PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel
Robert Payne Smith [1818-1895] · 562,410 words · 620 reading sections
The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 121
of the troubles that were coming. David had to act eo as to render the words of Samuel credible to the people; he had to make hie "calling and election sure" by a line of conduct that would destroy the supposition that possibly Samuel the prophet, in this Instance, we.e mistaking the surmisings of hie own mind for t…
924 wordsSECTION 122The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 122
on our own faithfulness in daily life. 4. It is helpful to the observance of obligationa that we recognize them with the solemn ee.nctioneofreligion, "before the Lord" (ver. 3). TM acqu&Bition and building-up of Zion. This narrative exhibits David as a now man-freti from the old trials and embarrassments, and with 1…
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gh·i~ preeence of the Lord of all power 11nd glory. In so far as we each enter on our appointed work for Christ in the Mme spirit, we carry on the inspiration and swell the moral forces that are to win the world for God. - V. MEMORIES. David, &B we know from hia early experience and fror.a the PMlms, W&8 B man of m…
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consequently tho prohibition to have more than one wife partakes of the nature of a posiUve precept. Had man not been told what he should do, he would not have felt and known absolutely that only one wife must be taken. Had he not been told what he should do, he would nevertheless have felt and known that to love no…
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~e renunciation of human strength and wisdom before God. The historian is here fragmentacy in his records. Having noted David's first efforts towards consolidation of his power and his general prosperity, he refers to the troubles that arose in con- sequence of the assaults of the Philistines. These natural enemies·…
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HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 1-3 (1 Chron. xi. 1-3).-(HEBRON.) David anointed king of all Israel. 1. About twenty years had elapsed since David was anointed by Samuel, seven years and a. half since he was anointed King of Judah; and at length, at the age of thirty- seven, his faith and patience were rewarded, ev…
1,098 wordsSECTION 127The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 127
'<!3-40). "All these men of war that could keep rank came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make DBvid king over all Israel; and all the res~ also of Israel were of one heart to mrdco DBvid king." 1. Voluntary subm,isBiO'YI,, "Thy people shall be willin~ in the day of thy powerJ' (Pa. c1. 3). 2. Nati(JITlal UMnimity; …
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growing" after the conquest of the stronghold of Zion, etc. (vera. 6-10) which he &chieved 88 captain, "leitder and oommander of the people" (as well AB the~ ehepherd) "WRxed greater and gl'eBter" (eh. vii. 9) in power and tame; "and Jehovah the God of hosm" (1 Sam. l. 3) "wu with him" (ae his Shepherd, Pa. xxiii. 1…
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Dn.vid, Jeritsalem (" foundntion of pence "), beyond any other city mentioned i □ sacred history, poetry, or prophecy, "Jerusalem was destined to become the Aeat of the Hebrew government, and the scene of the most extraordinary events, and more stranae and awful vicissitude&, than any other city of the universe, not…
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ment, the centre of religion And Divine service, the source of far-1'81\ching influence, It wu "the city of the great King" (Matt. v. 35), where he dwelt, reigned, manifested his glory, and" commanded his blessing, even life for evermore." So Jerusalem wll.8 del!Oribed by psalmists end prophets, and won the passiona…
1,012 wordsSECTION 131The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 131
Vers. 17-20 (1 Chron. xiv. 8-11).-(THE VALLEY OF REPH.AIM.) Vit:toTy over the Philistines. (References: eh. viii. 1, 12; xxi. 15, 18, 19; xxiii. 9, 11, 13; 1 Kings ii. 39.) "Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-Perazim" (ver. 20). So long as David reigned over a single tribe and was at war with the house of …
595 wordsSECTION 132The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 132
the control of the pril!llt. Henoe, perhaps, it is that, as his oonfldence In his troops and in hie own warlike experience inoreased, he oee.sed aloogether to consult the sacred Urim, for we hear no more of it in his later wan" (F. W. Newmrm), IV. PRACTICAL OBEDIENOE TO 'l'Hl!: woRn OF 'l'RE LORD. "And David came," …
1,137 wordsSECTION 133The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 133
Vera. 22, 23 (1 Chron. xiv.13, 14).--{THE VALLEY OF REPH.A.IM..) Renewed conflict. 1. The life of a. gqdly man on earth is a wa.rfa.re which is perpetually renewed. Hardly has one conflict been pa.seed through before another awaits him with old or new and more formidable foes : the world, the flesh, the devil ; ignoran…
557 wordsSECTION 134The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 134
up about day-dawn), and made uee of by him for tbat~se. It is not stated that lt w1111 intended for or perceived by any one else but David: To him it was II the sound of his Master's feet" (2 Kin~ vi. 32); the "going out before him" of" the Captain of the Lord's host" (Josh. v. 14) at the head of legions of angels "…
1,219 wordsSECTION 135The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 135
Vera. 1-3....-Tardy acceptance oi a divinely appointed ruler. Abner and Ishbo- sheth being dead, and Mephibosheth incapable from his lameness, the eleven tribes that for upwards of seven years had not only held aloof from David, but waged war with him, now come to the conclusion that it is best to become his subjects, …
393 wordsSECTION 136The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 136
of God's people, Kings by Divine right in 'the strictest aense. A11 suoh Dllvid is hero recognized at length by the tribes of Israel, as before by the tribe of Judah. Aa such the Lord Jesue ie reoognized by his followel"II. Theae reasons had exieted and should have been as powerful immediately after Saul's death ; b…
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is renohed by p11the of truth e.nd uprightnees e.nd piety; by the strenuous employment of nil the powers, indeed, but in harmony with the Divine will; not so much, therefore, with the purpose to grow great as to be of service to others. It iH rather accepted ae a gift of God the.n sought; e.nd ie accepted" with fee.ran…
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Ver. 19.-Dioine assurance of trictory. The enlargement and establishment of David's kingdom, while a joy to Israel, was a grief to their old and formidable enemies, the Philistines. These came in great numbers into the territory of Israel, hoping to seize David himself (ver. 17), as the shortest way of putting an en…
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and determination. 3. PerBiBtency, notwilhsfn.nding all del,ays, d,!,.~r,ouragement.9, and partial failures. 4, SonrJB of victory. Not only for evory advantage gained, but for the fino.l and complete victory o.lready to faith as good as won. If the hope of victory in other conflicts produces such effects, much more sho…
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EXPOSITION. possessed by the Israelites. Bnt when there CHAPTER VI. was danger of even these failing to keep Ver. 1.-And David ga.thered together. them together as one people, the statesmen The long subjection to the Philistines we.s of the north put forth their utmost powers, at an end, and David's first care is …
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the temple services more than their worldly but with no grea.t loss; and so with unbroken prosperity. Even Saul he.d valued the strength they again invade the country, and national religion, e.nd had established its march up once more to Jerusalem, prepared head-que.rters at Nob; but, giving way to to fight a pitched b…
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with him.from [or. of] tl1e oit:i.zens of Judah," e.dded to this e. knowledge of llll snch ritual unden,te.nding by "master" a householder, as was in daily use in the· ee.nctmuy e.t. Nob. one who wne mRBter of e. fe.mily. The ree.l He he.d tied thence in terror, escaping llloue explnne.tion probe.bly is that the ne.…
1,123 wordsSECTION 143The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 143
men. His grandsons would be in the prime preforred to use places with solid floors or of lifo. pavements, which lasted for ma.ny genera- Ver. -1.-Aooompanying (Hebrew, with) tions, and ofton became well-known Rpots the ark. 'fhe verse is eviclently corrupt, and (Gen. I. 10). Even if" Nacbon" be a proper wo ho.vo no…
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Ver. 9.-David wu afraid. This was his walls. There were no country houses in next feeling. Neither he nor Uzzah had a region lately twice ravaged by the l'liillB- off"nrled wilrully, and eo severe a punish- tines. But there is an objection to this ment for an •• e1Tor" made l1im dread the view, namely, thBt it is no…
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1tncl hie nnointing WAA n, solemn consecration tho mi<let of his public dutic~, was not for- to n, religious offioe. '.fo have burned incenae gi:tful of the nearer claims of hia own family. or offered ee.criflco would hnve been to Doubtless there also a joyful feast would bo invnde the priestly office, an office pe.ral…
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her any puni•hmont further thRn this vor- priost (I Sam. :r.:r.i. 1). But when in a. fit be.l reproof. Nor does the intercet lie in of eensolees jealousy be destroyed his own Miohel'e oo_nduct: but in the glimpse whioh work, the nation was left for e. time without the nerrative givee ue of David'e tender piety towa…
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ot Shiloh, ond etill more by the cutting off of respects Rome. The city of David's choice so mu.ny of its leading members ot Nob, never he.a been, and continues to this hour to be, recovered itself after Abiothar was set aside the most holy spot upon earth alike t.o the by Solomon for taking port with Adonije.h, Jew…
800 wordsSECTION 148The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 148
political weakness of the nation during the life of Saul, David saw clellrly thBt the ele,,ation of hie r,eople depended chiefly on two things-vigorous, cnlighteiled stl\tesmall- ebip, and fidelity in all things to their oo'tenanted. God. The establishment of a strong oentre of govornmellt at Jerus&lem was one step;…
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they would further diffuse the influence caught by contact with the godly king, am! contribute elements of good to their respective localities. 'fhe great reformations of the world have all been effected thus. Few come into direct tiersonal contact with the originators. 'l'he multitude get the secondary influences. …
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God MW something more than the ordinary ant.ecedent of e. lie in common life. There have beet1 judgments on nations and families and individuals, e.nd are still, which do come rn the providence of God, but the hiaden ree.sons of which only eternity will revee.L As our Saviour during his earthly life often spoke to the …
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hand in contmvention of the command may bave been the expression of this. The same applies equally to the New Testament manifostation of the glory of God in Ohrist. J<'or times of danger 11ncl of seeming safety he has enjoined on us certain con- duct in relation to the kingdom of Christ, which proceeds on the presuppos…
1,125 wordsSECTION 152The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 152
Distrust a .foil to faith and l01Je. It is said that David was displeased; and in his displeasure there arose a fear hitherto unknown to him, and; as a consequence of these; the enterprise on which he had entered with so much joy and confidence was .abandoned till, as we shall see further on, the rewanl which came t…
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the work to which he hacl committed himself and the people. P8ychr,logically it can be proved thot all emotion affects more or less the steadiness of intellectual perception. :Mornlly it is a matter of experience that an emotion of anger, distrust, or annoyar,ce nlways interferes wjth a clear perceptfon of spiritual tr…
1,093 wordsSECTION 154The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 154
Vers. 12-23.-The facts are: 1. David, learning the blessing that had come upon the house of Obed-Edom, resolves to bring up the ark to Jerusalem. 2. Having made arrangements in accordance with the Law for the proper bearing of the ark, he inaugu- rates the procession by a sacrifice. 3. Girded with a linen epbod, he da…
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lnrlulgence in fresh sins in order to get rid of wha.t slight uneasiness is experienced ; but with David tho disturbing force of sin would gra.dually expend itself, and the roflective powers would begin to review the situation and gradually allow the influence of truth a.nd fact to reveal the folly and shame of what ha…
1,219 wordsSECTION 156The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 156
Wise religious l,eadership. The narrative from vers. 13-19 desc~ibcs David's con- duct throughout the great processional march to Jerusalem. He was here· acting the part of leader of a great religious movement, and in his spiiit and deeds we see the couditioos of a wise religious leadership. •• 1. AnsoLUTE DEFER.E:…
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Domestic hindrances to piety. A day of high festivities and holy gladness was closed by an event which must have made David feel how imperfect is the best estate at which man can arrive in this world. The reviling of his wife Michal was indeed a bitter efement in the cup, and suggests to us a sad subject, too frequentl…
1,179 wordsSECTION 158The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 158
centre of national worship. '!'be union of all the tribes under" the man of God's choice," the conquest of Jerusalem, the defeat of the Philistines, prepared tbo way for the great enterprise; and to it David was impelled by a truly theocratic spirit. "This act had ite root in David's truly pious feeling, was the living…
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"At Ephrstah, Rt Bethlehem, the idea of making thie great tl'llnsference" (Acts vii. 46) may hRve first " occurred to DRvid's mind" (Stanley ; but see Commentaries on thie J'llelm). "And DRvid oonsolted with the captains of thousnnds," etc. (1 Chron. xiii. 1--4) ; " gat.hered together all the chosen men [ warriorsl …
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and the " pearl of great price " (Matt. xiii. 44-46). 2. A significant memorial of God's mercies in times past. What manifold and mighty events would be brou<1ht to remembrance by the sight of the sacred, venerable, and mysterious coffer, when it"came forth, as from its grave, into the light of day I 3. A sure pledge…
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Divine will, wh\lst the me,ms employed for the attainment thereof aro contrary to it. 6. Good intentions do not justify forbidden actions. "Two things make a <1ood Christian-good actions and good aims. A good aim maketh not a bad action g~od, RB here; and yet a bad aim maketh a good action bad, as we see in Jehu" (Trap…
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proper thought nnd e. higher will. 2. With rashness, irreverence, and profanity; begotten of long fomilio.rity with the venerable relic (see 1 Sam. vi. 19). He looked upon it o.e little other the.n a piece of sacred furniture. 3. In a spirit of official pride and presumption, ae its hereditary guardie.n and immediate c…
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specially needful in order to: 1. .Arrest heedleB1Jfootsteps and constrain to serious reflec- tion and self-examination. "Serve the Lord with fee.r, and rejoice with trembling" (Ps. ii. 11; iv. 4). 2. Convince of sin, restrain pride e.nd presumption, and lee.cl to ~odly sorrow. 3. Deter from disobedience, ;and induc…
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more fully recognized, and its recognition cannot but produce in the home thoughtful- ness, reverence, and self-restraint, 2. Obedience to his commandments; which were deposited in the ark (2 Chron. ii. 10), 'l'he Law must be written on the fleshy tablets of the heart; made the rule of life; and diligently taught to t…
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taking" (Bottoher). 1, The firBt 1tep1 or 11n enterprise 11.re of high import11.nce, 11.nd, until they are &etually taken, even the best prepared l\re seldom without mis"iving. 2. When taken with the m11.nifest approval of Heaven, they afford strong confiden~e and liope of a successful issue. 3. The gladness (ver. 12…
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place. The ascent of the ark into "the city of David" may be regarded as: 1. A termination of a state of things that bad long prevailed, in which the relation of tl,o people of Israel to their Divine King was interrupted, his service neglecteil, their power unpaired, Even the early military successes of Saul were follo…
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truly as Sa.muel or Moses (Acts ii. 30). "David, as well as Moses, was made like to Christ the Son of David in this respect, thRt by him God gave a new ecclesiastical establishment and new ordinances of worship" (Jon. Edwards). 11 On that day then David ordered for the first time to thank the Lord by Asl'ph and hie …
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Ver. 20 (1 Chron. :xvi. 43).-(ZxoN.) Family worship. "And David retnrned to bless his household." A benediction or blessing is essentially a prayer to God that his blessing may be bestowed upon others; and, being uttered in their presence by one who (like the head of e. household) holds a position of authority in relat…
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11 most hardening vice; its impiety in the sight of God surpasses all description; it is contngious and injurious vice" (J. A. James). 11, III. ANBWEilED 0ON0LUBIVELY. By: 1. A sufficient explanation and defence. "It wo.s before Jebovnh" that ho had "played;" conscious of his presence and desirous of giving him honou…
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lying ~o long neglected (1 Chron. xiii. 3)? But, surely, those who b&d the care of the ark ought to have known the l&w <>f God respecting it, or searched it out diligently when a new dep&rture we.s oontcmpl&ted, th&t they might both &et rightly themselves and prevent the king from copying the Philistines (1 Sam. vi.…
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are the most likely to feel as if their own will might bo their law, Thus carnalit,y anrl worldlineRB come to regulate the ntfairs of the Church, 11nd the Law of God is violated in letter or in spirit. Hence the "will-worship, the volunteered, self-imposed officious, supererogatory service" (Lightfoot on Col. ii. 23), …
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Yer. 11.-God's blessing abuUng with tlie ark. Divine cbastieemente and Divine benedictions have in thie world the same end in view-the jromotion of true religion. 'l'he judgmeut on Uzzah and the blessing on the house of Obe -Edom were e.like intended to reawaken a living faith and piety in the nation, by showing tha…
852 wordsSECTION 173The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 173
go nnd do likewise. Fino.Uy, families which regard not God may have many desirnhle thinge, but cnnnot really enjoy the Divine blessing. "The curse of the Lord is in the house of tho wicked," while" he blesseth the habitation of the just" (Prov. iii.33).-G. W. Vers.12-19.-The arlc brought to Zion. A grand day for Israe…
1,147 wordsSECTION 174The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 174
L WHY FEBVE1'"r RELIGIOUS ZEAL IS DESPISED, 1. Alleged reasons; as (1) that it is fanatical; or (2) unintellectual, a sign of weak mind; a style of religion fit only for women and weak-minded men; or (3) hypocritical; or (4) not respectable. 'l'he better sort of people, it is alleged, keep their religion within due …
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enlvnlion o.nd the good of others all imply zeal; the production of which is represented o.s one great end of the offering of himself by Christ (Titus ii. 14). ,3. It iH countenanced by tlte Mgltest and best socie_ty. _By cherubim and seraphim, angels and archangels, apostles, prophets, martyrs, eamte lil heaven and on…
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Ven.. 20-22.-..4. despiser rebuked. The history of Michal is rather an unhappy one. In early life she became enamoured of David, to whom she was reluctantly given by her father. .Afterwards, when Saul became the enemy,of David, she was given to another, from whom, after many years, she was tom by her first husband, …
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efficiency to order. While the lovers of order and good taste are exclusively indulging their preferences, multitudes may be left uncared for and untouched. When, therefore, by_ means which a.re thought objectionable, they are attracted and benefited, the objectors may properly be asked to find nnd employ better met…
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EXPOSITION. Ne.than rashly approves. The king's pur- CHAPTER VD pose seems so pious that he does uot doubt Ver. l .-When the king eat in hill honae. its accepta.noe by God. · Tbe order is not ohronologi11&l ; for the words, Ver. 4.-The word of Jehovah oe.me unto Jehovah had given him rut from all hi.I Nathan. Not …
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eignifted "the making for Da.vid of a houee." the sheepcote; Hebrew," the mea.<low" (see In its full eignllloanoe this meane that the Ps. lxxviii. 70). It wns in the mMrlowa, tribe of Judah and tho lineage of D11vid the Naioth, round Rama.h, that Ramuel ha,] were now chosen by God ae the 11,ncestors of gathered the you…
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Nath&n's words. Here a veil ia partly by Oanaa.nites 11.nd Midie.nitee, by Philistines drawn over them. But it would be a wilful e.nd Ammonites? This miser&ble period is cl011ing of the eyes t-0 read this mese11.ge desoribed 88 "beforetime," and 88 "since and not bear in mind the olee.r light with the day that I comman…
1,018 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical Pulpit Commentary. Source page identifies the volume as Public Domain; text extracted from its historical PDF.
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.