2 Samuel 15
PATthinks there is a peculiar meaning in this phrase, that he drew their affections to him, concealing in the mean time his intentions: upon John x. 24. derness. And when they wero over, they marched through the wilderness, that lay between Jerusalem and Jericho;
2 Samuel 15:1
JjlND it came to pass after this. When he thought he had established himself in his father’s good affection. TJiat Absalom prepared himself chariots and horses, and ffty men to run before him.] He took great state upon him, and made him, as we now speak, a splendid equipage: being royally attended, as the next heir to the crown (for we hear nothing of Chileab, who it is likely was dead), designing to draw the eyes of the people to him. Who, as they were much in love with his beauty, so were mightily taken with this unusual fine sight of chariots and horses; which the law did not allow: but David was so indulgent that he took no notice of it.
2 Samuel 15:2
And Absalom rose up early in the morning. He accustomed himself to rise betime in the morning, to make a show of his great care for the public good.. And stood beside the taay of the gate.] Not of the king’s palace, some think, but of the city, where was the seat of judgment. But since he speaks of coming to the king for judgment, it is likely he sat in his own palace, at the gate of which Absalom was wont to stand. And it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment.] Who reserved all weighty causes for his own hearing: and appeals were made to him from the other courts, as Corn. Bertram observes, cap. 10. de Republ. Jndaica. Then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou?] He kindly inquired where he dwelt; and, it is likely, what he was, and of what family, &c. as if he intended to take a particular care of him. Andhe said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel] That is, of such or such a tribe, and of such a city in that tribe as he named to him.
2 Samuel 15:3
And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right. He was so officious as to look into their cause awhile, and examine it: flattering every one into an opinion, that in his judgment he had right on his side. So that if their cause went against them, they might conclude that if Absalom had been judge, it would have gone otherwise. But there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.] The king he pretended was old, and unfit to judge causes, until some others had first.heard them, and opened the matter to him. And his sons (who, being principal officers in his family, see chap. viii. nit. were the fittest to bring business to him) were men of pleasure, and did not mind public affairs. Thus he struck not only at his father, but at all his brethren; and principally, it is likely, at Solomon; who he was afraid would be preferred before him by hi3 fa* thcr, being a beloved son, and born of an Israelite, wher^ag he was begot of a stranger, the daughter of the king of Geshur. Who, it is probable, might put him upon this course; and his banishment for three years had also ex-* asperated him: and his being secluded for two years mor^ from seeing his father, was so far from bringing him to any sense of his guilt, that it more enraged him against his father, and all his family., •
2 Samuel 15:4
And Absalom said moreover, Oh that Iweremadt judge in the land, that every man that hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!. Though he was admitted to come to court, and see the king, yet he had no office there, as the rest of the king’s sons had: which he took ill, and endeavoured the people should do so too; by magnifying his care, if he were in authority, to do them speedy justice..
2 Samuel 15:5
And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance. To honour him as the king’s son r Tliat he put forth his hand, and took him.] About the neck, I suppose, in token of great familiarity and kindness. And kissed him.] A most vile piece of flattery: but p$pr pie are pleased with such unwonted compliments. For sp Plato observes, that when any person intended to malsQ himself a tyrant in a popular state, he no sooner entered upon the government, but irpo<jyt\a re kol aa7r4&r<u iravrag <£ iffe Tnpnvyxwei, he smiled upon all, and kindly salutefl them, wheresoever he met them: avowing that he hated tyranny, and promising great things, both privately and publicly, kol iraaiv iXctic re m\ iraTpyog cTiai irpo<nroifvT<n f seeming to be mild, gentle, and fatherly unto all, (lib. vjji. de Republ. p. 5G6. edit. Serrani.)
2 Samuel 15:6
And after this manner did Absalom to all Jsrael that came to the king for judgment. He continued this course a long time: till he had inveigled the people, an<J gained their hearts to him. For, as Aristotle observes in his Politics, (lib. v. cap. 4.) all changes in commonwealths are made by one of these two ways, on jucv &a j3fac, ortfe St airariis, either by force and violence, or else by deceit and craft. Now there is not a more famous instance in history of the latter than this of Absalom, who, by flattering speeches, and large promises, cunningly alienated the hearts of the people from his father. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel] Robbed his father of the, affections of the people, and possessed himself of them: some admiring his beauty and gallantry;. others his courtesy and civility mothers being taken with his magnificent promises of the noble things he would do if he were their king. Just as Virgil saith, in book vii. of bis iEneids, that Turnus drew the hearts of some to follow him in the wars, because he was a most graceful person; others, because he was descended from an ancient royal race; and others were moved by the noble acts Jie had done: (ver. 473, 474.) " Hunc decus egregium formoe movet atque juventoe, Hunc atavi reges, hunc claris dextera factis." Thus Absalom was young and wonderfully beautiful, descended from kings by his father and mother’s side; and though he had done no great things, yet boasted of what he would do, when he had opportunity. Ludov. de Dicu
2 Samuel 15:7
And it came to pass after forty years. One -would think, that in the copy which Josephus used, it was written arba, four, not arbaim, forty years: for his words are, fitra Se t?)v tov Karoo? KaraXXayrjv Ttrrapwv Irtov tjotj Trapdkr)\v$6TO)v,four years after his father was reconciled to him. But there are no warrants now for this reading: but the forty years here mentioned are not to be understood, as if this happened after David had reigned forty years, that is, in the last year of his reign: for he was now very vigorous, which he was not a little before he died: but, as our great primate of Ireland in his Annals understands it, forty years after David was anointed by Samuel. That is, when he was threescore years old, ten years before he died. Then his son conspired against him between the feast of the Passover and Pentecost; as some gather from Barzillai’s presenting him with parched corn and new fruits, when he fled from Absalom, (xvii. 28.) And so Strigelius. But the Talmudists in Seder Olam, and other books, will have these forty years to commence from the time that the Israelites asked a king to reign over them..’ And, after all, Abarbinel is of opinion, that the plainest sense is after forty years of David’s reign; so that it was about the latter end of his life, when this great calamity befel him, though not in the very last year of it. For it is not said in the fortieth year, but about the end of forty years. • (See Buxtorf. Anticritica, p. 1004.) That Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, xvhich I have voived vnto the Lord, in Hebron."] Jfow he pretends religion, as before he did the public good.‘Ver. 8. For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord xvill bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then will I serve’ the Lord.] With a solemn s t acrifice.
2 Samuel 15:9
And the king said unto him, Go in peace. It is much he should dismiss him without any suspicion; when he had deferred so long to perform this vow, and made such court to the people, as he could not but be informed. So he arose, and went to Hebron.] Which was a high place, where they were wont to sacrifice till the temple was built. And it being the place of his birth, where the royal seat had been in the beginning of David’s reign, he thought it the most commodious city, next Jerusalem," for his’purpbse.’
2 Samuel 15:10
And Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes ofIsrael. h To try how the people stood affected to him. Saying, As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.] This was the signal which was to be given, that they should take arms. For as soon as they heard the sound of the trumpet (which he took care should be blown in all the tribes), these spies were to proclaim that Absalom was crowned in Hebron. Whereupon, all his partakers, it is likely, shouted, God save king Absalom!
2 Samuel 15:11
And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called. Invited by him to feast with him upon his sacrifice. And it is likely they were principal persons of the city; whom he drew in, to avoid suspicion. And they went in their simplicity, and they knetv not any thing.] Of his design; but went only.to wait upon him, as the king’s son; who did them the honour to invite them to a holy feast. Among these two hundred men/the Jews fancy were all those of the grand Sanhedrin, who thought they had been called by David’s order to attend his son. For which there is no ground; though Mr. Selden has produced a great deal out of the, Talmudists concerning this matter, lib. ii. de Synedriis, cap. 1G. But I have shewn elsewhere, there was no such Sanhedrin in these times. Bartenora upon Sota hath a conceit, that Absalom begged of the king (for he had stolen his heart before he stole the people’s) (hat he would grant him liberty, under his hand, to choose two persons whom he liked best, to be his companions; which being obtained, he went with this writing from two to two, till he had gathered two hundred; part of which were the men of the great Sanhedrin, whose examples others followed; all believing they had been warranted by David to attend his son. Ver.’ 12. And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite y David’s counsellor, from’ his city, even from Giloh.] None are more capable to do mischief to kings, than those that know their secrets; having been of the privy-council. And it is supposed by the Jews, that Ahithophel was incensed against David for abusing Bath-sheba, whom they take to have been his grand-daughter, she being the daughter of Eliam, (xi. 3.) and Eliam being the Son of Ahithophel. (xxiii.^4.) While he offered sacrifices.] Or -ratlier, after he had offerred sacrifices, while he sat at dinner, he sent for him* to come to him. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.] Most of which,’ it is likely, intended no harm at the first, but came merely to do honour to the king’s son, and to partake of his bounty. Nay/ Abarbinel is of opinion, that neither Absalom, nor’ the elders of Israel, nor the rest of the people, who were misled by them, had any intention to divest David of his crown and dignity, much less to take away his life; but only to substitute Absalom as a coadjutor to him, for the executing of the royal authority during David’s life, and to be his successor after his death. And, indeed, as it was very monstrously unnatural in Absalom to design the destruction of such a kind father, so it is not very probable that he should gain such a number as he had to assist him in such a villanous enterprise. And yet, notwithstanding this, David looked upon this as a treason against his life, as appears from ver. 14. and xvi. 11. because he knew, whatsoever they intended; they would becarried further, though they meant no more than Abarbinel supposes. And more than that, if this opinion of his were true, it is evident, they > themselves did proceed so far as to design (contrary to their first intentions) to kill David for their own greater security. For so Ahithophel advised, and they all consented to it, (xvii. 2, 4.) which shews how dangerous it is to go out of the right way; for they do not know into what precipices they may fall. And it should be a warning to all men never to begin any thing that is wrong, which may lead them to commit that in the issue which they abhorred at tho first; when they find they cannot be safe in ono wickedness, unless they commit a greater.
2 Samuel 15:13
And there came a messenger unto David, say Microsoft ® CHAP- XV.* THE SECOND -BOOK OF SAMUEL. ing, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.) Some of the two hundred men, who went innocently along with him from Jerusalem, it is likely, sent this intelligence. Which did not come presently: but when the conspiracy was plain and open, by a great concourse of people to him; and the elders of Israel, and the military men (who are called all Israel, as Fortunatus Scacchus thinks), declared for him,
2 Samuel 15:14
And -David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, let nsflee; for we shall not else escape fro^n Absalom.) Though Jerusalem, at least the fort of Zion, was a strong place, yet they could not have time to lay in provision to endure a siege: and beside, he was not willing to be cooped up there; but chose rather to go into the country, where he hoped to find friends and followers. Make, speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.) He knew Absalom would lose no time to accomplish his end; and therefore requires them immediately to be gone, and prevent a surprise. He was desirous also to preserve Jerusalem from being sacked: being the royal city; upon which he had bestowed much cost.
2 Samuel 15:15
And the king’s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.) One seems to have spoken in the name of the whole court: and it was some comfort to him, that he had a company of such faithful servants about him, as were ready to execute whatsoever he commanded.
2 Samuel 15:16
And the king went forth, and all his household * after him.) In the Hebrew the words arc, all his household at his feet. Which shews that he went on foot, and would not make use of his mule; being in a mournful state, and desirous to move his people’s compassion to him. And the king left ten women, that were concubines, to keep the house.) For their sex, and their quality, might be thought to be a sufficient protection to them. What became of his wives is not here related; it" is probable they went along with him to take care of him, as the other were left to take care of the house.
2 Samuel 15:17
And the king went forth, and all the people after him.) That is, all the people of Jerusalem, who were wellaffected to him. And tarried in a place that was far off.) At a good distance from the city, where, it is likely, he put the people that came out confusedly after him into good order, and waited to see what other friends would come to him.
2 Samuel 15:18
And all his servants passed on beside him.) His household servants, I suppose, marched on both hands of him. All the Cherethites and all the Pelethites.) Who these were, I have shewn at large upon viii. 18. and it is possible they now brought up the rear. And all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.) These marched in the front of his little army; but who they were it is hard to tell; for we read nothing of them before. Some take them to have been proselytes born in Gath of the Philistines, who came with Ittai to David; being attracted by the fame of his piety, and happy successes. Others tako them to be Jews, who had fled to David in his exile, when he was at Gath; and accompanied him ever after, not only in the time of Saul’s persecution, but after he came to tho crown of Judah and Israel. vol. n. *
2 Samuel 15:19
Tlien the king said to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us?) He seems to have been the commander of those six hundred men beforemcntloried. And the Jews make him the son of Achish king of Gath; who out of religion and friendship came to David. Return to thy.place.) -That is, to Jerusalem. And abide with the king.) For so. Absalom was »by usurpation. * For thou art a stranger, and an exile.) Who upon that, account might hope to be civilly treated; at least, being none of David’s family, and anew comer, he thought it was not fit to engage him in their broils.
2 Samuel 15:20
Whereas thou earnest to us but yesterday, should I make thee this day go up and down with us?) He was newly settled at Jerusalem; and therefore David thought* it unreasonable he should be so soon unsettled again.* Seeing I go whither I may.) Especially since he knew, not whither he should betake himself for safety; and.therefore would not have Ittai expose himself to such uncer-’ tainties. (See concerning this phrase, 1 Sam. xxiii. 13.) Return thou, and take back thy brethren.) Some understand by his brethren, the six hundred men that came from Gath: but it is not probable David would part with such, a guaTd as they were, in this time of extreme danger, unless they had desired to be gone; therefore he rather means those persons that attended him/or were of his family, who; came to sojourn with him in Judea. Mercy and truth be with thee.) In tho Hebrew the words’ are, with thee mercy and truth. Which some take to signify, thou art a right honest and good man. But our translation seems better, which makes them a form of a blessing, or* prayer to God, that he would requite the kindness and fidelity of Ittai, by shewing mercy to him, and faithfully fulfilling his promises made to those who came to put theirtrust in him.
2 Samuel 15:21
And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in whatsoever place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or in life, even there also will thy servant be.) A marvellous fidelity in a stranger, when a son was a rebel against him. And David’s humanity is no less admirable in offering to dismiss him so freely, yea, earnestly pressing him to re-, turn, because he was a stranger; though he was in the greatest need of all the assistance he could get to defend him."
2 Samuel 15:22
And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over.) There was not a word more to be said, now ho had sworn he would not leave him. And Ittai the Gittite passed over.) The brook Kidron, as it follows in the next verse. He and all his men, and all the little ones that came with him.) This shcyrs that his whole family wero come, as I noted before, to s6journ in this country. *
2 Samuel 15:23
And all the country.) About Jerusalem. Wept with a loud voice,) Being extremely afflicted to sco their prince, under whom they had lived in great peace and prosperity, reduced to such extremities,,, i\ And all the people passed over.) All that continued faithful to David in those parts. • - The king also himself passed over the brook Kidron.] He stayed till tho last, that he might take notice who ap? peared for him, as they passed over before him. And all the people passed over towards the way of the toil- 2 Z
2 Samuel 15:24
And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites went with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of the Xord. That is, all.thcKohathites that were at Jerusalem, whose office it was to carry tho ark, and take care. of it. \ • And they set down the ark of God.] When they came to David, they set down the ark in the place where he was, to signify that God would bo with him, and accompany him; and that the people might thereby be excited to follow him,* who had the token of the Divine presence with him. And Abiathar went tip.’] To the top of the Mount Olivet. Tittall the people had done passing out of the city.] From the mount ho could behold; when the people, who would follow David, were come out -of the city. And then, I, suppose, he came down; and desired that the ark and the. king’ might move up the hill also.
2 Samuel 15:25
And the king said unto Zadok. TheTalmudists have a fancy that tho king spake to Zadok, not to Abiathar^ because he had removed Abiathar from’. the high-, priesthood; upon this account, that, he consulting by vrim and thummim, God gave no answer; but when Zadok inquired, God did answer. Whereupon David understood the Spirit of God was departed from Abiathar, and therefore turned him out of his office; which is notoriously false,»for he was not turned out till the reign of Solomon. Carry back the ark into tlie city.] For -he did not think itdecent to have it wander about with him he knew not whither, as Abarbinel observes: and perhaps he thought God might be angry with him, should he let it be carried outt’of its place. As if he trusted in the ark, which was but the token of his presence, more than he did in God himself, who had preserved him in the persecution of Saul when he had’uo ark with him.’ If’I find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and shew me both it and his habitation.] It was not for the honour of the ark, as I said, to take it out of the place which he had made for it: which he calls God’s habitation, because there he dwelt by this special token of his’presence in it. And if he had a favour to him, he knew \6 could preserve him without the ark, as well as with it; and bring him again to worship him in his proper place. *
2 Samuel 15:26
But if he say y I have no delight in thee; behold; here am I, let him do to me as -seems good in his sight. He was very sensible of his own ill deservings; and humbly submits to whatsoever punishment, even the heaviest, that God would think fit to inflict upon.him.
2 Samuel 15:27
And the king said also unto Zadok the priest. He is frequently called by Josephus, the high-priest: particularly in lib. vii. Antiq. cap. G. where he saith David made him, 7 Apx u P^ a M* 7 “‘‘AfitaSapTJ,
2 Samuel 15:28
See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness.’) He put an entire confidence in them, that they would not betray him, by acquainting them where ho meant to rest awhile, to wait for intelligence from them. Till there come word from you to certify me.] What Absalom designed; and accordingly he intended^ to steer his course…
2 Samuel 15:29
Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem; and they tarried there. Mention, being made both here and also ver. 33. of Zadok before Abiathar, it seems to intimate some preference to him, and to justify what Josephus saith, that he was the king’s friend; and being constantly with him, was more honoured than Abiathar.
2 Samuel 15:30
And David went vp the ascent of Mount Olivet, and -wept as he went zip, and had his head covered, and ivent barefoot. Dejected, as Salvian glosses, into the condition of a servant; or rather in. the habit of a mourner. JFor cover* ing the head was a token of shame and confusion, and great trouble: and so was going barefoot. Which was used on the great fast, or day of expiation, as we find in Codex Joma, cap. 8. though the doctors say, they might put on woollen.or linen socks, but no leathern shoes. And this was Observed also in funerals, as Buxtorfius. shews in his Synagoga Judaica, cap. 49..which was a custom in the days of Ezekiel, (xxiv. 17.), Nor were? the heathen strangers to it: but in times of great calamity went barefoot, as that excellent p.erson Ezekiel Spanhemius observes in his notes upon.Callimaehus’s hymn, ad Cererem, ver. 125. And all the people that were with him covered every man his head, and they ivent up, weeping as they went up.] Going barefoot also, it is most probable, as the king did.: whose example they followed.
2 Samuel 15:31
And one told David, saying, Ahithophelis among y the conspirators with Absalonu. This touched him very nearly; because he was a very wise man, and one whon^ he took for his friend, (Psal. lv. 13.) And David said, OJLord, I pray thee turn the counsel of Ahithophel iido foolishness.] He prays that he might give foolish counsel; or that it might be contemned and looked upon as foolish; or that it might miscarry in the execution.
2 Samuel 15:32
And it came to pass, that when David ivas come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God. Looking towards the ark in the house of God: which he could see from the top of the mount. Tliat Hushai the Archite came to meet him,] There was a city in tho tribe of Ephraim called Archi, (Josh. xvi. 2.) where this person, in all likelihood, was born and bred, and coming to Jerusalem, became one of David’s privycouncil; being famous for wisdom; otherwise Absalom would not have so readily entertained him, and admitted him to Jus secrets. With his coat rent, and earth upon his head.] Which were expressions of; great sorrow.. Joh. JBraunius hath demonstrated, the. garment called ketonah was round, like our surplices, with sleeves to put the. hands and arms into it. Which was. worn by great persons, not only among the Jews, but the Egyptians, Tyrians,,and Assy-