2 Samuel 15

2 Samuel 15:7

After fourty years] Absalom, whose hair weighed [not was worth] above three pounds, at sixteen ounces to the pound, when yearly poll’d, 2 Sam. XIV. 25, 26. Begins his Rebellion against David, after fourty years, 2 Sam. XV. 7. not after fourty since David was anointed in Hebron; but since he was anointed by Samuel, 1 Sam. XVI. 13. And he ends his Rebellion, with hanging by his hair, as his halter, or by his head rather; where he is slaine first by Joab; after by Joabs armour-bearers; 2 Sam.

XVIII. 14, 15 That the fourty years aforesaid, did take their Beginning and commencement as aforesaid; and so fell in with the twenty second, or twenty third year of Davids age; with the seventh or eighth year before he actualy began his reigne at Hebron; and ended at the thirty second, or thirty third year of his real reigne, and about seven years before his death; appears in this. That at this time of Absaloms rebellion, David was a strong man, 2 Sam.

XV. 36. and ch XVII. 8, 10. and XVIII. 2. And afterwards also, ch. XXI. 15. whereas in the fourtieth and last year of his reigne and life he was bed-rid, 1 King. I. 1, 2. And after the businesse of this Rebellion was carried on, and ended; we read of three yeares of famine, 2 Sam. ch. XXI. I. And of the hanging up of ten of Sauls sons, and grand-sons, ver. 8, 9, 10. and of the gathering of the bones of them that were hanged, and the burying of them afterwards in another place, ver. 13, 14.

As also, of warres yet againe raised by the Philistines, and battels fought with them, at four several times; In the first of which David himself was in person, and in present danger, ver. 15,—22. And besides, neere ten moneths were taken up in numbering the people, Ch. XXIV. 8. And upon the occasion of the Pestilence following thereupon, The Threshing-Floore of Araunah being found to be the place where the Temple was to be builded, 1 Chron. XXII. 1. with 2 Chron. III. 1. David doth instruct Salomon about his dutie in the building of it; and doth encourage him to do it; and chargeth the Princes to assist him therein, 1 Chron. XXII.

And causing him to be suddenly anointed King, to suppresse the seditious and ambitious attempt of Adoniah; And having afore ordered the Courses, and Offices of the Levites, Priests, Singers, Porters, for the Service of the Temple, 1 Chron. XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. Ch. He gives Solomon Patterns, and Materials for the Building; tells him of the Courses of the Priests, and Levites which he had Ordered, Ch. XXVIII.

And himself offers of his own goods magnificently; and procures the Princes, and People to Offer willingly towards the said Building; And concludes with Thanksgiving and Prayer to God; And the People blesse God, and offer Sacrifices; and make Solomon King the second time, Ch. XXIX. And lastly, on his death-bed David gives Solomon charge to serve God; as also concerning Joab, and Barzillai; and Shimei; and dieth, 1 King II. All which may well take up the seven last years of Davids reigne and life.