2 Samuel 15

2 Samuel 15:1

PRepared him] Begun to get a train and household like a Prince, and successor to the kingdome, being the first borne since the death of Ammon. For Chileab, 2 Samuel 3:3. Was either dead or uncapable Men] That is to say, footmen.

2 Samuel 15:2

Of the gate] Of the royall palace, or of the Court of justice.

2 Samuel 15:6

Stole] Did stealingly and deceitfully with-draw the peoples dependency from David to himselfe.

2 Samuel 15:7

Forty] It is uncertaine whence these yeers must begin to be reckoned: some take it from Davids first consecration, 1 Samuel 16:13. Some from the first establishment of a kingdome under Saul. For these notable changes many times serve to alter the times, from which they begin their computations.

2 Samuel 15:8

I will serve] the Italian, I will sacrifice unto] namely, sacrifices of thanksgiving: the Hebrew word signifieth, I will serve, as Exodus 8:1.

2 Samuel 15:10

As soone as] When I shall send about every where to gather the people unto me, and if they aske the reason of it, you shall answer, as from your selves, that I have been accepted of for King, in my fathers stead.

2 Samuel 15:11

Were called] To the sacrifice of thanksgiving. As 1 Sam. 9. 13. & 16. 3. 5.

2 Samuel 15:12

Giloh] A City of Judah, Joshua 15:51.

2 Samuel 15:14

And bring evill] Lest he overcome us suddenly, or lest he destroy us without helpe, and upon our resistance take occasion to sack the City.

2 Samuel 15:17

Tarrd] To rest a while, or to feed Farre of] Alone, and out of the City, though not very farre off, as it appeareth by the subsequent narration.

2 Samuel 15:18

Cherethites] See upon 2 Samuel 8:18 Gittites] It is uncertaine what people this was. Certaine it is that they were so called, from Gath, a City of the Philistims; and it is likely that they being converted to the true religion, David tooke them to be of his guard, for the cause spoken of 2 Samuel 8:18. wherfore their head is called a stranger. vers. 19. 1.

2 Samuel 15:19

An exile] the Italian, And wilt quickly goe to thy place] as if he would say, thou art old and weake, neere to thine end.

2 Samuel 15:20

But yesterday] Newly, but a little while agoe Mercy] may God use mercy continually towards thee.

2 Samuel 15:23

Kidron] The name of a valley, and a brooke on the East side of Jerusalem, between the city and the Mount of Olives, Jeremiah 31:40. John 18:1.

2 Samuel 15:24

Zadok] According to the commandement, Numbers 4:15 Bearing] According to the custome in your greatest and most dangerous commotions of the people. See Numbers 31:6. 1 Sam. 4. 3. and 14. 18. But here there was a more speciall occasion, to shew that the Church (as one should say) and the signes of Gods presence, could not be separated from Da-David, who was the figure of Christ, the head of it. And for a token of a curse to Absalom, who could not have God on his side, in such an abominable usurpation Set downe] The meaning is, Zadock the second Priest, a Sam. 8. 17. Having the charge of carrying the Arke with his Levites staid with it, to keep the rereward of the people, imitating therein the example of Jos 3:17. whilest Abiathar the High Priest went in the front of the people up the Mount of Olives, and whilest the rest of the people made an end of comming out of the city.

2 Samuel 15:25

His habitation] Namely, Jerusalem, by him chosen for a firme residence, for the signes of his presence.

2 Samuel 15:27

A Seer] That is to say, a Prophet, 1 Samuel 9:9. either Zadock, being indeed a Prophet, or because sometimes he did put on the breastplate, to enquire of God, as he was Aarons successor, in the direct line of the first borne. Though Abiathar for some unknowne cause, did at that time time possesse that place: and either of the two wayes it was necessary for him to stay with the people, and instruct them concerning the will of God.

2 Samuel 15:30

Covered] His head wrapped up and his sight covered according to the manner of mourners, 2 Samuel 19:4. Esther 6:12.

2 Samuel 15:31

The Archite] We reade no name like unto this, but only Joshua 16:2 Earth] See Jesh. 7. 6. 1 Samuel 4:12. 2 Samuel 13:19.

2 Samuel 15:34

Defeate] Thou maiest cause Achitophels conncell to miscarry and be overthrowne.