreivs, &c.] i.e. renegades, or forced levies of soldiers or servants. 0;',perhai)s, actual slaves. Sept.SovKot. (Hebrews iind filari's in Heb. are very similar.) The Israelites would only style themselves ' Hebrews ' to foreigners, or in tacit opposition to other nations (v. 11 ; cf. ch. 1:5, [1 S. xiv. lG-23.] note). Even when the land had been so long theirs that they would be indifferent to the taunt latent in their ancestral name Hebrews, they preferred the sacred name Israelites which characterised them distinctly as God's own. St. Paul (2 Cor. 11. 22) arranges the names in order of estimation — Hebrews, Js- raelites, seed of Abraham ; the first denoting nationality merely, the second privilege, the third Messianic hope. Into, &c.] R.V. marg. i7i the camp rouiid about. 22. Mount.~\ liather, the hill country of (ch.^i.iyiiote). 23. Saved.'] i.e. delivered (marg. ref., cp. ch. 9. 16). Passed over.] The table-land of Judah and Benjamin —about 35 m. long by 12-17 m. broad — elevated from 2,000 ft. to 3,000 ft. above sea-level, was Israel's strong- hold and sanctuai-y, not impregnable, but diflieult to take and (because of its waterless- ness, cp. 2 Chr. 32. 4) harder to hold. Its abrupt flanks, broken by precipitous ravines only — on the E. too crooked, narrow, and waterless for traffic, and on the W. mere torrent-beds— were unapproachable or easily defensible ; a waterless wilderness protected it on the S. But it was accessible directly from the N. along the watershed, and from the E. and W. by passes (ch. 17. 2, note) of which the least diflieult were by Beth-horon and Michmash (ch. t.i.2,note). Hence its 10 north-most miles (to 3 m. N. of Bethel) were a constant battle- ground.— The Philistines had now oue or more garrisons planted there. t'^nto JMIi- uren.] liather, by, i.e. beyond Beth-aven. Beth-aven, i.e. House of naught, originally the name of the wilderness (inidbiir) K. of Hctliel, was later interpreted, of vanities, i.e. idols( Hos. 4. 15 ; Amos. 5. 5). The Pass of Beth-horon (see ch. 13. 1«, note) would be the Philistines' home-ward road after crossing the central highland— issuing on which, from the north 2Z B.C. 1087.] THE PURSUIT MARRED. [sec. 8. 8.— Saul's hasty Oath.— The Pursuit Marred. 1 Samuel xiv. 2^46. TTie Pursuit. — Philistine Occupation ends. 2^ And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had ^adjured the people, saying, Cursed he the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food. -5«And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was "honey upon the ground. 26 ^^d when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped ; but no man put his hand to his mouth : for tlie people feared the oath. 2V But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath : wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that loas in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. 28 xhen answered one of the people, and said. Thy father strai tly charged the people witli an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint, "-'a Then said Jonathan, My fatlier hath ^troubled the land : see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 jjqw much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines ? 31 And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon : and the people were very faint. 32^nd the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground : and the people did eat them ^with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, saying. Behold, the people sin against the LOKD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said. Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me ' Josh. 6. 26. ' Deut. 9. 28 ; Matt. 3. 5. » Lev. 3. 17 & 7. 26 & 17. 10 & 19. 20 ; Deut. 12. 10, " Ei. 3. 8 ; Num. 13. 27 ; Matt. 3. 4. 'Josh. 7. 25. 23, 24. end of the Pass of Michmash, they would pass whole country as named in vs. 21, 22. S. el Bethel. See sec. 6, plan. — This vie- Wood.'] Var. entered into the tvood (R.V. tory, though disastrously incomplete through forest). Southern Palestine was not so bare of Saul's Impulsiveness (vs. 19, 24), was the turn- wood as now ; a fact which has an important ing point of Israel's fortunes. Saul evidently bearing on its former rainfall and fertility, kept the Philistines at bay {cJis. 17. 1 & 14. 52) But the woodland was chiefly in the seaward tillhispersecutionof hisablelieutenantDavid, valleys. 26. Honey.'] In Palestine mostly and his growing despotism and his favouritism wild. The combs lie thick in the tissures of as regarded hii? own trilie. alienated many of limestone rocks (Ps. SI. 10;, and on trees. 27. the noblest spirits in Israel and paved the C7i«r(/e(/'.] A'ar/(er, made the peoples wear. way to the catnstrophe at Gilboa. And Honeycomb.'] nch.droppiii>i.-i of honey (Vs. though Saul's really great life was frittered 19. lO.marg.). Eyts . . . enliylitined.\ i.e.ie- away in repellin<; ai;t;ressive neighbours, he covered their brightness, lleuce the jjhrase left behind liiui a nation trained for war. and means to revive, refresh (cp. Ps. 13. 3 & 19. had prcjiared Israel once muru lor conquest. 8). 28. .Straith/.] i.e. strictly (narrowly, 2i. l)istr>s.-ias the Lord liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But thei'e was not a man among all the people that answered him. ^^Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good imto thee. 41 Therefore Saul said unto the Lord God of Israel, *Give a perfect lot. /And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. 42 And Saul said. Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, ''Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, ''I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die. 44 And Saul answered, *God do so and more also: *^for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan. 45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: 'as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. 46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines : and the Philistines went to their own place. 'ch. 7. 17. »lKin. 22. 7. /Josh. 7. 16; ch. 10. 20, 21. 5 Josh. 7. 19. i> ch. 28. 6. ' Josh. 7. 14 ; ch. 10. 19. * ver. 27. ' Ruth. 1. 17. ' ver. 39. rf 2 Sam. 12. 5. ' Prov. 16. 33; Acts 1. 24. ' 2 Sam. 14. II ; 1 Kin. 1. 52; Luke 21. 18. treacheronslif. This dai/.'] Heb. immediate- thought the sin was in himself, though in li/. 34. Here.'] Sept., Vul'fn!:. of r. 41 a contrast as between yes and broken (ch. 13. 9, 12)— but not King Saul's. no, and, taken with the context, suggests a sort Perhaps, however, it was not only the sense 01 sacred lot—' If the iniquity be in me. or in of his own di?nity which weighed with Saul, Jonathan, give Urim; if in thy people Israel, and something of the tribute of praise give Ihiimmim.'— The phrase is the technical bestowed on Brutus may be his due. term for the use of the Divine oracle, which 45. Wroii/jht this salvation . . . ivith God] seems to have been gradually superseded by Cp. 2 Kin.'l4. 26, 27 and ch. 14. 10, note. - the prophetic Word 0/ ./clionih. Answered Salvation.] Lit. deliverance.rictori/ (Var) not] i>ee marff. ref. 38. Whvrein.] He little Rescued.] Their recognition that the deliver- [1 S. XIV. 34 — 16.J 24 B.C. cir. 1087.] THE MONARCHY ESTABLISHED. [sec. 9. 9— The Monarchy Established— Saul delivers Israel.— His Family. 1 Samuel xiv. 47-52. *7 So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of ""■Ammon, and against Edom.and against the kings of "Zobah, and against tlie Philistines : and whithersoever he turned liim- self, he vexed the7n. *s ^nd he gathered an host, and "smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. *9 Now ''the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Isliui, and Melchi-shua : and the names of his two daughters were these ; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Miclial : »" and tlie name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz : and the name of the captain of his host ivas Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle. ^1 «And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. »- And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul : and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, 'he took him unto him. "■chilli » 2 Sam. 8. 5 & 10. 6. F ch. 31. 2; 1 Chr. 8. 33. o cii. 15. 3 7. H ch. S3. 1. "^ ch. 8. 11. ance wrought through Jonathan was of God he took no part in these wars. 50.] Gram- outwei^'-hed their feiir of Saul (cf. v.s-. :<«, 40). matically, SauVa nncle may be Abuer or ISer [An oath to c.minU a criniu is an oatli to be (see ch. 10. 14), but probably Abuer and Saul repented of as a sin, ami imt tu (Dan. 5. 31). Saul delivered Israel on all sides, E., N., S.W., and S., from tbe variims 'oppressors' of the times of the JikIlics. and laid the fouudatious of theeuiiiirc cif David. Zobah.] IS'.K. iif D.-iiiiasciis and uf Ihi- math on the Oronlcs (iinir;/. n/s.). 'riif>e 'kings' are united under lladadc/AT iu l' Sam. 8. 19. Vexed.] Or, put to the worse (K.V. marg.). Sejit. reads was victorious, or, was preserved, iaw^eTO ; cf. 2 Sam. 8. 0, iiate. The darkness of Saul's decline has thrown back a shade upon the glories of his earlier reign. The man who could unite all rlic .lewish tribes and deliver the traus-.lly at « hicli Samuel had pledged the king and people to unconditional obedience to Jehovah, was twice to witness His condemnation of the king for disobedi- ence. 13. Jlli's^iil, &!'.] A Iriemlly or even con- gratulatory ^i-fc'tinL;. 1 hare, &.C.] Ob.servo 'the inevitable descent of an inn-epentant heart from bad to worse.' Saul's moral cliaiiK'ter thoroui;lily breal;s down. He never ri^litly saw liis faults or shortcouiiuns ; self- e.xcnse ever rose to his lips. Here, be claims cre> ch. 15. 23. 'ch. 9. 16; 2 Kin. 9. 1. '' Ps. 78. 70 & 89. 19, 20 ; Acts 13. 22. phet's public support at the triumphal thanks- giving. 26.] Cp. V. 35. 27. Mantle.^ Rather, robe, Heb. meil (nee chs. 18.4 & 28. 14, votes). 28. AVn^] Cp. Ahijah's sym- bolic action (marg.ref.). Nei(ihbour.'] Pru- dence (ch. 16. 2) would have led liim to conceal the name, if iiuown. 29. Stmif/fh,&c.'] Here onlyas God's titln-.spf 1 Clir. 1(1. 11, woie.p.i)?, and cp. JUal. 3.6. K.V. as A.V., but marg. Vic tory (so A.V. marg.) or Glory (lit. apleudour). are a protest and imply doubt. 33. Among.'] Var. above." Samuel, &c.] Fulfilling, as a religious act and an cxaiiii)I(' to king and people, the sentence(iisrcL;arilc(l liy Saul. Such an execution at a triinnphal least would not be unusual among Gentiles. ]5y the law of re- taliation, Agag's life was forfeit. Heu-edin pieces.^ So V'ulg. Ueh. here only ; Sept. exe- cuted. 35. JSfo more.'] See chs. IK. 24 & 1 6. 1 . H, notes. Saul ceasing to reign as Thoo<'ratic Or Trust (cf. Lam. 3. 18). A.V. marg. also king, Samuel's ofBce as Prophet-Counsellor Eternitjj; some render Chainjeless One. Hepent/] Ci.r.M,iiiite. The sentence was ir- revocable. 30. Sinned.] Cf. r. 13, note. Honour me.] See marg. refs. Saul feared to lose his authority and even his crown. Samuel consents, for Saul was yet a king of Israel like all the nations (ch. 8. 5, 20) ; anointing- was a life-long consecration. 32. IMicately.] Heb. /jifffSflw^HCsses, perhaps indicating c/iee?-- fuiness (so K.V. marg.), as if Agag thought danger over as he had been spared so long. But the use elsewhere suggests rather Iwc- uriousiy. or perhaps fairiiiiigly or disdain- fully. The meaning; iti I'tt/crs is i)()ssible (Job 38. 31 ; A.V. hands). Sept. has tnmbling and makes Agag say. Surely death is hitter. Vulg. has sleek and trembling. Agag's words ceases also. Samuel's withdrawal was ' the natural result and formal expression of God's rejection of Saul.' Nevertheless.] Rather, for. 1 S. xvi. — 1. //oi<' long, Ac.] Saul first grieved and then quenched the Holy Spirit ; first Samuel (well called Saul's external con- science), then his own special gift (ch. 10. 9) was withdrawn (t\ 14).— Samuel intercedes for the king, until forbidden, like Jeremiah (7. Ifi). Note that a jirophet's supernatural knowledge was limited in time and degree (2 Kin. 4. 27; Jer. 42. 7). Horn.] Probably of the Syrian ram, with the point pierced, the broad end i)liigged.- (>/'/.] Cf . 1 Kin.l..39, note. Me.] See ch. 10. 24, notes. Thus the veiled announcements of (7(.s'. 13. 14 & 15. 28 are to 29 [1 S. XV. 27— xvi. 1.] SEC. 12.] THE KING OF GOD'S CHOICE. [B.C. cir. 10G3. 2 And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LoED said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, *I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. 3 And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and /I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and ''thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee. * And Samuel did that which the Lord spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the town ''trembled at his coming, and said, iComest thou peaceably? ^And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the Lord: *^ sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. "And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on 'Eliab, and ""said. Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. ''But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on "his countenance, or on the height, of his stature; because I have refused him: "for the Lord secth not as man seeth; for man ^looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the 'heart, s^hgn Jesse called '"Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. ^Then Jesse made *Shammah to pass by. And he said. Neither hath the Lord chosen this, i'^ Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these. 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, 'There re- maineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, " Send and fetch him : for we will not sit down till he come hither, i- And he ' ch. 9. 12 & 20. 29. /Ex. 4. 15. sch. 9. 16. 'ch. 21. 1. ' 1 Kin. 2. 13 ; 2 Kin. 9. 22. '' Ex. 19. 10, 14. ' ch. 17. 13 ; called Eli/iu, 1 Chr. 27. IS. » 1 Kin. 12. 26. " Ps. 147. 10, 11. " Isa. 55. 8. P 2 Cor. 10. 7. 1 1 Kin. 8. 39; 1 Chr. 28. 9; Ps. 7. 9; Jer. U. 20 & 17. 10 &20. 12; Acts 1. 24. ' ch. 17. 13. . ch. 17. 13. ' oh. 17. 12. "2 Sam. 7. 8; Ps. 78.70. be fulfilled and the Davidic-Messianic kingf- (lom is founded. — David's character is shown in the narrative following to be the exact opposite of Saul's. 2. Ta/ce, &c.^ i.e. exhibit the serpent's wisdom. ' Concealment of a good purpose for a fjood purpose is clearly justifi- able.' To sacrifice.'] Samuel's position is anomalous : civil judge (ch. 7. 15), though Saul was king ; sacriflcer,>et not a priest (c/(. 14. :i). His office and ministry represented the higher had two daughters, Zeruiah ("mother of Abishai, Joab, Asahel), and Abigail (mother of Amasa). 6. Wlien, &c.2 In the interval between the sacrifice and the feast, Samuel obtaiued in Jesse's house the desired private interview. Eliab.'] See ch. 17. 13, 28. In 1 Chr. 27. 18, Elihu. The Lord's Anointed.1 i.e. the king (chs. 10. 1 & 12. 3, notes). 7.] Cf. Heb. 4. 13. Eliab was, in externals, an- other Saul. 9. Shammah.] Probably Shi- spiritual law, of which Jloses' Law— the step- meah (2 Sam. 13. 3) is the more correct form. ping-stone to Christ — was only the transitory and iniperfectembodiment, and its ceremonies the pledge. 3. Call.] i.e. invite to feast on the peace ottering ; cp. ch. 9. 12, l.'i, 22. Jes.se's grandfather, Boaz, was 'a mighty man of ■wealth" (Ruth 2. 1). Anoint.] See ch. 10. 1, note. 4. Beth-lehem.'] Formerly Ephrath (Gen. 48. 7), about 5 m. S. of Je- rusalem, destined, because David's ancestral home, to be the birth-place of Jesus the Christ (ch. 12. 3, note; Mic. 5. 2). Trem- bled, tf-c.] Lit. went loith trembling to meet him. What might such a visit "portend ? perhaps a charge of local mal-administratiou. 5. Saiictifi/.'] See Lev. 7. 20 ; Ex. 19. 10, 1.5. Cf. 'He is not clean' (ch. 20. 26). He sanctified.] i.e. caused them to sanctify them- selves, to purify their persons, clothes, &c., (Kxod. 19. 10; Heb. 10. 22). fesse.] Jesse's genealogy, in the recurrence of younger sons and unlikely persons, remarkably illustrates God's ' purpose according to election.' Jesse [1 S. xvi. 2— 12.J " 30 Jesse's sons recur in 2 Sam. 13. 3 & 21. 21. 10, Again.] Rather, So. .Jesse's Sth son is not named in 1 Chr. 2. He may have died shortly after this, or have been the son of a con- cubine. 11, Youngest.] David = beloved, the darling of the family ; compare the title Jedidiah (2 Sam. 12. 25) by which God sig- nified his acceptance of Solomon. Jesse thouo;ht David too young or too insigni- ficant to be sent for, though near at hand ; cp. Eliab's words in ch. l7. 28. Keepeth the sheep.] David's life disciplined his character for his high destiny. Following a humble, perhaps despised, calling (ch. 17. 28 ; Amos 7. 14, 15) in the wilderness, ex- posed to wild beasts (Mark 1. 13 ; ch. 17. .34 ; Amos 3. 12 ; Jer. 49. 19), the good shepherd would learn self-sacrifice and self-reliance, while till' solitude would prompt reflection and (■(iinumnins' with God, and the isolation and (l;niL;x'r would develop his faith and trust on Him. Sit down.} i.e. to the sacrificial B C. cir. 10G3.] DAVID SUMMONED TO COURT. CSEC. 13. sent, and brought him in. Now he tvas *ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. ^And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this lis he. i^Theu Samuel took the horn of oil, and ^anointed him in the midst of his brethren : and "the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Kamah. 13.— David sammoned to Court. 1 Samup:l XVI. 14-2:5. 1*6 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and "^an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. i^And Saul's servants said unto him. Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. i*^Let our lord now command thy servants, which are ''before thee, to seek out a man, ivliu is a cunning player on an harp : and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that lie siiall 'play with his hand, and thou shalt be well, i'' Antl Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring /am to me. i** Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a sou of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is cunning in »ch. 17. 42; Cant. 5. 10. V So ch. 9. 17- ' ch. 10. 1 ; Ps. 89. 20. <■ See Num. 27. IS; Judg. 11. 29 & 18. 25 ch. 10. 6, 10. ; 14. G; feast. 12. Euddy.'] i.e. rort-liairod : from the Saxon rndu; Vulg^. rnfii.'i; Sept. TrvppdKrjs. His eyes would probably be blue (mnrgin, 'fair of eyes;' so Sept. fiera KaWovi ocpOaA/xcvv) ; but the beauty of them would rather be due to genius, kindliness, and sin- cerity. To look to-l Uather. in appear- ance.- Anoint.'] As in Saul's case, a pro- phetic designation of the man whom God. in His own way and at His own time, would jilace upon the throne — a secret sign and de- claration of God's preordained purpose— and probably the sacrament of fitness for the mission. Apparently, unlike Saul, David was not informed why In: was anointed. It was left to his discenunnit to guess, to his discretion to kii)) sik-nce. 13, In the ' Judg. 16. 20; ch. 11. 6 & 18. 12 & 28. 15; Ps. 51. 11. ■• Judg. 9. 23; ch. 18. 10 & 19. 9. ■' Gen. 41. 40 ; ver. 21, 22; 1 Kin. 10. 8. ' ver. 23; 2 Kin. 3. 15. fluenced and educated for his hii;h calling by the prophet ; see Introd., ])p. lo. IJ. 1 S. xvi.— 14. Spirit departed.] The in- spired assurances and assist unci's ceased. Grace was withdrawn, and dirtci assaults of the Evil One were permitted. !^;uil, no doubt remorsefully conscious of his decline, grows melancholy, and a liasty temperament gets the dominion over him. 'As the paroxysms of insanity become more frequent and" vio- lent, the brave tliouuh untraetable warrior sinks into a moody and jealous tyrant.' JlviI t!j)irit.] Hat Iter, Tlie evil sjnrit, a.s in V. ^3. This melancholy spirit jiroceeded (Tiapa Kvp'iov) from the presence of God, came to execute God's bidding (1 Kin. 22. 19 ; Mark 5. S), but proceeded not from God midst.] Can only mean in their presence (irv€vfji.a Kvpiov) as did the Spirit of Divitie (Kirkpatrick). As yet, probably, David's destiny was unsuspected by himself, his father, or his brethren ; Eliab's words (ch. 17. 28) scarcely decide the point either way, ignorance or jealousy might have prompted them (cf. Gen. 37. 20). The purpose of the anointing would not be ])lain to them then as to us now. The perception of .Jonathan and Abigail (clis. 20. 13 & 23. 17 & 25. .30) was not general. The recoijiiition of David'.s destiny .seems to have been <,n-adual, and due to a growing sense of his fitness and of his favour with God and man (r. 18). Came upon.^ Ratlier, came niif;htily upon (see ch. 11. fi. note & cp. (■//. 10. 0. 9). — Samuel seems to have had a f^uild of i)rophets at Ha- mah(AV//r/)»(/», ■ to know.' So ' ctmnin"^ in musick.' — ,Slia/:s. In Klizabethaii Kn;;lisii the word had seldom the cril meaning; of 'subtle.' Under .Samuel (?•. 13. noli'). David's talent for music woidd be develojied ; prol)ably Samuel's services at Kainah were tlu; model 31 [1 S. xvi. 13— IS.J SEC. 11.] DAVID BECOMES MINSTREL TO SAUL. [b.c. cir. 10G3. playing, and fa miglity valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and ''the Lord is with him. '9 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said. Send me David thy son, ''which is with the sheep. 20 And Jesse Uook an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. 21 _^„(j David came to Saul, and *stood before him: and he loved him greatly, and he became his armourbearer. 2- And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand b efore me ; for he hath found favour in my sight. 23 And it came to pass, when 'the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took '"an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. 14.— David a Deliverer.— Goliath Vanquislied. 1 Samuel xvii. 1-54. iNow the Philistines "gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at ''Sliochoh, which belongelh to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and / ch. 17. 32, 34, 35, 36. 9 Gen. 39. 3; ch. 3. 19 & 18. 12, 14. ''ver. 11; cb. 17. 15,34. i See ch. 10. 27 & 17. 18; Gen. 43. 11 ; Prov. 18. 16. of David's musical services for the Temple (1 Chr. 23. 5 & 25. 1, notes, pp. 163, 16(5). Perhaps David had alreaiiy composed some psalms, e.ff. Ps. 8 ; and in fact prmlent in matters (Heb. speech, marr/in) means, lite- rally, skilled in composition. Cp. Ecclus. 47. See ch. 18. 10; 2 Kin. 3. 15. ° ch. 13. 5. ' Josh. 15. 35 ; 2 Chr. 28. 18. dicated in ch. 10. 10-12. The Memoires of the French Royal Academy (1707) give a re- markable instance of cure of madness in si.x days simply by music. Only singiug boj^s could soothe Charles IX. when wakeful under the horrible recollections of St. Bartholo- mew's Day. I'hilip V. of Spain was cured of a deep dejection, incapacitating him from all business, simply by the music of Farinelli. Departed.'] When probably David would return home, till summoned again ; see ch. 17. 15, note. David's first visit was probably short, and Saul's malady may not have re- curred before ch. 17. 55 ; it would grow in intensity, and the paroxysms would become more frequent as, in addition to brooding over his own decline, he came to entertain jealous suspicions of David (ch. 18. 9). 1 S. xvii.— 1. Now, &e.] Chs. 15 & 16 form a parenthesis. The main subject, i.e. the rise of the Davidic monarchy, is now resumed. — The most ancient MS. of the SejH. omits large portions of chapters 17 and 18. Being some 600 years older than the earliest extant He- brew MS. it carries great weight. The Sep- tuagint is now known not to have been written (as long supposed) by 72 elders by order of Ptolemy Philadelphus. It was, however, written at Alexandria, and as early as tlie 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C. The au- thor of Ecclus. (46. 19 : 160 B.C.) quotes ch. 3. 12 from it. The MS. known as the Vati- can (B) is ascribed to the 4th century; that known as the Alexandrian (A, in the British Museum) to the 5th. The LXX. agrees in the main with the Hebrew text. But here it is remarkable that the matters in which the Hel)rcw text differs from the shorter and pt'rftctly self-consistent narrative of the .Se])tiiai;int ai)poar, when put together, to be almost undoubtedly fragments of another B.C. cir. 1063.] PHILISTINE INVASION— GOLIATETS CHALLENGE, [sec. 14. Azekah, in Ephes-daramim. 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. 3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side : and the7-e was a. mountain between them. 4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named * Goliath, of <* Gat h, whose heighttwas six cubits and a span. ^And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. •'And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. ^ And the * staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam: and his spear's head tveighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. 8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them. Why are ye come out to set yotir battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye /servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. 9 If he be able to tight with ■ 2 Sam. 21. 19. ''Josh. 11.22. '2Sam. 21. 19; 1 Chr. 11.23. /ch. 8. 17. and self-consistent narrative. If we may stances of monstrosity' are well authentica- here accept the more aucieut and shorter ted. For other such'ehampious, see 2 Sam. Sept. text as the true text, the well-known 21. 16, p. 151. CuOit . . . span.] A cubit, i.e'. difficulties of the earliest period of David's the knuckles or fingers are iiiclinlfd ((•]).'the' history are removed ; such events recorded 3 e/ls). Two spans (Heb. sit = '.> in.) make a in the Heb. as do not fit into the Sept. con- cubit; aspanhere(se/-e.siaii Im- Lower down, on the opposite side of the wide vale, is Ephes-daniiniui (cp. 1 Chr. 11. 10, p. 158). .Saul is now ablu. on his W. froutier (see eft. 1.3. 2, note), to resist the Philistine inroads. 2. Jii/ the valley.'] Jiather, in the vale {emeic) of Elah, i.e. the terebinth (ch. 10. .3, note), now called El Sunt, from its acacias. The seaward valleys of Judah, i.e. of the Shephelah ( A.V. %'ale, imlley, Josh. 15. 33), are comparatively shallow and broad, for the plain of Phili.stia runs up into the hills of that Lowland in long anus (Heb. emek). Kocky ravines, fringed with sliruhtnTv and contain- ing tlic shiiJLily lifds of the nppcr trilmtaries of thfiuain torrents, conlinuc these valh'.vsin- to the much loftier central highland. ( 'oiinted from N.to S,. five such valleys, Ajalon, Sorek, Elah, of Zei)hathali (Mareshah), and of La- chish, divide the Shrji/nlah, and figure in Is- rael's military history ; the valleys of Elah and Sorek were the scene of .Samson's exploits, and are connected, as Sorek with Ajalon, by easy passes. This Lowland, being favourable to their kind of warfare, i.e. forays varied occasionally by a pitched battle, was long a debateable land between both nations. 3. ^.] liather, the mountain (bis). There, &c.] J'ariornm, the ravine (Heb. ^at, the torrent-bed of the vale, 'Impassable ex- cept in certain places ') was between them. 4. Champion.] Lit. the interval between tiro armies, aiid so the man who for the time occupies that positi. 2.3). Jlarg., afjort/et, a small shield for the throat, which could be swung round be- hind at i)leasure. 7. Beam.'] To wliich, in the familiar haiul-loom, the warp was attached. 5/n(7(/.] To cover the whole body. Cf. JJom. 11. viii. 200-272. 8.. A Philistine.^ races Lave ever existed, but 'individual in- Bather, the P.,i.e. their f^eTaixMiov (v.i); cf. 33 [1 S. xvii. 2— y.J SEC. 14.] DA7ID SENT TO THE CAMP. [b.c. cir. 10G3. me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants : but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and "serve us. i^And the Philistine said, I ''defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may light together. 11 "When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. i-Now David was *the son of that '^Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name z^joss Jesse ; and he had ' eight sons : and the man went among men /or an old man in the days of Saul. '3 And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle : and the "' names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. i* And David tvas the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul, i^j^ut David went and returned from Saul "to feed his father's sheep at Beth-lehem. 16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. 17 And Jesse said unto David his son. Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this "parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; i^and carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and ^look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. i^JNow Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. 21 Yot Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army. " ^^d David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. 23_^mi as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake ^according to the same words: and David heard them. 9ch. 11. 1. 'ch. 16. 10, 11 ; see 1 Chr. 2. 13, 14, 15. '"ver. 26; 2 Sam. 21. 21. '" eh. 16. 6, 8, 9 ; 1 Chr. 2. 13. " ch. 16. 19. *ver. 58; Euth4. 22; ch. 16. 1, 18. "Ruth 2. 14; ch. 25. 18; 2 Sam. 17. 28. "■Gen. 35. 19. P Gen. 37. 14. ver. 8. Horn. E. iil. 80. 10. Defy.'] Or, reproach; Dead Sea, a chaos of crags, corries, and pre- see V. 26 ; cp. ch. 11. 2. 12. Vs. 12-31. These cipices as extensive as the central highland verses are not in Sept.; see v. 55, note, and of Judah and Benjamin (ch. 14. 23, note) — was ch. 18. 6, note. EphrathUe.'] Here from the natural resort of refugees like David, the JSphratah,a.s in Ruth 1.2; but in 1 Kin. 11.20, Waccabees, &c, 17. Ephah.] About 3 pecks. it means Ephrai'mite, as in 1 Sam. 1. 1, &c. Parched corn.] A favourite food at Beth-lehem-judah.] See ch. 16. 4. Beth- harvest time ; roasted in a pan or on an iron lehem means Hotise of Bread, and Kphratah, plate, before fully dry and hard ; eaten with fruitf Illness ; — Ijing in the midst of a district bread or instead of it. Or scorched, a few of afreat fertility, with water not far away, it sheaves being thrown on a fire of brushwood, Is the finest site in the highland of Judah. A the charred heads beaten till winnowed ; narrow pass ( Wady el Jindy), nearly 12 miles flavour as of milky wheat and fresh crust long.connects(t'. 2, Ho^e) Bethlehem wicli .S'Am- combined. 18. Pledge.] i.e. assurance of weikeJi. — At Bethlehem, Jerome translated his their welfare (= a letter) in return. A lock Latin Bible (a.d. 389-40.3) direct from the Helj. of hair, or similar token, is sometimes sent in The old Latiu Versions were made from the the Kast. Cp. Jacob and Joseph (Gen. 37. 14). iSep^. The 7'ffr5rMm((.e. paraphrase) of Jonathan 19. Valley.] See v. 2, note. 20. Trench.] Ben-Uzziel,of a little earlkrdatf.butlessaccu- Jiather, waggon rampart. The Laager rate, is in Aramaic. ]]'iame, Jehovah, held almost uuuttfralilc by pious Jews (misap])rcheiicliiiL;' J.uv. 21. li'>), of which the meaiiiiiu is undoubted — "The Eternal,' the ' lam,' tlie' Self-existent' — tliouuh the original pronunciation is doubtful (? Yaliveh) ; A.V. Lord or God. The Jews commonly in reading substituted Adonai (Lord), but A7oA/wi (God) when Adonai is joined with Jehovah. Jehovah is a proper name denoting God as the Covenant-God of His peojjlo Israel (Ex. :i. 14, K. V. marg.) ; its loftiest combination, ' Je- hovah (if I/osta' (V. 45), corresi>uiids in ])art to " ver. 17. 'ver. 26, 27. 'Deut. 20. 1, 3. ■'ch. 16. 18. ' See Num. 13. 31 ; Deut. 9. 2. finite angels, men, animals, to the indefinite Powers (gravity, friction, &c.) and Works of the Lord. Earthly armies (Ps. 44. 9), the hea- venly bodies (Isa. 40. 2(1), and siiiritiial l)eings (1 Kin. 22. 19) are clearly included. Israel, wo might expect, would chielly during; tlie 3Ion- archy need to be reminded of the three-fold truth conveyed in the Kame, viz. that Jeho- vah is the only and universal Kiug, the only God of battles i.e. Giver of victory, and that armies other than human are ready for His ]iev5vvafjLeuiu, '\'ii\'.i. i.r, n-itiniiii or virliili/iii. Kut .^alxioth includes all jiowers invoked in the Ilenedicite, grandly vague, sublimely indeliuite, fi'om de- (Stanleg). ZA. Darid said.&.c] In these sim- ple words we sie that dilVereiiee between Da- vid's character and Suul's. whieh coiistiluted his litiiess, and Saul's unlit uess, to bi' the Theo- cratic king. Tlu> s/rip/ing's I'aith procured suc- cess and rekindled the nation's sjiirit {.vs. 11, 24) ; the faithful and patriotic as well as the adventurous gradually adopted David as their 35 [1 a. xvii. 24— 34. J SEC. 14.] DAVID A DELIVERER. [B.C. cir. 1063. father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 35 and I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 xhy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. 37 David said moreover, 'The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and "the Lord be with thee. Psalm xxiii. A Psalm of David. 1 The Lokd is my shepherd ; — I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pas- tures : He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul : He leadeth me in the paths of righteous- ness for his name's sake. * Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies : Thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. •^ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also hea'rmedhim with a coat of mail. 39 ^nd David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these: for I have not proved tliem. And David put them off him. ^''And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand : and he drew near to the Philistine. / Ps. 18. 16, 17 & 63. 7 & 77. 11 ; 2 Cor. 1. 10 ; 2 Tim. 4. 17, 18. s ch. 20. IS ; 1 Chr. 22. 11, 16. leader. Lion . . . bear.'] Lions have disap- peared with the woodlauds that harboured them, and bears are rarely met with, except ou the loftiest mountains (cf. Amos 3. 12 ; Jer. 5. 6 & 12. 8 ; 2 Kin. 2. 24). Comp. the feats of Samson ( Judg. 14. 5) and Benaiah (2 Sam. 23. 20). 35. Beard.] Possibly mone or throat; for neither has a beard. Tristram thinks that a long maned (and fiercer) lion also existed in Palestine. But Homer has \U iivyfveios, and, somehow, to ' beard a lion ' (Marmion vi. 14) is proverbial : Lat. barbam vellere mortiio leoni. 36. Uncircumcised.'] Cf. ch. 14. 0, note. 37. Be with.] i.e. shall bo, as then (so Sept.). [Ps. XXIII. — Possibly, mature as is the tone of the Psalms, David composed at this period 'this fir.st direct expression of the religious idea of a shepherd. The imagery in which the Psalmist describes his dependence on the shepherd-like Providence of God' must be derived from personal and local remembrance. ' To this period too may best be referred the delight in natural beauty ' expressed in Ps. 8. 1, 3 (by night), Ps. 19. 1-5 (sunrise), Ps. 29. 3-9 & 18. 7-15 (thunder storms). — Stanley. 2. Still leatcrs.'] Lit. toaters of quietness, [1 S. xvii. 35—40 ; Ps. 23.J referring not to softness of flowing, but to the tranquillity of the thirsty flock on reaching them. 4.] Cp. Zech. 11. 7. 5. Table before . . . enemies.'] Such an event actually occurred in 2 Sam. 17. 27-29. All that is meant here is that it is publicly seen whom God ' deUghteth to honour.'] 1 S. xvii. — 38. Armed . . . armour.'] liather, put on (bis) warrior's dress (garments in ch. 18. 4), perhaps of soft leather to wear imder the armour, K.Y. apparel. Doubtless David was full-grown ; probably 20 years old (stripling, v. 56) ; but Saul's stature was ex- ceptional (ch. 10. 23). 39. Assayed to go.] i.e. tried to walk. To assay is the Fr. essayer =to make trial of. Proved.] i.e. tested, put to the proof (cf. 1 Thess. 5. 21). Put them off.] Cf. 2 Cor. 10. 4; 1 Cor. 1. 27. David knew the value of his agility. 40. Staff'.] t^hepherds carry a quarter-staff to keep the dogs in order (v. 43), &c. Brook.] Pather, torrent bed (v. 3, note); the A.V. brook means a stream in a ravine, subject to sudden floods, but otherwise containing more stones than water (see Job 6. 1.5-20). A . . . a.] K.V. the . . . his. Scrip.] A wallet, made of a whole kid-skin, tanned. 36 B.C. cir. 1063.] GOLIATH VANQUISHED.— FLIOHT OF PHILISTINES, [sec. 14. *iAnd the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield ivent before him. *2 ^.nd when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he ''disdained him: for he was but a youth, and 'ruddy, and of a fair countenance, "is And the Plulistine said unto David, ''Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And tlie Philistine cursed David by his gods. ** And the Philistine ' said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. *5 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; '"but I- come to thee in the name of the LoKD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast "defied, ^flxhis day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand ; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee ; and I will give " the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; ^ that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. *'And all this assembly shall know that the Lord ^saveth not with sword and spear: for ""the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands. 48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. ^^And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. ^OgQ «David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew hini; but there was no sword in the hand of David. ^iTherefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut ofi' his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, 'they fled. ^-And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell * Ps. 128. 3, 4 ; 1 Cor. 1. 27, 28. * ch. IG. 12. * ch. 24. 14; 2 Sam. 3. 8 & 9. 8 & 16. 9; 2 Kin. 8.13. ' 1 Kin. 20. 10, 11. " 2 Sam. 22. US, 35 : Ps. 124. S & 125. 1 ; 2 Cor. 10.4; Heb. 11. 33, 34. ■• ver. 10. ° Deut. 28. 26. F Josh. 4. 24 ; 1 Kin. 8. 43 & 18. 36 ; 2 Kin. 19. 19 ; Isa. 52. 10. '/ Ps. 44. 6, 7 ; Hos. 1. 7; Zech. 4. 6. •• 2 Chr. 20. 15. 'ch. 21. 9;see Judg. 3. 31 & 15. 15; 2 Sam. 28. 21. ' Heb. 11. 34. slung over the shoulders. No Eastern shep- licrd is without it (cf. Luke 2'^. 30). 43. Dog.'] Eastern language knows no stronger term of contempt than dog (2 Kin. 8. I'.i), or dog's head (2 Sam. .3. 8), or dead doq {ch. 24. 14 ; 2 Sam. 9. 8 & 16. 9). Resembling the Scotch collie in appearance, the Syrian dog is the despised street-scavenger (cf. Job 30. 1). Staves.'] Sept., a stick. 44. -Flesh.] Cf. Jlom. II. xiii. :n. 45. Shield.] The target of V. 6, where see note. Goliath threatens the vengeance of his patron deity. Da\id retorts by asserting that the Covenant-God of Israel, through Goliath's overthrow by a mere shepherd's hand, will manifest Himself to be the tnie God of battles, who gives victory to His people. Lont of //o.s/.s.] Heb. .Mi&rah Salianth (cf. 'armies of the living fiod.' r. '2f<, and note). The full title is .lehwah the (Sod of I lost >^ ; cf. Jehovah of IJdsfs is Cod over Israel v~ Sam. 7. 'ifi). It is characteristic of Isaiali (d. '■'>, tiotc. p. II.}), who uses it to express tlie Ahiiiglitincss of (iod and 1 1 is distinctness from nature — and, perhaps, as :i j)ro|H'r name equivalent to the later Clod (f y/r(((V'H (~ Chr. :i(i.2:!. itc). 46. This da i/.] i.e. inimediately(t7i.ll.3:3). David's first prophecy. 37 (Ac. 2. .30). A God.] i.e. a God indeed; that the only God is Israel's; cp. 1 Kip. 18. 36. David's righteous indign.ation and unwaver- ing faith drew down (iod's bli'ssing;. 48. Meet.'] /?rt'/'/., cp. 2 Sam. 18. "3) or to David's later siiccc.-sis (r. 6, ' Philistines,' marr/.), becamo faiiiiliur to the Philistines {mary. refs.). 8. -^nd what, &c.] Hence to end of r. 11 is not in Sept. 9. ~Eijed.J Some would supply askance, or enrions/i/, but simply watclied would be better. The word is more coimnonly used in a good sense. — Saul's brooding jealousy and the burden of his terrible secret (ch. 15. ;iG-29) seem to have developed in him a con- genital tendency to insanity. 10. Prophe- aied.'] l-.it. acted the prophet (marg. ref s.); see ch. 10. 5, notes ; used of utterances under good or evil influence (cf. ch. 16. 15 & 19. 23 ; 1 "Kin. ^2. 22 ; Acts 16. 16-18), from prophetic inspi- ration or religious enthusiasm to raving mad- ness (cp. 2 Kin. 9. 11 ; Jer. 29. 26). The word tnay be used of a mere breaking forth into song or rhythmical recitation, without inspi- ration, good or bad (1 Chr. 25. 1 ; Amos 3. 8 ; cf. ch. 19. 20, note). Prophecy and poetry were akin ( Virg. JEn. vi. .50). Such books as ' The 'Wars of .Tehovah ' and the ' Book of Jasher' or Worthies, were in every educated Hebrew's mind, ready to hurst from his tongue in any moment of enthusiasm. Jarelin.l Jiather, si)i'a.r (so r. U A r/(. 19. 9, 10),socalli'(i from its being flexible. The king then, as the » ver. 15, 29. °ch. 16. 13, 18. Pch. 16. M.&28. 15. 9 ver. 16 ; Num. 27. 17 : 2 Sam. 5. 2. 'Gen. 39. 2, 3, 23; Josh. 6. 27. 'ver. 5, sheikh now, would seldom be without ttiis emblem of sovereignty (cf. ch. 19. 9 & 20. m & 22. 6 & 26. -). 11. Cast.] Ch. 19. 10 would lead us to interpret by brandished (made as though he would cast, i.e. aimed) here ; but of the 61 words rendered ca^l. this is the only uue which never means anything; else, .■saul's ])as- sion of the previous da'y i)nibalilv bi-ouelit im a paro.xysm of ineul al aberration-^ Avoided.1 Dejiarted, escajied ; cf. 'Pray you, avoid' (Slinks.). The transitive use = make empty. French, r/(/(';-; Latin. r('(/;/a/-c. A 'void ])la<'e' is an emptied one. 12—15.] Note the shrink- ing of hatred and of di.seased intellect; the growing suspicion that David was the l)etter neighbour of ch. 15. 28. The three stages of increasingawc (tvs'.12,]5,29)are well marked iu Sept. knitialily(lialda?an (Gen. aslianied of his murderous intent which :il. !'.»). Tliey resembled the Penates, house- hitherto (so far as bctravnl) niiglit have l)eeu hold tutelary deities, of ihe Homans. The attributed to morbidity '(oili;iuus. This home before (c/i. 10." 5). Then they were returning of relitjious worship and learning, where stu- dents (later named sons of the prophets) were educated, and common religious exercises nurtured and developed spiritual gifts, would lie a kind of sanctuary ; it seems at least to liave been deemed safer than Samuel's own house in Kamah. 20. Appointed.} Heb. set over, K.V. head (A.V. officer, 1 Kin. 4. 5) ; cf. V. 24 and ch. 10. .% note. Similarly, Elisha was the accepted Head (2 Kin. 2. 15) of the college at Jericho. In Samuel's day, such colleges seem confined to tlie Mount Kphraim district of Benjamin ; eomitare the allusion in 2 Kin. 5. 22. But the lari;!' niiiiilier of pro- pliets found later in the N'ortluru Iviugdom points to the existence of other colleges there — whether originated by Samuel is doubtful. They would be naturally self-extending (2 Kin. 6. 2). These prophetic . 27), and was an important festival. 6. My/nthcr; thus avoiding the change from Then say.] The excuse was probably based on tlie second person to the third. Any time.'} [I S. XX. 1-12. J i4 B.c.cir. 1062.] THE MUTUAL COVENANT. JONATHAN SOUNDS SAUL. [sec. 17. toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee; i^ithe Lord do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou niayest go in peace : and '' tiie Lord be with thee, us he hath been with my father. ^* And thou shult not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the Lord, that I die not: i^but also 'thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the Lord hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth. i^So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "'Let the Lord even require it at the hand of David's enemies. 1?^ And Jonathan caused David to swear again" because he loved him : for he loved him as he loved his own soul. 18 Then Jonatiian said to David, ° To morrow is the new moon : and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. '^^■^ And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to ''the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel. 20 ^nd I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark. 21 And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad. Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them ; then come thou : for tliei'e is peace to thee, and no hurt ; ' as the Lord liveth. 22 gut jf j gay thus unto the young man. Behold, the arrows are beyond thee ; go thy way : for the Lord hath sent thee away. 23 And as touching ''the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the Lord be between thee and me for ever. 2* So David hid himself in the field : and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat. 25 And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even, upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty. ^6 Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day : for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is *not clean; surely he is not clean. 27 And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son. Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither j'esterday, nor to day ? 2S And Jonathan ' answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem : 29 and he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commamied me to be there : and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table. 30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him. Thou son of tRuthl. 17. 'Josh. 1. 5; ch. 17. 37; "ch. 18. .S. "ver. 5. Pch. 19. 2. '2 Sam. 9. 1,3, 7 & 21. 7. 1 Chron. 22. 11. 16. 9Jer.4.2. 'ver. U, 15; see ver. 42. "•oh. 25. 22; seech. 31. 2; 2 Sara. 4. 7 & 21. 8. • Lev. 7. 21 & 15. 5, &c. 'ver. 6. Bather, this time; or, by this time on the man.'] Heb. of stripling (ch. 17. .56). 24. third morrcm (Payne .Smith). 14. Of the Meat.] Saxon mi/tc. i.e. iom\ of auy sort. 25. Lord.] \'erhiips=ererlasting. Die tiiti.] It By the wall.] Facing; the door. Arose.] woultl lie ijiiite usual to kill all tlie princes of Kendercd //o hi fore (I's. fi^. 2.")) ; so Sept. here. a dc))ciKcil dynasty. Examples occur later Joscpluis iilacis .lonathan on .Saul's right and (1 Kin. 15. ■.;<» & 16. 11 ; 2 Kin. 10. fi & 11. 1). Abner on .Siuls left. 26. A'ot cleanT] Cere- 15. JliiuM'.] i.e. posterity (so r. ir.; cp. tj. 42). monially unclean (refs. & ch. 16. 5). 27. 16. Itiiiiiire it.] i.e. exact ])cn:iUy f(ir any Jfliich was, .Vrc.] lUtther, after the now brcacli (ir failure. 17. XVcaw.vc, A:c.J 5Iar;- shak(!s .lonatlian's iide- (so .Sept.) rei-y iireiilly, ihou sli:ilt come, &c., lity.either to his friend (v. M) or lo his father Var. Tlie liiisiiiess'.] I'mlKilily <7(. lit. 2-7. (2".Sun. 1. 2.f). Thau son. .Vc. | I'rohably ■; /.'•Y'/.J l'roliiihl> inv.tMs s/iiiie (if'tr(ire/liti(/, lie nu'.'int lli:it .Jonathan was self-willed from I.e. sonic itillar scrviiii: :is a j^uidc-posi (so '/'n'l- his liirlli, and in thai rcsj)cci no credit to his pum)~iir (g ilejxirtiire (so Cheyiie) i.e. ■.ivu;- niotlicr. Uiit the Jlch. is literally sou < if the morial of the present occasion. 22. young girl offollowiity, i.e. one so low aiid brazen as 45 [1 S. XX. 13— 3U.j Stic. 18.] DAVID'S FINAL FLIGHT. [b.c. cir. 1062. the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and nnto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? 31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shall not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. 32 And Jon'athan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, " Wherefore shall he be slain ? what hath he done? 33 And Saul *cast a javelin at him to smite him: ^whereby Jonathan knew tliat it was determined of his fatlier to slay David. 34 So Jonathan arose irom the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month : for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame. 35 And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with liim. 30 And he said unto his lad, Eun, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 37 And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot,- Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee ? 38 And Jonathan cried after the lad. Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. 39 But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter. 40 And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him. Go, carry them to tlie city. *! And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times : and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. *2 And Jonathan said to David, ^ Go iu peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying. The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed : and Jonathan went into the city. 18.— David's final Flight.— He visits Nob. 1 Samuel xxi. 1-9. iThen came David to Nob to "Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was ^afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him. Why «?•< thou alone, and no man with thee? 2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest. The king hath commanded «ch 19 5- Matt 27.23; Luke 23. 22. " ch. \i. S, caWed Ahiah. Called also Abiathar, 'ch! is! 11. » ver. 7. 'ch. 1. 17. Mark 2. 26. '> ch. 16. 4. to court the man. To revile a man's mother is, note). 42.] Apparently the friends met again iu the East, the greatest insult. The confii- but once, by stealth (ch. 2:3. 16).— On the con- s/on, &c.] i.e. No one will believe you are the sequences to the nation of David's outlawry, son of me, if you so tamely yield up my king- see lntrod.,p. 0 ad flu. dom. ' Confusion 'expresses the A7ia?;ie of dis- j g_ xxi.— 1.] Nob was about two miles grace (cp. cfe. 22. 8). 33. Ca«<.] i^ai/ier, brand- fj-^m Gibeah and from Jerusalem, if on the ished, as in ch. 18. 11 ; see v. 25, note. A ^.^egt of the second hill north of Olivet (cl 2 javelin.'] Rather, his spear (c/t. 19. 9, note), g^m. 15. 32, note). According to Isa. 10. 28-32, 34. Shame.'] By publicly accusing David of j^^jj ^^s a day's march for an army without treasonable designs, Saul insulted and wrong- baggage from Geba (p. 16, plan) and was ed Jonathan's friend. 35. Time.] Or place, within sight of Jerusalem. Tlie Tabernacle 40. Artillery.! From ars. ' Artillery = guns being there (cf. ch. 8. 4, note). Nob was now and hovi's.'— Latimer. The chief weapon in a priestly city (c/j. 22. 19, ?iote),' a little colony the art of war has now usurped to itself the of Sa priests with their families and herds.' name. 41. Toward.^ Rather, near. The There to some extent (in the absence of the South.] Heb. Negeb, or (?) ergab, the stone Ark, 1 Ch. 13. 3), the national services had heap ( E zel in «;. 19) ; so Sept. { bis ) . Bowed.] beeu restored. Ahimelech.] See ch. 14. 3, and To pause and bow at regulated intervals is the note. David was a higli ofticial, and Saul's proper Eastern mode of approaching a son-in-law («. 11 ; c/^. 22. 14). Afraid, ^'C-'] prince.— Here affection overleaps the bounds Rather, came to meet David trembling ; of ceremony. David 'exceeded,' i.e. broke Heb. as ck. 16. 4 (which see). Saul asserts down, for he was about to lose, not only that the H.P. was aware that David was a friend, wife, family, position, fatherland, but fugitive from him (ch. 22. 17). 2. The king, even the ordinances of religion (ch. 26. 19, &c.J The lie was not unpunished. Remorsa [1 S. xs. 31— xxi. 2.] 46 B.C. cir. 10G2.] DAVID VISITS NOB. tsKC. 18'. me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send tliee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place. 3 Now therefore what is under thine hand ? give 7ne five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present. ^ And the priest answered David, and said, I'here is no common bread under mine hand, but tliere is '^hallowed bread; <^ if tlie young men have kept themselves at least from women. 5 And David answered the priest, and said unto him. Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the* vessels of the young men are holy, and tke bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day /in the vessel. 6 So the priest ° gave him hallowed bread : for there was no bread there but the shewbread, ''that was taken from before the L(^d, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. 7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul ^vas there that day, detained before the Lord ; and his name was » Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul. 8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword ? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. ^ And tlie priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in '' the valley of Elah, ' behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod : if thou wilt take that, take it: for tha-e is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that ; give it me. ' Ex. 25. 30 ; Lev. 24. 5 ; Matt. 12. 4. << Ex. 19. 15 ; Zecli. 7. 3. '1 Thess. 4. 4. / Lev. 8. 26. followed (ch. 22. 22). — It is not suggested here that David came to consult God through the H.P. as to his future course, or that Ahime- lech enquired for him (see cli. 22.15,note). Appointed my servants.~\ Rather, t\\& young men (asv. 4) / have directed ( Var.). Appa- rently the fact, for David's men shared the bread (Mark 2. 2.5, 26) ; see ch. 22. 20, note. 3. Present.~\ As if David's business allowed no time to malce even unleavened bread {ch. 29. 24), or (as some uri^ue from v. 6) it was the Sabbath. 4. ( 'otiinion.'] Unhallowed. The shewbread, lit. presence-bread i.e. set in God's presence, was changed on the Sabbath (Lev. 24. 8). The 12-giill()n loaves, after standing a week on the golden table, were eaten, but only by the priests and only in the (Var. a, so U.y.) lioli/ place. 5. H'omen, &c.] CL ch. 16. 5 ; K.xod. li>. 15. 7'hree days.} Lit. yes- terday and the third day ; a common plirase variously translated, with the general mean- ing of late. But David had been in hiding three days (ch. 20. 24, 27, 35). Since, &c.] Rather, When / came out, the vessels of the young men were holy, though it was but a common journey (i.e. Itad no reliyious ob- ject); how much more then to-day shall they be holy in their vessels (Far.; so K. v.). Vessels.] Cf . ch. 17. 40, mary. (' bag ' = vessel, Heb.), and note. Some understand bodies [but of the N.T. iiso of vessel (2 Tim. 2. 21 ; 1 Thess. 4. 4, &c.), there are no examples in O.T.] : others, clothes or wallets. At any 9 Matt. 12. 8, 4 ; Mark 2. 25, 26 ; Luke 6. 3, 4. '■ Lev. 24. 8, 9. < ch. £2. 9 ; Ps. 52, title. ' ch. 17. 2, 50. ' See ch. 31. 10. rate, the holy bread would not be desecrated by any ceremonial uiicle;niness, either of the men or of their eiiuiiniiful. Ilread.'J This word is more easily supiilied after it. Lit. and the ti'dji is iinijiiiie.dltlKiiifili it (the bread) be sanvtijied Ui- oh. 18. 7 & 29. 5. 1 S. XXI.— 10. For/ear.^ Cf. ch. 20. 3, vote, and contrast ch. 17. 37. David must have been well-nigh mad with mental anguish. — The sight ot Doeg made him expect prompt pur- suit (ch. 22. 22), and perhaps suggested the enquiry lor a weapon, and even his flight to Gath. Went.~\ For refuge and a livelihood (cf. «;. 1.5). David, during all Saul's persecu- tion, was never either unpatriotic or revenge- ful. Achish.~\ Cf. I's. 34, note. Gath, at the mouth of the V. of Elah, was the nearest of the five chief I'hilistine cities (see ch. 17. 2, .52, notes). H,] King is loosely used of Achish also (see I's. 34, title, p. 49). Sing in dances.'] The choruses sang or danced alter- nately to the beating of timbrels, &c. See ch. 18. 7, note. 12, Sore afraid.] Because he was recognised by Achish's suite as the champion of Israel (cf. ch. 18. .30), while his following was not sufBcient to protect him, much less (as later) to command respect. [1 S. xxi. 10—14 ; Ps. 56.] 48 " Luke 2. 19. [Psalm lvi.— C//>on, ^-c.]. This seems to mean Lyric (comp. I's. 59, note, p. 42) to the tune of The mute dove of them that are far off, or of the far off terebinths, some familiar melody of the time. In God in vs. 4, 10 is equivalent to bij God's help. It is the burden of the psalm. 4. Word.l The unfailing word of promise. 8. Bottle.'] Named as a frequent place for keeping treasures, especially travel- lers' treasures — water, milk, &c. ; or perhaps there is reference to the lachrymatories, teer- bottles in use at funerals. In either case the purport is care for the tokens of my sorrow. 13. Li(/ht of the living.] i.e. the clear daylight (cf. .Job 33. 30; Ps. 27. 1.3).] 1 S. xxi. — 13. Changed his behaviour.] Heb. as in the title of Ps. 34 (p. 49). Mad.'] An Oriental still regards a madman as possessed and (luasi-sacred, and would treat him with a pitiful, contemptuous forbearance. In their hands.} i.e. in their presence, or when B.C. dr. 1062.] DAVID ESCAPES TO ADULLAM. [sec. 19. then have ye brought him to me? i^Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house ? 1 David therefore departed thence, and "escaped ^to the cave Adullara : Psalm xxxiv. A Psalm of David, when he changed his beha- viour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. 1 1 WILL bless the Lord at all times : His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord : The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. ' O magnify the Lord with me. And let us exalt his name together. * I sought the Lord, and he heard me. And delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked unto him, and were light- ened: And their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Loud heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them. 8 O taste and see that the Lord is good : Blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 9 0 fear the Lord, ye his saints : For there is no want to them that fear him. 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hun- ger : But they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. » Ps. 57, title, & 142, title. they imprisniipd him {took him, Ps. .56, tith). Scni/i/i/<'(l.] Connected with scrape, acraifl. IMari;. inada marks (i.e. the Heb. let- ter Tau, ancieutly in the form of a cross ; cf. Ezek. 9. 4). Beard.'] David was i)robabIy beardless when he slew Goliath. 15. Have, itc.] K.V. do I lark. Come into.'] i>. enter my service. David had a narrow (Escape. 1 S.xxii.— 1. TlH'rcforc] ( )lilii:cd toadoptan outlaw'slifc, likc.Ic)>hih.ni(. In. Ii:. 11. '..'.:!). AduUarn.'] A cilv of .liidiili in the Shciihclah (ell. I~.2,ri0;■(/.< (sti-aiiiiii) of the five cities were hereditary or elective is uncer- tain. 7. Aii;/el.] Itecalls Josli. 5. 14 and (Jen. .•?2. 1 ; cf. I's. ;{">. r>. guoted (1 Pet. .3. lli, 15, ICi) as a i)ledso of safety to the righteous, and check on the ungodly.] .49 [1 S. xxi. 15— xxii. 1 ; Ps. 34.] SEC. 30.] DAVID AN OUTLAW— AT ADULLAM [b.c. cir. 1062-. 20.— David an Outlaw— at Adullam. His Band. 1 Samuel xxii. 1, 2. And when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. 2CAnd every one that ions in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them : and there were with him about four hundred men. 1 Chronicles xii. 8-18. ^And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were '^as swift as the roes upon the mountains; ^Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third, i^Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, HAttai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, i^Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, ^3 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh, i* These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least ivas over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand, i^ These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his ^banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west. IS And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David. 17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you : but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it. i^Then the spirit came upon /Amasai, who tvas chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are ive, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse : peace, peace he unto thee, and peace he to thine helpers ; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band. ' Judg. 11. 3. ''2 Sam. 2. 18. ' Josh. 3. 15. / 3 Sam. 17. 2.5. 1 S. xxii. — 1. His father's house. ^ The rapid their devotion to him and his own chivalry growth of David's baud enabled him to pro- are illustrated in 2 Sam. 23. 14-17. tect his relatives, and later to escort liis pa- 1 Chron. xii.— 8. The hold.'] Some identify rents into Moab (?'. 3). — Went doivn.'] i.e. from this with Ziklag or Engedi ; more probably it Bethlehem (ch. 17. 12, 7iote) or Hebron into was Adullam aud the hold of 2 Sam. 5. 17 and the Shephelah (ch. 17. 2, note). — Just above IChr. 11. 15. To.'] /?«?/(e?% towards ; R.V. Shmveikeh, tlie Wady es Sur, tlie continua- in.— Men . . . battle.] R.V. men trained for tion of the Wad// es Sunt (Y. ot Elah), turn- ^var. Biickler.] Var. spear (so R.V.). ing southwards divides the Shephelah from Lions . . . roes.] Cp. ch. 11. 22, p. 159, 2 Sam. the central liigbhmd of Jud-ah, aud provides 1. 23 & 2. 18. 14. One, &c.] Marg., one that a highway from I'hilistia to Hebron. 2. U'as least could resist ( For., H.Y^ was equal In debt.] Perhaps evidence of Saul's neglect to to, but R.V. tnarg. as A.V.) an hundred, and enforce the law against usury (Lev. 25. 36, 37). the ijreatest a thousand; cp. Lev. 2(!. 8, Deut. 32. Debtors, or their children, became temporary ZO.ch. 18. .3. The Gileadite mountaineers were slaves(2Kin.4. l,&c.).- Discontented.] Heb. mighty men of valour (cp. Judg. 11. 1, &c., 'bitter of soul' (= weaiy of life, Job 3. 20). and 2 Kin. 15. 2.5). 15. The first month.] The novel burdens of royalty (eft. 8. 11-18) aud i.e. Abib = Mandi to April (see marg. ref.), of a staudiiiu' army, aud the misrule resulting when the snow melts on Lebamm and Jordan from Saul's impulsive aud arbitrary tempe- is in flood. 17. Wi'on;/.] Marg'. violence. rament liad already alienated many; on 18. The spirit came npoti. 2 JAt. clothed it selj Saul's favouritism.see?'. 7. Captain.] Strict with, /.p. possessed ( Jar.). A rare expression, discijiliuarian also (ch. 25. 1.5)— so that the used of Gideon (Judg. fi.. {4) aud of the martyi band (formed for mutual protection only) Zecliariah, Jehoiada's son (2 Chr. 24. 20). made friends throughout its haunts in Judah Awasni.] I'robably not Auui.sa, David's (f/j. 30. 2ti-31), and was rarely betrayed to Saul, nephew (though the names may be identi- The control of .such adventurous spirits tested cal). Captains.] Rather, knights, Heb. and developed David's talent for command ; marg. ; Heb. text, thirty (so K.V.); see ch. 11. 25. [1 S. xxii. 1, 2 ; 1 C. xii. 8-18.] 50 B.C. cir. 10G2.] AND IN MOAB.—HE RETURNS INTO JUDAH. [sec. 21. 21.— David in Moab. He returns into Judah. 1 Samuel xxii. 3-5. 3 And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab : and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. *And he brought them before the king of Moab : and they dwelt with him all the while tliat David was in the hold. 5 And the prophet <^Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth. 22.— Saul Massacres the Priests of Nob. 1 Samuel xxii. 6-23. *'"\Vhen Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that 7oere with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Eamah, having his spear in liis hand, and all his servants were standing about him ;) 7 then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse ''give every one of you fields and vineyards, cmd make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds; ^ that all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that ^my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or she we th unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? <* 2 Sam. 24. 11 ; 1 Chr. 21. 9; 2 Chr. 29. 25. 1 S. xxii. — 3. Mfrpeh.'] Unidetitified : a com- mon name meaniiiL;- iratcli tmrcr. .l/cfz/v.] A natural refuse for the i;re;it, yraiulsoii of Kuth,whohaduiadi^l5ftlileliem herliouie— and unfriendly to Saul (ef. ch. 14. 47). Come forth.'] i.e. from the hold at Mizpeh ; they were too old (ch. 17. IL' ) to sliare David's life. 4. All, &c.] Tlirouulioiit I);i\ id's \v:nidci-iiiL;s from holdtoliold( Pfii/tie Smith). 5. d/n/.] I'ossibly already 'known to David in the scliocds of the propliets'; — tlie word 'inoidiet' diiidiis a \»i- pil of Samuels. He probably came liitlicrwliilo David was waiting to 'know' (lodV « ill (r. .!); ^lierhaps siiccially sent Iiy Samuel ((iad is not aL;aln iiicutiducd till he re-a]ipcais duriiifj;' David's rei^iu as 'the kiuu's seer,' 2 Sam. 24. 11 ; cp. 1 Chr. 2 city o/llie iirie>:ts i\\\\t'rf iierliMpslie had restor- ed the service of the 'raljeriKiele 'in his zeal for th(^ Lord') as the I'liilisliiies had dealt withShiloh. 'I'liisacl niusl have alienated the best men in Israel, and turned their thoughts to David. 20. Ahiathm- encojied.'] l't'i-iiai)S Abiathar remained at Js'ob when Saul sum- moned all the priests to (;il)eah. I'robahly he acted for his father (as Kli's sons for Eli), and it may hiivo been his hand that fetched the shewbread (cf. Ulark 2. 26). He took re- fuge with David (ch. 23. fi), bearing, as suc- cessor to the riigh-prieslhood, the Kphod with the Urim and Thiimmim ; thus Saul transferred God's oracle to David. — Hence- forward, Abiathar shared all David's 'atUic- tions.' For the closing events of his life we 1 Kin. 1 & 2. 21.] f's- 21-23 antieijiate the later conversation. 22.] Witli characteristic tenderness of conscience (ch. 24. 5), David ac- cuses himself of having caused this tragedy. 1 S. x.xiii.— 1. Told David.'] In the forest of Ilareth. His first cnterjjrise— the relief of Keilali — shows David i]ursning his former careiT (conip. ch. is. 'J?. :'.(>). This fact, which miL;lit have allayed Saul's suspicions, only stimulated liini to capture David. — Keitah.] A fortified city of the Shephelah of .htdah (ma»-(7. rc/.),now AV/fflona steeiihillon the \\. side of the Wadji es S7ir (heaii of V. of Elah), about three mile's above .lid-el-Ma ( Adullam ) ; sei' cli. 'J2. 1, notes. Thr( stiingjioor.} A level j)l()t of eround (calliMl now Imidor) about ,50 ft. in diameter, beaten till hard. Flails are used for small (pianlilies (Kulh 2. 17) of corn, the lai'ser T)einii coTuruonly trodden by o-xen or t lireslied with a wooden sled^C( nioicrej) having- ia""cd stoiu's tixecl to the bottcnn, the driver 'slaiKliunou thesled-e; cf. Isa. 41. 15, Ifi. The erain is i>iled in a very liitih hea]) in the cen- tre, awaitiny the winnowiiit^' fork or shovels. 'I'lie floor was usually on a hill to)) or some exjiosed spot, where the wind could be used in w innowiiiL; (cf. Ps. 1.4.t 35.5; 2 Sam. 24. H">». This incident fixes the time — directly after harvest. 2.^ Tlie otitlaw is authorised to do 53 ^ [1 S. xxii. 17— xxiii. 2.j SEC. 23.] DAVID DELIVERS KEILAH.—HIS FLIGHT THENCE, [b.c. cir. 1061, Philistines, and save Keilah. S^nd David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah : how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? ^Then David enquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him and said. Arise, go down to Keilah ; for I will deliver tlie Philistines into thine hand. 5 go David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. 6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech " fled to David to Keilah, that he came down loith an ephod in his hand. [cii: 1061.] ^ And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars. ^And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. ^ And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him ; and <^ he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. l^Then said David, O Lord God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, * to destroy the city for my sake, n Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down. 12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said. They will deliver thee up. i^xhen David and his men, f which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whither- soever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. i*And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in ''a mountain in the wilderness of ''Ziph. And Saul ^sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. i^And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David icai in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. I'^And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. I'And he said unto him, Fear not : for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee ; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and * that also Saul my father knoweth. 18 And they two 'made a covenant before the Lord : and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. ' ch. 22. 20. "'Num. 27. 21 ; ch. 30. 7. ^ Josh. 15. 55. •■" Ps. .54. 8, 4. '■ ch. 24. 20. 'ch. 22. 19. /ch. 22. 2&2o. 13. sPs. 11.1. ' ch. 18. 3 & 20. 16, 42 ; 2 Sam. 21. 7. the king's work. Enquired.'] Most proba- Jndsih(Jeshimon),ch.'l7.15,note.—Amoun- bly through Abiathar («>.fi,?)oi^f). Z. Judah.'] tain.'] Rather, the hill country. Ziph.'} Used in a limited sense for the central liigh- Four miles S.E. of Hebron. Thence, a fertile land (ch. 14. 23, note). — Much more.] In the taut lower plateau (vs. 19, 24 ; ch. 25. 2, note) ex- comparatively open Shephelah (ch. 17. 2, note) tends S. between the highland and the wilder- superior forces would tell. 6, To Keilah ness, and contains Ziph, Carmcl,&c.- Every . . . down.] Sept. reads that he (Abiathar) came day.] i.e. continually. IJelirered him notj] down with David into Keilah. ' To Keilah '= David attributes his escapes from Saul's per- Keilahwards (Htb.), and ch. 22. 20 leaves the sistent pursuit to God's special protection (2 time that Abiathar joined David indefinite. Sam. 22. 17-20). — This sentence is a summary ■ An ephod.] ( f. ch. 14. ?,, note. 7, Deliver- which is illustrated by selected episodes until ed.] Heb. alienated, i.e. treated as a stranger ch. 26. 25. 15. A wood.] Rather, the thick- (=rejected) and let him fall, &e. Sept. sold, ets (in Chaldee, to be entangled); or, Ho- For the sentiment see ch. 24. 4 ; cp. Ps. 71. 11. resh,a proper name (and so vs. 16, 18,19): for 9. Secretly jiractised.] Rather, was devis- no woodland could ha\(' j.'rown on the porous iug; lit. forging ; cy. fabricate. 10-11.] &oi\(Conder). \Q. StriiKjthened . . .iiiGod.'] Rather, probably sake, in order that the men Cp. ch. .30. 6. David's sensitive spirit needed of Keilah may, &C,. 13,] David's followers comfort and sympathy. To encourage his were now half as many again as in ch. 22. 2. friend, Jonathan uses his own conviction that They left Keilah without any definite plan. God purjiosed making David Saul's suc- 14.] David retreats S.E. across the central cesser. 17. iW.cf.] /.p. 'the king's friend.' Cp. highland to the edge of the wilderness of Jn. 3, 30. 18. Tliey two.] They met no more. [1 S. xxiii. 3-18.J 54 B.C. cir. 1061.] DAVmS " FLITTINGS" IN THE WILDERNESSES, [sec. 23. 19 Then "'came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? -^Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down ; and "our part shall, be to deliver him into the king's hand. 2i And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the Lord ; for ye have compassion on me. -" Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me tliat he dealeth very subtilly. 23gee therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you : and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah. Psalm liv. To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide him- self with us? 1 Save me, 0 God, by thy name, And judge me by thy strength. 2 Hear my prayer, 0 God ; Give ear to the words of my mouth. 3 For strangers are risen up against me, And oppressors seek after my soul : They have not set God before them. Selah. 4 Behold, God is mine helper : The Lord is with them tliat uphold my soul. 5 He shall reward evil unto mine enemies : Cut them off in thy truth. 6 I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, 0 Lord : for it is good. 7 For he hath delivered me out of all trouble : And mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies. "•Seech. 26. 1. » Josh. 15. 55; ch. 25. 2. " Ps. M. .S. P Ps. 31. 22. 2* And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul : but David and his men were in the wilderness *'of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon. ^sgy^ni also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. 26 a,.,^} g^ul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain : ^and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul ; for Saul and his men * compassed David and his men round about to take them. 27 '■gut there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. 28 wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines : therefore they called that place S e 1 a - h a m m a h 1 e k o t h. 29 And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at *En-gedi. 9P.S. 17. 9. >■ See 2 Kin. 19. 9. ' 2 Chr. 20. 2. 1 S. x.\iii. — 24. Maon.] Now the command- ing Ttll Main, about 7 ni. S. of Zipli, on the same plateau (»'. 14, note). I'lain.'] Heb. Arahah — here, probably, the sti'i)i)e of the Ncyeb (ch. 25. 1, note). 25. J'Uo a rocA-.] Rather, to the cliff (Heb. sela ,• v. 28, note). — Or, as marg., from the rock. 27. ^"*. &c.] While Saul jjurstics David, the Philistines made n J'orai/ (■ iuvadcd '). Conip. Isa. :{7. 7. 28. Sela-li>. tlio Wilderness of .Judah (see ch. 17. l.'i. /(«'/'), cihIs, on the south, near a long ridge project inu i:ivt- wards from the plateau of Ziiih, Ac. ( r. 1 1. nali) called El Kolah (r. 2S, jic/r), tluTcuftcr melt- ing into the Hcerslicha plains. ('(Midcr id(Mi- tilies El Kolah with Hachilah. 21. 1 Coui]jaro ch. 22. 8. 22. Prepare i/et.] \i.V. make yet more sure. Tell Zi/ili dverlooks .Jeshimon. Subtilly.'] So Hushai in 2 Sam. 17. 8, 9. 23. Thousands.] Here, probably, the districts corresponding to the clans (c/(. 10. 19, note). [Ps. LTV. — N^eginoth, i.e. with an accompani- ment of stringed instruments. V.T.H. (Un Maschil, Selah, cf. Ps. 52, note, ji. 52.) 3. Stranger's.'} Hostile countrymon, i.e. Ziphites, or foreigners in Saul's service. 5. Jn thy truth.] I.e. in manifesting thy faithfulness.] SEC. 24.] DAVID AT ENGEDI SPARES SAUUS LIFE. [b.c. cir. 1061. 24.— David at Engedi.— His Interview with Saul. 1 Samuel xxiv. ^And it came to pass, "when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying. Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi. ^Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and ^went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. 3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where ivas a cave; and "Saul went in to •'cover his feet: and * David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. */ And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LoED said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. ^ And it came to pass afterward, that "David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. ^ _A.nd he said unto his men, '» The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. "^ So David 'stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. ^ David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying. My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. 9 And David said to Saul, ^^ Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying. Behold, David seeketh tliy hurt? ^^ Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave : and so7ne bade me kill thee : but nmie eye spared thee ; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord ; for he is the Lord's anointed. ^^ Moreover, my father, see, yea, see tlie skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see <■ ch. 23. 28. » Ps. 38. 12. ' Ps. 141. 6. '' Judg. 3. 24. ' Ps. 57, title, & 142, title. / ch. 26. 8. i.e. the spring of the kid, situate, in a recess of lime-stone clitfs 2,000 It. high, about 600 ft. above tlie oasis (Hazezon-tauiar ; Geu. 14. 7) which its streamlets, leaping down kid- like from rock to rock, make in an embayed plain about midway along the W. shore of the Dead Sea. The caverus around, in the 'rocks of the wild goats' (i.e. Syrian ibex,cp. Ps. 104. 18), were constantly the haunt of outlaws. The oasis of Engedi is the starting point of routes to Hebrou,"as that of Jericho is of routes to Jerusalem and Bethel. 1 S. xxiv. — 3, Three thovsand men.'] See ch. 13. 2, note, & 2fi. 2. 3. Sheepcotes.'] The cote is a circular wall of loose stones enclosing the space in front of a cave, covered with thorns as a further protection against rob- bers and wild beasts. [Saxon cot = a shed ; cf. cottage, dovecote. 'In hurdled cotes" 9 2 Sam. 24. 10. '■ch. 26. 11. < Ps. 7. 4; Matt. 5. 44; Rom. 12. 17, 19. * Ps. 141. 6 ; Prov. 16. 28 & 17. 9. ing. ■ Sides.'} Bather, recesses (Heb. as Jonah 1. 5). 4.] They regard the oppor- tunity as providential (cp. chs. 23. 7 & 26. 8). Of which .... said.'] Interpreting, per- haps, some unrecorded prophecy. But others, doubtless, besides Jonathan and Abigail, had formed their own opinion (cp. 1 Chr. 12. 18, p. 50) of what was in store for David. 5, Heart.} Jiaiher. conscience. Cf. Eccles. 7. 22 ; Prov. 4. 23. David at once repented hav- ing shown the least disrespect to the repre- sentative of Jehovah. But he probably was conscious that the thought of doing more had crossed his mind. The fuli/. has (v. 10) cogi- tavi ut occiderem te. 7. Stai/ed.} K.V. checked; lit. cleft or rent, implying exer- cise of all David's authority. Vulg. confregit sermonihus. 8.] David seized the oppor- tunity of a private remonstrance with Saul Milton.'] The caves are perfectly dark, so and of showing his loyalty. — Bowed himselj.] that looking inward one can see nothing; 'R.W did obeisance; c\>.ch.iO.'^\,note. David acknowledges Saul as his king. Q, Nearest.} i.e. hearkenest to. Men's words.} Pss. 10, 11, 12, & 35, and the title of Ps. 7 point to such looking outward everything is clearly visible. DavidVas familiar with such cotes. Way.] Some highway (ch. 26. 3).- Cover his .feet.} i.e. to lie down to sleep; cf. Kuth 'A. 7; so Syr., Arab. — Vulg. itt purgaret rentrem ; ' the Oriental usage leaves no doubt as to the act.' — Stanley. Remained.] liather, weretarry- [1 S. xxiv. 1-11.] 56 slanderers. 11. My father.} A term of respect (cf. 'son,' c/t. 25. 8) from an inferior. • Killed thee tiot.} Cp. ' I have delivered him that without any cause is mine enemy ' B.C. cir. 1060.] DAVID'S INTERVIEW WITH SAUL.— SAMUEL DIES. [sec. 25. that there is ' neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou '"huntest my soul to take it. i- "The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge lae of thee : hut mine hand sliall not be upon thee. 13 ^.s saith the proverb of the ancients, Wicliedness proceedeth from the wicked : but mine hand shall not be upon thee. !■* After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? "after a dead dog, after ^a flea. i^^The Lord therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and ''see, and *plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. 16 And it came to pass, when David liad made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, '/*■ tliis thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. 17 "And he said to David, Thou art ^more righteous than I: for ^thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil, i* And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me : forasmuch as when " the Lord had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not. l" For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away J wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day. 20 And now, behold, "I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand, ^iftg^ear now therefore unto me by the Lord '^ that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt uot destroy my name out of my father's house. "And David sware unto SauL And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto i^ the hold. 25.— Death of Samuel. 1 Samuel xxv. 1. 'And "Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and ^lamented him, and buried liim in his house at Eamah. ' Pb. 7. 3 & 35. 7. ■" ch. 26. 20. • ch. 26. 17. "Gen. 16. 5; Judg. 11. 27; ch. 26. 10; Job 5. 8. > Matt. J.. U. ° ch. 17. 43 ; 2 Sam. 9. 8. P ch. 26. 20. '6611.21.23. 1 ver. 12. ■■ 2 Chr. 24. 22. '' ch. 23. 29. • Ps. 35. 1 & 43. 1 & 119. 154 ; Mie. 7. 9. ' Num. 20. 29 ; " ch. 26. 21. ' Gen. 88. 26. « ch. 26. 23. <■ ch. 23. 17. ''2 Sam. 21. 6, 8. " ch. 2S. 3. Deat. 34. 8. (Ps. 7. 4). Huntest.'] With tlie eagerness, resource, and pertinacity of a luiiiter ; see ch. 2(i. 20, note. K.V. marg., layest wait for. Soul.] Cf. ch. 26. 21, note. 12.] The king's conduct is both unjust and unwortliy (v. li). 13. Bitt.&c] Perhaps David's on ii words, fol- lowing the proverb. SIki/I iiot.^ i.e. and so shall it be proved again that I am not one of the wicked. 14. JJog.2 .See cli. 17. 4:!, note. Flea.'\ Heb. 'a single tiea.' 15. Judge.'] f'p. 1 Pet. 2. 2:5. Deliver.'] lleb. Judge. K.V. niarg. give .avid's iu- nocence by prDti'ctiiig him I'lum Saul. 16.] Saul's evil was overcunu' by I);ivid's good (Rom. 12. 21)— apparently uidVc than in c/t.26. 21, 25. Saul acknowltMlgrs tlir^iimiidlossness of his suspioiiiiis, ;iiid his (•(iiiviciion of God's luirpdHC'CiPMi'crning l):ivi(l. 19. ii'itl.'] i.e.nn- harmed.— One last gleam nf the l)rightness of fSaul's early promise. 20. / /."<'«' . . . thou shalt be king.'\ Comjiaro and contnist ch. 20. :U, and see ch. 19. 21, iii'tr. Said's i)ersisti'iit persecutiou of David was ]iresuiiiptuous sin o7 (ch. 23. 17, ' knoweth '). He had gradually re- cognised in David the traits of the ' neighbour better than' biuiself ich. 15. 2>!). 22. Gat them, &c.] Keturued to tlieir refuge, as re- ceiving no invitation to Gibeah.and mistrust- ing the eontiniiaiice the liock- niasters (cp. ch.'iO. 26-31). The slicpherds still descend in spring from the highland to the excellent pasturages along the edges of the N. of Hebron to Beersheba and thence west to Gerar and the sea. This tableland again Ijreaks down S. in a series of descending ter- races, and is now little better than a barren waste, from neglect of the ancient system of water-storage, but it shows signs of extensive cultivation even in comparatively modern times. The intermediate res'iou, Ix'twceu the hinhland about Hebron and tin' ck'scrt of tlie "VVanderings (Et Till), is called in Ileb. the 6 (cf. Gen. 25. 13, 18) may refer to this period. — Sept. reads 3Iaou for Paran, but David seems to have been gradually driven south- wards. 2. Possess/!) /is.] Marg. business. Carmel.'] Of Judali (cf. ch. 15. 12 ; 2 Chr. 26. 10) ; marg. the fruitful fields. Ziph, Car- mel, and Maon. about 4 m., 10 m., and 11 m. respectively S.E. of Hebron, stood on a fertile plateau, 9 m. long by 3 m. wide— one of the rich and rare breaks in the highland— about 'Negeb,' i.e. the dry or parched laud, A.V. the 500 feet below the general level, and over- South (ch. 27. 10, note). Ain Gadis {Kadesh, looking the wilderness of Judah (Jeshrnion). Num. 1.3. 17, 22) is taken as the S. limit. Great.-] i.e. in agricultural wealth (cf. Paran.] The continuation of the limestone 2 Kin. 4. S ; 2 Sam. 19. 32). Goats.] Pecu- Bteppe, S. of the Keueb. It is now known liarly adapted to the sterile parts of mountain as Et Tih—a desert partly pasturable, with districts; they run with sheep. 3. Churlish.] some permanent veoetation round a few Sept. (TK\7]p6s (cf. Mutt. 25. 2-i). Of Caleb.^ i.e. Nabal inherited part of the lot promised to Caleb (Num. 1.3. 22 with 14. 24) and wrested by that hero from the Anakim (Josh. 14. 6-15 & 15. i:i, 14). 5. YouiKj men.'] i.e. warriors (so throuuhout) ; see ch. 21. 2, note 'servants.' 6. To him, &c.] Or, shall ye say. All hail ! Lit. To him that liveth! Var.; cf. ch. 10. 24 ; Dan. 0. 21 ; lire in Heb. sometimes means be prosperous and happy (Ps. 69. 32 & 119. 77). 8. A good day.] Cf. 'a feast and ;ood day ' (Esth. 8, 17). ' Sheepshearing, be- permanent springs and watering places in the larger valleys (wadys), and with some cairns, stone huts, and other traces of priniieval inha- bitants and evidence of a better water supply formerly. In David's time, it must have borne the same relation to the tlien settled 'Negeb' which that wilderness bears now to Palestine. Into this tU'sert— the home of half-uduiad half-settled Amalek, represent- ed now-a-dayslivtlie I'.edawni in uiaiuiersand mode (if lil'e (( /(. '.T. f^, ;(u^i';.— iSabal (as king a [1 S. X.\v. 1-8.] oS I!.c. cir. inco.] DAVID AND NABAL. [sec. 2G. 9 And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased, i" And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, ^ Who is David '1 and who is the son of Jesse ? tlicre be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. H ' Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my Hesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence tliey be f 12 So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings, i^ And David said unto his men. Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword ; and David also girded on his sword ; and there went up after David about four hundred men ; and two hundred '" abode by the stuff. 11 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying. Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them, i^ But the men were very good unto us, and "'we were not hurt, neither missed we anything, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields: is they were " a wall unto us both by niglit and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 1'' Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do ; for '' evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of ^Belial, that a man cannot speak to him. IS Then Abigail made haste, and '"took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of pare lied coi-n, and an hunch-ed clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. I'^And she said unto her servants, ' Go on before me ; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nal)al. 20 And it was so, as she rode on the ass, that she came down by the covert of the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her ; and she met them. 21 Now David had said. Surely in vain have I kept all that this fdlow hath in tlie wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him : and he hath "requited me evil for good. 22*g(j ^^d more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I*' leave of all that pc;-iaire to him by the morning light *any that pisseth against the wall. * Judg. 9. 2S ; Ps. TS. 7, S & 123. 3, 4. • Gen. R1. 16, £0. ' Judg. S. 6. •" ch. 30. 2t. " ver. 7. " P.s. lU'J. 5 ; Prov. 17. 13. » Ex. 14. 22 ; Job 1. 10. T ch. 20. 7. ' Ruth 1. 17 ; ch. 3. 17 i; 20. 13, 16. 1 Deut. 13. 13 ; Judg. 19. 22. 'J ver. 34. ■■ Gen. 32. 13 ; Prov. IS. 16 & 21. 1 1. '1 Kin. 14. 10 & 21. 21 ; 2 Kin. 9. S. ing a time of lavish hospitality (v. .36; cf. CO gallons, a camel can Carry two; but an Gen. .38. 12; 2 Sam. 13. 23-25), would be a ass not one. Cf. 2 Sam. lU. 1. Measure.] customary lime for recognising the honesty Heb. senA, /.e. one-third of an cphah, about a and services of David's band. 10. Ansn-vr- peck. — I'archedconi.'] ii.cli. 17. 17. — Cabes.] erf.] If next morning (see v. 9 'ceased', Heb. Heb. debelah (cf. ch. 30. 12; 1 Chr. 12. 40). rested)— ^a.ba,y was without excuse. .S'er- Figs were i)resscd tight (so raisins, ' clustei-s,' vant.] A runaway slave ! 11. J/'/.] God's elsewhere ' bunches,' being iu Heb. lump) for also; but he did not own it (cf. Luke 12. 21). keeping — as dates and apricots also aro fCfl^er.] No doubt scarce; whence Ach.sah's now-a-day.s. 20, Covert.} Rather, dip. petition of Caleb (Josh. 15. 19). 13. Stuff.} 'Covert ' (Fr. cowcrO means shelter. Heb. Mather, basgase; rendered carriage in ch. in secret ( = under cover) of the mountain. 17. 22. 14; Railed.] Lit. (as marff.) flew Against.] liather, opposite to. 21. upon them (so K.V., but mar(/. as A.V.). Cf. Jiept.'] i.e. protected. 22. So, &c.] A rash eh. 15. 19, 'fly upou the spoil.' 15. Con- oath : better l)raken than kept (cf. ch. 14. 24). versant.] i.e. went about with ; Lat. conrersari, - — The eiu iiiirs. .Vc] Sept., Arab., Syriac omit. to associate and live with. Fields.] Kather, .S'e (•//.<. 2U. ICi A: 2.1. 22. Either some supersti- Jietd, i.e. open coimtry (v. 21). 17. Belial.] lion i)roniptcd Iho sulistitution for 'David' of Cf. ch. 10. 27, note. 18. Bottles.] Leather this euphcniisni, or th(^ suirnestion is 'Jf of bottles were made of the entire skin of a kid, JJarids t iiriniis, mucli more of David himself." goat, or o.\. Of the last, which would hold An//, itc] i.e. a single male (cf. 1 Kin. 14. 50 [1 S. sxv. 9-22. J SEC. 26.] DAVID AND ABIGAIL. [b.c. cir. 1060. 23 And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and "lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, ^^and fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid. "^Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal : for as his name is, so is he ; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him : but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send. 26Now therefore, my lord, f>as the Loed liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the Lord hath <^withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from d avenging thyself with thine own hand, now ^let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. 27 And now/this blessing which thine hand- maid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord. 28 1 pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for "the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord ''fighteth the battles of the Lord, and ievil hath not been found in thee a?Uhy days, ^yyet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he t sling out, as 0 it « of the middle of a sling. sOAnd it shall come to pass, when the Lord shall have done to my lord according to all the good that be hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel; 31 that this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either tliat thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid. 32 And David said to Abigail, ^ Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me : 33 and blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast ™ kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. 31 For in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, which hath " kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had " not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. 35 So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, P Go up io " Trxsh 15 18- Judff. 1. U- ' 2 Kin. 2. 2. ^ Jer. 10. 18. vefss ; Gen. 20 1: " Rom. 12. 19. ' Gen. 24. 27 ; Ex. IS. 10 ; Ps. 41 13 & 72. IS ; ' 2 Sam. 18. 32. Luke 1. 68. "• ver. 26. / Gen. 33. U ; ch. 30. 26 ; 2 Kin. 5. 15. " ver. 26. » ver. 22. ^ ,„ ., , s 0 Sam 7 11. 27 ; 1 Kin. 9. 5 ; 1 Chr. 17- 10, 25. v ch. 20. 42 ; 2 Sam. 15. 9 ; 2 Km. 5. 19 ; Liiie '' ch. 18.'l7. * ch. 21. 11. 7. 50 & 8. 48. 10 "l 24 Mil lord.'] Cp. Monsieur, Sir. suggests prophetic instruction; cp. 2 Kin. 4. Audiencri i.e. hearing; Heb. in the ears. 8, '23. 29. Yet... but.-] Rather, Though 25 Nabal] i e. iool (.Vs. U. \). Abigail was ...yet. A man.] Mather, man, t.e. any- haiaitually the peace-maker (I saw «o<). 26. one (esp. Saul).— -The ... shall.] Or, may the As the Lord. &c.] Cf. ch. 20. 3, note. See- ...be (Var.). Bundle.-] Bather, bag (as in ing.] Rather, so surely it is. Coming ch. 17 40, 49), /.e. of those who live with the to blood.] Rather, entering into J.e. in- Ever-hving One (cf Is. 31 20 ; Col. o. 3). currim' blood-guiltiness (sor..3.3) Var. 'SonV=life. David's life will be the persoual Ietbe]ie as foolish (r. 21), and as powerless care of Jehovah. Orientals wrap up their to harm' (nabal = to wither). 27. J^less- seals and valuables to carry them on their ina.] i>. present; cp. Josh. 15. 19. The persons.— -0/ ///<>.] Heb. of the living ymnia men.] As if her present were unworthy And.] Rather, bnt--— ^« ow' of &c.] Marg. of their master. 28. Make ... a sure house.] in the midst of the boiight (n.\ .as from the i.e. grant assured prosperity (cf. ch. 2. .30-35 ; holloiv) of a sling. 'Bought = bend, from to 2 Sam 7 11 & 23 5) Passages like 1 Kin. 2. bow, i.e. bend. Cp. 'A threepence ftotced would 24 & li. 38 showtiiatthe founding of a family hire me ' (Shaks.). For the metaphor,_^ per- is not meant (P. Smith). Fighteth . . . hath haps a veiled compliment to D.avid (ch.l. .50), been.] Or, will tight . .. shall be ; i.e. David compare Jer. 10. 18 ; Isa.22 lb Total reject on should succeed Saul (whose mission it was is suggested. 30. i^«/«r.] /Jart^r, captain to rir/hf the Lord's battles) with the blameless i.e. Saul's successor R.\ . prince ; see chs. 9 rcpiit-ation and clear conscience (V. 31) that he 16, note & 13. 14; 2 Sam. 5. 2. 31. ^f><'J-J would wish to preserve as king. Abigail's ^f6.(bere only) cause of ,s^«,wenn.9 or s<«»h6- familiaritv with the true idea of the Theo- ling (marg.). i.e. of self-reproach. Abigail cratic king which was to be realised in David finds a convincing argument m David s ues- [1 B. XXV. 23-35.] 60 B.C. cir. 1060.] DAVID'S MARRIAGES. SAUL AGAIN PURSUES DAriD.[sEC. 27. peace to thine house ; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have » accepted thy person. St* And Abigail came to Nabal ; and, behold, '"he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king ; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he icas very drunken : wherefore she told liim notliing, less or more, until the morning light. 3r But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. 38 _^n(j jt came to pass about ten days after, that the Lord smote Nabal, that he died. 39 And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, * Blessed be the Lord, that hath 'pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath "kept his servant from evil : for the Lord hath ^returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife. *o And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife. *i And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let ^ thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. *" And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of her's that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife. *^ David also took Ahinoam "of Jezreel; "and they were also both of them his wives. ^i But Saul had given * Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, which was of ' Gallim. 27.— David, in the Wilderness of Ziph, spares Saul's life. 1 SaMCEL XXVI. 1 And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, "Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon? 2 Then Saul arose, and went down to the wildernessof Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. 3 And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David al)ode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. * David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very y Ruth 2. 10. 13; Prov. 15. S3. ' Josh. 15. 56. ° ch. 27. 3 & 30. 5. "■ 2 Sam. 3. U. ' Isa. 10. 30. <■ ch. 23. 19 ; Ps. 5 1, title. tiny (so Jonathan, ch. 23. ID. 33. Advice.'] first in 2 Sam. X '-i a.s mother of Amnon, Da- ii'ai'/(('r, discretion ; or.icisdom. Zb. I'er- vid's firstborn. Tliis .liv.rocl was near (7H(nv/. son.] Lit./nce (see mor/7. (ien. 111. 21 .t :«. ~'o), re/.) Maon. Al.fo.\ Hesides Michal. 44.] Var. Asuppliant howcil jimfouiKily ; 'wlioii An act of outlawry, of confiscation (Michal the petition was ^;raiiti'(l (lie lace was said to was David's pmiHTty, marg. re/.). Gallim be raised.' 37.] I'assioii caused apople.xy. was between Gihe^ih and Nob (m«r^. re/.). 38. S)iiott>.'] To the pious mind, natural causes 1 S. xxvi.— 1.] JSaul renews his persecution an^ (iod's instruments. 39. I'ltaded, «- dilVcnMices .show that this is not another self (v. 31). jyic/:i''.-Saul occupies David's 61 [1 S. XXV, 30— xxvi. 4.] 1 Gen. 19. 21. ' 2 Sam. 23. 23. • ver. .32. ' Prov. 22. 23. " ver. 26. 34. '1 Kin. 2. 44; Ps. 7. 16. SEC. 27.] DAVID m THE WILDERNESS OF ZIPH.' [b.c. cir. 1060. deed. 5 And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched : and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and '' Abner the son of Ker, the captain of his host : and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him. fi Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai ''the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying. Who will • ch. 14. 50 & 17. 55. <■ 1 Chr. 2. 16. << Judg. 7. 10, 11. < ch. 24. 6, 7 ; 2 Sam. 1. 16. / ch. 25. 38 ; Ps. 94. 1, 2, 23 ; Luke 18. 7 ; Bom. 12. 19. former position, and David apparently watches him from the plateau (ch. 23. 28, note; cp. ffo down, vs. 3, 6, with ch. 23. 25). 5a7o.] i.e. learned by spies, Heb. inquire, seek {V. 20). 6. Trench.} 3Iarg. midst of his carriages (so v. 7) ; see ch. 17. 20, note. People.'] i.e. army {ch. 14. 45 ; so v. 14). 6. The Jiittite.'] David had foreigners in his service, e.g. Uriah, Ittai, and the Chercthites. The cliildreu of Heth or Hittites were a great military nation well equipped with chariots <1 Kin. 10. 2ii ; 2 Kin. 7. 6). The Kheta, with capitals at Carchemish (see p. 550, note) and Kadesh-on-Orontes, displace on the Egyptian monuments the Syrians of Jlesopotamia, as the chief opponents of the Etjyptian domi- nation of N. Syria and Mesopotamia, from the time of Thothmes in. (18th dynasty). Kameses ii. (19th dynasty, period of the Exodus) was glad, after a long and bitter war, to make peace and an alliance with them. In the Bible, Hittites are found first in W. Ca- naiiu (Gen. 15. 20 ; Exod. .32. 2 ; Josh. 3. 10, &c.), [1 S. xxvi. 5-12 ; Ps. h-u. 1-4.] C; 2 I will cry unto God most high ; Unto God that performeth all things for me. 3 He shall send from heaven, And save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. 4 My soul is among lions : 9 See Gen. 47. 29; Deut. 31. 14; Job 7. 1 Ps. 37. 13. '■ch. 31.6. 'ch. 24. 6, 12. * Gen. 2. 21 & 15. 12. ;14. 5; and especially near Hebron and at Bethel (Gen. 23 ; Judg. 1. 2(i). Ahimelech and Uriah probably beloiiged to the Hittites of Hebron, of whom Abraham bought Machpelah anu Esau apparently took his two wives (Sai/ce). See notes pp. 250, 436, 494, and Appendix. Abishai.'] David's nephew, see 2 Sam. 23. 18, note, p. 159. The sons of David's sister Zeruiah, almost his contemporaries, here be- gin to appear upon the scene. See 2 Sam. 2. 18. 7. Sjjear.] See ch. 18. 10, note. Still the up- right spear distinguishes the sheikh's tent in Arab camps, and tlie cruse (r. 11) is never absent. Bolster.] Ratlter, head (so vs. 11, 12, 10 ; cp. 1 Kin. 19. 6, marg.). 8. At once.] Rather, at one blow (and prevent an alarm ). 9. iJestroy him not.] Religious motives govern David's whole conduct "in exile, as regards Saul. 10. Or.] =either. Saul's death shall be God's act only. 11. Cruse.] Or, cruise (Dutch kroes, kruick) an earthen cup or bottle. [Psalm lvii. — On Michtam, Maschil, and Selah, see pp. 42, 52, notes. Psalms 58, 59, 76, E.c. cir. lOUO.] DAVID AGAIN SPARES SAUL'S LIFE. [sec. 27. And I lie even among them that are set on fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be thou exalted, 0 God, above the hea- vens ; Let thy glory he above all the eartli. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps ; INIy soul is bowed down : They have digged a pit before me, Into the midst whereof tliey are fallen themselves. Selah. 7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed : I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and liarp : I mijself will awake early. '■> I will praise thee, O Lord, among tlie people : I will sing unto tiiee among the nations. ^^ For thy mercy is great unto tlie hea- vens. And thy truth unto the clouds. 11 Be thou exalted, 0 God, above the hea- vens : Let thy glory he above all the earth. PS.A^LM CXLII. Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. ^ I CRIED unto the Lord with my voice ; With my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. " I poured out my complaint before him ; I shewed before him my troul)le. 3 When my spirit was overwliehued within me, Then tliou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked Have they privily laid a snare for me. 4 I looked on mij riglit hand, and beheld, Hvit there ivas no man tluit would know me : Eefuge failed me ; No man cared for my soul. 5 I cried unto thee, 0 L( ird : I said, Thou art my refuge And my portion in tlie land of the living. •5 Attend unto my cry ; For I am brouglit very low : Deliver me from my persecutors ; For they are stronger tliau I. 7 Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise thy name : The righteous sliall compass me about ; For thou shalt deal bountifully with me. 13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space heing between them : i* and David cried to the people. and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said. Who art thou that criest to the king ? is And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man ? and who is like to thee in Israel ? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord, i'' This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the Lord liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the Lord's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster. " And Saul knew David's voice, and said, ' Is this thy voice, my son Dayid ? ' ch. 24. 16. nrc set to Al-taschith (ipA2,nnf('). 7. Fixed.'] Well rendered by Sept. eToifxTj, \n\s. para- tum, ready, set; heart, and tdiij^ue, and music shall be all in tune. 8. J^i/ .'/''"V/l A com- yjarison of Ps. Ifi. 'J with Acts' 2. »'»") makes it phiiii that 'my glory' (lit. liver, i.e. seat of the emotions) means 'my tongue,' the best member that I have. Awake early.'] Would 1)0 more literally and poetically. Awake the dawn (cf. Evocat Aurvram, Ovid, Met., ii. 597).] [Psalm cxlii.— The tenso throughout is present, not past. Mender, I cry, A;c.] 1 S. xxvi.— 13. An hill.} Mather, the mountain. Spare, .eried.'] Jotham's delivery of liis ]i:ir;ilile from :i jilatforui in the hillsi(i(',lR'liiiiilShi'i-liiMni.)u(lL;-.'.i. r),illustratPS Hucli loMLi-dislaiicc spi'MUiiiii. 14. ('rie.<prcciale .Vtmcr c^Sani.:!. 3S),andinspiteol'Aliiier'si)(iwerfulox)position ('2 8am. .X 0) boliaved nobly towards him (2 Sam. 3. 21). Abner was Saul's connnander- in-chicf, and ranked next the king (chs. 14. 50 & 17. .'>:") ifc 20. '2.')). It was probably his inJiu- ence tliat prcvfiiltd l>avid's election as kiujj after Saul's deal li (2 Sam. ;!. 17). 16, Kept.'] i.e. iruardfd, waiclied o\ er (cf. ch. 28. 2, keeper of mine head. Acts 2S. 16 ; I's. 127. 1). Death is G3 LPs. Ivii. 5-11; Ps. cxlii.; IS. xxvi.13-17.] SEC. 27.] SAUL ABANDONS THE PURSUIT OF DAVID, [b.c. dr. 1060. And David said, It is my voice, my lord, 0 king, is And he said, "'Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? 19 Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the Lord have "stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the Lobd ; "for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the ^inheritance of the LoKD, saying, Go, serve other gods. 20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the Loud: for the king of Israel is come out to seek ^a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains. 21 Then said Saul, ""I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was * precious in thine eyes this day : behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly. 22 And David answered and said. Behold the king's spear ! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it. 23«xhe Lord render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the Lord delivered thee into vu/ hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed. 24 And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the Lord, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation. 25 Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great thinas, and also shalt still " pre\>ail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place. "•ch. 24. 9, 11. "2 Sam. IS. 11 &24. 1. "Deut. 4. 28; Pa. 120. 5. the penalty for sleeping at one's post. 19. //• the Lord, &c.] i.e. If unwittingly I have deserved this treatment (see ref's.), surely God will accept (Heb. smell, i.e. the incense of) a trespass-olfering (cf. Ps. 7. 3-5). Thei/.] liather, it. For David's calumniators, see ch. 24. 9. Be.l Vtdg. rightly, are. • Abiding m.] liather, having a share in; or (marg.), cleaving imto. Cp. Isa. 14. 1 (so Yar.). Serve other gods. '\ Practically they were forcing David into exile (see ch. 27. 1), and so driving him away from God's altars, which were to be found in God's land alone. This is the burden of Ps. 84. David regard- ed the worship of Jehovah (ch. 20. 41, note) P2 Sam. 14. 16 & 20. 19. ■• ch. 15. 24 & 24. 17. ' Ps. 7. 8 & 18. 20. 9 ch. 24. 14. •ch. 18.30. ' Gen. 32. 28. Kin.1.13) ; (2) the individual (i.e. personality) ; in Ps. 57. 4 & 142. 4, 7 (cp. i:il. 2, marg.) my soul = myself; (3) the vital principle, Lac. anima (Gen. 35. 18); (4) the heart (i.e. feel- ings of the mind, aflections), Lat. animus (Gen. 27. 4) ; (5) even body (Lev. 21. 11, Sept. •f^XP ''■€T€A,€i/Trji(uia,but rarely (if ever, 1 Kin. 17. 21 ?) for what we commonly mean by the soul, vis. man's individuality apart from the body, man's immaterial part. Yet the Latin words anima and animus both bear that meaning (cf. anima immortalis, Sail. J. 2 ; pias animas, Hor. Od. i. 10, 17 ; animos immortales, Cic. Leg. ii. 11, 27), and tlie Greek word which most nearly corresponds to it as restricted to Israel's land ; the presence (li/u vtj) is (exceptionally) so used in K.T. The of the Covenant-God with faithful Israelites ^^^^ ^,^^^ ^^^v^^ ^ .^^^ .^ rendered in A.V. by life only (Gen. 1. 20); and rnach (irvev/ia, spiritus) generally by spirit (Gen. 1. 2), but also ^ ' ' d (Gen. 8. 1). the meaning's elsewhere was preached as a new doctrine to the Captivity of Judah (Ezek. 11. 16). 20.] a.e. abandon your murderous quest, lest Jeho- _^ ^ ^ ^ ^ vahavengemydeath(c/i.24. 12, 14). David also by mind (Ezek. 11. 5), and irind contrasts the grandeur of the Lord's Anointed 23.] Cf. 2 Sam. 22. 21. Strictly, all tl with his own insignificance. Before the - ■ ■ ■ ' ' ' /rtce.] i.e.insiqhtof; (Keil) away from thepre- sence,i.e. in a heathen land. David recognises the risks of an exile's life. A flea.^ Heb. a si7}gle flea ; Sept. my life. Partridge.] The partridges of Palestine inhabit rocky hill- of righteousness can be resolved into one — doing right. The righteousness of faith is not strictly righteousness at all (though the faith does, and must, lead to right-doing) ; it is something which is co«H^e(/ /or right-doing (Kom. 4. 5, (i). Similarly, faithfulness means sides. Avoiding flight, they conceal them- always standing Jirm, as its root implies— in selves among the stones, running thence up the hills faster than any dog. As of old, they are still chased until fatigued and then knocked over with throw-sticks about 18 inches long. 21. Return.'] But Saul had broken up David's home (ch. 25. 44). More duty, in belief, or in truth ; in word, in heart, or in deed. 24. Tribulation.'] liather, straits, such as Saul's persecution brought about ; contrast 'a large place ' 2 Sam. 22. 20. 25. Blessed, &c.] A grudging admission if compared with eft. 24. 20 ; Saul has deterio- over (cp. »s. 13, 22), David's mistrust of Saul rated (cp. vs. 21. 25 with ch. 24. 16-10). had increased since ch. 24. 8, and justly. To his place.] liather, home, as in ch. 2. 20. Soul.] K.V. life. Nephesh means (1) life (2 David and Saul met no more. [1 S. xxvi."lS-25.J 61 B.C. eir. 1058.] DAVID TAKES REFUGE IN PEILISTIA. [sec. 28. 28.— David in Philistia— at Gath and Zitlag. 1 Samuel xxvii. & 1 Chronicles xii. 1-7. 1 And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul : there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines ; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel : so shall I escape out of his hand. 2 And David arose, "and he passed over with the six hundred men that were with him * unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath. 3 And David dwelt with Acliish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David ''with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife. ^And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath : and he sought no more again for him. 5 And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there -. for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with theel ^xhen Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore ^Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day. (1 Chron. xii. 1-7.) iNow these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish : and they tvei-e among the mighty men, helpers of the war. " They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and 'the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin. 3The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite ; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite, ■ ch. 25. 13. 'ch. 21.10. <* See Josh. 15. 31 & 19. 5. ' Judg. 20. 10. 1 S. x.^vii.— After the second betrayal by many (2 Sam. 15. 19 & IS. 2), and the more Ziphltes, David's patience, and even his trust adventurous would be attracted by his expe- in God's protection (c/i. 24. 15), fails ; outlaws ditions from Ziklag-. Compare the Free depend for their safety uijon the goodwill of Coinpaiiits of the lllh pentury a.d. 5.] At the inhabitants around their haunts. God had G:ilh. publicity iiicrcuscd the tlitflculties of a bidden David live in Judah (ch. 22. 5), yet falsu positiou. Moreover, David's band was when some of the Ziphites rendered his refuge an expense to Achish, but elsewhere, if allow- there unsafe, he despairs altogetlior ol safety ed, mijjlit support itself by raids, and even within .Saul's dominions (coast=6orrfc/), and pay_ something to Achish (v. 9). 6, lag.^ In the Nei/eb (Josh. 15. 31) near Beer- sheba (Neh. 11. 2S), in the lot of Simeon (cf. Josh. 19.5),but unidcntilicd. It was evidently a border city on tlie cduo of thu unset ilid wil- derness. Theancieut iiastoral tril«'s (r..s) yet harassed the Israelite and I'bilistine fnmtiers {ch. 25. Ki). Ziklag was given to David as „ ,,,,,..,„ _, ,_-_ beinga fortified post whence he could main- it "sliowe'd distrust of God ; it was impolitic, tain his band by forays, and serve Achish for he could only be received as if the enemy as a soVt of Warden of the .Marches. ;/ er- of his country. Personally, it put him in a taincih . . . uiitK this (l Jiavid.'] The name of his predicted successor {ch. 15. 28) is now first revealed to the kiii','-. 19. To morrow.'] The Heb. need not mean more than soon, or even by and by, or hertfufter (ef. Ex. 1.3. H; Isa. 'i'i. 13); see 2 Sam. 1.2, note. With me.'] i£. in Sheol {v. 11, note^, Ps. 16. 10. 20. ^/' along ^ Mari>-. with the fii/iie.t.tia and Isratl, the lidrdcrhmd The.] Omit. We might su])pose that the of both nations was unprotected, had made a Manassitcs did not accompany David, for his n-reat raid (r. 14) cattle-lifting and making band numbered fiUO at Keilah and at Gath {ch. captives for slaves. The services rendered by 23. 13 & 27. 2) ; but Chrou. (12. 21) expressly David'sbaud.esp. from Ziklat;, are thus illus- savs they did. 10. Faint.] The reudermg trated (cp.t's. 26-31). 2 That.] ^c])t.utidaU dead-tired would show the connection of the that (so K V ) 6 Grieved.] Lit. vmldttered word (lure and r.21 only) with the llcb. word (Variorum), or exasperated (but cp. Jtiith 1. for cori)se. lienor.] I'robably the brook de- 13) They became mutinous. Encouraged.] benching just below Gaza. 11. Bread.] ILii. strengthened ; cv.ch.-Z:\.\ft. Davi . food. \2. Cake . . . clustcr.\v Ni 7/!!irt,7mllesS. of Hebron. 'The first inliabitcd place between Etrypt.aml I'alestiuo,' alioiit 2ii miles N.W. of Beersheba. 29, /i'"f /<«/.] Site unknown; *;;<. Carmel. Jcrahmeelites, JienHes.l See ch. 27. 10, note.ional cliiTs. Stanley tliinks that the battle took jilace in the \'ar]ey ich. 29. 1 ), the retreat to (iilboa; but Saul could not en> ch. 4. in. ' 1 Sam. 1. 12. ■I 1 Sam. 31. 1. See 1 Sam. S!.2, 3, 1. [2 S. 1.] ' Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from " the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag ; " it came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, ''a man came out of the camp from Saul "^ with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head : and so it was, when he came to David, that befell to the earth, and did obeisance. 3 And David said unto him. From whence comest thou ? And he said unto him. Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. * And David said unto him. How went the matter ? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered. That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. 0 And David said unto the young man tliat told him. How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? 6 And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon <* mount Gilboa, behold, ^ Saul leaned upon his .spear ; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him. "And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I. « And he said unto me. Who art thou ? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite. 9 He said unto me again. Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me : for anguish is come upon me, because my T 2 Chr. 16. 14; Jer. 34. 5; Amos. 6. 10. 1 2 Sam. 2. 4, 5 & 21. 12, 13, 14. ■• Gen. 50. 10. ' 1 Sam. 30. 17, 26. Jabesh be the Ed Deir of Robinson, it lay in full view of Beth-shan, about 10 miles E. of Jordan, on a little hill above the Wad;/ Yabes (in which its name seems to be i)re- served). Jabesh was the chief town of ]Ma- nassite Gilead ; see ch. 11. 1-5, notes. This deed was one of no ordinary daring and diffi- culty. 13, A tree.} Jtuther, the tamarisk (cf. ch. 'V^. 6, note); Chr. terebinth (cf. ch. 10. 3, note ). Buried th eir bones, in Chr., is ac- curate ; the bodies had been burnt, probably to conceal their mutilation (v. 9). Seven days.'] As for Jacob. Fasting was the strictest mourning (2 Sam. 1. 12 & 3. 35, .'iCi).— AVith the addition in Chr. (vs. 13, 14) compare ch. 28. 6 (note), 18 ! and in v. 13 render 'traus^xession' unfaithfulness (Var.), and 'even against' because of (Var. R.V.). 2 S.i.— This Book relates David's history as Z,-in£r, during 40 years, vis. 7i years over Judah with Hebron, and 33 over all Israel with Jeru- palem, for his capital. Chs. l—H record his triumphs; he gradually acquires the Empire promised to Abrahaiii(( it'll. l.i.lM. Hisiioiibles occupy c//.<.'.i-2o : the turniiii;-iiciiiit hciiig I)a- vids sill Willi I'.athslR'ha, ami the climax Ab- salom's rclicUioii. Ill ])lacf of an account of David's iirospiToiis lint muvciitful reign after his rest oral ion, we find an apjientlix lc7*.s. 21-24). 2. Third da I/.} About the l?th day after David's dismissal (i tiam. 2a. 7;— allowing three days for his return to Ziklag (1 Sam. 30. 1), five days for the pursuit, one day for the battle (ib. v. 1?;, eight days for the homeward march (Payne Smitli).—'i'he Amalekite, if an active rimner, could reach Ziklag from Gilboa (90 to 100 miles) in two days ; thus the day of Saul's defeat and death would be that of David's triumphant return from the South. With, &c.] ace mart/, ref. Ko such catastrophe had happened since the overthrow of Shiloh. Did obeisance.'} Prostrated himself : an act of homaae (see 1 Sam. '24. s, imti) to David as Saul's successor (cp. 1 Sam. 20. 41 & 25. 30, notes). Q. Happened.} I'rohably the Amalek- ite, following the battle to rob the fallen, had lighted on Saul's coriisc. which in the eagernessof the pursuitthc I'hilistines had left behind them unobserved (1 S;im. 31. S). Secu- ring the royal insimiia, lie liasteued to David and, hoping to increase his reward ((•/(. 4. 10), claimed to have made Saul's death sure and so jiromolid David's accession. Chariots.] Set 1 Sam. :!1. 1, vcle. 'i'he airhers (ih. 3) may have been in the chariots. 9. I'pon.} Or, beside, oi-er {so v. 10). Anfiuish.} Here only. According to the Targums it means l)er)ilexitv, confusion of mind, or cramp ( li.V.inarV. .'/''•'*)■ In P^x. 28. 39 the verb means to iiiterweave, embroider. Hence the marginal rendering.'?/)// coat of mail,' or,' my endiroidereil coat,' hindereth me, that mi/, (fc. 3 [1 S. xxxi. 13—2 S. i. 1—9. 1 C. x. U.] SEC. 33.] DAVID MOURNS FOR SAUL AND JONATHAN. [b.c. 1056. life is yet whole in me. i" So I stood upon hira, and /slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen : and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that tvas on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord. 11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and " rent them ; and likewise all the men that loere with him: 12 and they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lokd, and for the house of Israel ; because they were fallen bj' the sword. 13 And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite. i*And David said unto him, ''How wast thou not * afraid to * stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord's anointed ? i^ And ^ David called one of the young men, and said. Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died, i^ And David said unto him, ™Tliy blood be upon thy head ; for " thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the Lord's anointed. 33.— Dirge for Saul and Jonathan. 2 Samuel i. 17-27. I'And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son : IS (° also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow : behold, it is written '^in the book of Jasher.) /Judg. 9. 54. 9ch. 3. 31 & 13.31. * Num. 12. 8. * 1 Sam. 31. 4. * 1 Sam. 24. 6 & 26. 9 ; Ps. 105. 15. Whole."] Saul is represented as longing for death, and perhaps wounded (1 Sam. 31. 3). 10.] The true story is of course the one in 1 Sam. .31. 4. But the military details here are probably correct: David would not be deceived in such. Fallen.] i.e., perhaps, defeated ; but see 1 Sam. .31. 4. 12, Fasted, Ac] cf. chap. 3. 35. People of the Lord.] i.e. the army (1 Sam. 13. 2, note) which fought Jehovah's battles (1 Sam. 18. 17). House, «&c.] i.e. the nation united under Saul, now as sheep without a shepherd. 13. kitr anger.] i.e. foreign settler. This he was in the second generation, if not also a prose- lyte ; so the Lord's anointed (v. 14) was his king. 14.1 Once more (marg. refs.) David asserts the Theocratic princijjle underlying Saul's kingship. 15. Young men.] i.e. soldiers of his body-guard (ch. 4. 12, note). 2 S. i. — 17. Lamentation.] Rather, dirge or elegy — a technical term used in ch. 3. 33, in Jer. 7. 29 & 9. 10, 20, and in 2 Chr. 35. 25. Over Saul.] Forgetting Saul's persecution (1 Sam. 27. 1), David recalls his affection (1 Sam. 16. 21) and prowess. 18.] Perhaps this elegy (almost the only secular poem of Da- vid's extant, cf. another on Abner's death, ch. 3. 33) was entitled ' The Bow,' from the allusion in V. 22 to Jonathan's favourite weapon, one of his pledges to David of his affection. [Compare the N.T. titles, 'the Bush' and 'Elijah' for the sections of the history of which they are the subjects (Mark 12. 26; Kom. 11. 2).] It was preserved in the Book of [2 S. i. 10—18.] 76 ' ch. 4. in. 12. ■" 1 Sam. 20. 9; 1 Kin. 2. 32, 33, 37. " ver. 10 ; Luke 19. 22. ° 1 Sam. 31. 3. r Josh. 10. 13. Jasher. David's order probably means CDeut. 31. 19-22 ; 2 Chr. 35. 25 ; Jer. 9. 20) that Israel should learn it by heart. David would keep Saul's memory and Jonathan's green in Is- rael ; contrast their apprehensions in 1 Sam. 20. 15 & 24. 21. As a war-song, it also sums up the national feeling. The use of.] David's tribesmen cannot have needed such teaching. Some omit; R.V. the song of. Written, . . . Jasher.] A number of works are men- tioned as supplying materials to the in- spired writers : the Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kin. 11. 41), the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel (1 Kin. 14. 19) and Judah (1 Kin. 14. 29), the Chronicles of king David (1 Chr. 27. 24), the Acts of Samuel, Nathan, Gad, Uzziah, and Hosai (1 Chr. 29. 29 : 2 Chr. 26. 22 & .33. 19), the Prophecy of Ahijah, the Visions of Iddo (2 Chr. 9. 29), the Acts of Shemaiah, the Genealogies and the Commentary of Iddo (2 Chr. 12. 15 & 13. 22). the Commentary of the Book of the kings (2 Chr. 24. 27). To these may be added the Book of the Wars of the Lord (Num. 21. 14) and the Book of Jasher, or. of The Upright (marg.),i.e. oi Heroes (the Hebrews contem- plating their moral rather tlian their physical ]}rowess) — but of neither is anything known ; it is conjectured that they were collections of national songs, the one "including the Song of the Well, and the (Me on the victory over Sihon ; the other the Story of the sun's obej'- im;- Joshua, and this Elegy, and collections of feats of Israelite heroes (cp. ch. 23. S-23). B.C. 105G.] DIRGE FOR SAUL AND JONATHAN. [sec. 33. 19 The beauty of Israel is slain up- on thy high places: 8 How are the mighty laliea ! 20 '"Tell it not in Gath, Publish tfnot in thestreets of Askelon; Lest* the daughters of tlie Philistines rejoice, [triumph. Lest the daughters of ' the uncircumcised 21 Ye " mountains of Gilboa, ^ let there be no dew, Neither let there he rain, upon you, Nor fields of offerings: For there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away. The shield of Saul, as thouijh he had not been ^anointed with oil. 22 From the blood of the slain. From the fat of the mighty, ^The bow of Jonathan turned not back, 23 Saul and Jonathan Were lovely and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided : They were swifter than eagles, They were "stronger than lions. 2iYe daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, Who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights. Who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. 25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle ! 0 Jonathan, thou loast slain in thine high places. 26 1 am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan : Very pleasant hast thou been unto me : ^ Thy love to me was wonderful, Passing the love of women. And the sword of Saul returned not empty 27<^How are the mighty fallen, And the weapons of war perished! 1 ver. 27. ■• 1 Sam. 31. 9 ; Mic. 1. 10 ; see Judg. 16. 23. ' See Ex. 15. 20 ; Judg. 11. :?4 ; 1 Sam. 18. 6. ' 1 Sam. U. 4. « 1 Sam. 31. 1. ' So Judg. 5. 23 ; Job 3. 3, 4 ; Jer. 20. 14. !/ 1 Sam. 10. 1. MSam. 18. 4. " Judg. 14. 18, <> 1 Sam. 18. 1, 3 & 19. 2 & 20. 17, 41 & 23. 10. ' ver. 19. 19—27.] This elegy has five stanzas {viz. I., vs. 19, 20 ; II., vs. 21, 22 ; III., vs. 2;i, 24 ; IV., vs. 25, 26; V., v. 27); and note, that in Heb. the first three consist of six lines each, the fourth of five, and the fifth of two, as if the speaker's voice befiinu' fiiinter as his emotion increased, till it diid away in a sigh ; a deviation from symmetry clearly designed. — Cheyne. Hoiv, &c. (i-s. 19, 2b, 27) is the refrain containing the keynote ; cp. 2 Sam. 3.3:3. 19, Beauti/.l Heh. tzebi. Rather, materials. Oil was applied to all, for various flory or majesty, i.e. Saul and Jonathan, reasons. 22-24.] -sVc 1 Sam. 14.17, Honi/r/s((l ;ire Iriumi>liiiij; over Jehovah's coveiiaiil-peo|ile (srr 1 Sam. 14. 6 & 31. 4, notes). 21. (■'iddsofojirrings.'] J.e. Be thou eternally loo barren to ]irodiicc even an offer- ing—lit.' hcarv-ojlirings 1 Kxod. 25. 2), cp. Joel 1. 9 ; Kzek. :;i. 1:').- Sliii Id.] Heb. magen, a portable shield (2 Chr. 12. 9-11) of combat; not the full-length tzinneh (1 Sam. 17. 7, 41 ; From,&c.'] Cf. lKiit.:!2.42. 23. »'erc,&c.] Or, the lori'ly and plvosaiit. Neither in their lives nor in their death ircre the// dirideil (I'ayne Smith). l);ividlioinlstaiii/hlers.'i Those who had celelirated Saul's triumphs (1 Sam. 18. 7) must now bewail him (ef. .ler. 9. 17, IS). U'ith.SiC.'i Uch. uith delights; K.V. delicateli/. Tlte women had shared the spoils (cp. J lull;-. 5. :iO & 8. 20) and the benefits of the earlier part of Saul's reign ; see Introd., p. 8. 25. Thou u-ast.] Omit. The line per- haps alludes to the exploit of 1 Sam. 14. l.'J. 26. Wonderful.'] Heb. miraculous. 27. 'The veapons.] l?y metonvniy for those tliiil wield theui ; CI). 2 Kin. i:i.i4.— This Kleuy.like that on Abiier (<7(. :i. :!:!, :i4), is a further illuslra- tion of the nobility of David's character: he can dwell with generous admir.iliou on what is best in others, even in his most im- placable foe (cp. ch. 22. 1, 18, 49). 77 [2 S. i. 19-27.] SEC. 34.] DAVID IS ANOINTED KING OF JUDAH. Tb.c. 1056. 34.— David is Anointed King of Judah. 2 Samuel ii. 1-7. 1 And it came to pass after this, that David "enquired of the Lord, saying. Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto ("Hehron. 2 So David went up thither, and his 'two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. 3 And ''his men that wax with him did David bring up, every man with his household : and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. ** And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying. That /the men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul. 5 And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them, " Blessed be ye of the Lord, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, ei'en unto Saul, and have buried him. 6 And now ''the Lord shew kindness and truth unto you : and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing. ^ There- fore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them. <■ Jud?. 1. 1 ; 1 Sam. 23. 2, 4, 9 & 30. 7, 8. ' yer. 11 ; 1 Sam. 30. 31 ; ch. 5. 1, 3 ; 1 Kin. 2. 11. '1 Sam. .SO. 5. ''1 Sam. 27. 2, S & 80. 1; 1 Chr. 12. 1. 2 S. ii.— 1, Enquired.^ i.e. throug-h the H.P. Abiathar. David desires to repair his error (1 Sam. 27. 1, note), and enquires if he should return into Judah (1 Sam. 22. 5, 7iote). Had David not joined the Philistines, an unani- mous call to the throne from all Israel might have followed Saul's death (see Introd., p. 7). Go lip.'] From Ziklag. The steppe rises continually from Paran, through the Negeb, to the highland of Judah ; see 1 Sam. 25. i & 27. 6, notes). Judah.] The Philistine invaders (cf. 1 Sam. 31. 7, note) controlled the central tribes of W. Canaan. Thus Judah svas comparatively isolated. But the defeusibility and remoteness of its highland (1 Sam. 14. 23, note), and the strength of the tribe— which remained unbroken, probably because it had held aloof from Saul or sided with David — made Judah, and esp. Hebron, the obvioiLS rallying-point W. of .Jordan. And, &c.] The oracle virtually directed David to assert his claim to sovereignty, but first within his own tribe. Cp. 1 Chr. 'Js. 4. Hebron.] See 1 Sam. .30. 31, note. In this neighbourhood, his former haunt, David had many supporters (1 Sam. 30. 26-31). By position and associa- tions, Hebron was an appropi-iate capital. It stood in a very fertile district of the highland of S. Judah. the former stronaliold of the Anakim (whence its names Mamre and Kirjath-arba) ; removed from .Saul's partizaus in Gilcad and from the I'hilistines. Perhaps the earliest seat of civilized life in Palestine (Num. 13. 22), it was now the chief city of the strongest of the Hebrew tribes, a priestly city and a city of refuge (Josh. 21. 13), aud had no rival among Israelite cities, as retj'ards associations, except perhaps Sbechem (Josh. [2 S. ii. 1-7.] / • ver. 11 ; ch. 5. H. /I Sam. 31. 11, 13. s Ruth 2. 20 & 3. 10 ; Ps. 115. 15. *2Tim. 1. 16, 18. 8. 30-36; 1 Kin. 12. 1). It had been the on© regular resting-place of the Patriarchs, esp. of Abraham, and their graves in the Cave of Machpelah (Gen. 23. 19) associated it with the Promises. It had also been the scene of Ca- leb's signal faith and success. 4. Anointed.] Cf. 1 Sam. 10. 1, notes. David thus acquired from an assembly of his tribe (cp. ch. 3. 17, 19) the needful constitutional authority (cp. ch. 3. 21, note). 5.] With characteristic sym- pathy and appreciation of their loyalty to Saul and courage, David thanks the elders of Jabesh, aud takes the opportunity — per- haps whilst Israel was wavering (ch. 3. 17) — of announcino' his election by Judah. It seems that (unlike Saul) David had not been set before the nation as its king by Samuel or any other prophet. 6. Kindness and truth.] i.e. mercy (or loving-kindness) OMd faithfulness (cp. Ps. 89. 3.3, &c.) . David invokes, for Jabesh- gilead, God's true, faithful, and constant kind- ness. 1 also.] i.e. the Lord's Anointed ; an evidence of David's belief in his mission. 7. Valiant.] Taking the Heb. in its ordinary sense, David urges resistance of the I'hilis- tines and promises help. , But here it seems to im])ly moral strength (Prov. 31. 10), and to be opposed to ' worthless ' (cf . 1 Sam. 10. 27, note), as if David appealed to Manassite-Gilead, through the Elders of Jabesh (1 Sam. 31. 12, Vote ), to confess, as Judah had done, his Divine right to succeed Saul ; if so, the appeal failed. 2 S. ii.— 8.] Abner, who had taken refuge in Gilead with the relics of the national army, sets up, at a date left undefined, Saul's only surviving son Ish-bosheth — Jonathan's sole heir beina: a child of 5 years old. and incapacitated (ch. 4. 4, 8, notes)— as king at B.C. cir. 1055.] ABNER MAKES ISH-BOSHETH KING OF ISRAEL, [sec. 35. 35.— Abner makes Ish-bosheth King of Israel.— Battle of Gibeon. 2 Samuel ii. 8-32. 8 But 'Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaini; ^and made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. 10 Ish-bosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David, n And * the time that David was kin" in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. 12 And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-l)osheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaini to 'Gibeon. 13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by '"the pool of Gibeon : and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. • 1 Sam. 11. .50. 'ch. 5. 5 ; 1 Kin. 2. 11. ' Josh. IS. 25. •» Jer. 41. 12. Jlahanaim. Ig;noring the theocratic nature of the monarchy as proclaimed by Moses (I)eut. 17. 1.5) and Samuel, Abuer claims the throne for Saul's house, notwithstanding liis own deep conviction that God had chosen David to he Saul's successor and the general evidence that God had rejected Saul and his house ; Abner even seems to have counter- acted a strong desire amongst tlie elders of Israel to elect David ; see ch. .3. 9, 10, 17, 18.— Supported especially by the tribe of Benjamin (ch. 3. 19 ; 1 Chr. 12. 29), Abuer, having gra- dually expelled the Philistines (1 Sam. .31. 7), seems finally to have procured I»h-bosheth's election by the 11 tribes. Meanwhile, David and his band, reinforced by levies from Judah, held the Philistines in check on the IS. (but some tliink that he was their tribu- tary). Toole.'] R.V. had taken, i.e. after Gilboa, before vs. 1-7. Mahanaim.'] An aucieut s.anctuary, apparently a stronghold in the range of Gilead (see ch. 17. 24, note), about equi-eiu to have cxtciiikil to Kphraira and Benjamin last. All Jsrael.] I'f. 1 Kin. 11. 42, note. 10, Jsh-bosheth . . .Jorty . . . tiro years.'\ This sentence(cp. 1 Sam. 13. 1 ) marks the establishment of a kingdom. Kot improbably the figures are incorrect. Ish-bosheth.] If 40 at Saul's death, he was born some eight years Jjefore Saul's accession ; but the chro- nology of Saul's rt'iun is a). 12. Went out.]' To w-at (1 Sam. 18. 30, &c.) ; apparently to C(m(|uer .ludah. Gibeon (in Benj.-imiu, Abner's city, 1 (hr. 9. 3r>, 3C,), now Ji/ .lib, «as half-w.iV between Hebron aud Mahanaim. A force there would bar the IS', ajiproaeh to the highland of .ludah (1 Sam. 13. 2, plan). Iu the civil war thus forced ui)on him, David limits himself to the defence of his kingdom ; after this battle, the war seems to consist rather of a stale of hostility or perhai)s of r.aids at intervals ; cp. chs. 3. 1, 22 & 4. 2, note. 13. Pool of Gibeon.] Cp. Jer. 41. 12, p. W-J. y [2 S. ii. 8-13.J SEC. 35.] BATTLE OF OIBEON. [b.c. cir. 1053. 1* And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise. i^Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, \vh\ch pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. 16 And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and t?irust his sword iu his fellow's side ; so they fell down together : wherefore that place was called Helkath- hazzurim, which is in Gibeon. ^"^ And there was a very sore battle that day ; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David. 18 And there were "three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel : and Asahel ivas °as light of foot ''as a wild roe. 19 And Asahel pursued after Abner ; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. -OThen Abner looked behind him, and said. Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am. 2i_4nd Abner said to him. Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him. 22j^ii,j Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me : wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother? 23Howbeit he refused to turn aside : wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him ^ under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died inthesameplace: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still. 21 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner : and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that licth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. 25 ^.nd the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill. ^t^Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren? 27 ^nd Joab said, As God liveth, unless *■ thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every » 1 Chr. 2. 16. 5 ch. 3. 27 & 4. 6 & 20. 10. •iChr. 12. 8. pPs. 18. 33; Cant. 2. 17 & 8. 14. ' ver. U; Prov. 17. U. 14. Young men.J i.e. common soldiers (t». 21). implies the conviction that he would some iVow.] R.V. I pray thee. Play.'] A war day have to make terms witli David. dance ending' in a real conflict, a prelude to Young men^ See v. 14, note. Abner being break down the im willingness of Abuer's the mainstay (chs. .3. 12 & 4. 1) of Saul's men («. 27) to begin civU war (Pfl7/?te S?M(7ft). party, no less spoils than Abner's would \b. Of . . .to.']'R.y.for Benjamin.for. 16. satisfy Asahel. 22. Joab thy brother.'] Ah- Mvery one.] As if each fori^ot self-defence in ner foresaw a blood-feud with Joab (cp. his eagerness. If, as some interpret, the v. 26), although, in view of the circumstances, ' play ' of these champions was to be substi- .Toab could not under the Law claim to tuted for a general engagement, neither side avenge Asahel's blood (Num. 35. 1,5-28 ; Deut. was victorious. Helkath-haz-jurim.'] i.e. 19.4-1.3). 23. Hinder end.] As Asahel was Field of s«'orffo(marg.s^ron,'7 9?iC7), from Vulg.); overtaking him {v. 18), Abner thrust back- ileh. flints, i.e. sharp (edges' or) hnives, so R.V. ward his weighty spear (in running he would marg. \%,SonsofZei'uiah.'] Zeruiah's hus- carry it balanced horizontally) of which the band, Suri ( jbscp7tws),was of Bethlehem (r. 31). butt end was sharpened to go into the ground Joab and Abishai (1 Sam. 26. 6) henceforward (cf. 1 Sam. 26. 7). Under, &c.] Mather, figure as the invaluable but almost uncou- in the belly ; and soelsewhere (Mar^.re/s.). trollable generals of David's reign. lioe.] In the same place.] Precisely the Fr. Or, gaselle, (see ch. 1. 19, note). Heb. tr:ebi. sur-le-champ, then and there. :itood still.] Fleetness,surefootedness, and endurance, esp. i.e. desisted ; cp. v. 28 & ch. 20. 12, 13. 24. on mountains, distinguished the Israelite Also.} Rather, ^xxt. Wilderness.'i'H.Bh.mid- warrior (chs. 1. 25 & 22. .34 ; cp. 1 Chr. 12. S), bar, i.e. the open pastures E. of Gibeon. Giah Asahel was of The Thirty (eft. 23. 24), and com- is unidentified. 2b. One troop.] P.enjamin manded the 4th Division (1 Chr. 27. 7, note, had furnislieof Ahinoam the Jezreelitess ; 3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite ; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king «of Gesh'ur; * and the fourth, sii/„i,i.'\ See chs. 13-18. The spoiled child (cp. Kccliis. ;iO. 9) of a h(!at,hen niofher .and a fond father. ■ (.'inhiir.] I'art of Aram (= height. A.V. Syria, ch. 1."). 8); see notes, ]>. Citi. In the mountainous region, luirt of Og's kingdom of IJaslian, which adjoins the lava-labyriuth of Argob on «1 Sam. 27.8; ch. 13.37. << 1 Kin. 1. 5. • ch. 21. 8, 10. the E. Here, Israel's predecessors, the Goshur- ites and Slaailiatliites, seem to have main- tained their iiiiltinndence (cf. Jo.sh. 12. 5 & i:!. 11, l.'Ji. This niarriai;o, being probiibly Ijolitical.indicatestlial David was now power- ful enough to lie rucounisid aliroad. P^oreigu alliances were discounteiianccHl by the Law (e.g. Deut. 7. 3). aud later by the prophets, as dangerous to the purity ot religion and im- plyinu' a w.ant of faith in .Jehovah. 4. Adonijah.'] i.e. Jehovah is Lord, .'^ce 1 Kin. 1.5 & 2. 2.5. Shephatiah.'] i.e. Jehovah jiidgeth, beiny- Jchoshajiliat inverted. 5. David's tcife.] i.e. liar e.rcel/enee.uud thcivforo Egliih means ]VIi<'hal, sav the Walibiius. But the title may a])i)ly to eacli of the six. Their number illus- trates the growth of David's power— and of his wealth, for each would have a separate es- tablishment. l?\it «(>e I)eut. 17. ir. an'ue right, or neg-otiation. The assertion of his connexion betrayed pretensions, to his throne.' Possibly, with Saul would remind all Israel of David's Abner, as Saul's relative, had designs on the early services, and should conciliate Benjamin throne, and some such suspicion, as much as and the other partisans of Saul's house. 14. regard for his father's honour, aroused Ish- Sent to Ish-bosheth.'] Concurrently, and with- bosheth's anger (cf. 1 Kin. 2. 13-24 ; chs. 12. 8 out implicating Abner. Thus David tested & 16. 21). Abner replies contemptuously that the sincerity of Abner's overtures, and assert- he was too great and too indispensable to be ed his power as against Ish-bosheth. David accused of such a ' fault.' Q. Against Judah.'] having paid the stipulated dowry, Michal Sept. omits. Heb. is .for CK.V. beUmgetli to) became his property; Saul's act of cnntisca- Jtidah, i.e. Am I a traitor as well as of no tion (ch. 25. 44) must be undone formally and account ? Cf. 1 Sam. 17. 43, note. That.'] lla- publicly as an act of justice. 16.] Bahurim titer, and yet (Var.). 9. So do, &c.] An (cp. Isa. 10. .30 with chs. 16. 5 & 17. 18, 24) was oath peculiar to Samuel, Kings, and Ruth probalily on the frontier. 17. Had.] liather, (1. 17). Hath sieorn.] See marg. refs., v. 18, had had ; the Heb. pluperfect cannot be dis- & ch. 5. 2, notes. No such explicit revelation tinguished from the perfect. Elders.] See is recorded. ' Sworn ' suggests the strength ch.o.l,note. Sought.] liather. hnYC been of Abner's conviction (see ch. 2. 8, note), (continuously) seeking {Driver). Abner's 10.] So the great Earl of Warwick claimed influence (cp. c/(. 2. 8,»!0, mar//, rifs.), and makes liatlwr.oii (\\\.a t/oinij). 26. Il'fll.] Jtatlier, Joab do puljlic penance l)y preceding the cistern. -SV/vj/f.] "l'robal]Iy Jin Sareli, bier. Z3. J^amentcd.] Ct. ch. 1. 17, note. The one mile from Hel)rou. 27. /«■] li.\.ivto quotation may bo only tlie refrain of the ilie midst of, i.e. of the place of concourse dirsc (cp. <■/(. 1. l'.», 25, 27) containing its key- butwciMi the two gates (cp. eh. 18. 24), as if note, viz., tlie contrast of Abner's greatness for friendly conference. L'nder, &c.] See with his undeserved end. Died, &c.] i.e. cli, Z. Zi, 7wte. 28. A77'^rfo?rt.] j.e. subjects. Should Abner die. Fool.l Heb. nabal, 83 L2 S. iii. 21-34.] SEC. 36.] DEATH OF ISH-BOSHETH. [b.c. cir. 1048. And all the people wept again over him. 35 And when all the people came " to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying >^ So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, * till the sun be down. 38 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them : as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. 37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ker. 38 And the king said unto his servants. Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? 39 And I am tliis day weak, though anointed king ; and these men the sons of Zeruiah * be too hard for me : ^ the LoBD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. [2 S. iv.] 1 And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, " his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were b troubled. 2 And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands : the name of the one loas Baanah, and the name of the other Eechab, the sons of Eimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (for "Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin: 3and the Beerothites fled to "^Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.) *And 'Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son tliat was lame of Ids feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan /out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled : and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. 5 And the sons of Eimmon the Beerothite, Eechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ish-bosheth, who lay on a bed at noon. ^ And they came thither into the midst of the house, as tlmigh they would have fetched wheat ; and they smote him^under the fifth rib: and Eechab and Baanah his brother escaped. 7 For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night. ^ And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth unto David s ch. 12. 17 ; Jer. 16. 7. ° Ezra 4. i ; Isa. 13. 7. I" Ruth 1. 17. • ch. 1. 12. ' Matt. 2. S. ' Josh. 18. 25. *ch. 19. 7. 'Seech. 19. 13; 1 Kin. 2. "i Neh. 11. 33. ' ch. 9. 3. 5, 6, 33, 31 ; Ps. 28. 4 & 62. 12 ; 2 Tim. 4. 14. / 1 Sam. 29. 1, 11. s ch. 2. 23. meaning here, a worthless person, a repro- parties, or bands like David's (see 1 Sam. 27. bate, likely to come to an untimely end. 34. 5, note), -purtly maintained by Isli-bosheth 2'hy, &c.] Abner was no criminal. But some (v. 6), partly by raids. Rimmon.'] Rather, interpret this of the absence of legal process, Kamman, i.e. high. The name of the As- i.e. Abner should have been brought bound syrian god of the air. Beerothite.'] Beeroth before the congregation (Num. 35. 12, Hebron (near (iibeon. Josh. 18. 25), now El Bireh, 6i being- a city of refuge) if liable to answer for miles from Jerusalem, on the N. road, was one Asahel's death. 36.] The king's conduct carries of the Hivite towns (Josh. 9. 7, 17) in Benja- conviction. 38.] David publicly recou'iiises min's lot protected by Joshua's treaty with Abner's death as a national loss. 39, Weak, Gibeon. Benjamin had occupied the town &c.] David laments to his confidential officers wlien the Beerothites deserted it. i.e. pos- bis inability to punish the murderers of Ab- sibly when Saul massacred the Gibeonites ner. Even "if tlie army would have supported (ch. 21. 1, 2; cp. 1 Sam. 22. 7); see p. 150. him, he could not, in view of his present and 3. Gittaim.'] See marg. ref. 4.] This verse future liabilities, afford to execute his risrht- was probably inserted here to show that hand men, Joab and Abishai, wlio evidently there was no other claimant or avenger of had concerted (v. 30) Abner's death. More- the royal blood. Cf. chs. 9. 3 & 21. 7, 8. over, public sentiment was probably on Joab 's Jezreel.'] = after Gilboa (1 Sam. 29.11 & ch. side— for the nearest relative's right to exact 2. 9, notes). Mephibosheth.] Called Merib- vengeance was a recognised one all over the baal in 1 Chr. 8. 34 & 9. 40; see ch. 2. 10, East, which the Law, in providing cities of note. Mephi-hosheih may be a scribe's error, refuge, regulated, but did not abolish— al- 5. A bed at noon.] Varioruvi, his noon- thoush some might doubt whether Asahel's tide couch. Cp. Judg. 3. 24; ch. 11. death in battle would justify even a blood- 2. 6. Jnteat.] Stored in the royal gran- feud (c/t. 2.22, 7i of e), or whether at the gate of ary under the inmost chamber (ch. 17. Hebron Abner was not already in sanctuary. 18). Under, &c.] See ch. 2. 23, note. 2S.i\.— 2. Bands.] Rafhxr. troops (Heb. 7. Jied.] See 1 Sam. 28. 23, note. of troops, ch. 3. 22), i.e. perhaps, foraging Through the plain.] Variorum, toward [2 S. iii. 35— iv. 8.] 84 B.C. cir. 1048.] DAVID MADE KING OVER ALL ISRAEL. [sec. 37. to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, ''which sought thy life ; and the LoKD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed. " And David answered Eechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Eimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the Lord liveth, Mvho hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, w^hen *one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings : ii how much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now 'require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? ^2^n,j David "'commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth, and buried it in the "sepulchre of Abner in Hebron. 37.— David made King over all Israel. 2 Samuel v. 1-5. ^ Then "came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying. Be- hold, *we arc thy bone and thy flesh. -Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, ' thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel : and the Lord said to thee, <*Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron ; 'and king David made a league with them in Hebron /before * 1 Sam. 19. 2, 10, 11 & 23. 15 & 25. 29. < Gen. 48. 16 ; 1 Kin. 1. 29 ; Ps. 31. 7. ^ ch. 1. 2, 4, 15. ' Gen. 9, 5, 6. •»ch. 1. 15. " ch. 3. 32. " 1 Chr. 12. 23. (K.V. by the iraii of) the Arabah. Cf. ch. 2. 29 ; 1 Sam. 23. 2{>, notes. 8. Which, &c.] i.e. Saul {marg. refs.). Seed.] i.e. Ish-bcshoth ei-ation. Mysoul.~\ .Meaniu;;- iiii\ simply; cp. 1 .'»am. 20. 21, 7iote. 10. ir/((\ .Vc] y\:n\i. irhich reus the O'Cfiinird J 1/(1 re liim for, iVe. (so li.V.). 11, Jiir/lifeoys'.] Heb.of 'just '(■/(. •-':{.:!. Isli-l)oslielh was liariuless (./ost jifi iis) i>r,:\l least, less arbi- trary Ibaii Said. J:'(ir/li.\ lUitltcr, land (Dcnit. I'.t. l:t, .Ve.). Murder months, cp. r. H. note) after Abner's aiuj Ish- boshcth's deaths. Saitl's liimse had l";iiled,aud the I'liilistiiies were ready to take advantage of any divisions in Israel (cp. <■/(. 0. 17). All Israel saw that its interest lay in uniting un- der David. The tribal elders (as in 1 Sam. 8. 4 ; cp. ch. .3. 17, 21) and a national assemblv (1 Chr. 12. 23-40; as in 1 Sam. 10. 17 & 11. 1.5) elect the king. The elders allege the com- mon descent and Divine choice essential to a kintr (Deut. 17. 15), also their experience of David's services under Saul. 2. Feed.] /lather. Shepherd, i.e. })e the ciril ruler (here first, see .ler. 23. 1 ; Kzek. 34. 2 & note, p. C27). . .4 captain.] Ilaihir, ruler, as Chr. and 1 Sam. 2.">. 30 ; see 1 Sam. 9. 16, note ; K.V.pmice. 3. League.] A'ather, covenant, a.s Chr.; cf. c/(. .3. 21 & 2 Kin. 11.17. David was elected to a limited monarchy (cf. 1 Sam. 10. 2.5 & 85 [2 S. iv. y— v. 3 ; 1 C. xi. 1-3.] BEC. 38.] ALL ISRAEL ASSEMBLES AT HEBRON. [b.c. cir. 1048. the Lord: and they anointed David in Hebron before the Lord; and they king over Israel. anointed David king over Israel, according 4 David tvas thirty years old when he to the word of the LoKD by * Samuel, began to reign, ^and he reigned forty years. ^In Hebron he reigned over Judah ''seven years and six months : and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah. 38.— The Assembly of all Israel at Hebron. 1 Chronicles xii. 23-40. 23 And these a?'e the numbers of the bands that ivere ready armed to the war, and " came to David to Hebron, to ^ turn the kingdom of Saul to him, '^ according to the word of the Lord. 24 The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war. 25 Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven thousand and one hundred. 26 Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred. 27 And Jeho iada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him loere three thousand and seven hundred ; 28 and '^Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains. 29 And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto ^ the greatest part of them had kept the wa rd of the house of Saul. 30 And of tlie children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers. 31 And cf the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king. 32 And of the children of lss,a.c\\a,v, f ichich were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do ; the heads of them were two hundred ; and all their brethren loere at their commandment. s 1 Chr. 26. 3) & 29. 27. ° 2 Sam. 2. 3, 4 & 5. 1 ; ch. 11. 1. <> ch. 10. 14. ' ch. 2. 11 ; 1 Chr. 3. 4. « 1 Sam. 16. 1, 3. <"i Sara. 8. 17 ; 1 Kin. 1. 8. [Chr.—'' 1 Sam. 16. 1, 12, 13. « 2 Sam. 2. 8, 9. /Esth. 1. 13.] 12. 1, notes). Before the Lord.'] Cf. 1 Sam. 24.] The smallness of Judah's contingent 10. 17. note. Generally, as a solemn reliaious suggests error in the numerals. But Judah act ; specially, as a recognition of tlie Theo- had long made David kiuL;-, and its warriors cratic character of the Monarchy. Anoint- were close at hand. Tlie remoter tribes send eel.'] Over Israel (including Judah, 1 Clir. most. The total exceeds .'iSO.OUO. 25.] Simeon 12. 24), fulfilling Samuel's designation (Chr. had dwindled greatly and was almost merged marg. re/.). 4. Thirty.^ See 1 Sam. 13. in Judah. Thewar.^ Rather, j(irt?Y«?-e. 26. 14, note ' sought.' 5.] In 1 Chr. 29. 27 ; Levi.] Cp. 2 Chr. 23. 7. 27. Jehoi'ada.] Pro- 1 Kin. 2. 11, the six months is omitted. bably father of the priestly warrior Benaiah Evidently the expedition was combined with {chs. 11. 22 & 27. 5, 6). The Aaronites.'] i.e. the national assembly — the congregation com- the Priesthood (ch. 23. 13). 28. Zadok.'] prised all the warriors (Num. 1. 3, 18) — an The head of the elder branch of Aaron's imposing force being necessary at the coro- family, Eleazar's (chs. 15. 11 & 24. 3, 6), thus nation because of the Philistines (ch. 5. 17). first appears on the scene. See ch. 15. 4, note. The capture of this Canaanite stronjihold of p. 93. Captains.'] Implying companies. proverbial strength (v. 6) in the heart of the 29, Kindred.] Marg. brethren (so K.V.), i.e. highland (1 Sam. 14. 23, Mofe) was doubtless a tribesmen. Ward.] Heb. charge. They cherished plan of David's, and well inaugurat- jealously guarded the interests of, R.V. kept ed his kingship over all Israel. their allegiance to, Saul's house (marg. ref.). 1 C. xii.— 23.] Cf. 2 Sam. 3. 21 & 1 Sam. 10. Shimei's conduct (ch. 16. 5-8) shows the feeling 17 & 11. 14, 15. Bands.] So Judg. 7. l(i; surviving. 30. Thronghout, &c.] Bather, in Keb. heads (so "R.Y., head's of them) i.e. 1)0115 their fathers' houses, i.e. clans. 31. or amounts, totals. No chiefs are named ex- E.vpressed, &c.] So ch. 16. 41 ; Wt.pricked, i.e.. cept of the priests. That, <&c.] i.e. men by their chiefs. 32. Of, &c.] i.e. men of trained (v. 8) for military service {v. 24). practical wisdom for crises (cp. Esth. 1. 13) [2 S. V. 4, 5. 1 C. xii. 23-32.] SG B.C. cir. 1048.] THE EXPEDITION AGAINST JERUSALEM. [sec. 39. 33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: the// were not of double heart. 31 And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand. 35 And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and sis hundred. 36 And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand. 37 And on the other side of Jordan, of the Eeubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand. 3S All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel : and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king. 39 And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking : for their brethren had prepared for them. ■*" Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly : for there was joy in Israel. 39— The City of David. 2 Samuel v. 6-10. 1 Chronicles xi. 4-9. 6 And the king and his men went "to ^And David and all Israel went to Je- Jerusalem unto ''the Jebusites, the in- rusalera, which is Jebus ; "where the habitants of theland : which spake unto Jebusites 2vere, the inhabitants of the land. David, saying. Except thou take away the ^And the inhabitants of Jebus said to blind and the lame, thou shalt not come David, Thou shalt not come hither. Ke- ' Judg. 1. 21. ' Josh. 15. 63 ; Judg. 1. 8 & 19. 11, 12. [Chr.— ° Judg. 19. 10.] as shown by their present action. 33- If'eiit forth to battle.'] R.V. irere able to go out in the host (so r. 3()). Expert in rear.] Margf. rangers of battle; 'R.Y.that could set the battle in arraii (so rs. 35, 30). Keep rank-.} Here and iu )'. :!s only; Martr. set the battle in (R.V. orilor the battle-) arro//. 37. Oh.] Jlather, from. 38.^//-] Observe their unanimity but the independent trilial action. — Perfect.'] i.e. undivided. 40. I'nti'.] Jiathcr, as far as. — Ami meat, meal.'\ Jlather. with provision (marL:. rirtnal. so'R.X. ) ot meal. Hunches.] Kallit-r. ctastirs or lumps {I Sam. 25. lS,note). Joij.] Contrast ch. 4. 1. 2 S. v.— 6. Jerusalem .] The name, Jeritsha- laim. seems to be the Hebrew form of Uru'- .s«//;rt, which occurs iu the Tel el-Amarna tablets of about a century before the Exodus. The site of 'ravine-embraced' Jerusalem is a small plateau at the .S. and lower end of a spur that projects S. from the watershed of the central table-land (1 Sam. 14.23. 7J0?e) between the torrent-beds of Kedron and iien-Hinnom which, descending about fjon feet in l\ mile, meet at the end of the s])ur, leaviug it a rocky mass isolated except ou the N. A minor ■watercourse (the TvTOiKron valley) divides the si)ur, leaving- two unec{iial hills as it de- scends to the Valley of the Kedron, at Siloam, above the coiitliieiice of the torrents. The W. hill is broader and higher by 125 ft. than the E. hill (Moriah, 2,419 ft.) and is usually considered, as by Josephus (A at. vii. 3. 1, 2: cp. li.J. v. 4. 1), to contain the site of the Jebusitc Zion (v. 7) — Moriah (named iu 2 Chr. 3. 1 only) being still outside the city of David as late as Solomon's accession {cp. ch. 24. 10; 1 Kin. 8. 1). But Sir C. Wilson, adopting Josephus' statement that Jebus comprised a citadel and a walled lower city {Aiit. v. 2. 2), holds that both were almost entirely con- lined to the S. of the E. hill, from the foot of which rises the only sprin;,'- (Isa. 8. 0, note,p. 455.)— Ideutifving the Hill if Zion with Mount Moriah, he further holds that the W. hill was first enclosed with walls and joined to the citi/ of Darid by Solomon, aud gra- dually bn'ilt'over (Bib. Diet. I.'sy3). Unto.] K.V. against. The . . . land.] i.e. the pre- Hebraic population ; cp. 1 Sam. 27. 18, &c. 6-8.] The i)assai.a's omitted by the Chro- nicler, as to the proverb aud Joab's exploits, were probably olisciire even in his day; and certainly no" altogether satisfactory expla- nation of them lias been pro])osed as yet. Coverdale renders 'except . . . hither' in v. 0, Thou shalt not come hither, but the blind and the lame shall keep thee ojf, meaning, A garrison of such would suffice to turn thee awaii (so K.V. marg.; but R.V. as A. v.). Tlien iK 8 would mean, He who first, climbing the rock by the watercourse, effects an entrance, and smites this lame and blind 7 [1 C. xii. 33-40— xi. 4, 5. 2 S. v. G.] SKC. .39.] THE CITY OF DAVID. [B.C. cir. 104S, in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. 7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: ''the same is the city of David. ^And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. 9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it ''the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward. l*JAnd David loent on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts 2vas with him. «ver. 9; 1 Kin. 2. 10 & 8. 1. garrison (David retorts their boast), shall be made commander-in-chief (adopting from Chr. with A.V. the words in italics). 7. Strong- liold.'} So render /or< (v. 0), and castle (Chr. vs. 6, 7). Zicm.~\ Here first mentioned, and iden- tified with the Jebusite citadel or acropolis, (the upper town of Josephus, v. 6, note; cp. ch. 12. 28). 8. Whosoever . . . house.'] Obscure and probably corrupt. The A.V. transposes the first two clauses. R.V. Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites, let him get up to the water- course and smite the lame and the blind . . . soul (omitting he . . . captain). Wherefore they say, There are the . . . lame ; he cannot . . . house. — See Var. and K.V. marg. for other readings and renderings. — G-utter.] Heb. else- where only in David's Ps. 42. 7, A.Y. water spouts (R.V. marg. cataracts), P.B.V. ivaterpipes. Josephus, himself a general, interprets the word of an undergi-oimd conduit or drain, and Payne Smith quotes the feat of Sir C. Warren's explorers (18G7-70), who by a series of such underground watercourses entered Jerusalem from the Pool of Siloam outside the walls. But a fissure or gully in the pre- cipices is probably meant. Are hated o/.l C'thib reads who hate (cp. Josh. 9. 24), ?.e. are David's adversaries (^so7il = self, p. 64, note). Da- vid referred probably to the ancient ban of the inhabitants of the land {v. 6 ; cp. Deut. 7. 2 ; 1 Sam.l5.3,TOote,'utterly destroy,') and ordered no quarter to be given ; he probably describes the Jebusites as the lame and the blind by a retort of their taunt. He shall, &c.] By leading the assault and being the first to set foot in Jebus, Joab probably won the office of commander - in - chief (Chr.) of the army of all Israel. But Payne Smith holds that he had been deposed from the like office in the kingdom of Judah for Abner's murder and was now reinstated. They said.] liather, they say (1 Sam. 19. 24; cp. Kum. 21. 27), i.e. the proverb arose. The pro- verb may mean ' Hold no intercourse with such people,' or it may have perpetuated the Jebusite boast with a general application to any place reputed impregnable. ' The blind [2 S. V. 7-10. 1 C. xi. 6-9.] i vertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David. ^ And David said. Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief. 7 And David dwelt in the castle; there- fore they called it the city of David. 8 And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab re- paired the rest of the city. 9 So David waxed greater and greater : for the Lord of hosts was with him. <* ver. 7. and the lame are there, let him enter if he can' (Pero^cne). Sept. and Vulg. take 'house' to mean the Temple ; ef. Lev. 21. 18. 9. City of David.] The citadel, and then the enlarged and reconstructed city, Iwre hereafter David's name. David's sagacity in securing prompt- ly such a defensible centre for his new king- dom is shown by the Philistine invasions which followed. Millo.] Jiather, the Millo (always with the article^. Regarded as a Hebrew word, Millo is interpreted rampart, &c. But it is more probably the Canaanite name for the old Jebusite fort — probably situate to the N. of the upper city (r. (5, note). David seems to have made tlie Millo a corner in walls enclosing a space behind — imvards from which he built his house and new city (Chr.). The king's house, abutting on it, is called the house cf Millo, Beth-millo (2 Kin. 12. 20, marg.). Canaanite Shechem had a Beth-millo (Judg. 9. 6, 20, Heb.). Cf. 1 Kin. 9. 16 & 11. 27 ; 2 Chr. 32. .5. Inward.} Sept. a house. Cf. v. 11. Apparently, the stronghold had occupied part only of the hill (V. 6). David now probably enlarged and fortified the upper city to house his men {ch. 2. 3), entrusting the work to Joab (Chr. 're- paired,' Heb. revived) ; after which he took up his residence in Jerusalem. Thus David provided tlie reunited nation with a capital calculated to reconcile the claims of the royal ti-ibes of Benjamin and Judah (for it belonged to Benjamin, but wa.s close to, or perhaps partly within, the border of Judah), while it was altoarether the most suitable capital for the united kingdom. 10. Went on great.] Chr. (same Heb.) is more correct, and marks the gradual nature of David's progress in power and reputation at home and abroad. God of hostsr] Cf. 1 Sam. 17. 26 & 18. 17, notes & v. 12. — This signal victory was a crisis in David's reign. It was the triumph of all Israel (Chr. v. -i). Of the neighbouring nations, .some (e.g.the Philistines) are enraged, some {e.g. Hiram of Tyre) are awestruck by David's rapid success "(cp. ch. 22. 30, p. 154). Ancient sieges were usually long blockades. B.C. 1047.] DAVID REPELS TWO PHILISTINE INVASIONS. [sec. 40. 40.— David repels two Philistine Invasions. 2 Samuel v. 17-25. l'"But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Is- rael, all the Philistines came up to seek David ; and David heard of it, * and went down to the hold. 18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in ''thevalley of Eephaim. 19 And David <* enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up : for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand. 20 ^.nd David came to *Baal-pera- zim, and David smote them there, and said, The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim. 21 ^.nd there they left their images, and David and his men /burned them. 22 And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Eephaim. 23 And when "David en- quired of the Lord, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. 24 And let it be, when thou ''hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then » 1 Chr. 11. 16 & 14. 8. "> ch. 23. 14. 'Josh. 15. 8; Isa. 17. 5. <' 1 Sam. 23. 2, 4 & 30. 8 ; ch. 2. 1. 2 S. v.— 17. Seek:} Cp. 1 Sam. 26. 2. Down.^ Therefore the hold is not the stronghold (same Heb.) of Zion (vs. 7, 9) ; but probably Adullam (1 Sam. 22. 1, notes, pp. 4i», 50). Two routes from Philistia— by the valleys of Elah (Shocoh) and Sorek ( /teth.^liemesh), cp. 1 S. 17. 2, note— pass Betlilolu'iu dicnce the Philistine occupation, ch. 2:i. 14) and cross the Vale of Kcphaim to .Jerusalem. David probably marched out of Zion (Chr.) with part of the garrison down to Adullam, whicli coninianded the former route, to enconr.ii;!' and assemble his subjects. But the riiilistims, being in full force (all), penetrated close u|) tn.Ierusa- lem. 18, Also came.l Hathrr. Now . . . had come (so Chr.). Sprind tin iiisiin^s.'] Chr. (vs. '.t. i:i) is different, K.V. inade a raid. Va/lij/ (f Ri'phaim.'] A dejjression in the highland, aliout 3 m. long by 2 m. broad, ex- tending from the V. of Ben-Hinnom (v. fi, note, Josh. 15. 8j towards Bethlehem ; famoti 1 Chronicles xiv. 8-17. 8 And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them. 9 And the Philistines came and spread themselves "in the valley of Rephaim. 10 And David enquired of God, saying. Shall I go up against the Philistines ? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand ? And the Lord said unto him. Go up ; for I will deliver them into thine hand, n So they came up to Baal-perazim ; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters : therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim. 12 And when they had left their gods there, David gave a com- mandment, and they were burned with fire. 12 And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley, i^ There- fore David enquired again of God ; and God said unto him, Go not up after them ; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. 1^ And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mul- berry trees, that then thou shalt go out to 'Isa. 28. 21. /Deut. 7. 5, 25. » ver. 19. '■ So 2 Kin. 7. 6. [Chr.— °1 Chr. 11. 15.] for its cornfields (Isa. 17. 5). See ch. 21. 16, note. 20. Baal-perazim.'] i.e. the lord (ch. 2. 10, note), or place, of bfeakiiity, and power of JE- HOVAH, If-rael's coveiiaiit-Ciod, had been se- vered from th(' Tabeniacle [i^\\r.v.'.i,enquired at ; rather, sou;/lit untd] duriiii^ about 70 years (1 Sam. 21. 1, liotc '>;ob'). But David's pious wish aud exaiii])le awakened tlie ])iety of the nation (cf. 1 Sam. 7. "-') fi'om end to ciid, from 'Sliihor' (.lo.'^li. l.'i. :i ; usually called the river of Kg i/pt], to Iha entraiiciM>f Hamalh (Num. 34. 5, ^). 2. From liaale.} Probably rather, to (Chr. t». 6). Ikiale or Jlaaliih is Kirjath-jearim, i.e. city of icooda ; cf. 'We found it in the liehis of the wood ' (I's. 13'-'. t)). <)ri<,'iiially Kirjatli- Jiaa\ = cit>/ofJiaal; now (Coiider) '/•>;»«. 11 in. fi'oni .Jerusalem aud 4 m. K. of Heth-sheiuesh (1 ."^ani. t>. 21 it 7. ], 2) on the cdyc of the \'. of SonOv (1 Sam. 17. 2, note). U hose . . name.} Ilatlur, wliieh is called by the Name (so CIir.),the Name (in token of owiiersliip). Or, Where the Aaine /.s called ou, i.e. Who is in- voked before the Ark. ('f. 1 Kin. S. 4:i. Of hosts.'] Heb. Sahaoth; cf. 1 Sam. 17. 26, note, -hicelhth between.] So R.V. marg. (Sam., -1 Sam. 4. 4.; Pa. 80. 1. 'SeeNum. 7. 9: 1 Sam. 6. 7. [Chron.— ° 1 Sam. 31. 1; Isa. 37- 4. The first four were Bathsheba's sons, but ch. 12 suggests that Solomon was not the youngest.— Besides Solomon, the genealogy mentions Nathan only — as ancestor of Joseph, reputed father of the Lord's Anointed, Da- vid's ' son ' (Matt. 1. 16 ; Luke 3. 31J. 16. Eliada.] Chr. Beeiiada. 2 S. vi.— 1. Again.] Cp. ch. 5. 1. David, aspiring to make Jerusalem the centre of the national religion also, proposes to bring up thither the Ark, loricj' ncs'k'cted (Clir. v. 3). Apparently he had little doubt but that God would (cp. I's. I.'j2,. /;*;).) a(xe])t' thecity of Da- vid' as the successor of Shiloh (Ps. 78. GO), aud choose it to place his Name there, to make it his earthlj' habitation (Deut. 12. .5-7 ; cp. Chr. V. 2, if that it be— i.e. if the motion come— o/ Jehovah). Chosen.] Kepre.>;entatives, the heads of the tribal divisions and subdivi.sions (thousand' = fathers' house, 1 Sam. 8. 12 & '10. W, notes) who formed the national assem- bly (so K.V. inChr.,r,s. 2, 4). [In Chr. render 'and' by eren and 'leader' by prince (Heb. nngid).] To them, David proposes, as a na- tional religious undertakiug-i the removal of the Ark from its humble home to Jerusalem. Thereupon they send with all dispatch (so 91 [2S.v.l5,lG-vi.l-3. lC.xiv.6,7;xiii.l-7.J SEC. 42.] UZZAH DIES FOB HIS IRREVERENCE. [B.C. 1042. new cart, and broug;ht it out of the house of new cart *out of the house of Abinadab : Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uz- and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. ^And zah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave David and all Israel played before God the new cart. "^And they brought it out with all their might, and with singing, of "^ the house of Abinadab which was at and with harps, and with psalteries, and Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God : with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with and Ahio went before the ark. 5 And Da- trumpets, vid and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made o/fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. 6 And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah <^ pu t forth his han d to the ark of God, and took hold of it ; for the oxen shook it. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah ; and *God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. ^And David was displeased, because the Lord had made a breach upon Uzzah : and he called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to this day. ^And when they came unto the thresh- ingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark ; for the oxen stum- bled. i<>And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, * because he put his hand to the ark : and there he ' died before God. i^ And David was displeased, because the Lord had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. ' 1 Sam. 7. 1. 'ISam. 6. 19. '' See Num. 4. 15. [Chron— i 1 Sam. 7. 1. 'Num. 4. 15; ch. 15. 13,15. ' Lev. 10. 2.] Chr.). Lit. (so R.V.) sitteth upon, i.e. is en- throned ; it is his seat of state as Israel's king. See the full title of the Ark, 1 Sam. 4. 4. 3. Set.'} Heb. made to ride. New cart.'] Following the Philistine precedent (1 Sam. 6. 7). But see 1 Chr. 15. 2. In Gibeah.} Mather, on the hill (1 Sam. 7. 1), so v. 4; — but K.V. marg. as A.V. Sons.} Perhaps grandsons, sons of Eleazar (cf. 1 Sam. 7. 1). 4. Accompanying.'] Rather, as marg., with. Ahio.} He probably preceded the oxen with a goad, to guide and manage them, while Uzzah walked beside the Ark. 5. Played.} The word means make merry, sport in any way. It is coupled with dancing in 1 Chr. 15. 29, with singing here (Chr. v. 8 ren- der ' and ' even). Before the Lord.} i.e. by the Ark (v. 7, Chr. v. 8). On . . .jir wood.} Lit. with all Jir (R.V. cypress) woods. The Hebrew letters for with all their might (Chr., so Sept.) are almost the same. R.V. renders ' on ' with (throughout), aud 'cornets' casta- nets (marg. seistra), but otherwise as A.V. (so in Chr.). On harp = guitar (kinnor), psaltery = harp (nebel), timbrel = tambourine (toph), see note, p. 1G7. Cornets.} Lit. things to shake (Heb. mena-aneim, here only), R.V. marg. seistra. The Egyptian seistrum, a rashness: But the reading of Chr. (v. 10) and the Syriac aud Arabic Versions, because . . . ark, is probably correct (Hervey).~T>ea,th was the penalty lor touching the Ark (Num. 4. 15), i.e. for irreverent treatment of it, as the people of Beth-shemesh had experienced (1 Sam. 6. 19). 8. Displeased.] The dis- pleasure of disappointment (cf. 1 Sam. 15. 11), of ' vexation akiu to anger.' Yet David sliould have known that there was an appointed way of bearing the Ark, viz. by poles through its rings (Ex. 25. 15), aud that it was the special duty of the Kohathite Levites to so carry it. David's declaration (1 Chr. 15.2), in the absence of positive evidence, suggests that Abinadab was not even a Levite. — This judgment turned the joy of the day Into mourning : God seemed to repudiate the national undertaking. But doubtless the lesson was needed by king, ecclesiastics, and people — esp. on the eve of the restoration of public worship before the Ark. Long disuse (Chr. v. 3) had produced an imperfect sense of the terrible nearness of God to Israel, of the awful meaning of God's presence among His covenant-nation as symbolised by the Ark (cp. ch. 7. 0). The priests' knowledge of ritual had probably fallen to a very low ebb, through the nias- sortof rattle, consisted of a metal loop, pierced sacre of the priests of Nob following the by loose metal rods or rings, on a handle. 6.] Whether Nachon (Chidou) was a man or a place is unknown. Threshingfloor.} Cf. 1 Sam. 23. 1, note. Shoolc] Marg. as Chr. stumbled ; so R.V. — but R.V. marg. were restive or threw it down (so in Chr.). Perhaps some grain on the threshingfloordrewtheoxen aside. 7, Error.] Heb. here only. Marg.(K.Y. as R.V.) [2 S. vi. 4-8. 1 C. xiii. 8-11.] 92 catastrophe at Shiloh. But David as Theo- cratic king was bound to make diligent search and, like Hezekiah later (2 (Jhr. 29. 4-11), to see that the ecclesiastics knew and did their duty Made, &c.] Or, bro- ken forth (so Chr.). Perez = ^/ie breach (perazim being the plural, ch. 5. 20, note), i.e. a sudden Divine judgment (Exod. 19. 22, 24). B.C. 1042.] THE ARK AT OBED-EDOM'S HOUSE. [sec. iS. 9 And /David was afraid of the Lord 12 And David was afraid of God that day, that day, and said, How shall the ark of saying, How shall I bring the ark of God the Lord come to me? 10 go David would ho7ne to me? ^^So David brought not the not remove the ark of the Lord unto him ark home to himself to the city of David, into the city of David: but David carried but carried it aside into the house of Ob ed- it aside into the house of Obed-edom the edom the Gittite. 1* And the ark of God Gittite. 11 And the ark of the Lord con- remained with the family of Obed-edom tinued in the house of Obed-edom the Git- in his house three months. And the Lord tite three months: and the Lord "blessed blessed™the house of Obed-edom, and all Obed-edom, and all his household. that he had. 43.— The Ark brought into the City of David. 2 Samuel vi. 12-23. 1 Chronicles xv., xvi. 12 And it was told king David, saying, ^ And David made him houses in the The Lord hath blessed the house of Obed- city of David, and prepared a place for edom, and all that j)ertaineth unto him, the ark of God, " and pitched for it a because of the ark of God. tent. The National Assembly. — Tlie Ordering of the Procession. 2 Then David said. None ought to carry the ''ark of God but the Levites : for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. 3 And David "^ gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the Lord unto his place, which he had prepared for it. *And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites : ^of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty: *'of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty : "of the sons of Gershom ; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty: ^of the sons of <*Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred : ^ of the sons of ^ Hebron ; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore : 'o of the sons of Uzziel ; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve. 'lAnd David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab, 12 and said unto them. Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. 1^ For /because ye did it not at the first, ^ the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order. 1* So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the /Ps. 119. 120; see Lukes. 8,9; Ps. 101.2. »ch.l6.1. 'Num. t. 2,1.1; Dent. 10. 8 & SI. 9. a Gen. SO. 27 & 39. 5. ' 1 Kin. 8. 1 ; ch. i;i. .'i. <' Ex. 6. 22. ' Ex. G. 18. [Chron.— "• As Gen. 30. 27; ch. 2G. 5. / 2 Sam. 6. 3 ; ch. 18. 7. » ch. IS. 10, 11. 10.] Obed-prloni, apiiaroTitly dwcllinL,'- in and i.e. the Aaronito clan, (he Priesthood (ch. 2Z. named GitliU- fidiii KolKithitc Cath-Hlmmon 1.'5, p. IW) ; the heads of its tuoyW^/fcrs' /(oj/ses (Josh. 21. i;.'i), was i>r(iliMlilv a Kdiliili' ( Kora- were now Zadok and Ahidthar (v. 11, see hite), of the elan of Koliutli ( 1 Chr. L'fi. 1, 4) notes, 1 Sam. 28. 6 & chs. It). ;«» & 24. 4, pp. 99, whose duty it was to cdrrii the Ark (Num. Ifi5). 5-10, Sons, chief .brethren.'^ i.e. clan, 4. 4-15), and ihe portir. ro/her, doorkeeper, its head, and representative clansmen. 12, I.e. warder, of 1 Chr. l.'i. 24 & 16. ■'58 & 26. 1.5. Chief, &c.] Ilatlur, licads of the fathers' 11. Blesxed.'] See marg. refs. & 1 Chr. 20.4, houses, or c]:\n^,ithi' rliii'l', r. 16); see ch.'^i.-i, note. Household.'] Rather, house. p.16.5. The Kohalliitc/i'/f/^rs'/foH.sr.s' are four, 1 Chr. XV. — 1. Made hovses.l i.e. completed viz., Kohalli, l';ii/apli;ni, llclirdii. and Uzziel his />aince (plural, intensive) in tliestronii-hold (iiiiir;/. r(fs. A- rli. 6. 2). a^aiiisl one each of of Zion (2 Sam. 5. 9,11). 2. Then.'] After (icrslioii (Gcrsliom, r. T. tlic cUIit branch) and 3 months, eft. 1,3. 14. None.'] Seo marg. refs. of Merari. 13. IV.] Empliatic. The persons 3, Ifis.] i.e. its. 4. Children.] Iiatker',soiis, as well as the manner (ch. IX 7) had been im- 93 [2S.vi.9-12, 1 C.xiii. 12-14; xv. 1-14.] SEC. 43.] TEE REMOVAL OF THE ABK RESUMED. [B.C. 1042. ark of the Lord God of Israel, is And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as /» Moses commanded according to the word of the Lord. 15 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy. i" So the Levites ap- pointed 'Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, '^ Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, ^Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 18 and with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jeliiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiali, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, tlie porters. wSo the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass ; 20 and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries '"on Alamoth; 21 and Mattithiah, and Elipheleli, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. 22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he loas skilful. 23 And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark. 2-1 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zecha- riah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, "did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God : and Obed-edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark. '■ Ex. 25. 11; Num. 4. 15 & 7. 9. * ch. 6. 39. proper. \5. Stm-es."] Or, poles. 16.] ^cb ch. 16. 4. note. ^yj;)o/«?.] i.e. station (sow. 17). Brethren, &C.'} Jiatlier. brethren the sing- ers. This Levitical Order, now tirst mention- ed, was evidently an existing; institution. See ch. 25, notes, p. 1(50. Sounding.'] Rather, playing aIoud{so?\ K»). By,&,(i.'] For. to swell the sound for joy; R.V. and lifting up, &c. as A.V. 17. Brethren.] i.e. tribesmen or guildsmen, Heman (Samuel's grandson) being- a Kohathite, Asaph a Gershonite. 18. lien.] i.e. son of; probably a fragment, pos- sibly of Zechariah's descent. The porters.'] liather, the door-keepers (as vs. 23,24). — In V. 21 and Azaziah, which, to reconcile the lists (the totals, and practically tlie names, agree), some would substitute here— esp. as Obed-edom and Jeiel would jirobably not be members of both Orders, the partirs' and sing- ers', and as Jeiel (vs. 18, 21 ) dill'crs In iorni and meaning from .Jehiah (f. 24). 19-20.] Classi- fied by their instruments : — The three pre- centors led and accentuated the music with cymbals. Of the secatul degree, 8 played 'psal- teries' {on Alamoth,': = aoprnnos), 6 played 'harps ' (on th e Sh e mini ill. ? = 1 )asses) ; see ch. 25. 1.8, notes, pp.] f]C)-l as. Id. Brass.] i.e.hrome. 20. Aziel.] = Jaaziel (v. 18). On.] R. V. set to (so V. 21) ; see Vs. 46, title. 21. Obed-edom.] The singer here and in ch. 16. 4, doubtless the Obed-edom of v. 18, can hardly be the porter of V. 24 & ch. 16. .38. On this, and on and Azaziah, see v. 18, note.-^To excel.] Bather, to lead (= Heb. of chief musician in titles of Ps. 6, &c.). rendered oversee in 2 Chr. 2. 2, 18 & 34. 13. 22, Song.] Heb. niassa, rendered Ll C. XV. 15-24.] ' 94 ' ch. 6. 33. ' eh. 6. 44. ™ Ps. 46, title. "Num. 10. 8; Ps. 81. 3. song here and in v. 27 only ; but burden eon- stautly. Heb. the li.fting «/)— perhaps of the voice, but more probably of the Ark. Render, Chenaniah, chief (lit. captain) of the Levites forbearing. Cp. ??. 27. 23, 24. Doorkeep- ers.] Or porters {v. 18, note), i.e. warders, to prevent access, &c. On this Order, see pp. 168- 170). 24, Trumpets.] 7?of/(cr,clar ions (Heb. chatzozerah), so v. 28. The straight alarm- trumpets of silver used l)y the priests (marg. refs.; cA. 16. 6). Obed-edom.] Probably the 2)orter of chs. 16. .38 & 26. 4, 15, and perhaps the Gittite of 2 Sam. 6. 10 ; see notes. 2 S. vi.— 12. Gladness.'] Bather, joy (as Chr. vs. 16, 25, 28), i.e. ' in a joyful procession with music and dancing.' — The order may have been :— 1. The three precentors and two bands of 7 each (i's. 19-21) ; 2. Chenaniah, marshal of the bearers ; 3. Two warders of the Ark ; 4. Seven I'riests with clarions (chatzozerah) ; 5. The Ark ; 6. Two warders of the Ark ; 7. The King ^ith the heads of the nation. — Ball. 13. Bai-e the ark.] This privilege, due per- hajjs to their kinship to the priesthood, gives the Kohathites precedence Six paces.] Pro- baljly not at every six paces, but once at that distance from the house, i.e. as soon as they perceived that God was not against (Chr. God helped) their present undertakini^ ; Uzzah's fate having made the issue doubtful (2 Sam. 5. 9). Fatlings.] Any fatted beast. Sept. and Vulg. rams (cf. 1 Chr. 1.5. 26). Heb. an ox and a falling (so R.V.). 14. Before the Lord.] i.e. before the Ark (so rs. 16, 17). Might.] David's holy joy was due to the inference — from God's permitting the removal of the B.C. 10i2.] THE PROCESSION— THE DEDICATION FEAST. [sec. 43. So David went and brought up the ark 25 go "David, and the elders of Israel, of God from the house of Obed-edom into and the captains over thousands, went to the city of David witli gladness. 13 And it was so, that when '"they that bare the ark of the Lokd had gone si.x paces, he sacrificed " o.xen and fatlings. I'l'And David "danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded '' with a linen ephod. '5 go David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the house of Obed-edom with joy. -'' And it came to pass, wlien God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams. -"And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen. 28 J' Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shout- ing, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and liarps. 16 An d "^ as the ark of the Lord came in- -■' And it came to pass, ' as the ark of the to the city of David, Michal Saul's daugh- covenant of the Lord came to the city of ter looked through a window, and saw David, that Michal the daughter of Saul king David leaping anddancing Itefore looking out at a window saw king David the Lord; and she despised him in her dancing and playing: and she despised heart. him in her heart. 17 And they brought in the ark of the [IChr. xvi.] 1 So they brought the ark of Lord, and set it in '"his place, in the midst God, and set it in the midst of the tent that of the tabernacle that David had pitch- David had pitched for it : and they off'ered ed for it : and David 'offered burnt offer- burnt sacrifices and peace off'erings before ings and peace offerings before the Lord. God. 2 ^^nd when David had made an end ' 1 Kin. 8. .5, 62, 0.'!. [Chron.— » 1 Kin. 8. 1. 1 2 Sam. 6. 16.] r ch. ].">. 8. "• Num. 4. 15 ; Josh. 3. 3 ; 1 Chr. 15. 2, 15. " See 1 Kin. 8. 5. " See Ex. 15. 20; Ps. 30. 11. r 1 Sam. 2. 18. « 1 Chr. 15. 29. ■• Ps. 132. 8. Ark, the symbol of His Presence— that He accepted and would dwell in the new capital. Cp. Ps. 132. 13. The king— who was dressed like the Levites (Chi;.), and wore moreover the ephod distinctive of the priests (1 Sara. 22. 18 & 14. 3, notes)— throw off his long robe (meil, 1 Sam. 18. 4, note) of fine linen (Hob. buts, Gr. bi/ssus, here first used of dress), and appeared in the ephod. 15.] Compare 2 Chr. .5. 12, 13, p. 227. 16. And.] Kather, And it was so that. Throtigh.'] Itather, out at (as Chr.). A.'] /I'rt^/ic?-, the, and so in Clir. Cp. ,Judg. 5. 2s ; 2 Kin. 0. 30. ' Leap- ing,' here only ; ' daneinu," licro and r. 14 only ; in Chr., later and more (irdin.irv words replace these archaic words distinctive of relijrious dancing. ' Playing '= dancing with singing and instrumental music. Such expressions of national joy were usually limited to women (1 Sam. IS. fi, 7, marg. r'efs.), the leader im- provisiiiti- and the rest " imitatins" her. She despised.] Yet never was David more truly 'king in Jerusalem' (Kccles. 1. 1). It was the greatest day of David's reitrn. ' Tlie cifi/ of David was made 'the rifi/ of Jeho- vah' (cp. I*s. 101. 2, K), hceame the mitional sanctuary as well as the national c.ipital. by a V(^ry advent of Jehorah. the cov CMtuxt- (I od of in;/ a noise.] liather, trumpet, cliirions Israel. 17, His.] i.e. its. Tabernacle.] Jia- (as r. 24), sounding (or p laving) aloud. 95 [2 S. vi. 13-17 ; 1 C. xv. 25— xvi. 2. J fher, tent Cas Chr. r. 1) ; the Tabernacle and altar Ixmiil;- at (iilieon (p. !>9). — Now, i)n)bably, David coiiipdsed I'ss. 15&24. Both dcline the character ndmissiljle to God's courts, and I's. 24 dramatically describes tlie entry of the Ark Into its /itace. David ({//'crrr/.]' The king' — who as .Jeliovali's representative and the head of a Kiiu/ilam of Priests (Kxod. 19. 0) had a priestly cliaractcr — seems, tliouyh not by descent a priest, to have performed ])riest- ly functions (but see v. IS, jjote). — 'The burnt offering was dedicatory ami wholly consumed ; the peace offerings were eucliaristic' and supplied the Dedication Feast for the as- semblage (cp. Solomon's Dedication of the Temple, 1 Kin. 8. 02-64). Before, &c.] See V. 14. note. 1 Chr. XV. — 25, Elders .... thon.^ands.] i.e. all Israel (j-.s. 3, 28, ch. 'iS. 1). 26. Jlelped.] i.e. favoured. Seren, &c.] Somr uinlerstand this ot a thank olTering of the I,i'\ ili's at the end, and Sam. v. 13 of a propitiatory sacrifice by David after the first si.x jiaccs. 27. Jhilie, .tc] See notes on Sam. Master of the song.] Jlather. chief (overseer) of tlie bear- in i,^. Cf. »'. "22. Ifith the singers.] Some omit this; .lee I'ar. 28. Cornet, trumpets, mak- SEC. 43.] TEE ARK AT REST IN THE CITT OF DAVID. [b.c. 1042. ^8 And as soon as David had made an end of oflfering burnt offerings and peace offer- ings, 'he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. i^And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. of oflfering the burnt offerings and the peace ofierings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. 3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece o//iesA, and a flagon of wine. Psalm xv. A Psalm of David. 1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle ? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness. And speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He tliat backbiteth not with his tongue, Nor doeth evil to his neighbour, Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. * In whose eyes a vile person is contemned ; But he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. [usury, 5 He that putteth not out his money to Nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Psalm xxiv. A Psalm of David. 1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof ; The world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas. And established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? * He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; [vanity, Who hath not lifted up his soul unto Nor sworn deceitfully. [Lord, s He shall receive the blessing from the And righteousness from the God of his salvation. [him, ^ This is the generation of them that seek That seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; [doors ; And be ye lift up, ye everlasting And the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory ? The Lord strong and mighty. The Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; Even lift them up, ye everlasting doors ; And the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory ? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. 2 S. vi.— 18. Burnt . .peace.'] Rather, as Chr., but render o f f e r i n g. Blessed.'] Cf . 1 Kin. 8. 14. It is not said (1) that David used t\>.e priest- ly blessing (cf. Num. 6. 22-26)— but Solomon's solemn blessing of the people (2 Chr. 6. 3) was probably based on David's action — or (2) that David sacrificed with his own hand. They, used interchangeably with David (Chr., vs. 1, 2), may imply the co-operation of the priests. 19, Dealt.] Apportioned (cp. dole). Cake.] Heb. a sacrificial cake (Lev. 8. 26, &c.). ' Loaf ' (Chr.), i.e. a round cake (1 Sam. 2. .36). Cp. Exod. 29. 23. Good piece.'] The word is the same in both texts, but its etymology and sense are very uncertain. The A.V. is the Jewish rendering ; Vulg. assaturam buhulce carnis, a roasting - piece of beef. Gesenius renders portion (so R.V.), measure or cup. Of flesh.] Or supply of wine— in both texts. Flagon.'] Rather, raisin-cake (1 Sam. 25. 18, note); or,perhapsa thincake of grape-syrup; liSit. placenta. Omit oftvine (both texts). [Ps. XV.— 3.] Backbite means slandtr the [2S. vi. 18,19; Pss. 15; 24.] absent. 4.] The Jews render, 'He is de- spised in his own eyes and worthless, and fearers of the Lord he honoureth.' 5. Never be moved.] Continuance implies God's ap- proval. Cf. Ps. 102. 28 & 91. 1 ; Prov. 10. 25, 30.] [Ps. xxiv. — 1.] The argument is. Who then may approach such a Presence as His, the Creator (cf. Gen. 1. 9) and Lord of all ? 4. Vanity.] The false and the worthless (not idols). 6.] Might be rendered. They that seek thy face are Jacob, i.e. the true Israel. R.V. O God of Jacob (with some ancient versions); R.V. marg. even Jacob. 7. Ever lasting. "i Because typifying hearts and heavens, alike eternal, which shall open to receive the Sa- viour. 10. Of hosts.] Cf. 1 Sam. 17. 26, note. Selah.] Cf. Ps. 52, note, p. 52. 1 Chr. xvi. — 4. Appointed.] i.e. stationed. David's Service of Song, cp. ch. 6. 31-47. — On his later organisation of the tribe of Levi, and the development of the musical services and instruments with which his name is ever after associated, see pp. 163-170, noies ; and on 96 B.C. 1042.J THE SERVICE OF THE ABK. [sKc. 43. The Service of the Ark on Zion. (1 Chron. xvi. 4-43). *And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LoED, and to "record, and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel : 5 Asaph tlie chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; ^ Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the cove- nant of God. 'Then on that day David delivered 'first this psalm to thank the Lord into the hand of Asaph and his brethren. s "^ Give thanks unto the Lord, Call upon his name, [people. Make known his deeds among the 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, Talk ye of all his wondrous works. l*> Glory ye in his holy name : Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. 11 Seek the Lord and his strength. Seek his face continually. 12 Kemember his marvellous works that he hath done, [his mouth ; His wonders, and the judgments of 13 O ye seed of Israel his servant. Ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. 1* He is the Lord our God ; His judgments are in all the earth. 15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant ; The word which he commanded to a thousand generations ; 16 Even of the '^ covenant which he made witli Abraham, And of liis oath unto Isaac ; "' And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a 1 a w, And to Israel /or an everlasting cove- nant, 18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, The lot of your inheritance ; ■ Pa. 38, & 70, title. ' See 2 Sam. 23. 1. ' Pa. 105. 1—15. "f Gen. 17. 2 & 26. 3 & 28. 13 & So. 11. his addition of Psalmody to the Mosaic ritual, see Introd. pp. 11, 12. Before the Ark.'] i.e. in the court before the new tent-sanctuary which is called iu 1 Chr. 6. 31, 32, the dwcHing- place of the tabernacle of the congrefiation — rather, the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, i.e. of God with man (the ancient name of the Tabernacle). Jiecurd, thank and praise.'] The technical description of the ministry of the singers and of David's Seriu'ce of Song. To record, lit. bring to remembrance, is the technical term for ohautingf the I'salms at the burning of ' the memorial ' withdrawn from the meal offering- (Lev. 2. 2), K.V. cele- brate; cp. Pss. 38 & 70, titles. — To thanks to perform psalms of invocation and con- fession of benefits received ; to irraise = to sing and play hjmins of Hallelujah, such as Ps. 146-150.— iJa«, 5.] Asaph, as leader, sounded (or played) aloud with cym- bals. Next.'] Rather, second {ch. 15. 18). Asaph's choir comprised 9 of tlie 14 Ijcvites of ch. 15. 20, 21, and one of the priests (ib. v. 24). ■ Jeiel.] The Jaaziel of ch. 15. 18. Psal- teries,harps.] i.e. harps, lutes. And.] Omit colon after ' Olied-edom,' and insert comniiia alter ' ( )l)((l-((loiii ' and 'Jeiel ' (2). 6. -laha- zicl.] I'crhMps the Eliezer of ch. 15. 24 ; if so, all 12 had taken part in the procession of ch. 15. 19-21. Trumpets.] i^a//(er, clarions 97 (chatzozerah, so v. 42) ; see ch. 25. 5, note, p. 1C7. Continualli/.] i.e. as, Vv.,»-«^7-« r/-Ti filndness . . . Dlace.l Ps. 96 has beauty .. . &c.] R.V. yea, rei-y few and sojourners (cp. Gen. 23. 4). 21.] Alludes to Sarah and Eebekah (Gen. V-i & 20 & 26), and to the wanderings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 22. Anointed.} Lit. Messiahs, i.e. consecrated ones. Kmgs were to spring from Abraham and Sarai (Gen. 17. 16).— Prophets.} Heb. nabi ; applied to Abraham (Gen. 20. 7)— to any that know and declare God's will. 23. Shew forth.} liather, T o 1 1 1 h e t i d i n ut . . . of] E.V. for joy before. 34.] Quoted in v. 41 as a typical formula of praise ; see marg. refs. 37. So.} Resuming from v. 7. 38.] Compare the tautology Obed-i'dom. . . . and Hosah with with them. Heman and Jedvthvn in vs. 41, 42. With.} Probably and Hosah is lost after B.C. 1042.J THE SERVICE OF TEE TABERNACLE. [sec. 43. brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required: 38 and Obed-edom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obed-edom also the son ofJeduthun and Hosaha\ id's reign.— It ?7(fl2/ have honourable (cp. v. 22, end). Vatn.] The been to (ivuiil dillicultirs beuce arising that raca of Matt. 5.22 = e?nyjnt.'J()vears. JFHOJ'AH wiU I play! Of such a benefactor At Gibeon.] The ijreat hi(/l( /)/(k-p till the of king and people, no acknowledsmeut can bo completion of Solomon's Teinpic ; here the excessive or humiliatiuj;. Chose . . before.} Mosaic Service of the Tabeniaclt- w.ns i icrform- i.e. preferred to (viarr/. refs. ; 1 Chr. 10. 14 & 12. ed (chs. 6. 49 & 23. 28-32)— but iinpcifcctlv in 23). 7i;?i^<'r.] 'Captain'd Sam. 9. 1C,&C.); cp. the absence of the Ark. Cp. 2 Chr. 1.3-6. David lChr.28.4. Plai/.} j.e. dance, siim.and play. adds a service of song like that of Jerusalem 22. Maidservants.] Rath,r, h a ii d ma ids (as (rs. 41,42). 40 The.] Omit. And to do.] r. 20). If Saul's royal daii-htcr despise Da- Or, even. 41* Expressed.] Enrolled (ch. vid, his .servants will not, although he should 12. 31, p. 86). Inciiiding doubtless the remain- 'humiliate' himself yet more. 23. There- in"; priests and Levites of ch. 1.5. 20, 21, 24. fore.] Rather, i\.n A. A son of Michals might 42.] Heman and Jeduthun with.] Omitted have inherited David's throne.— Another step bv' Sect. TrumvetsA i.e. clarions, for towards the extinction of Saul's ftoM.• Ps. 48. 14. ' John 17. 17. '' ch. 22. 51. the earth. In Chr., render 'of b;/, and 'by' ill.- — Oreat . . terrible.2 From i)eut. 10. 21. The miracles of Israel's birth as a nation, of her development and settlement in Canaan. 24. J''or . . . confirmed."} Rather, And thou didst establish. Art become.'] llather, as Chr., i.e. provedst thyself to be, &c. (Geu. 17. 7-8; Exod. 6. 7). 26.] Render Chr., Let thy name be established and niaf/ni/ifd, Ac. Let l>e.] K. V. i s (.^^o Chr.). 27. 'Found, &c.] i.e. taken heart ; H.V. mars'. Ijeen bold. 28.] Var., Jehovah, O Lord, thou art God. That.] i.e. the True. (loodness.] i.e. good (David) destroyed the enemiest on every side (fultilliug ch.'7. K), 11).— Observe that all I)avid's wars wen' Tlien David put garrisons in Syria of Da- mascus: and the Syrians ''became ser- vants to David, and brought gifts. »And tlie Lord preserved David wlii- thersoever he went. 7 And David took *the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem. 8_A.nd from Belah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass. 9 When Toi king of Haraath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadad- ezer, 10 then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Ha- dadezer, and smitten him : for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass : Hwhich also king David 'did dedicate unto the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he sub- dued; 12 of Syria, and of Moab, and of * ver. 2. • ver. 14 ; ch. 7. 9. ' See 1 Kin. 10. 16 & 14. 25, 26. by the Greeks Siiria finchidins' the Liiid of the Hittites, and the platcnu i)f llt'si>iii)t;niii;i), occupied by tlie descendants of Aram, ISlu'ius son (Gen. 10. ZZ). See notes on r. :i . 1 Sam. 22. 17 ; 1 Kin. 2. 25 ; 2 Chr. 30. 0). < It hers identifj- the names with Cretans and /'hilistines. Chief ni/er.f.] PcHiaiis, ministers (cp. Chr. ; Hell' chief at the /:iiofs hand): or (see J ar.) chaiilaius or liouse-piitsts ; K.V. marg. chief ministers ,- Vnia. Lnth. ( 'or. li.V. priests. The Hell. l:ohen (memiing attendant, on God or prince) is cominoiily rendered priest (with the article, for H.P.). It is apjilied to Ira (c/i.20.20); to Zabud (A.X. principal officer, 1 Kin. 4. 5), who is the Icing's friend or confi- dential minister ; to Ahab's attendant officials ('priests,' 2 Kin. 10. 11) ; see -■(;)/'•— At this climax of David's success (which he cele- brates and ascribes wholly to God's hel)( in ch. 22), his achievements may bo summed up. As pro])het and psalmist, ho has re- stored, enriclied, and enlarged the national 107 [Ps.ix. 2S.viii.l5-18. lC.xviii.l4-17.a SEC. 46.] DAVID'S KINDNESS TO MEPMIBOSHETH. [b.c. cir. 1040. 46.— David's kindness to MepMl)osheth. 2 Samuel ix. 1 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may " shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake ? " And there tuas of the house of Saul a servant whose name was * Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him. Art thou Ziba? And he said. Thy servant is he. 3 And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew '^ the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, ivhich is <* lame on his feet. * And the king said unto him. Where is he ? And Ziba said unto the king,Behold, he is in the house of "^Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar, 5 Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar. 6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered. Behold thy servant! ''And David said unto him, Fear not : /for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. * And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such ^ a dead dog as I am ? 9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, '' I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house. lO Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat : but Mephibosheth thy master's son ' shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had '' fifteen sons and twenty servants. ^Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, saiti the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's " 1 Sam. 18. 3 & 20. U, 15, 16, 17, 42 ; Prov. 27. 10. » 1 Sam. 24. 14 ; ch. 16. 9. I- ch. 16. 1 & 19. 17, 29. ' 1 Sam. 20. 14. ^ See ch. 16. 4 & 19. 29. '' ch. i. 4. ' ch. 17. 27. * ver. 7, 11, 13 ; ch. 19. 28. /ver. 1, 3. * ch. 19.17. worship (pp. 97, 99). As king, he has united Mephiboaliefh.'] See ch. 4. 4, note. 7. Fear Israel and established her as a nation, giving not.J Contrast .Jonathan's apprehensions her the rare blessing of a just administration (1 Sam. 20. 14, note), and Saul's (1 Sam. 24. (i'. 1.0), and extending his sw.ay to the limits 21). Father.^ i.e. grandfather: so 'sou' .set by Promise ; and finally, he has received (v. 9)=grandsou. The A.V. often follows the special Promises of perpetuity to his throne Heb., which does not distinguish these de- aud dynasty, whereby tlie Promises to Abra- grees of relationship. Eat bread.'] A mark ham are entailed on his seed (cp. 1 Chr. 28.4-7). of honour in all ages (cf. Gen. 43. 16; 1 Kin. 2. 7; 2 Kin. 2.5. 29). 8. Dead dog.] Cf. 2 S. ix. — This appendix to the preceding 1 Sam. 17. 4.3, wofe. ' Dog," /.e. as good as dead, narrative records i)avid's fulfilment of the .So David descrilxMl himself as compared with covenant with Jonath.an. 1,] David's igno- the Lord's Anoint t'd d Sam. 24. 14). 9.] The ranee is not surprising. Mei)hibosheth was landed property of Saul's family seems to five years old at Jonathan's death (ch. 4. 4), have become forfeit to the king (ch. 12. S) ; and then Diivld had been at least six ye.ars David restores all to the only survivor. Ziba, absent from court. Since then, probably, hitherto the steward, had become a man of Mephibosheth's very existence had been con- substance (v. 10) ; he now became Mephi- cealed ; having a young son (v. 12), he woul And when the children of Ammon saw that they ''stank before David, tlie children of Ammon sent and hired ''the Syrians 1 Chronicles xix. iNow it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Am- mon died, and his son reigned in his stead. 2 And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Naliash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the ser- vants of David came into the land of tlie children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him. 3 But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee ? are not liis servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land? * Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut ofl' their gar- ments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away, ^xhen there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them : for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said. Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. ^ And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon ' 1 Chr. 8. 34. , ■» ver. 7, 10. ° Isai. 20. i & 47. 2. " ver. 3. ' Gen. 34. 30; Es. 'ch. 8.3, 5. 5. 21 ; 1 Sam. 13. 4. 12. Son.2 David's noble mind hart no jealous daughters, Jer. 40. 2, .3 ; cp. ch. 8. 1, note) fears, though not witliout {^rounds for such ; cp. 1 Chr. 12. 2'. p. 70; rhs. 10. r, & 20. 1. Micha.] Chr. Micah. TlirouL;li liiiii a numerous posterity revivert Saul's Ikhi^i' inxirg. ref.) 2 S. X.— The Ammonite war, tlii^ most far- reaching and dangerous of David's wars ("r/;. 8. :i, 12, &c.), is recounted at l('iiL;tli liccmise it Icfuls up to the crimes whicli were th(' turning point in David's life and reign. 1, After this.'] Sen ch. 8. 1, 7wte. Ammon.'} Unlilco their noighhnnr Moal), the. l?onf!- Amnion were rn;iinly niniiads. Tlicir fortified caijital, Rabba)i ( = (;rcat), mnv Aiiiiikiii, in the stroru/, i.e. mountainous, border (Num. 21. 24), near the watershed of the .lahliok, is the only city named {it bad dependent villages ; lleb. 109 2. Kindness.} A\'lien and why is unknown, hut Ammon was very closelv associated with Jloab (ch. 8. 2, note). 3.] The suspicion was not unnatural (cp. c7f. 3. 2.'j) — esp. if David had already oomiiierod 3Ioab. liiit in none of his w:irs docs D.-ivid npiicar as tlu^ :ii;grcssor. 4. Shiired.] lie treated David's ambassadors as if ciiptives ( Isa.'Jii. 1 ) aiul made them ridicu- lous ((•/(. s. :;, i:i). Ilidf.} i.e. one side ; cf. Jlerod. ii. 121. 5. -Iirirho.] On the direct route via Heshbon. i;al)l)ali was '22 ni. from the Jordan, and 14 m. from Ili'shbon. 6.] Ammon involves David in war with lladadezer (r.i:>; ch. X. :{, niite), and thus prejiares the way for the fuHilment of (Jen. 15. 18, &c. (ch. 8, 7iote). Hired.] C]i. 2 Kin. 7. 6 ; 2 Chr. 25. C ; Isa.'7. [2 S. is. 12-x. G. IC. .xix. 1-C.j' SEC. 4".] DAVID DEFEATS AMMOK AND THE SYRIANS, [b.c. cir. 1037. of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ish-tob twelve thousand men. sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Me- sopotamia, and out of Syria-maachali, " and out of Zobah. ''So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of Maachah and his people ; who came and pitched before M e d e b a. And the chil- dren of Amraon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle. 7 And when David heard of if, he sent ^ And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of '' the mighty Joab, and all the host of the mighty men. men. ^ And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate : and * the Syrians of Zoba, and of Eehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, ivere by themselves in the field. 9 When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians : i'^ and the rest of the people he delivered into the hands of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon. " And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me : but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee. ^'fBe of good courage, and let us "play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and '' the Lord do that which seemeth him good. 13 ^nd Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians : and they fled before him. i* And when the children of <' ch. 23. 8. ' ver. 6. / Deut. 31. 6. 9 1 Sam. 4. 9 ; 1 Cor. 16. 13. 20. King.'] Rather, the king of; so Var. — Ishtob.l Bather, Asmarg., the meuofTob (so V. 8), Var. — In Chr. ,oiit ofAfesopotamia{Keb. Ara7nnaharaim) and Zobah coTne'i2,000a,shere from Beth-rehob, Zobah, and Tob jointly. As Tob was probably between Ammon and Aram (Judg. 11. 3), Aram-beth-rehob (Heb.) may have been on the Euplirates (cp. lieho- both, 1 Chr. 1 . 48) and part of Mesopotamia. These mercenaries were Hadadezer's vassals (for the Si/rians read Aram throughout), but Hadadezer himself seems to have interposed only after their defeat {v. 16). On Aram- maachah (Heb.) see Deut. 3. 14 ; Josh. 12. 5 & 13. 13 ; it ad^ioined Geshur (ch. 13. 37) and Argob. On Aram-zobah, see ch. 8. 6 & 2 Chr. 8. 3, note, p. 240. ' Chariots ' (Chr.). Thepropor- tion of chariots and cavalry to infantry may be inferred from v. 18 and 1 Chr. 18. 4. The 32,000 chariots of Chr. v. 7 is an unparalleled number. Prob. (v. 18) chariot-soldiers are meant, serving on foot or in chariots. Porus had «ix to each [2 S. X. 7-U. 1 0. xi.\. 7-15.] 9 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city : and the kings that were come v:ere by themselves in the field, lo jq^ow when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. ^ And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon. 12 And he said. If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me : but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee. i3 jje of good courage, and let us behave ourselves val- iantly for our people, and for the cities of our God : and let the Lord do that ivhich is good in his sight. ^^ So Joab and the people that ivere with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him. 15 ^.nd when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his <> 1 Sam. 3. IS. [Chron.— " ch. 18. 5, 9.] chariot. On the Hel). re.kheb, see ch. 8. 4, note. — The rendezvous with Ammon (Chr.) was be- fore Medeba, in the plain (or treeless prairie, Mishor, Josh. 13. 9, 16, 17, the Jield of v. 8, where chariots and cavalry could manoeuvre), 4 m. S.E. of Heshbon, and 20. m. in advance of Kabbah in the mountains ; Medeba was appa- rently held by Ammon. It is less probable that Kabbah is the city of v. 8 (cp. saw, entered, w. 1.5). 9. Against.'] i.e. Joab, if he attacked either force, must expose his rear to the other. He first attacked the stronger : Abishai facing the Ammonites. 12. Be . . . men.] Heb. as Chr. The critical situation shows Joab at his best (cp. ch. 24.3; 1 Chr. 21. 6). Israel's land being Jehovah's, its peril involved Jeho- vah's honour: Joab, like David, places his cause in (Jod's hands. I'atriotism and piety were inseparable in Israel's case. Of our God.'] Medeba belonged to 1;ou1)l'U (Josh. 13. 16). \^, Returned.] Hal>liaU was too stronu;- by nature aud art to take except by blockade ; 110 B.C. cir. 1035.] SIEGE OF BABBAH. [sec. 4S. Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem. i»And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together. i^^nd Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to He lam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer ivent before them. i^And when it was told David, he ga- thered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to He lam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him. i^And the Syrians fled before Israel ; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died tliere. ^9 And when all the kings that v:ere servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and » served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more. brother, and entered into the city. Joab came to Jerusalem. Then "'And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Sy- rians that luere beyond the river : and Shophach the captain of the host of Ha- darezer went before them. ^^And it was told David; and he ga- thered all Israel, and passed over Jordan, and came upon them, and set the battle in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him. is But the Syrians fled before Israel : and David slew of the Sy- rians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host. 19 And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants : neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more. 48.— Siege of Rab'bah.— David's Sin. 2 Samuel xi. 1-26. 1 Chronicles xx. 1. 1 And it came to pass, after the year i And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time when kings go was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Kabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel ; and they destroyed the children of Am- mon, and besieged Eabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. 'ch. 8. 6. Hamath (cp. 1 Chr. IS. 3). 18. Sevenhnn- (li-frl chariots.] No doulit Chron. sliould be as Sam. As numbers are marked iu Heb., ernirs are easy and commou. 19.] Hadad- ezi'rs vassals trausfurrud their allegiauce to David. :and even if Ammon had been sufficiently bro- ken, tlie season was probably too a -— ' — '•— - and Isa. 5. 1, more resemble those of Chris^t than either Judg. 9. 8 or 2 Kin. 14. 9, which in fact are strictly fables. Compare ch. 14.4 ; 1 Kin. 20. 35. 'It fastens on the meanness and selfishness of David's sin' (Stanleij). 3. Meat:] Or, morsel (marri'in), as if sharing his meal. Or perhaps scraps, as If the contrast between the one's wealth and the other's poverty were very strongly marked. 5. Anger, &c.] Indignation was a good ed . . slain.] Sept. diraTa^as, cmeKTeivas ; Vulg. perciissisti, interfecisti ; Ital. niorire, ucclso. Sword of Amman ] i.e. of the uncircumcised. Contrast 1 Sam. 17. 20; 10. Kever depart.] Fultilled literally during the remaining 20 years of David's life. AA'e may look to find, not conscience only, but Providence also, making scourges for us of our sins. I.ust and bloodshed (in the three successive heirs to his throne, Amnon, Absa- lom, and Adonijah), no less than shame and symptom, showing that the moral sense was remorse, so chastened David that he never not wholly extmguished ; just as r. 23 shows .j^^^s again the man he had been. Broken that in spite of any lapse Into savap cruelty j^ gpi^it by the consciousness of how deeply and reckless self-indulgence, David retameil ,,p ,,„,, slmipd iio-.ninst God .ind atiiiinst a fountain of feeling within, as fresh and pure as when he fed his father's flocks and won the love of Jonathan. Snrelij die.] Literally, M a sow of death, i.e. a doomed man 6. Fourfold.] SeY)t. sevenfold. Cf.rrov.C.31, and refs. 7. Ao^/mw said!] With such courage was Saul rebuked by Samuel, .Tero- boam by the man of God, Ahab by Eli.iah, Jehoram by Elisha, Ahaz bv Isaiah, Herod he had sinned against God and against man ; if not humbled in the eves of his subjects, and his influence with them weak- ened by their suspicions ; and even his authority in his own hou.sehold, and his claim to the reverence of his sons, relaxed by his loss of self-respect — David appears henceforth a much altered man. Ho is as one who goes down to the grave mourning. His active history is past— henceforth lie is by John, and the prophetic office magnified, passive merely. Pious still, he is no longer 8. Home . . . tvives.] Following the order of buoyant, exulting, triumphant, glad, but the tenth commandment, and denoting the completeness of the transfer In terms in accordance with the current notion, that the successor, and he only, had the right to the royal harem (cf. 1 Sam, 14. 5'J; ch. 3, 7). Lov [•2S. xii. 2—11.] 114 repressed, humble, patient, contrite, suffer- ing. The bird wliich once rose to hoiglits unattained before by mortal wing, filling the air with its joyful songs, now lies witl\ maimed wing upon the ground, pouring furlU B.C. cir. 1034.] DAVID'S rENITENCE. [sec. 4;). this sun. 12 For thou didst it secretly : '^but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. 13 J And David said unto Nathan, ™I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath "put away thy sin; thou shale not die. i* Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Loud *to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. i^ And Nathan departed unto his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. itJ David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and 'lay all night upon the earth. rSALM LI. To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba. 1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness : According unto the multitude of thy ten- der mercies blot out my transgressions. - Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. 2 For I acknowledge my transgressions : And my sin is ever before me, * ch. 16. 22. ' See 1 Sam. l,";. 24. "■ ch. 24. 10; Job 7. 20; Ps. 32. 5 & 51. 4; Prov. 28. 13. its doleful cries to God. All poetry can produce no more .agonising utterance than I's. 51. Ko man can ever have appropriated to himself its strains without thanking God tliat it was followed by Ps. 32. That is a Jilaschil, an instructive song, indeed, ' a psalm to make one wise ' (Ps. 47. 7, Heh.) ; but it borrows its chief power to instruct from the sad history which gave rise to the penitential prayer which preceded it. 12. Secretly.] 'It was ■i)r()b:ibly so nuuiaijfed that the public should dIisitvi' (nily a some- what hasty marri:iL;e with I'riali's beautiful widow.' / M'lV/ do.] C'f. Amos 3. 0, 7 ; Isa. 10. 5. 13. Sinned.] Cf. 1 Sam. 15. 2, note. Pttt awai/.] I'robaWy not a few have 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned. And done this evil in thy sight : That thou mighlest be justified when thou speakest. And be clear when thou judgest. ^ Behold, I was shapen in iniquity ; And in sin did my mother conceive me. •^ Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts : And in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. ' Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean : °ch. 24. 10; Job 7. 21; Ps. 32.1; Mic. 7. IS; Zech. 3. 4. T Isa. 52. 5 ; Ezek. 36. 20, 23; Eom. 2. 24. 1 ch. 13. 31. meaning here, showing how life and death may be spoken of as eciuivaient to com- munion with or separation from God ; to live is to enjoy God's presence and favour ; to die is to yearn for them without possess- ingthem. (f^ee tliis iih'aof life and death ex- plained in .John S and Koui. .s i. 15. .^triicl.:.] The perfect of the verb (a .stri!:e is variouslv spelt in the Camb. Bible of 1011, stroolJe (1 Sam. 2. 14), strnke (here), stroke (JIatt. 26. 51). That of London. IiUO. has strtike here; all later Camb. edithuis in that cen- tury, and those of Amslerdam, U'u'J, and Oxford, 1701, have strook. Cf. 'strake sail' (Acts 27. 17), and 'Full ou Jiis face the moou-beam strook.' — Scott. 16. Jtesoii;/ht, been disposed to say, 'Too readily: What! &c.] His sin was forgiven, but that parti- no penance first ! ' But David had advanced beyond the Prodigal's / trill arise . . and will sai/. He had actually made confession, and God knew the difference between this and that of Pharaoh, of Saul, or of Judas. Pardon and absolution are ever waiting for the iittentuee of true re))entunce (Isa. 65. 24). Tlioii shiilt not die.] i.e. nothin;;- corrc- spondiuL; to tliat putting to dealli you sjiake of shall hai)iieii to you. Actu.il death at the hand of man was not in his case to be appre- heiuiod. Death at the hand of <;od had not been threatened. Eternal death was not dwelt upon in Scripture, till eternal lif(^ was by Christ more cle.arly ' brouirht to light.' Ezek. 18. 9, &c., furnishes the key to the true 115 cular proof of forj;iveness which he was requestin<»', was, for Wisdom's reasons, de- nied. La;/.] The Heb. inqjlies that this was done repeatedly. — -Earth.] Ji'atlicr, floor. [Ps. li. — There are four words which describe dilTereiit kinds of sin — oroH, in- i(|uity, iierversity ; y«'.s7(a, transgression, overstepi)inj,'' law ; hattath, sin, as detile- nu'ut. .\11 these David uses of himself; the other, re.tha, wilfid, impenitent wickedness is never used of him or of any godly man. 4. Onhi.^ Hebrew idiom; the secondary is coni|)aratively nothiuLT ; in fact he had sinned aL::iinst Uriah. I'.athsheba. and his people: but the sin atiainst (;od eclipses all. I.llysso]!.] Seel ivin. 4. :!:!, Ho/c. Sprinkl'U^ [2 S. .\ii. 12—16. Ps. li. 1—7. SEC, 49.] DAVID'S PENITENCE. [B.C. cir. 1034, Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness ; That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, And blot out all mine iniquities. ■10 Create in me a clean heart, O God ; And renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence ; And take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Kestore unto me the joy of thy salvation ; And uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways ; And sinners shall be converted unto thee, 1^ Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation : Awd my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips ; And my mouth shall shew forth thy pndse. i'^ For thou desirest not sacrifice ; else would I give it -. Tliou delightest not in burnt offering. 1^ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : A broken and a contrite heart, 0 God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion : Build thou the walls of Jerusalem. >J9 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sa- crifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering : Then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. Psalm xxxii. A Psalm of David, Maschil. 1 Blessed is he whose transgression is for- given. Whose sin is covered. " Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity. And in whose spirit there is no guile. 3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old Through my roaring all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me : Jly moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. 5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee. And mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord ; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee In a time when thou mayest be found : Surely in the floods of great waters They shall not come nigh unto him, 7 Thou art my hiding place ; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble ; Thou .shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. 8 1 will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go : I will guide thee with mine eye. 3 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, Which have no understanding : Whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle. Lest they come near unto thee. 1" Many sorrows shall he to the wicked : But he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. 11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous : And shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. with it was symbolic of cleansing. 12, Up- hold . . spirit.^ i.e. let a free (Amer. willinfj, and S. in v. 11) spirit sustain me, one ready and eag-er for all that Is good. 18. Walls of Jerusalem.'} Just approaching comple- tion ; personal g^uilt no sacrifice can purge ; but from him, as king (if only spared to finish his building), abundant sacri- fices mig'ht be expected, and should be rendered.] [I's. xxsii. — In this Psalm are named remedies for three of the sius mentioned : the heavy load of transgression is forgiven, i.e. lifted up, removed; the sin is covered, [Ps. li. 8—19. Ps. xxxii.] IIG i.e. condoned ; iniquity (never wholly rooted out) is 7iot imputed (cf. Eom. 4. 7, 8). 3. -Bones . . old.] We gather that sickness, agonising pain, prepared the way for Ka- than's visit ; similar expressions occur in Ps. 6. 2 & 31. 10 & 22. 1. 6. Time . .found.] i.e. of acceptance or of visitation; surely means one thing is sure. 7- Songs of de- liverance.] At many periods of his life Da- vid composed such. 8- J will instruct] Meaning to represent God's past offers to himself, or his own offer to strengthen his brethren in accordance with his promise, Ps. 01. la.] B.C. cir. 1033.] CAPTURE OF RABBAH. [sec. 50. 17 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth : but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them, i^ ^^j it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead : for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice : how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead 2 i^ But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead : therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead ? And they said. He is dead. 20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and '"anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and * worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, tliey set bread before him, and he did eat. 21 Then said his servants unto him. What thing is this that thou hast done ? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive ; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. 22 And he said, AVhile the chil.d was yet alive, I fasted and wept : ' for I said, "Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? 23 g^it now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but "he shall not return to me. ^i And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her : and^she bare a son, and^he called his name Solomon: and the LoKD loved him. "■'> And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet ; and he called his name Jedidiali, because of the Lord. 50.— Capture of Rabbah. 2 Samdel XII. 26-31. "^ And " Joab fought against ^Kabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city. "^ And Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought against Eabbah, and have taken the city of waters. -8 Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it : lest I take the city, and it be called after my name. "■Ruths. 3. 'Job 1.20. « Job 7. S, 9, TO. 'Matt. l.fi. < See Isa. 38. 1, 5 ; Jonah 3. 9. v l Chr. 22. 9. " 1 Chr. 20. 1. '' Deut. 3. 1!. 2 S. xil. — 20- And . . required J Rather, except of princes, who liad priests and pro- and asked, and they, &c. 24. ii'"'f.] plietis as instructors. The Ucl). implies here Probably not till four or five years later, tliat Nathan was such to Sy/). Solomon.} .So iu N.T. Greek ; Heb. She- VuIl;'. iiiisit in nuniii y. :'., ]i. ISiT), and a li S. xii. — The narrative of eh. 11. 1 is re- memorial before God of the threat and ho- sumcd. 26. Took.] It is (juite possible nourable work his son was to be permitted that the siei;(! lastecl 2 years ; but it is not to undertake. He.] If God be meant, stated that the capture of Kabliah occurred the bestowal of the name Jedidiah, beloved after Solomon's birth. 27. < 'it// of waters,] of Jah, was equivalent to ' This is the The lower town, tbrou}:li which tlio heatl son to whom My promise (<■/(. 7. 13) shall waters of the Jabbok tlow : cut olT from this, be made good,' and to a i)ledge of for- the citadel could not ion"' hold out. The giveness, i.e. peace with God. There is commanding position of ihe citjidcl is also in it a play on the name of David, i.e. still easily recognisable. 28. City.l i.e. beloved, vihieU docs not appi'ur iu English, the acropolis. It... name!] Jtather, my This son i)rcfiL;un'il tlio ^irciter Son, the name be called over it. To name cities Well-beloved, the J'lince of Tcace. 25. Pro- after their captors and founders is sufficiently jihet.] Parents were the main educators, common, e.ij. Alexandria, Constantinople, s, common, e.ij. Alexandria, Constantinople, 117 [2 S. xii. 17— 2S.j SEC. 51.] CAPTURE OF RABBAH. [B.C. cir. 1032. -9 And David gathered all the people together, and went to Eabbah, and fought against it, and took it. 39 And he took their king's crown from oflF his head, the weight whereof loas a talent of gold with the precious stones : and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance. 31 And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them, under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln : and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles xx. 1 (part), 2, 3. And Joab smote Eabbah, and destroyed it. 2 And David took the crown of their king from ofiF his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were pre- cious stones in it ; and it was set upon David's head : and he brought also exceed- ing much spoil out of the city. 3 And he brought out the people that toere in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. 51,— Amnon's Incest.— Aljsalom murders him. 2 Samuel xiii. 1-38. ^ And it came to pass after this, "that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was ^Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. "ch. 3.2, 3. Hyderabad. 30. Their king's crown.'] Sept. jUilcom's croton (so K.V. marg.),the idol of the Ammonites (1 Kin. 11. 5, & App.). His name, i.e. king, represents Ammon in Jer. 49. 1, marg., as Chemosh represents Moab in Jer. 48. 7. Hanun, the king, is named in ch. 10. 1-4. David would only wear the crown as .1 momentary act of triumph (110 lbs. weight). To conquer a nation was to conquer its gods in the opinion of those times (cf. 2 Kin, IS. 34 ; Juclg. 11. 24). 31. Under.} Hather, with, as in Chr. .Saws.] We have an instance of similar torture referred to in the saivn asunder of Heb. 11. 37, and, traditionally, in the death of Isaiah by Manasseh's command, hut we cannot readily imagine David treat- ing any thus, or as the seven were treated in 2 Mace. 7. 4, where tongues and limbs were severed with slow cruelty. He was no Caligula, who 'medios serra dissecuit' (.Suetonius), nor even of the fierce tempera- ment of William i. (see Green's Short Hist., p. 72). But such retributive punishment might be justified in Ammon's case (cf. 1 Sam. 11. 2 ; Amos 1. 13) ; and such cruelties would seem more excusable then, when the lex talionis still reigned (see Matt. 5.38), tem- pered, but not abrogated, by the Law of Jloses (Dent. 20. 13), when Christ's Law of love was still unpreached. The Ammonites made their sons 'pass through the fire to Moloch ; ' the brick-kiln may correspond to this (? Heb., malchan, place of Moloch) ; but as to the other tortures we are in [2 S. xii. 29— xiii. 1. 1 C. xx..l— 3.] 1 ' 1 Chron. 3. 9. the dark. The notion of the times would be to treat all as they had treated others ; e.g. Adoui-bezek and Agag ; and the Am- monites had especially exasperated Israel by insulting friendly ambassadors, by or- ganising a coalitiou, by fetching troops from -even remote Euphrates, and by holding out longer than other nations. We must realize the public opinion of the day, and know more of the circumstances, before we may venture to condemn David in this mat- ter. The custom of breaking on the wheel lived long, even in Christian times. But possibly the proceeding was merely symbolic, like making an enemy pass under the yoke, indicative here of the nature of the servitude imposed ; so R.V. marg. ; but see Chr. If so, the excess would be on the side of leniency, which might account for Shobi's friendliness (c/i.17.27). Harrows.] Jiather, threshers, made of thick planks, armed with pointed stones, or iron, and dragged over the corn. The only equivalent for a harrow used in Syria is a log for crushing clods (.Job 39. 10) . 2 S. xiii. 1. Came to pass.] Before the birth of Solomon, already recorded. The fulfilment of God's risrhteous sentence now begins. The narrative incidentally unveils the household life and manners of the He- brew royal family. As in every breach of God's primaeval laws concerning marriage, the germs of the punishment lay in the sin itself. Polygamy of necessity produces, not onlv jealousies and feuds, but also weakened IS K.c. cir. 1032.] A3IN0N'S INCEST. [sec. 51. 2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Taniar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon tliought it hard for him to do any tiling to her. ^But Amnon had a friend, whose name %vas Jonadab, ''the son of Sliimeali David's brother: and Jonadab iftfs a very subtil man. * And he said unto him, "Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day ? wilt thou not tell me ? And Amnon said unto him, 1 love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister. ^ And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand. 6 So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick : and wlien the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and <* make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand. 'Then David sent home to Tamar, saying. Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat. ^ So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house ; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes. "And she took a pan, and poured them out before him ; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, "^Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him. I'JAnd Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought Ihem into the chamber to Amnon her brother, n And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he /took hold of her, and said unto her. Come lie with me, my sister. 12 ^^d she answered him. Nay, my brother, do not force me : for " no such thing ought to be done in Israel : do not thou this ''folly. 13a,jJ i_ whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; ifor he will not withhold me from thee. l^How- beit he would not hearken unto her voice : but, being stronger than she, ^' forced her, and lay with her. 15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly ; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her ' See 1 Sam. IG. 9. << Gen. 18. 6. '' Gen. 31. 7 ; Judg. 19. 23 & 20. 6. 'Gen. 4,'>. 1. /Gen. 39. 12. •' See Lev. 18. 9, II. 9 Lev. 18. 9, 11 & 20. 17. ' Deut. 22. 25 ; see ch. 12. 11. feelings of relationship ; the children of dif- impossible. Tamar, however, appears (v. 1^) fLTent mothers aru ;ipt to n'!.;aril one another to have thought there would be uo yreat rather as cousins. l>;iviil nii^lit liiivc i)lca(U'il diUk'ulty, in sjiite of Lev. IS. 9, in obtaining that no distinct revelation iirochiinieil it un- Laviil'sconscnt to their union. David him- lawful; but (jiod teaches also by those lessons self had broken Deut. 17. 17. But perhaps of the past, which seem by and bye to have Amnon did not wish to wed her, and the im- awakened, not in God's people only, but even possibility was only that of access to her among pai^an nations, that instinctive recog- alone when in David's harem ('home,' r. 7). nition of the true law of marriage, which 3- I'^liiineah.] Or Shamniah (/■ile.] The lirst mention in^-, as in Jer. 2. 37. On cri/inf/.] Hather, in Scripture ftbe word in Gen. .'SO. 24 means away wailing. 20. Thy brother.] He hot sprinr/s, and Vii/r/. so renders]. The Is- may mean ('. folate.] Bather, forlorn; Germ, ledig. 66. 20) and for burdens (IChr. 12. 40; 2 Kin. <-'f. Isa. .54. 1. 21. Wroth.] Yet his own 5. 17). They are longer-lived, hardier, and sin made punishment, even reproof, seem to (in Syria) more costly than horses. They [2 S. .xiii. 16-30.] ' 120 B.C. 1027.] ABSALOM IN EXILE. [sec. 52. 31 Then the king arose, and *tare his garments, and 'lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent. 3- And "Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said. Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons ; for Amnon only is dead : for by the appointment of Absalom tliis hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. 33 Now therefore ''let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead : for Amnon only is dead. 31 2/ But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him. 35 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come : as thy servant said, so it is. 36 ^nd it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept : and the king also and all his servants wept very sore. 3' But Absalom fled, and went to ^Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 38 go Absalom fled, and went to "Geshur, and was there three years. 52.— Absalom's Return. 2 Samuel xiii. 39— xit. 39 And ;Ae soul of km g David longed to go forth unto Absalom : for he was " com- forted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead, i Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was ''toward Absalom. ^ And Joab sent to '^Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, ^and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead : 3 and come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab *put the words in her mouth. 4 And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she /fell on her face to the •Ch. 1.11. 'ch. 12. 16. "ver. 3. "0611.38.12. 'eh. 13. 39. '"SChr. 11. 6 'ch. 19. 19. y ver. 38. ' ch. 3. 3. <' See Ruth 3. 3. 'ver. 19 : Ex. 4. 15. »ch. 14. 23, 32 & 15. 8. / 1 Jiam. 20.41 j ch. 1. 2. arc also surer-footed, more enduring, and ca- who took the Initiative in bringiiij^ the exile pable of heavier loads. 31. Tare, &v.] The home. The word rendered longed, however, phrase is the usual one, rent his clothes, has not strictly that meaning, but be con- Earth.] liather, floor. 32.] Either suined, be quite done. Viilg^ therefore is Jonadab was in Absalom's coulidcuce, or perhaps correct, cessavit persequi Absalom. guessed by natural subtlety. I'robably pub- Cf . ch. 14. 28, and 1, note. lie opinion would expect Absalom, as Lcr .^ o ,.;:; or* r „„^ n i^c o- full-brother, to avenge her. By Oriental ~ »• ^'"--SQ. Xo«,7«/.] Ci.v.Z,,note. custom and the precedent of Dinah (Gen. . ~ *?■ xiv.— 1. loicard.] Kendered against 31. 27), Tamar's brother would be her ua- '^ ^'•^^•. l^- ~''*' ""'^ Irequently. It conveys tural avenger. ZZ.Take.&c] The phrase ^H*^ notion of going- on the way to meet; means be affected hi/, whether in the way of whether to wekn)nio or oppose- tlic context sorrow or (ch. I'.t. lb) vengeance. 34. And (\^'^,^ ''^^ meaning given to the word render- the, &C.1 A parenthesis down to v. 37. ^d long in cA. 13. 39) must decide. 2.^7'';- ,,f 7 in oi e < 11 '.. .,-„ ; 123 [2S. xiv. 15— 27.] SEC. 53.] DAVID FORGIVES ABSALOM. [b.c. 1024. 28 So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, "and saw not the king's face. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when lie sent again the second time, he would not come, soxhei-g. fore he said unto his servants. See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there ; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Where- fore have thy servants set my field on fire? 32Aji(J Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still : now therefore 1st me see the king's face; and if there be aiiy iniquity in me, let him kill me. 33 So Joab came to the king, and told him : and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king : and the king * kissed Absalom. 53.— Absalom's Rebellion. 2 Samuel xv. 1 And "it came to pass after this, that Absalom * prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate : and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said. Of what city art thou ? And he said. Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. 3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right ; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. * Absalom said moreover, ' Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice I » ver. 24. *■ Gen. S3. 4. & 45. 15 ; Luke 15. 20. ° ch. 12. 11. ^ 1 Kin. 1. 5. ' Judg. 9. 29. 2 Chr. 11. 21, where ' daughter ' means Samaria,' 1 Kin. 22. 10 ; 1 Sam. 4. 1.3, and ch. granddaughter. 32. Iniquity. '\ According 19. 8), which is the place of commerce, to the popular view of an avenger's duties business, and justice. See Ps. 55. 11, note he had been suffering wrougfully. ' Half- (below). Compare Jer. 17. 19 & 22. 1-3. Bab forgiveness,' he says, ' is worse than death.' Humayoora (the High Gate, Fr. Sublime And possibly Bathsheba was using her in- Porte), the chief entrance to Broussa, the fluence to the disadvantage of this rival of ancient Turkish capital, has given its name to Solomon. the Government itself (Brande). Similarly, 2 S. xv.-l. Prepared, &c.] Cf. ' Resolved ^t the Sacred Gate of the Kremlin, every to ruin or to rule the state.'-Z>r^(tew. Kussian doffs his hat as it to present Ma- Absalom was next heir to the throne-if Jesty. Chambers are not uncommonly built David's second .son Chileab (unmentioned '^^ either side of the way. 1 or a chamber since eft. 3. 3) was dead. But the conflicting 'over the gate, see eft. 18. 33. Of one. -\ claims of sous of different wives (e.g. 1 Kin. '-f- of such a tribe (naming it). 4. Suit, 1. 17), and the father's freedom of choice cause.] Generally rendered cause (contro- (who would, with age, become increasino-ly versy, r. 2) and judgment. Sept. (here) open to influence), would keep the succession di'TiA.07(o, Kpicns. If every angry dispu- iu doubt. To secure the throne, Absalom tant. if all parties seeking arbitration, felt .set himself to dazzle the people by a themselves entitled to an audience, and to splendid retinue and the fascinaticm of his receive the direct aid of royal power and person (ch. 14. 25) and of his address, and wisdom, we mav well suppose some dissatis- by other demagogue's acts. Run before.] faction. This Absalom seeks to turn to his i.e. his state chariot, to clear a way in the account, being himself, perhaps unconscious- narrow crowded streets : as is still the ly, the instrument of a deeper and stronger custom in Cairo. Samuel quotes this as discontent. David's chief foes were in- an appanage of royalty (1 Sam. 8. 11). deed now 'of his own household.' .Tudah's 2- The way, &c.] i.e. the road leading to jealousy had furnished fuel for this re-- the gate. Just inside the gateway of Eastern hellion's flame: no organization for the cities there is a court or open .space (cf. «a better administration of justice, such as void place in the entrance of the gate of that of Moses (Exod. 18. 25, 26) or of [2 S. xiv. 28— XV. 4.] 124 B.C. 1023.] ABSAL02rS REBELLION. [SEC. 53. '' And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and Ivissed him. ^ And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment : (^so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 7 And it came to pass * after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron. ^/Fot thy servant "vowed a vow ''while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord. ^ And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. i** But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying. As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. ^^ And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that ivcre ^called; and they went^in their simplicity, and they knew not anything. i- And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, ^David's counsellor, from his city, evew from "* Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong ; for the people " increased continually with Absalom. '' Rom. 16. 18. / 1 Sam. 16. 2. * ch. 13 1 Sam. 16. 1. a Gen. 28. 20, 21. ' 1 Sam. 9. 13 & 16. .S, 5. * Gen. 20. 5. ' Ps. 41. 9 & 5.5. 12, 13, 14. ■» Josh. 15. 51. " Ps. 3. 1. Jeboshaphat (2 Chr. 19. 5-10) would have dimiuislit'd Absalom's following-. We do not know what assessors David had at present. Later we find him appointing 6,000 local magistrates (1 Chr. Zi. 4). But he is bold to claim that he had 'considered the poor' (Ps. 41. 1) ; and for that his character might vouch. Possibly recent sicknesses, alluded to in Ps. 6 & 41, may have hindered the discharge of his regular duties and furnished a pretext to Absalom, and given him opportunity for maturing his plans un- observed. 6. Stole, &.C.] CI'. ' Whate'er he did was done with so much ease. In him alone 'twas natural to please.' — Dryden. Like Bolingbroke (Shals. Rich, ii.), 'with humble and familiar courtesy,' he wooed them 'with the craft of smiles,' and made their hearts his own ; Sept. iSioiroieTTo. 7. Forty.] Si/r. and Arab, read four, evi- dently rightly. Hebron.'] Absalom's birth- place, and likely therefore to have an affec- tion for him. Having been David's first capital, a soreness might exist at its super- session by Jerusalem. It was the oldest city of Palestine, and clothed with holy memories. 8. Serre the Lord . . in Hebron.] Note that David makes no objection to sacri- fices being made elsewhere than at the cen- tral sanctuary. Moses' altar was now at Gibeon, the ark in its new tabpi-Tiaclc at Je- rusalem. The same thing is obscrviiliU> often in the hi.story of these unsettled (inu'S; yet the law (Deut. 12. 4-11) was neitlier abro- gated, nor unimportant in the way of in- struction. Rebellious hearts, that for ever ask. Why not ? might ask, AVhy must I offer only in the place of tlie Lord's choosing? But the answer is. Life belont^s to God ; in every sacrifice that is acknowledtred, especially in the offerings of the three 125 great feasts (Deut. 16. 16) of Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles (which shadow in many points Easter, Whitsunday, and Christ- mas, when Atonement's fruits were secured, viz., justification, sanctification, and God's dwelling once more among men ; cf. John 1. 14); the brazen altar, type of Christ's cross, is the only fitting meetiug-place for sinful man and God. Even the Law itself contemplated exceptional cases (Deut. 27. 5-7). Such offerings as trespassofferings, the necessity for which was frequent and irregular, were suffered to be made, Maimo- nides says, by accumulation, i.e. on the next occasion of visiting the central sanctuary. Those occasions served the further purpose of more closely uniting the tribes to each other (cf. Ps. 133. 1, 3), and to that God, in whose promised guardianship (Exod. 34. 24) their very presence was a confession and renewal of confidence. See note on 1 Sam. 20. 6. 10. Spies.] Lit. one who goes about,. tale-bearer, agent. 11. Called.] Elsewhere 'bidden,' i.e. invited to the sacrificial feast. A plausible excuse for a great assembly. So Civilis, leader of the Balavian rebellion in the time of Vitellius : Primore.i gentis et promptissimos vulgi specie epularum sacrum in nemus vocatos. ubi node et latitid inca- luisse videt, injnrios et raptns et cetera servitii mala enumirat.— Tac. Hist. iv. 14. In their simplicity.] Rendered at a ven- ture (1 Kin. 22. 34). 12. OHonite.] Cp. Shilonite (1 Kin. 12. 15). (iiloh was in the 'mountain,' i.e. hill country,' S.W. of Hebron. Ahithophel is called 'the king's counsellor.' aixl llushai ' the king's com- panion ' (rather, friend) in the list of David's officials (1 Chr. 27. .32-34). Ahithophel, as be- ing Batlislieba's grandfather (cf. ch. 11. 3 & 23. 34), had a special grudge against David. It was probably when tidings reached David of Ahithophel's defection that lu> composed Ps. [2 S. XV. 5-12.] SEC. 53.] ABSALOM'S REBELLION. [B.C. 1023. Psalm xli. To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor : The LoKD will deliver him in time of trouble. - The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive ; And he shall be blessed upon the earth: And thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing : Thou wilt make all his bed in his sick- ness. * I said, Lord, be merciful unto me : Heal my soul ; for I have sinned against thee, s Mine enemies speak evil of me. When shall he die, and his name perish ? * And if h e come to see vie, he speaketh vanity : His heart gathereth iniquity to itself; When he goeth abroad, he telleth it. ' All that hate lue whisper together against me : Against me do they devise my hurt. 8 An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him : And now that he lieth he shall rise up no more. 9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Which did eat of my bread, Hath lifted up his heel against me. 1" But thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me. And raise me up, that I may requite them. 11 By this I know that thou favourest me. Because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. 12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity. And settest me before thy face for ever. 13 Blessed he the Lord God of Israel From everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. Psalm lv. To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. 1 Give ear to my prayer, O God ; And hide not thyself from my supplica- tion. 2 Attend unto me, and hear me : I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise ; 3 Because of the voice of the enemy. Because of the oppression of the wicked : For they cast iniquity upon me, And in wrath they hate me. 4 My heart is sore pained within me : And the terrors of death are fallen upon me. s Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, And horror hath overwhelmed me. " And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove ! For then would I fly away, and be at rest. '' Lo, then would I wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah. 8 I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest. 9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues : For I have seen violence and strife in the city. 1*^ Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof; Mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. 11 Wickedness is in the midst thereof: Deceit and guile depart not from her streets. 12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me ; Then I could have borne it : 41 and 55. It is remarkable that the history godly, yet speaks hypocritical assurances of makes no mention of a sickness on which the love and sympathy. It is plain how well Psalms dwell so much. [Ps. XLI.— 2. Blessed.] leather, counted happy. Z. Strengthen.] Jiather, support. ^fake all hif bed.] Jiather, all his lying down thou wilt turn (or chang-e, viz., by restoring- hiin to health). 6.] The Visitant is the ideal man that hates the £Ps. xli. & lv. 1—12.] 126 what is said of Ahithophel (Ps. 41. 9 & 55. 12) suits Judas. He.) Jiather, one. Vamtij.] Bather, falsehood.] [Ps.LV. — 2. Mourn.] Jiather, am restless. 3. Jniquity . . . hate.] Jiather, mischief . . . persecute. U. Deceit.] Jiather, oppren- sion. Streets.] Jiather, public place ( lit. the ' broad place ' of the gate, the B.C. 1023.] D.1T7D DECIDES TO FLEE. FsKC. 53. Selah. Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me ; Then I would have hid myself from him : ^^ But it was thou, a man mine equal, My guide, and mine acquaintance. 1+ We took sweet counsel together, And walked unto the house of God in company, li Let death seize upon them, And let them go down quick into hell: For wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them, i** As for me, I will call upon God ; And the Lord shall save me. 1" Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud : And he shall hear my voice. 18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me : For there were many with me. '3 And there came a messenger to David, saying, " The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom, i* And David said unto all his servants that ivere with him at Jerusa- lem, Arise, and let us ** flee ; for we shall not else escape from Absalom : make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword, l^ And the king's servants said unto the king. Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. 2 For thine arrows stick fast in me. 19 God shall hear, and afflict them, Even he that abide th of old. Because they have no changes, Therefore they fear not God. 20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him : He hath broken his covenant. 21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heaft : His words were softer than oil, Yet toere they drawn swords. 22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee : He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. 23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction : Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days ; But I will trust in thee. Psalm xxxviii. A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. 1 O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath : Neither chasten me in thy hot displea- sure. • ver. 6 ; Judg. 9. 3. Oriental forum). 13. Guide.] Rather, familiar friend. \^. In compavy .] lia- ther, amid the throng. 15- Quick into hell.] liather, livinof (Num. 10. .SO) iuto 8heol (the Underworld). 18. With me.} i.e. fiohtinavi delight in thee; behold, here am I *let him do tome as seemeth good unto him. ' -7 The king said also unto Zadolv the priest. Art not thou a ''seer? return into the city in peace, and « your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 See, /I will tarry in the plain of tlie wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me. 29 Zajok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem : and they tarried there. 3" And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up and "had his head covered, and he went ''barefoot : and all the people that was with' him » covered every man his head, and they went up, i' weeping as they went up. 31 And 07ie told David, saying, ' Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom And David said, O Lord, 1 pray thee, '"turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. 32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the "Archite came to meet him "with his coat rent and earth upon his head : 33 unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me then ° Ps. 43. 3. ' Num. 14. 8; ch. 22. 20; 1 Kin. 10. 9 : 2 Chr 9. 8 ; Isa. 62. 4. ■■ 1 Sam. 3. 18. «' 1 Sam. 9. 9. ' See eh. 17. 17. / ch. 17. 16. sch. 19. 4; Esth. 6. 12. ' Jer. 14. 3, 4. ' Ps. 3. 1, 2 & 55. 12, &c. "■ ch. 16. 23 & 17. 14, 23. ° ch. 1. 2. * Isa. 20. 2, 4. * Ps. 12C. 6. " Josh. 16. 2. lingering in his mind that be might be suf- Bahurim must have been between En-ro"el fered to build a House for his God. Exile and Beth-sheuusb. on or beside this roule seemed to him almost as the ' serving other See c/(. 3. 16. Barefoot.'] Yor this and the gods'(l Saiu. 26. 19). 26- Let him do... other signs of deepest mourniiis', see Ezek as seemeth good.} Beautiful are the traces 24. 17. The ordinary hcad-coverin"- was re- here of the renewal of the right spirit within moved, and the mouth and beard, and some- David. There can be no more Christ-like times the head also, were wrapped in the feature in any sou of man than submission mantle. 31.] When David's trial was at to God (cf. o/t. 16.10-12). 27. Seer.] His its sorest, the news of the defection of his person would be sacred. Vulg. O videns ! unrivalled adviser— 'the familiar friend in Germ. O dit Seher. The title is never whom he trusted' (Ps. 41. 9) reaches him. specially assigned to the H. P., but the notion of its appropriateness is not without au- thority (cf. John 11. 51). 'The true priest Is a prophet' (Philo). But Sept. reads (as in v. 28, tSere) See ! return thou, &c. AMmaaz.l The runner of ch. 18. 27. 28. Iti the plain, &c.] Heb. Anibah. Another rending; is. J!y the fords, i.e. of Jordan, in the ]ilaius of Jericho. Jordan was such a barrier that its few fords determined the course of the highways into Palestine. The possession of these two southern fords was all-important ^- <'f •Teriisale (cp. Judar. 12. 5). Cf. 2 Kiu.25. .5. ( •ertifii.} TriMram] Nol , - . ^.tifi/.] Cf. Certiorem facere, i.e. inform ; rather, report to (cf. v. 36). 30. Ascent of U/iret.] Lit. of the Olives. 0/ivet is due to the oliveti in Acts 1. 12, Jliff/. This chief route to the new capital, across the wilderness of Judah, h(iLC('f(ir\vinil (•(niics into prominence. It is a -pass iibove the Wudy Kelt,' and almost certainly the boundary between Ju- dah and Benjamin (Josh. 15. 5-7). It ascends round Olivet, then passinii- behind Bethany, descends by rou^h torrc7it-licils to the Spriii"- Ain Hand (Kiislicmcsh, i.r. Spiiii;; of the Sun), and after 20 miles of loudv wilderness Turn, &c.] Cx. Ps. 41 & 55 & 69 & 109. Foolishness.] A play on the name Ahitho- phel, brother of a fool. 32- Lfe.] liather, men. Some translate 'where God is (or was) wont to bo worshipped.' No doubt there was a high place on this E. part of Olivet, vis. where the road to Jordan by Jericho winds round its southern base. Its highest point is nearly 200 feet higher than Jerusalem (Tristram). In fact, the northern summit of the ridge (Jit. Scoitus), two miles of .leriisalem, was probably (Porter and where the tabernacle once stood, between Jerusalem and Anathoth (Isa. 10. 30-32). In Solomon's day the eastern sunmiit was called the Mount of Corruption (1 Kin. 11. 7; 2 Kin. 23. 13). On it the Bed heifer, wliicli imist be otTered without the camji, was s.-ieriliced. Tlie Taliuud says that the Sheeliiiiali on (piittiiig .Jerusalem (.see Ezek. 11. 23) dwelt 3^ years on the Mount of Olives, to see wbetlier Israel would or would not repent, calling.'.' Ueturn to me. O my sons, and I will return to you ; seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.' Heights, not valleys, were' gene- reaches the plain of .Jordan tlirou<;h the rally chosen in Palestine for cities and for valley of Achor (Josh. 7. -M),— Tristram, altars. Archite.] Archite here means, pro- 131 [2 S. XV. 26— 33.J SEC. 54.] ABSALOM'S REBELLION. [b.c. 1023. thou shalt be ^a burden unto me: 34 but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, ^ I will be thy servant, 0 king ; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant : then niayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahitho- phel. 35 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests ? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, ^ thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, ^o Behold, thei/ have there " with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son ; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear. 37 go Hushai 'David's friend came into the city, "And Absalom came into Jerusalem. 54.— David's Flight. 2 Samuel xvi. 1 And "when David was a little past the to-p of the hill, behold, *Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine. 2 ^.nd the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses 6e for the king's household to ride on ; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat ; and the wine, ' that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink. 3 And the king said, And where is thy master's son? <*And Ziba said unto the king. Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem : for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father. * ''Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, 0 king. s And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was /Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. ^ And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right r ch. 19. 35. « ch. 16. 19. <• ch. 15. 80, S2. <• ch. 9. 2. ■• ch. 17. 15, 16. ■ ver. 27. ' eh. 15. 23 & 17. 29. << ch. 19. 27. ' ch. 16. 16; 1 Chr. 27. 33. « ch. 16. 15. « Prov. 18. 13. / ch. 19. 16 ; 1 Kin. 2. 8, 44. bably, a native of Archi, on the frontier of mer fruits.] Probably compressed dates (Sept. Benjamin and Ephraim. Coat] i.e. tunic, (polviKes), 6gs, or apricots. Caravans still worn under the mantle. 34. Say, &c.] carry such provisions. Bottle.] Rather, A mode of carrymg out God -s purpose skin. Cp. Matt. 9. 17, & see 1 Sam. 25. 18, no more to be commended th.an Kebecca's „o Rom. 9. 20. P ch. 12. 11. 1 Gen. 15. 4. ■• Eom. 8. 28. Note the precautions ag-ainst pursuit and say God bade Judas betray Christ, and the the orderliness of the retreat. 7. Come Jewscrucify Him (Ac.4.2S;. 12.] Cf. Ps. 1U9. out.] Rather, He<;oue. Bloody.] i.e. 'ifi-'ZS. 'Ko man,' says Chrysostom wisely, blood-guilty. 'Man of blood 'was Cromwell's 'is ever really hurt by any one but by usual designation of Charles i. Cf. 1 Chr. himself.' To want an enemy may possibly 2'J. 8. Of the blood-guiltiness with which be even worse than to want a friend. Shimei charges him David was innocent; Affliction.'] So Sept. Vulg.; A.X.m.tenrs.'R.V. he was not in league with the Philistines ivrong. 13. Side.] Lit. rib. Many similar when Saul and his sons fell on Gilboa. He had no hand in the death of Ish-bosheth or Abner; if the sons of Pizpah and Merab {ch. 21. S, note) wero vet hiuigcd. it \v;is in lawful and righteous I'xpiation of a violated oath; but Uriah's murder {eh. l.'. H) closed Davids mouth cfTeetually. Consciousness of sin silences the voice alike of sAcll-defence and of reproof. Belial.] Cf. 1 Sam. 10. 27, note. 8. Mischief.] Rather, misfortune or evil-doing:. 9- Jio^.] Cf. 1 Sam. 17. 43, vote. 10. Sons of Zeruiah.] Cf. ch. 3. ,39. They were always ready to presume on their relationsliip ;uid services, and were of a fiery temperament. Cf. .John. 2. 4; Luke 9. .54; also 1 Sam. 20. ><. 11. This Benjamite.] Who might regard David as usurping- the royal honours of his family and tribe. David in a word exi)Iaiiis Shimei's virulent insolence. /iiddiii.] i.e. allowed, in fulfilment of His purpose. So we might 133 expressions are used to denote portions ol mountains. Stones.] The stones might re- present the adulterer's due. Cf. — ' How oft it hap,s that, when mthin Men shrink at sense of secret sin, A feather daunts the brave : A fool's wise speech confounds the wise, And proudest princes veil their eyes Before their meanest slave.'— ^'co^f. 14. Weary.] Rather to Aycphim (so R.V. marg.) ; see Variorum; some small place, or a caravansary styled The Ayephim, i.e. the weary. Cf. the Highland sjiot called 'Rest and be thankful,' and the coniuion siiiii, ' The traveller's "'rest.' Here, David awaited news (v. 28 & ch. 17. 22) unlil night. [Ps. LXIII.— There ]irobably Ps. 63 was coniiioscd. The irihlcrncss of Jadnli may include all the tract between .Jerusalem and .lericUo (cf. Matt. 3. 1). 1. Earli/ . . . J.] His wakiuir desire, after refrcshiuL;' rest, is [2 S. xvi. 7—14. Ps. lxiii. 1, 2.] SEC. 54.] ABSALOM IN JERUSALEM. [B.C. 1023. 3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise thee. 4 Thus will I bless thee while I live : I will lift up my hands in thy name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with mar- row and fatness ; And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips : c When I remember thee upon my bed, And meditate on thee in the night watches. ' Because thou hast been my help, Therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. 8 My soul followeth hard after thee : Thy right hand upholdeth me. " But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, Shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 1* They shall fall by the sword : They shall be a portion for foxes. 11 But the king shall rejoice in God ; Every one that sweareth by him shall glory : But the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. Absalom in Jerusalem. 15 And * Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 10 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, ' David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king. 1' And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? "why wentest thou not with thy friend? l^ And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the Lord, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide, i^ And again, ^whom should I serve? should I not sei-ve in the presence of his son ? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence. 20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do. 21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's ^ concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou ^ art abhorred of thy father : then shall " the hands of all that are with thee be strong. 22 go they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house ; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines ''in the sight of all Israel. 23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of (^od : so was all the counsel of Ahithophel ''both with David and with Absalom. ' ch. 15. 37. ' ch. 15. .37. " ch. 19. 25 ; Prov. 17. 17. ' ch. 15. 34. V ch. 15. 16 & 20. 3. to feel God's near presence. The word often means earnestly. Q. And.] Rather, I, \0. Foxes.] iioi/ter, jackals; Tieh. shilalim. The allusion here is to the slain becoming their prey. H. Swear by Him.} i.e. recog- nise God's sovereis:nty.] 2 S. xvi.— 16. God sai^e.} Rather, Long live. 17. Friend.] Cf. ch. 15. Z7, note. A sarcastic allusion to his official title. 18. This people.] Probably he means the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and u.ses Israel ■with wide signification. Cf. ch. 15. 23, note. 19- Again.] Rather, moreover, giving a further reason. 21. Go in, &c.] Such an ' Gen. 34. 30 ; 1 Sam. 13. 4. » ch. 2. 7 ; Zech. 8. 13. ' ch. 12. 11, 12. <^ ch. 15. 12. act would make reconciliation impossible, and avenjje by rotaliiitiim the lioumir of Ahithophcl's grand-daut^htcr, r.athsliuba. Also, accordins to Oriental ideas (cp. c7(. 12. 8, note), the act was equivalent to a public assumption of the throne. Cp. 1 Kin. 2. 22. Thus the favourite son was the instrument of the father's punishment, and fulfilled Nathan's prophecy (ch. 12. 11). 22-] Absa- lom had no dread of Divine law (Lev. L'O. 11) or fear of Reuben's fate (Gen. 49. 3-5). God 'bade ' him do this thing (cf. v. 11. and ch. 12. 11, 12). 23- -^t the oracle.'] Rather, of the word. Cf. 1 Kin. 6. 5, note. [Ps. Lxiii. 3— 11. 2 S. xvi. 15— 23.] 124 B.C. 1023.] THE RIVAL COUNSELLORS. [sKC. 55. 55.— The Rival Counsellors. 2 Samuel xvii. 1-23. I Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue alter David this night : - and I will come upon him while he iS " weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will ''smite the king only: 3 and I will bring back all the people unto thee : the man whom thou seekest « as if all returned : so all the people shall be in peace. * And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. 5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith. *' And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him. Baying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner : shall we do after his saying ? if not ; speak thou. 7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time. ^ j'or, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as ''a bear robbed of her whelps in the field : and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. 9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say. There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom, lo And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly <^melt : for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men. II Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, * from Dan even to Beer-sheba, /as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to » See Deut. 25. 18 ; ch. 16. 14. <■ Zech. 13. 7. ' Hos. 13. 8. '.Josh. 2. 11. ■ Judf?. 20. 1. /Gen. 22. 17. 2 S. xvii. — ^foreover.'] Kesumlug after the Sept. adds, Koi us vs rpaxe^a eV Toii TreSiiy. parenthesis of ch. Ifi. Ti, 2.3. 2- Make him afraid.] Perhaps rather scare, or dum- found. It is the panic-fear which agitates and dazes. Germ. erschrecJce ; Vulg. percu- tiam ; Sept. iKcnitaw. 3. Man . . . seekest.'] So Jael describes Sisera (Judff. 4. 22). Da- vid's death would secure everything at no cost to the people ; no other claimant would have any chance against Ahsalom. Sept. '6v rpiirov (irirrrpeipei 7} i'vfj.(p7l irpbs Thu ivSpa. 4. Pleased.] The utter want of affection or even ordinary feelinu- in Absa- lom, shows what a doffree of hardness in- dulahiiui. See/era impetii. bona cons!/ ivv(^ver jTood that of ch. W. 21 may have bc'i'n. This wisdom of the serpent was sup- plied in answer to t7(. 10. 31, 8. Bear.] -^fan of icar.] And therefore wary, and conscious of a general's value. Lodi/c] Means in Old English ' pass the nit,'-ht ; ' French loger. Cf . ' I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a lodging, and say, he lies here or he lies there, were to lie in mine own throat.' — Sliaks. He recalls the success with which David had baffled Saul's pursuit. Cf. 1 Sam. 23. 22, 2:$. 9. Place.] The Hebrew word is as various in its meanings as the Euylish. Here, pro- bably the walled city of c. i:} is intended. Some of them.] i.e. of Absalom's people. He points out how damaging even a slight reverse at the outset might prove. IQ. He also.] i.e. even he ; in a complimentary way he makes excuse for the fear which, ho shrewdly suspects, lurks in Absalom's heart. 11. Gencralli/.] i.e. en masse. That thou, &c.] So a "speedier end might come to th(^ rebellion by some accident to Absalom, and time would be gained for David. Yet the simufstion ccnild only be taken as a com- ])liiiiriit and cxprc-^siou of the wish that Ahitliophcl niii^ht not rob Absalom of honour, and that the work though more slow might be more sure. Germ, niid deine J'vr- son zichc II liter i linen; so Sejit. and r» /.'/., and so would a courtier bo likolv to a(' ' 135 [2 S. xvii. 1—11.] SEC. 55.] ABSALOM IN JERUSALEM. [b.c. 1023. battle in thine own person. 12 go shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as tJie dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one. 1^ Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there. 14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For " the Loed had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom. 15 li Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel ; and thus and thus have I coun- selled. IS Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night »in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that ai-e with him. 17*: Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz ^stayed by '"En-rogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them ; and they went and told king David. 18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom : but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house "in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down. '^ And " the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon ; and the thing was not known. 20 ^^d when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And ^ the woman said unto them. They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find than, they returned to Jeru- salem. 21 And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, ^ Arise, and pass quickly over the water : for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you. 22 Then David arose, and all the people that iye?'e Vith him, and they passed over Jordan : by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan. e ch. 15. 31, 34. * ch. 15. 35. " ch. 16. 5. " See Josh. 2. 6. ' ch. 15. 28. * ch. 15. 27, 3G. v f See Ex. 1. 19 ; Josh. 2. i, 5. ' Josh. 2. i. &o. " Josh. 15. 7 & IS. 16. 5 ver. 15, 16. a new-fledged king-. 12. Lif/ht . ..as deio.'] the end of the verse). Told king David J] Dew falls plenteously, noiselessly, irresist- After the Hebrew manner, the end of their Ibly, and on all sides. 18. Jiopes, &c.] story precedes the details. 18. In his Vain-glory, a lurking dread of David's court.'] Probably a dry well, or store- prowess, and God-sent infatuation, alone house under the women's chamber; mar- could cause them to be blinded by such auding Arab* will sound the floors to bombastic language. IUver.'\ Bather, discover such hidiugplaces. 19. Cover- raviue. Cf. Mic. 1. 6, where the word ren- iitg.l Very probably the curtain for the AoveA valley means oXho stream. 16. This door, which would be hanoing close at hand. niqht.] For Ahithophel's counsel {v. 1) Ground corn.] Vulg. quasi siccans ' might after all prevail. 17. En-rogel.] ptisanas ,• Gei;ni. griitze. 20- Brook of i.e. Fuller's fountain. It is the modern tcater.] Some rivulet close by, not the Fountain of the Virgin, which lies just out- Jordan. No doubt she would misdirect side the S.E. wall of Jerusalem, and is them. 22- Passed over.] By the fords partly artificial. Outwards it feeds the pool of Jericho. Doubtless that night David of Siloam, and, inwards, forms part of the had lain him down in peace aiid slept, subterranean water-system of the ancient in the blessed consciousness that even city. A wench.] Rather, the servant- there the Lord could make him dwell in maid, j.e. of the H.P. Vulg. an«7/a. The safeti/ (Ps. 4. 8). The messengers must have Saxon word ivench originally meant simply awakened him from his first sleep. His girl. IVent] Variorum, used to go and hynm for the following evening was Ps. 3 tell (so R.V., placino- for they might, &c., at (see p. 3, and cf. Ps. 143. 2, 8). [2 S. xvii. 12—22.] 136 B.C. 1023.] DAVID IN GILEAD. [sec. I'SALM XLII. To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. 1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, So panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night. While they continually say unto me, Where is thy God ? * When I remember these tilings, I pour out my soul in me : For I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept holyday. 5 Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul ? And tchy art thou disquieted in me ? Hope thou in God : for I shall yet praise him For the help of his countenance. 6 0 my God, my soul is cast down within me : Therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, And of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts ; All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 8 Yet the Lord will command his loving- kindness in the daytime, And in the night his song shall he with me, And my prayer unto the God of my life. 9 I will say unto God my rock. Why hast thou forgotten me ? Wliy go I mourning because of the op- pression of the enemy? '^^ As with a sword in ray bones, mine enemies reproach me ; While they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? '1 Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God : for I shall yet praise him. Who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm xliii. 1 Judge me, 0 God, And plead my cause against an ungodly nation : O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. 2 For thou art the God of my strength : Why dost thou cast me off? Why go I mourning because of the op- pression of the enemy? 3 0 send out thy light and thy truth : Let them lead me ; Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, And to thy tabernacles. 4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, Unto God my exceeding joy : Yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul ? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God : for I shall yet praise him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God. are the roaring sea- billows of suffering and pain ; one Invites, as it were, another to lanimUa^rymau^K-onii'eMa POur Itself forth upon the Psalmist (//f »nw.andn,f,ht]uev^^^^ amc district] the Hermons tmually. 10. ^s . • ^|o«ft.^] Jiather Aji it -r,. nf n,n„T,tnin« in th.it <1is- wcfc crushuiff my l-ept. awTripla; Gcrm.hiilfe; 1ta.\. salrei-ra.] [Ps. XLIII.— Ps. 4:! is practically a continu- ation ; nearly all modem critics rc<;ard the two Psalms as originally one. Compare the refrain. I's. 42. 5, 1 1 ■ ch. 15. 12. • Matt. 27. 5. " Gen. 32. 2 ; Josh. 13. 26 ; ch. 2. 8. ' 1 Chr. 2. 16, 17. 2 S. xvii.— 23. Ass.] Cf. 1 Sam. 9. 3, note. Gat him home, &c.] As knowing that David's success was assured, and therefore his own ruin equally so ; and the question. Where is the wise f might fitly be asked in Jerusalem and Giloh, as in Corinth in later days (cf. Isa. 29. 14; 1 Cor. 1. 20). 2 S. xvii. — 24. Mahanaim.] Lately, tlie rallying-point of the nation after the battle of Gilboa, and Ish-bosheth's capital {ch. 2. S). A city of Gad on the frontier of Manasseh against Bashan, a day's journey N. of tlie R. Jabbok (Josh. 1.3. 26, .30), and in that diffi- cult section of Mount Gilead whence neither tjihon nor Israel at first could expel Amnion (see Num. 21. 24). It probably lay iu a pro- ductive district (1 Kin. 4. 14). Passed.] Meanwhile Absalom had been anointed, and carried out Hushai's advice. 25. Israelite.] K.V. marw. Ishmaelite from 1 Chr. 2. 17. Abigail, Nahash.] Abiirail and Zeruiah were David's sisters (1 Chr. 2. 16.) ; if whole sisters, Nahash must, of course, have been Jesse's wife ; if half-sisters, Nahash may have been .lesse's former wife or liis wife's former husband. It is not known whether (like Noah; cp. Gen. 5. 29 ; Num. 26. 33) Nahash was both a male and a female name. The point here is the cousinship of Amasa and Joab. 27. Shobi.] Possibly the brother of Hanun {eh. 10. 1), king of Ammon. Machir.] :Mephibosheth's pro- tector (ch. 9. 4). Barzillai.] Cf. 1 Kin. ■' ■ Ezra 2. 61-63 ; Neh. 7. 63. The 2. 7 site of Rosjelim {The fullers) is unknown. [2 S. xvii. 23— xviii. 1.] 138 « See ch. 10. 1 & 12. 29. rf ch. 9. 4. « ch. 19. 31, 32 : 1 Kin. 2. 7 /ch. 16.2. 28. Basons.] Rather, dishes or botcls. Wheat, &c.] So was a table prepared before him in the presence of his enemies (cf. Vs. 23.5). David has good cause to remember God 'from the land of Jordan ' (cf. Ps. 42. 6). Beans.] Chiefly eaten stewed in oil, but also used with flour for bread (cf. Ezek.4. 9) ; so likewise (cf. Gen. 25. 34) are lentils (a kind of vetch). Pulse.] i.e. peas and other such vegetables, lit. seeds. Parched peas are a favourite food iu the East. 29. But- ter, &c.] If Lo-debar, i.e. without pasture, was deservedly so called, these gifts would be costly ones on Macliir's part. Possibly curdled milk, Arab, leben, is meant. Cheese of hine.] i.e. of cows, hine being the right plural of cow, as swine of sow. But the Vulg. pingues vitulos. i.e. fat calves, is more probably correct. Ewe-milk cheese is preferred in the East. /« the ivilderness.] i.e. probably after their passage through the wilderness (cf . ch. 16. 2). 2 S. xviii. — 1. Numbered.] David organises his personal adherents and foreign mercen- aries, comparatively few, but s;reat in military experience, into a little army and reviews it. ' All Israel,' W. of Jordan at any rate, in- cluding even Judah, had forsaken him for Absalom. Indeed, Absalom had specially built his hopes on Judah, as if it viewed re- sentfully David's endeavour to be impartially kins of the 12 tribes. See Ewald's History of Israel, iii. 176. Ahithophel and Amasa, Absalom's chief supporters, were both of B.C. 1023.] ABSALOM'S DEFEAT AND DEATH. [sec. 56. of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. ^ And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, "and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto tlie people, I will surely go forth with you myself also. 3 >>■ But the people answered. Thou shalt not go forth : for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city. * And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands. ^ And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. 'And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom. 0 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the '^wood of Ephraim; ^ where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men. ^ For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country : and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured. ''And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the 0 a k, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth ; and the mule that was under him went away. 10 And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said. Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. n And Joab said unto the man that told him. And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground ? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle. '2 And the man said unto Joab, Though 1 should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king's son: 'for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying. Beware that none touch the young man Absalom. s ch. 15. 19. <• ch. 21. 17. * ver. 12. * Josh. 17. 15, IS. ' ver. 5. Judah. 2. Go forth.'] i.e. command iu tangled bushes and thorny creppors growing the field. David consents to watch tlie issue over rugged rocks, ravines, and prec-ipict-s. with the reserves iu Mahanaim (v. :i). The greatest carna-e occurs during a re- 3 Thou art, &c.] This rendering follows treat, especially if tlie delVated are separated , „ , *i *i TT„K -v,\ '„ and delayed. 9. Mule.] Cf. ch. 13. -.^9, the Sept. more exactly than Heb., .) as purses (cp. massacre (Judg. 12. fi). 8- Devoured, &c.] r.onant perdrre, to lose one's purse). £-:or, Heb. multiplied to devour. For all green used sixci.illy of girdles tor men, prophets things, no less than the hailstones of (2 Kin. 1. S), or soldiers Usa. .'i. 27). Ale^ach, Azekah,can maqnifij the Lord. This wood used of men's girdles only (.Job 12. 21, (as the word iised implies) is a mass of marg.). Avnet, used only of those of priests 139 [2 S. xviii. 2-12.] SEC. 56.] ABSALOM'S DEFEAT AND DEATH. [B.C. 1023. 13 Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life : for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me. 14 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. i^ And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him. 16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people, i" And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and ™laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent. i« Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in "the king's dale: for he said, "I have no son to keep my name in remem- brance : and he called the pillar after his own name : and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place. , ,. 19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the kmg tidings, how that the Lord hath avenged him of his enemies. 20 And Joab said unto him, Thou Shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day : but this day thou Shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. 21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran. 22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said. Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready? 23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi. • Josh. 7. 26. " Gen. 14. 17. ° See cli. 14. 27. and state-officers. 13. Otho-icise . . . life.] In Sept. this forms part of Ua\id's charge, that ye do no harm against his life; /mt) TToiriffai iv rrj ^vx^ avTov &5tKov. Kal nas 6 A070S ov \7]afrai oarh rov ^aaiXecvs. The meaning of the traditional Heb. text (the k'ri) is, Failing- to attend to this, I .should have damaged my own interests, risked my own life; of the written text (the e'thib). Had I dealt de- ceitfully against his life, there is, &c. Set.] i.e. sided. R.V. stood aloof. 14- Tarry.] i.e. I've no time to waste. 15- Bare, .armour.] The mediaeval esquires ; the modem staff. 16- Blew.] i.e. sounded the recall. 17. Heap of stones.] A memorial to warn (cf. Josh. 7. 26 & 8. 29), not to honour ; to record, not love for his memory, but acknowledgment of the jus- tice of his fate (cf. v. 19). This cairn and that pillar which he set up in advance aptly contrasts ambition's end and its aim. The monument now called Absalom's tomb is evidently of late date. To his teiH.] i.e. home (called tent in remembrance of their "Wanderings ; but in summer time many, even townspeople. still dwell in tents). It implies here utter dispersion aud a slinking away home. 18. iWit'.] Parenthetical. The general narrative is suspended to give David's re- ception of the news, and complete the story of Absalom. King's dale.] If the same as that in which Melchisedec met Abraham. [2 S. xviii. 13-23,] 140 Absalom might have leamt a lesson from the humble bearing of Abraham at the spot. That was probably near Sodom, and possibly between Sodom and Hebron, for Mamre, to which Abraham was returning, was close to Hebron. Absalom would naturally choose a site for his memorial near his birthplace Hebron ; but tradition places it beside Geri- zim. No son.] Ab.salom had had three (ch. U. 27). Place.] Or, monument ; lit. hand (cf. Isa. 56. 5, K.V.) ; some memorial, possibly a cenotaph, probably taken and reared up by his own hand ; though some think a hand was sculptured on it (cf . 1 Sam. 1.5. 12). 20. Be- cause, &c.] He would not that Ahimaaz should risk losing the king's favour. 21. Cushi.] Or (see Var.), the Cushite (so K.V.), an Ktbiopian (or Arabian), possibly a slave. 22- Beady.] So rendered here only. Bather, sufficient (from to find, find in sufficiency), i.e.. You have discovered nothing fresh to "warrant a second messenger. Or, that will come to something or bring thee gain. Sept. els wcpeXetav. 23- Plain.] i.e. of Jordan ; Heb. circle, being the word used iu Gen. 13. 10-12 of Lot's choice. Here (Stanley), the valley-floor out of which the Jordan has hollowed its bed, i.e. the con- tinuation of the plain round the head of the I">ead Sea. This route, if longer, would be easier than through the hills of Gilead. Overran.] So service of love ever outruns B.C. 102.3.] DAVID'S GBIEF. [sec. 57. 2* And David sat between the two gates: and ''the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone. -* And the watchman cried, and told the kuig. And the king said. If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near. 2*) And the watciunan saw another man running : and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold uuutker man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings. -^ And the watchman said, Ttle thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahiniaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said. He w a good man, and cometh with good tidings. 28 And Ahiniaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said. Blessed he the Lokd thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king. -9 And the king said, Is the j-oung man Absalom safe ? And Ahimaaz answered, AVhen Joab sent the king's servant, and »«c thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it 2vas. '^^ And the king said unto him. Turn aside, a7id stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still. 31 And, behold, Cuslii came; and Cushi said. Tidings, my lord the king ; for the Lord hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee. 32 And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe ? And Cushi answered. The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is. 23 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, ^O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom ! would God I had died for thee, 0 Absalom, my son, my son ! 57.— David at Mahanaim.— The Restoration. 2 Samuel xix. 1-15. 1 And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. 2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people : for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. 3 ^^d the people gat them by stealth that day " into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. * But the king ''covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, " O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son ! P -> Kin. 9. 17. V ch. 19. i. " ver. 32. " ch. 15. 30. ' ch. 18. 33. service of mere obligation. Love lends 17. 46). 291 ^'u'g. Cum mUteret Jonb wings. 24- Betvecn, &c.] i.e. under the scrims tuus, o rex! me servuin tuuin. gateway between its two gates. There was Ahimaaz was both politic and kind. He a chamber al)()vc (c. Xi) to the wall-side, i.e. probably partly realized that restoration to outer side, of the roof on which the watch- the throne might be much less to a foud man mounted. Cf. Kli, 1 S^am. 4. 13. Sept. father than the loss of an unworthy son. irapa rriu irv\riv . 25. If alone.} If fleeing 33. ^fored.] Sept. irapdxOv- With mingled from pursuers, other fugitives at least feelinss, not merely sorrow (cf. (•/(. 24. 17). would have been in siffht. Apace.] i.e. Cliamlnr.] Many a city gate, e.g. the with quick steps, from the French ' pa.'i.' gate of iSeinit, still has sueh.^ Uept, &c.] 26- Porter.] Probably Sept. reads correctlv, We mav gather hence something of what f/iite. 27. /••>■ lil'-e.'] Cf. 2 Kin. 9. 20. was Davids eternal hope. The son lost in 28. Fell down.'] j'.c. made the usual prostra- the innocence of infancy lie trusted to meet tion, t'.f]. see Gen. X\. .3 & 1 Sam. 20.41, vote, airain. For the son dying iuopen, wvlful, un- Delivered up.] i.e. into thy power, reiieiited sin he had no such hope, and not leavinii'i(h\] David's trou))lod mind and of the Hebrew was yet ai;riculturiil ; later, liurt fceliuLTS hiid led liini to adopt im- especially in the N. kiniidoni, \vc can trace patiently lliis ronyh and ready, but unjust groat commercial wealth, and, with inrreasiiig way of settling the matter. Jle revokes eh. wcaltli and exleiision of foreign intercourse, Ifi. 4, and falls back on eh. 0.9. Ziba shall a lowerina- of national morality. 33- i''<'''<< be bailiff or tenant as before. ' Let bygones thc<\] Uathf-r, ]iro\id(' tht'e with suste- be bygones' comes well from the injured nance. 34. Jfoir /out/.] Heb. Jlow vianij party, but not from the lips of the Fountain da;i!< an- the iitara 1 Kin. 12. 16 ; 2 Chr. 10. 16. recompense ; Heb. choose. 39. People.'] makes Israel claim tbe birthrio-ht, as though i.e. David's party, as throughout tlie uarra- Kphraim, tbeir head, had right to it (as tiveof the flight (f.(?. c/i. 15. ;iO, 'all the people liiichel's eldest son) next after Reuben the that were with him,' ch. 19. 8). Judah and disinherited eldest son of Leah. The Sept. representatives of the other tribes received reading is very like what we should David on the W. bank. Kissed . . blessed.} expect Ephraim to say : Ae'/ca xf'P" A"" A grateful farewell. 40- With him.] And , ^ BaaiXeZ Ka\ ttputStokos tyiii fi av, apparently received a grant of land near , • 7 „ ' ,- . ^ , v , ,' , ' , David's home, Bethlehem. See Jor. 41. 17, Kai ye ev ToiAawS eifxi vTrtp ae. ^^ hy they where the word geruth, rendered hahitation, said 10, not 11, parts is not altogether clear; means rather khan. Tradition adds iliat it n. 4,: shows that ./«rf«/i here does not include was in the limestone grotto attached as a Ben.jamin, whereas .Joseph in v. 20 does ; stable to the caravanserai of Chimham that <■/(. 20. 2 shows that it was not only Benjamin Christ was bom ; cp. p. 700, note. that followed Sheba. It may be that Sheba's 2 S. xix.— 41. All Israel:] i.e. a body iuttueuce was ah-eady sufficient to make his representative of tl'io rebels among the own tribe hold themselves aloof, or that the tribes other than Judah. 43. Ten pnrts.] tribe was so small as to be entirely ignored, Kver-jealous Ephraim (Judg. 8. 1 & 12. 1) or that Ephraim and iManasseh are counted doubtless took the lead. That Injudicious, as one (cf. v. 20). Did ye despise.] Kather, though it may be warrantable, partiality Hove ye despised us? Were we not {v. 10) which embittered Jacob's life, bore fruit the. first to speak of, cfc ; as K.V. marg. even in his posterity. To Joseph fell a 2 S. xx.— 1. There.] At Gilgal, during the double portion (the right of the firstborn, altercation. lieliaL] Cf. 1 Sam. 10. 27, Deut. 21. 17), and Jacob's only freehold in note. Sheba.] Of Saul's own branch of Canaan, i.e. Sheehem, the possession of which the tribe. Both wen' I'.ichrites, ('.c. descend- insured to Kphraim the most commanding ed from Becher, Hciij.nnin's second son. His position in tlie land. The speech in Sept. rebellion, Shimei's bitter insolence, Ziba's [2 S. xix. 39— XX. 1.] 14(5 B.C. cir. 1022.] SHEBA'S REBELLION. [sec. CO. - So every man of Israel went up from after David, a7id followed Sheba the son of ' Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem. 3 And David came to his house at Jerusalem ; and the king took the ten Women his ''concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood. i Then said the king to Amasa, ^ Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present. ^ So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah : but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him. •j And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than (itci Absalom : take thou "^thy lard's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. ^ And there went out after him Joab's men, and the /Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. 8 When they were at the great stone which ts in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out. ^ And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? "And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. i" But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so ''he smote him therewith 'in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. . So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri. 11 And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said. He that favoureth Joab, and he ' ch. 1.5. IG & 16. 21, 22. << ch. 19. i:i. ' ch. 11. 11 ; 1 Kin. 1. 33. / ch. 8. 18 ; 1 Kin. 1. 38. 3 Matt. 26. 49 ; Luke 22. 47. * ch. 2. 23. '' 1 Kin. 2. 5. imputations on Mephibosheth, all point to Benjamin's still counting itself the royal tribe, ousted by David and Judah. The Tem- ple and the l>isrui)ti(ni i)Ut an end to this feeling No part.] lUither, portion, as in 1 Kin. 12. 16, where the same cry is rai-sed by the ten tribes. The word used in ch. 19. 4.3 means literally hand. 2- To .Jerusalem.'] Israel went no further than Gilgal. Tlieiice they returned, and 'went up' to tlie liill-couu- try of Kphniim. 5] David, though it might be impolitic and ungrateful, was quite ready to fulfil his promise to Amasa (ch. 19. 13), for Joab was overiioaring and ruthless, and Joab knew David's nieaiuiess in the matter of Uriah ; but Amasa mistrusted the con- tinuance of David's favour, dreaded Joab's enmity, and probably did not enjoy the peo- pU's ('•(lulidcnce. How are the holy fallen! 8. Gibeon.] Now El-jib, about .5 miles N.W. of Jeru.salem. Perhaps it was in the (old) tabernacle here that Joab later sought sanctuary (1 Kin. 2. 28). U'ejit before.] J!ather, met ; possibly i)uri)osiiig to place himself at their head. ■ darmeiit.] A flowing robe ; lit. that which is extended. Cf. 1 Sam. 17. 38, note. dirdle.] The military girdle (ch. 18. 11, tioie) served as sword-belt (1 Sam. 17. :i9). except in the Homeric age, or again later, when a baldric or shoulder-belt was used instead. The blade of the cherev would not be more than 18 in. long. As, &c.] I'erhaps the mean- ing is, the sheath stipjied out and the sword dropped from it, tor Joab was not goiug forth from anywhere. Se2>t. Kol avrrj e'|7]\0e Kal eireffe. Vulff. accinctus glodio dcpendeute Once David would have undertaken no such nsi/ue ad ilia, vi raijina, qui Jabrtcatus leri step as this without askint^' coimsel of God. Only once, .since becominii kln^. and that at the bejrinning of his rei;;n, have we found him ln(|uirins' of the Lord. Mistakes in- crease as communion with God lessens (cf. 1 Cor. 10. VZ). 6. To Abishai.] Loath even to s])(>ak to Joab, if he could avoid it. Thii lard's.] i.e. my, not .Joab's. 7- Che- rit'hitcs.] Cf. (■/(. 8.' IS; 1 Sam. 30. U.note.'i. Mif/lit// men.] These Gibborim certainly in- cluded the Gittite body-guard (cf. ch. 15. 18). viotu egridi poterat, et percutcre. 9- Took, &c.] As is still common in Kasteni saluta- tion. For anv other ])uri)os(> it would be deemed an iiisult. 10. Hand.] i.e. his left, which had picked up tlic droiijjed sword, there was not time to replace (cf. Judo;. 3. 21). Fifth rib.] lUithcr. belly (cf. ch. 2. 23; 1 Sain. 20. 8). struck.] Cf. 1 Sam. 26. 8, and note on ch. 12. 1.5. 11. Hivi:] i.e. Amasa. For David.] Insinuating that Amasa was faithless, and identifying him- 147 [2 S. XX. 2—11.] SEC. 60.] SHEBA'S REBELLION. [b.c. cir. 1022. that is for David, let him go after Joab. 12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still, i^ When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. 1* And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto « Abel, and to Beth-maachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him. 15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maachah, and they 'cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench : and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down. it> Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear ; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee, i' And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, AH thou Joab ? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him. Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear, is Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying. They shall surely ask counsel at Abel : and so they ended the matter, i^ I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel : thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel : why wilt thou swallow up '"the inheritance of the Lord? 20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy. 21 The matter is not so : but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the kmg, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. 22 Then the woman went unto all the people "in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. *2Kin. 15. 29; 2Chr. 16. 1. i2Kin. 19. 32. »• 1 Sam. 26. 19; ch. 21. 3. » Eccles. 9. 14, 15. self with David's cause. 12. All the pea- this forts were erected, for observation and pie.] i.e. Ainasa's militia gathered from the discharg-e of missiles, and mounds Jiidah [v. 4), as distinguished from David's sloping upward towards the wall, and reach- body-guard (V. 7). The man well furthered iug half-way up it, where was its weakest his chief's aim, viz. to win back the army to part. (See Layard's Monuments of Nineveh, their ancient chief, by that which had gained Ser. 1, PI. 19; Ser. 2, PI. 18, 21). On these him his position at the first, f.f. success (IChr. were placed battering rams and catapults. 11.6). 14:. He .. .him.] i.e, Joab .. Sheba. Trench.] Rather, open space, imme- Vulg. iUe . . conr/regati fuerant ad eum. diately without the wall, the outer pomerium. Abel -beth-maachah.] Omit and to, and of All.] The rams being then, not slung, in V. 15, as in 2 Kin. 15. 29. In Naphtali, but carried in men's arms, each would re- now Abil, in the basin of the marshy AVaters quire a large number of men. 16. Cried.] of Merom, now L. Huleh; called in 2 Chr. Probably in answer to the summons to 10. 4 meadow— not of the house of Maachah, surrender (Deut. 20. 10). Wise.] The word hut— beside the tvaters, i.e. Maim. Cf. 1 Kin. embraces all the meanings, good and bad, 15. 20. Maachah was also the name of of ao eh. 8. 16, 18. r 1 Kin. 4. 6. ' eh. 8. 16 ; 1 Kin. 4. 3. •• ch. 8. 17 ; 1 Kin. 4. 4. Of. ch. 18. 17, note. 23.] On David's restora- tion, a fresh list of his officials is given. Cherethites.^ 8o R.V. with the A"/-/. But the Ch'tib has L'ari (as in 'i Kin. 11. 4,19; A.V. captains; R.V. Carites), not improbably mer- cenaries from Caria. 24. Tribute.^ father, levy, viz., of worljmen doing- forced service ( Var.) ; the tribute of bond service imposed on the survivors of the Canaanites (see ch. 24. 7). The tirst appearance of this Institution (see 1 Chr. 22. 2, note, p. 178), which, under Solomon, {2 Chr. 2. 17) became very unpopular (1 Kin 12. 18) ; 'Adoram,' Sept. Adoniram. Record- ' ch. 23. 38. » Josh. 9. 3, 15, 16, 17. ' ch. 20. 19; cp. Num. 35. 33. 16. 7 & 19. 28 refer to this event, probably shortly before Absalom's rebellion. Fa- mine.'] Consequent on a drought (v. 10; cf. Deut. 28. 23; Amos 4. 7), as in 1 Kin. 17 & 2 Kin. 6. Israel must learn the sanctity of national covenants; the princes' oath by Jehovah (Josh. 9. 18) bound the nation. Even silent acquiescence in Saul's act merited punishment. Enquired.] Lit. nought the face ; so K.V. A famine being one of God's four judgments on sin (Jer. 3. 3 & Ezek. 14. 21), such enquiry was rightly made. Bloodij.'] i.e. blocid-i^uilty. Jutidcent blood, er.l Cf. ch. 8. 16, note. 25. Sheva.^ Or, Se- till atoned, defiled the Imid (vs. 3, 14 ; (7;. 4. 11, raiah; ch.S. 17. notes.— — Priests.] Ct. chs. 15. note). Slew.] Kathtr, /);(/ to death. 2. u477(0?-/;hty men, and examples of their exploits' ((■/(.-;. 21. 15-22 & 23. 8-39). Thenceforward, the his- tory has for its objective point, the fultil- ment of the Promises to David. 1. Tlien.] J{ather, And. The date is quite uncertain; it must have been after ch. 9. 6, and, if chs. 149 [2 S. XX. 23— xxi. 4.J SEC. 61.] THE GIBEONITES AVENGED. [B.C. cir. 1021. shall say, that will I do for you. 5 And they answered the king, The man that con- sumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, ^ let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the Lord '^ in Gibeah of Saul, <^whonn the Lord did choose. And the king said, I will give Ihem. "^ But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of ^the Lord's oath that ims between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. 8 But the king took the two sons of /Eizpali the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite : ^and he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill "before the Lord : and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest, ^o^nd ''Eizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, *from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night. 11 And it was told David what Eizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done. ^^ And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of *^ Jabesh-gilead, which had stolen them from the street of Beth-shan, where the 'Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa : '^ and he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son ; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged. '* And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in *" Z el a h, in the sepulchre of Kish his father : and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that "God was intreated for the land. ' 1 Sam. 10. 26 & 11. 4. ''1 Sam. 10. 24. ' 1 Sam. IS. 3 & 20. 8, 15, 42 & 2.S. IS. /ch. 3. 7- sch. 6. 17. * ver. 8; ch. S. 7. to death) could make reconciliation. It was neither a money question, nor a national question (so R.V.). They wished expiation, not vengeance ; hence ' .seven,' i.e. the sacred number. The word rendered atonement, in Kum. 35. 31 satisfaction, and ransom in Exod. 30. 12, means literally covering, i.e for the eyes. Cf. 1 Sam. 12. 3. 6. J^aiig up before the Lord.'] ' We punish in the name of the State ; the men of Israel punished in the name of Jehovah.' The exact punishment is uncertain ; Sept. ex- posure ; Vttlg. crucifixion. Possibly the vic- tims were first slain, then impaled. Assyrian monuments shew figures with poles thrust into the ribs. In v. 12 a different word im- plies suspension merely. — Of Saul.} Formerly called of Benjamin, later of Saul, as being his home. Whom, &c.] Kather, Jehovah's chosen; of Saul, here only, but the title is implied in 1 Sam. 10. 24. It is applied to Moses (Ps. 106. 23), to Israel (Isa. 4.3. 20), and < See Deut. 21. 23 ' 1 Sam. 31. 10. "• Josh. 18. 28. » So Josh. 7. 26 ; ch. 24. 25 * 1 Sam. 31. 11, 12, 13. the Gileadite. 9, The hill.l i.e. Gibeah, trans- lated, as in 1 Sam. 10. 5. 10, Spread.] Rather. stretched, as a shelter or awning-. Begin- ning.] Barley harvest was general about the middle of April. Wheat harvest a month later. From April to September there would ordinarily (cf. 1 Sam. 12. 17) be no rain. It is unlikely that Kizpah's watch lasted as long. Dropped.] Rather, poured; Heb. as in Exod. 9. 3.3. Probably within a short time an unusual and heavy rain indicated that God had accepted the atonement offered (v. 14 ; ch. 24. 25) and removed tlic jdague {v. 1). Suffered.] The proverb of Slatt. 24. 28 being universally true in the East. 11-14.] How Da- vid shewed his sympathy with Kizpah aiid once more gave public proof of his kindly feel- ing towards Saul and his house. On Rizpah.see marg.ref. 12.3/en.] Thisword,;(Y.citizens, or freeholders, found only in the histories of the judges and the early monarchy, recalls the heroic deeds of Judg. 20 and 1 Sam. 11.- to Christ (Isa. 42. 1). 7. Lord's oath.] So Street.] Or, broad-place, i.e. inside the gate Jonathan calls it ' covenant of the Lord,' i.e. to which the Lord was witness (1 Sam. 20. 8, 16 & 23. 18). 8. Michal.] Evidently an error for Merab. Brought up.] Rather, bare un- to ( Far., so R.V.). Barzillai is called of Abel- meholah to distinguish him from Barzillai [2 S. XXI. 5-14.J 150 (eft. 15. 2, note) ; the wall would form one side (2 Chr. .32. 6). Beth-shan.'] See 1 Sam. 31. 1, note. 14. Zelah.] Unidentified. Pro- balily the native place of Kish's family. Was' intreated.] i.e. accepted entreaty. See rnarg. refs. Isa. 19. 22. B.C. cir. 1018.] EXPLOITS AGAINST PHILISTINE GIANTS. [sec. G3. 62.— Exploits against Philistine Giants. 2 Samuel xxi. 15-22; 1 Chronicles xx. 4-8. 15 Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel ; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. '•'And Ishbi-benob, which ivas of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. ^^ But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, "Thou Shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the * light of Israel. 18 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philis- tines at Gob : then "^ Sibbechai the Hu- shathite slew Saph, which ivas of the sons of the giant. 1^ And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Eihanan the son of Jaare-oregim, a Beth-lehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. 20 And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. 2ij^nd when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of "^Shimeah the brother of David slew him. 22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. ° ch. 18. 3. >> 1 Kin. 11. SG , 15. 4 ; Ps. 132. 17. 2 S. xxi. — 15.] The date is uncertain, but evidently David was kiug of all Israel (v. 17). Tlie place may have been Gath (Sept. Syr.) or Gezer (see 1 Sam. 17. 52 ; ch. 5. 25, notes), for f. IS has again, nrxA went down suam. 17. 2, note) — or Gob, which is unknown, beiuf;- named here only. 16. 21ie giant.] Or,theKephaite. Heb. Hi'iphah {anrs. 18,20,22 & Chr.,t'S.4,6,H,but with llic reading- Jiephaim in v.i). Thefournotalile chauiijiaus (V. 22) were either sons of a jiiaut named liaphah, or (if ' sons' =progeny) were sur- vivors of the Kephaim,a pre-historic (but not friaiit) race, predecessors of the immigrant < 'aiiaanite,to wliicli the Anakim, etc., belonged (Dent. 2. 11, &c. ; see 1 Siim. 17. 4, notes). Weight.'] The half of Goliath's spear-head, i.e. about s lbs. ( 1 Sam. 17. 7). Stvord.] So Vulg. The Heb. has no substantive. Some supply (1 Chron. xx. 4-8.) *And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philis- tines ; at which time " Sibbechai the Hu- shathite slew Sippai, that was of the chil- dren of the gian t; : and they were subdued. 5 And there was war again with the Philistines; and Eihanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam. •'And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twentj', six on each hand, and six on each foot : and he also was the son of the giant. 'But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him. 8 These were born unto the giant in Gath ; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. ' 1 Chr. 11. 29. "^ 1 Sam. IG. 9, Shammah. [Chron. XX.— » ch. 11. 29.] armour. Perhaps the name of a rare wea])oii has become corrupted ; Sept. ' club.' 17. Suaite.'] I'erhaps, he (David, v. 22) smote. '- Light.'] Rather, lamp ; cf. Job IS. 6 ; Prov. i;{. 9. David was entitled 'the lamp of Israel' because indispensable. The burning lamp represents a person's continued prosperity. See ch. 22. 29. 18. A battle] Rather, war (as Chr.) ; so vs. 19, 20. 19. /".] Rather, at (as Chr.) ; so V. 20. Jaare-oregim.] J'robably Jair (Chr.) is correct, oregim, i.e. weavers', having crept in from the end of the sentence. — The brother of.] From Chr. Another cham- pion may have been called (ioliath. Whose, Arc] i.e. Goliath's. An Euvi)tian had the like (1 Chr. 11. 23). 20. Born to.] So render Chr. 21. -Oejied.^ Or, reproached ; Heb. as in 1 Sam. 17. 10, 30 (.so Chr.). 22.] See v. 10, note. 151 [2 S. xxi. 15-22. lC.xs.4nS.] SEC. 63.] DAVID'S THANKSGIVING FOR 'REST: [B.C. 1018. 63.— David's Thanksgiving for 'Rest.' 2 Samuel xxii. * And David " spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had * delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul : 2 and he said, ■^ The Lord ts my rock, and my fortress, and ray deliverer; 3 The God of my rock; ^^in him will I trust: ' fi^e is my * shield, and the /horn of my salvation, my high "tower, and my '' refuge, My saviour; thou savest me from vio- lence. * I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised : So shall I be saved from mine enemies. 6 When the waves of death compassed me, "Ex. 15.1; Judg. 5. 1. ' Ps. 18, title, & Ps. 34. 19. <^Deut. 32. 4; Ps. 18. 2, &c., & 31. 8 & 71. 3 & 91. 2 & 144. 2. '' Heb. 2. 13. «Gen. 15. 1. /Luke 1.69. s Prov. 18. 10. 2 S. xxii. — In this Psalm (the 18th almost verbatim), David reviews the first half of his public life, and celebrates the permanent es- tablishment of the Theocratic Monarchy with an exultant gratitude that reflects the un- dimmed prosperity of cJi. 8, and with an as- surance of God's favour (v. 20) that bespeaks a conscience clear of the gross sins of ch. 11. After many years of protection (esp. from Saul), of guidance and help, God had finally assured permanence to David's work by pro- mising continuance to his dynasty /or a great while to come (v. 51 ; cp. ch. 7. 12-16, 19). — But the Psalm is chiefly interesting as a confession of David's faith and a disclosure of the prin- ciples by which his public conduct had been go- verned throughout. It is a condensed religious autobiography. Eegarding himself as having been specially called to be king under God and God's ' servant ' (Ps. 11, title ; cp. ch. 7. 8, note), David declares with the simplicity of truth that his heart and will had ever been on God's side (cp. 1 .Sam. 1.3. 14), and that there- fore (vs. 20-25) God had enabled him to achieve such a wonderful result. David calls upon all within his sphere of influence to recognise in his life-history (vs. 47-50) the greatness of Is- rael's God, Jehovah, and His readiness to hear aud help all who put their trust in Him (»s. 2-4, ai). 2-4.] His God is David's refuge and strength. The imagery reflects David's 'flittiuifs' from Saul. Rock.'] Var. high crag (Heb. sela, i.e. cliff), i.e. of refuge; cp. 1 Sam. 23. 28 & 24. 2. Fortress.'] i.e. natural stronghold; (so high tower, v.Z). Deliver- er.] li.Y. adds even mine. 3. The, &c.] i.e. L2 S. xxii. 1-8.] 152 The floods of ungodly men made me afraid ; G The *sorrows of hell compassed me about ; The snares of death prevented me ; 7 In my distress ^' I called upon the Lord, And cried to my God : And he did 'hear my voice out of his temple. And my cry did enter into his ears. 8 Then '"the earth shook and trembled; "The foundations of heaven moved And shook, because he was wroth. * Ps. 9. 9 & 14. 6 & 59. 16 & 71. 7; Jer. 16. 19. i Ps. 116. 3. ' Ps. 116. 4 & 120. 1; Jonah 2. 2. ' Ex.3. 7; Ps. 34. 6, 15, 17. "■Judg. 5. 4; Ps. 77. 18 & 97. 4. " Job 26. 11. my strong God. ' God,' Heb. el = the Mighty One. ' Kock,' Heb. tsur = solid immovable rock. Trxist.'] Or, take refuge. Horn, &c.] ' The Power which saves me.' Violence.] Esp. Saul's (v. 49). 4.] The keynote of the Psalm. The tenses of call, save, being fre- quentative, express David's habitual expe- rience. 6-20.] David's perils (vs. 5, 6) and deliverances from Saul. 5,] A remote storm often fills suddenly the nearly dry 'brooks' of Palestine (cp. 2 Kin. 3. 17 ; Isa. 8. 8). Waves.] Rather, breakers (cf. Jonah 2. .3, 5). Floods.] Var. torrents (cp. ch. 5. 20; v. 17). Ungodly men.] Or ungodliness. Heb. Belial. The opponents of God's purpose. 6.] No man was so near to death as was David. Sorroics.] Or, pangs. Marg. cords (with Ps. 18. 5), i.e. of the hunter's encircling net. Hell.] Rather, Sheol, Hades; see p. 405, notes. ' Cruel as death and hungry as the grave.' Prevented.] i.e. came before or upori, inet as a surprise (so v. 19), like the hunter's snare in a path (Isa. 51. 20; Job 18. 8-10). 7. Temple.] Heb. palace, i.e. the heavens (Ps. 11. 4). Ears.'] i.e. immediately. 8-16.] God's interposition is depicted as a Theo- phany or manifestation of God's majesty and power, (1) in earthquake and storm as at Sinai, (2) in wind as at the Red Sea (vs. 11,16). Shook.] i?n?/ier, quaked. Foun- dations, Ac] The mountains on which the heavens seem to rest (Job 26. 11; 1 Sam. 2. 8). Wroth.] Jehovah, indignant at the unjust treatment of his faithful 'servant' (r. 20), is said to breathe fire (smoke and flame, v. 9). The image in vs. 9, 10 is taken B.C. 1018.] DAVID'S THANKSGIVING FOR 'REST: [sec. 63. 9 There went up a smoke out of his nos- trils, And " fire out of his mouth devoured : Coals were kindled by it. 10 He ^ bowed the heavens also, and came down ; And ^-f darkness ^vas under his feet. 1' And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly : And he was seen ""upon the wings of the wind. 12 And he made * darkness pavilions round about him, Dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies. 13 Through the brightness before him Were 'coals of fire kindled. li The Lord " thundered from heaven, And the most High uttered his voice. 15 And he sent out ^ arrows, and scattered them; Lightning, and discomfited them. 1" And the channels of the sea appeared, The foundations of the world were dis- covered, » Ps. 97. S ; Hab. 3. 5; Heb. 12. 29. P Ps. 144. 5; Isa. G4. 1. 1 Ex. 2(1. 21; 1 Kin. 8. 12; Ps. 97. 2. ' Ps. 104. 3. • ver. 10; Ps. 97. 2. ' ver. 9. " Judg. 5. 20 ; 1 Sam. 2. 10 & 7. 10 ; Ps. 29. 3 ; Isa. 80. 80. *Deut.82.23; Ps. 7. 13 & 77.17 & 144.6; Hab. 3. 11. from tlie breath of an angry animal (cp. the 7ie(^si>i;/s of Leviathan, Job 41. 18-;il). 9. Out of\ &c.] Jidtlitr, iu, &c. K.V. mcirf/., in Jiis u-ruth. Tlie "smoke' may be the white thunder-wreath upon the clouds. Coals.!, i.e. red-hot charcoal like that of the refiner's furnace (so r. 13). Were kindled bij it.'] Var. burnt forth from it (so r. 13), or, from him. 10-13,1 The dark raincloiuls lioiid earthwards as if bearing God's wiiineil cha- riot (I's. 144. .'), n ; Niilinm 1. 3) ; tlicy gatlier as if dill iiiMilc of tlifm a war-tent (pavilion); llglitniiilis tlii.sli fidin them as if rays of un- apiiniMch;ible liulit (v. 13; 1 Tim. 6. 10) in whicli God veils His picscuce. 11, Chertib.l I'roliiibly a climd, likciu'd to the iShechinah or cloud of !.;li)ry, on the mercyseat of the Ark betirii'ii the i-hfnihim (c/i. (!. 2). Was seen."] liiithiT (witli i's. IS) did swoop — used of ea<;lfs (Dfut. !J.\ 49). 12, Pavilions.'] Or, booths. Thetemv)orary 7i«MK.V.?Hnr^.; 1 Kin. 20. 12) of a warrior on cami)aifin. Dark.] At the ^ rebuking of the Lord, At the blast of the breath of his nostrils. '" ^He sent from above, he took me; He drew me out of many waters ; 18 " He delivered me from my strong enemy. And from them that hated me : for they were too strong for me. 19 They prevented me in the day of my calamity : But the Lord was my stay. 20 b He brought me forth also into a large place: Redelivered me, because he "delighted in me. 21 fiThe Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness : According to the " cleanness of my hand* hath he recompensed me. 22 For I have /kept the ways of the Lord, And have not wickedly departed from my God. y Ex. 1.5. 8; Ps. 106. 9; Nah. 1.4; Matt. 8. 26. ' Ps. 144. 7. " ver. 1. "Ps. 31. 8&118. 5. ' eh. 15. 2G ; Ps. 22. 8. " ver. 25 ; 1 Sam. 20. 23 ; 1 Kin. 8. 32 ; Ps. 7. 8. < Ps. 24. 4. /Gen. 18. 19; Ps. 119. 8 & 128. 1 ; Prov. 8. 32. Exod. 14. 24) by his lightning into David's persecutors (' them,' i.e. the enemies of v. 4). 16. And.] Ilather, Then. Channels.] i.e. bud ; cp. Exod. 15. 6, V^. JJiscovered.] i.e. unc()vered, laid bare. Waters (c. 5) which were swallowing David np are removed by God's breath to their very bed, and God's out- stretched hand rescues him like a second Jloses (r. 17). .It. tiC] Or, bi/ the breath of the iviiid of his nostrils; c]). Exod. 15. 8. 17-20.] The (lelivcrinices : the climax being the removal (Acts 13. 2:.') of Saul (vs. 1, 18, 20, 28, 49). 17. Sent.] Or, stretched forth, i.e. his hand (cf. Dan. 11. 42). Above.] K.V. on hiqh — —Drew.] Tlie Egvptian word used of Closes (Exod. 2. 10) and "here only. 19. Prevented.] See v. 0, note. They heljied Saul when already too strong for David. Stai/.] liather, staff (Ps. 2.'i. 4), i.e. support. 20. Large place.] i.e. pormittinj;' free movement. Cp. V. 3"; I's. 31. 8. I'rob.iblv in contrast to the straits of ])cril. Deliifhteil.] Se])t. well Rather, gathering: of (so Heb.). A.V. fol- p/('f/.s-(v/,the (ireek wordin .M;itl.:!. 17. Contrast lows Ps. 18. The niiissiutJ- of the clouds is more fullv desciilied in I's. 18. 11, 12. 13. Throufjh.] Var. from ; h'.V. at (Ps. 18). 14.] The storm bursts. The most I/if/h.] God's title ii« Uuler (or Maker) of heaven mid eiirtli (Gen. 14. 19,2(1). Voice.] /.c. lliunder (.lob 37. 2/)). 15,] As a man of war (E,\od. l.'i. 3) eft. 15.20. — Til is i^round of (;od'ss])ecial mercies toDavid isexiiluined in (•.s-.21-'.'."i. 21, Reirard- ed.] ('.('. requiled ; cp. 1 Sam. ■.'(!. 23, ^4. Righ- ti'iiiisness.] i.i . rectitudeof imrpose and action. Even SnnI li:id admitted all tliat David hero claims (1 .> Ps. 18. 32, 39. ' Ps. 44. 5. <> Gen. 49. 8 : Ex. 23. 27; Josh. 10. 21. ' Job 27. 9 ; Prov. 1. 28 ; Isa. 1. 1.5 ; Mic. 3. 4. /2 Kin. 13. 7 ; Ps. 85. 5 ; Dan. 2. 35. J Isa. 10. fi; Mic. 7. 10; Zech. 10. 5. * ch. 3. 1 & 5. 1 & 19. 9, 14 & 20. 1, 2, 22. * Deut. 28. 13; ch. 8. 1-14; Ps. 2. 8. * Isa. 55. 5. ' Mic. 7. 17. "Ps. 89. 26. "Ps. 144. 2. arms can bend a bow of bronze, i.e. of ex- treme strength. Of, &c.] Kathcr, th;/ sav- ing shield.— — Gentleiiess.l So A.V. and K.V. (with Ps. 18. 35), in the old high meaning of the word. The Heb. is used elsewhere of men only,= humility. Some render It by con- di's'ci'nsion. Tlie text has hearing of me, or auttwering. David recognises that his great- ness is God's gift (of pure grace or in answer to iirayer). 37. Enlarged, &c.] Or, made tnide my standing place (r. 20, note). So that, &e.] Ildthir, And mg ankles did not totter, or give iraii. 39. II luiniled.^ Or, smitten tin tii tliroiigli, or criit^lied. 40. <9«6- dued.'\ i)r, m. = scribes (ch. 26.29, note, p. 171); Sept., military secretaries, i.e. officials who kept the muster-rolls. 3. Perez.] i.e. I'harez the sou of Judah, from whom David was B.C. 1018.] THE ARMY.— THE COURSES AND ' CAPTAINS.' [sec. C4. I And over the course of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course ivas Mikloth also the ruler : in his course likewise were twenty and four thousand. 5 The third captain of the host for the third month tvas Benaiah tlie son of Jehoiada, a chief priest : and in his course were twenty and four thousand. ^ This is that Benaiah, %vho %vas * mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty : and in his course %oas Ammizabad his son. 7 The fourth captain for the fourth month was "^Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him : and in his course ivere twenty and four thousand. 8 The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 3 The sixth captetH for the sixth month was ^^ Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was ^Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. II The eighth cajjtain for the eighth month was /Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites : and in his course wcj-e twenty and four thousand. 12 The ninth captain for the ninth month 2vas " Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Ben- jamites : and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 12 The tent\\ captain for the tenth month twas '' Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites : and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 1* The eleventh captom for the eleventh month was » Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim : and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course we?'e twenty and four thousand. David's Heroes.—' The Three.'—' The Thirty.' (2 Sam. xxiii. 8-39.) 8 These he the names of the mighty men whom David had : ' 2 Sam. 23. 20, 22, 23 ; ch. 11. 22, &c. : 2 Sam. 23. 24 ; ch. 11. 2G. ' Ch. 11. 27. - 11. Hararite.] In Syriac mountaineer, i.e. of the hill country of Judah or Ephraim. See V. 33, note. Troop.] The word is so rendered in this chapter only. Its general meaning is living. It is rendered congrega- tion once and company once. If, as is pro- bable, Josephus is risht in reading to Lehi rendered captain (? knights or personal at- (jujc^. 15. 9, 14, 19), probably we should read tendants on the \im.g) , three, and thirty, are froniLehi in v. 13. Lentiles.] In Chron. constantly contused (Kirkpatri^k). Sept. ren- Parley, the Heb. word consisting of almost ders shalishim in Ex. 14. 7 by rpiffTdrai, the same letters transposed (cf. ch. 17. 28). chariot-warriors, so called, Origen says, be- 13. In the harvest time.] The reading in cause every chariot contained three, one to Chron. is probably correct; the rock mean- fight, one to defend, one to drive. The ing a rock fortress near Adullam. lie- [2 S. xxiii. 9—13. 1 C. xi. 11—15.] 158 B.C. 1018.] DAVID'S HEROES.— ' THE THREE.'— 'THE THIRTY.' [sec. G4. valley of Eephaim. '* And David jcas then in *an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem. 1^ And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate I 1'' And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that ivas by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David : nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the loKD. 17 And he said. Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this : is not -ives the names as they stood at first at Hebron). In that case it would bo difficult to explain why Chron. says the thirti/. It is not possible, or necessary, absolutely to re- concile the lists. Tliat in 1 Chr. 27 seems to belong to the date of the census. 1 C. xi. — 44. jishierafh.] Tn trans-Jordanic Manasseh (,Tosb. 13. 31). The jilaces indi- catcd by Mithnite, Mesobaite, Tizite, Maha- vile are unknown. [Chron.—" ch. 26. 30.] archs, or heads of the clans (cf . Num. 1. 4). The word sdrim (v. 22), rendered 'princes,' is lit. rulers, men of power, and rather denotes their duties. Ji'eiibeniies.'i Leah's six sons stand first ; Zilpah's two .sous. Gad and Asher, are omitted (probably from the im- perfection of the MSS.). Levi has double honour ; Joseph, threefold. Bilhah's sons, Dan and Naphtali, are in inverted order, so that the last place is allotted to him of whom it was said, ' Dan (the judge) shall judge his people as ono of the "tribes of Israel,' which, connecting It with the fact that Dan introduced idolatry into Israel, and that Dan is not named in Kev. 7, we can scarcely take to be accidental. 17. Hasha- hiah.] Of the family of Gershom, Levi's eldest son ; to be distinguished from the Kohathite Hashabiah {ch. 26. .30). Zadok.\ Son of Ahitub, and, as of Eleazar's, the elder line, heir by birthright before Abiathar the H. r. of the line of Tthanuir, Aaron's youngest son. 18. Jilihti.] Culled Eliab (ch. 2. 13; 1 Sam. \C>. C<) ; so Sept. David's 21- .-Ibner.] If Abner was eldest brother. IC.xxvii.— 16. iJM/e?-.] The Hebrew, nrt.(7("rf, Hea