2 Samuel 20

2 Samuel 20:23

23. Now Joab was over all the host &c.] It has been made matter of reproach against David, that he suffered Joab to continue in the command, after the atrocious murder of Amsa, as if he acquiesced in that murder. But that David greatly resented that murder, is evident from his last advice to Solomon, in which he nobly recommends, and gives it in charge to him, to do justice on the assassin Joab. The fact seems to have been, that Joab was at this time too powerful a subject to be brought to any account; and he seems to have usurped the command of the forces, in defiance of his master’s inclinations, and without his order or appointment. Dr. Chandler. Chap. XXI. ver. 1.—and David enquired of the Lord.] Who can but wonder, both at David’s slackness in consulting with God, and God’s speed in answering so slow a demand! He that so well knew the way to God’s oracle, suffered Israel to be three years pinched with famine before he asked why they suffered. Even the best hearts may be overtaken with dulness in holy things; but marvellous is the mercy of God, which takes not advantage of our weaknesses. Bp. Hall. — because he slew the Gibeonites.] This he did, at the time when he destroyed the whole city of Nob, where the Gibeonites lived, and served as hewers of wood and drawers of water to the priests, whom Saul then cut off, 1 Sam. xxii. 18, 19; they being a part of the Amorite race, as stated in the next verse, whom Joshua and the whole nation (Josh. ix. 19, &c.) had solemnly promised to protect. Bp. Patrick, Pyle. Why this transgression was punished so long after, is hidden among the mysteries of Providence. Perhaps the punishment was sent at this juncture, to visit the nation