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 421
Vers. 15-22.-Slight services: a sermon to young persons. "And a. wench [the maidser\"ant] went and told them, and they went a.nd told King David" (ver. 17). • 'fhe people of Israel were divided into two parties-the good and the bad; the servants of King Da\"id, who had been driven away from Jerusalem, and the servants …
1,159 wordsSECTION 422The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 422
II. AIDED BY FAITHFUL FRIENDS, who sympathize with him, strive to defeat his enemies, give him Ul!eful counsel, 1md share his dangers (eh. xv. 16, 21, 23 • vere. 7 16 17). 1. A time of advel'!lity tests the firlelity of friends i and manifests it,' as the n'ight brin~ out the_ sta~ that were unseen by day, 2. It _al…
692 wordsSECTION 423The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 423
council (ver. 14), Ahithophel left the city and returned to hie own house, whence he hnd been summoned the day before (eh. xv. 12). While Ahimaaz and Jonathan hun-ied cnRtw!lrd toward the Jordan with their message (the decision of the council bein" as yet unknown publicly, or its reversal feared), the renowned couns…
832 wordsSECTION 424The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 424
v,·ho has committed life to men as a trust; and whose will in relation to it is intitnated in yarious ways. "In every society where the Christian and old Pythagorean idea -if hfe, as a talent and a trust, is unknown or forgotten, and where its value Is measured by enjoyment, suicide will be likely to become common" (Th…
834 wordsSECTION 425The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 425
to those who bow humbly beneath God's hand and wholly trust him" (Erclm,mn). 4. .Abundantly requited. 'fhose who exercise it "are blessed in their doing" (,Jas. i. 25); and receive unexpected honour and benefit from their guests (eh. xix. 33, 38, 3!); Gen, xviii.; Acts xxviii. 8) and from the Lord himself (Heb. vi. 10;…
892 wordsSECTION 426The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 426
dr,';pCmte plunge in.to toor11e miRlfries thatt can be ezperienced in this life. The solf- murder<>r rushes red-handed into the pro!ence of the awful Judge, depriving himself of all possibility of repentance. III. PRESERVATIVES AGAINST THIS DREADFUL BIN. In this case emphatically "prevention is better than cure "-p…
821 wordsSECTION 427The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 427
employed to the u~rnogt is incredible in vie'! of _t~e l~vish expenditnrP, of many of tbElm on worldly drnplay nnd luxury. The <l1RpoR1t1on 1s wanting• and this in part becrmse e. conv_iction has_ not yet be_en e.wa~ened in thei~ hearts of' the necessity and worth of pecuniary supplies, and the 1mperat1ve duty and h…
838 wordsSECTION 428The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 428
CHAPTER XVIII. that it would not matter "if he.If of us die," e.nd that DA vid •• is worth ten thousnnd of v.,r, 1.-And David numbered. The verb us," Ewe.Id dra,ve the reasonable conclusion really m0ans that he organized his army, that their whole number wns o.bout twenty ,rnd arranged it in companies and divisions…
993 wordsSECTION 429The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 429
brought him of the victory (ver. 24). The between the boughs of o great terehint,l,, only renl argument in support of the view o.nd the mule, l!i.TUggling onward, left bim that the battle wus fought on the west of the hanging in mid-air. Nothina O is said ahout Jordan is that "Ahimauz ran by the wo.y of his hair ha…
1,066 wordsSECTION 430The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 430
resist Joab'e onelaught. There wae no the K'tib is better: " Or hnd I wrought por- rownrrlicc on hie part, but eimply the dia• fldiously nisninAt his life-and nothing is ebnrge of hi• duty ae R genera.I. • He tume hidden from the king----eo wouldst thou hi• mule round. and dBBbee a.way in order havo set thyself a1tn…
1,019 wordsSECTION 431The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 431
sorvants.'' Abee.lom's was evidently the the thicket the bodyofthe unfortunate Abee.- popular c1mse, and, besides Urio.h's mlll'der, lam. The large elaughter of twenty thousand there must have been political reasons for men (ver. 7) proves that the defeated rebels discontent e.t work to me.ke David's govern• were vigor…
1,072 wordsSECTION 432The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 432
shall never dep1nt from thine house" (eh, hllth given sentence for thee, and pro- xii. 10). The ~word had devoured one !!OD; nounced thy acquittal. The same phrnse W8.8 it now to claim another? And then P occurs in ver. 19. and then ? Where would it stop? And Ver. 32.-18 the YO'IIJl8' man, eto.? Alarm Ahimao.z RBW the …
920 wordsSECTION 433The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 433
I. As A MATTER OF FAOT, OBLIGATIONS INVOLVmG MOOH PAIN IN THEIR DISCHARGE DO ARISE SOME TIME OR OTHER IN THE COURSE OF A GOOD MAN'S LIFE. Our entire life is a. continuous duty. Obligations attend us every day. Right action means fulfilment of/urposes, obeying laws, harmony with moral necessity. The pre8sure is incessan…
828 wordsSECTION 434The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 434
s11ppre11eed the pain of me.kinp: wa.r on his aon bece.use it was right 110 to do, but that did not imply the uprooting from his heart of those feelings of tenderness' e.nd com- pa•sion and yearning sorrow which are proper to a fe.ther, even for a prodigal son. He did not waver in his kingly design to subdue rebelli…
923 wordsSECTION 435The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 435
I. ALIENATION OF Jil!:ART AND LOSS OF THE GENUINE FEELING OF SONSHIP. Absnlom had known a time whon, in the assertion within hie own spirit of self-hood, he virtu- ally ceased to be a truo son. This was hie fall, The old child-affection became weak; 11n aversion sprang up; father was no longer regarded as a. father sho…
881 wordsSECTION 436The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 436
be counted RB a t.reasure, and mRde him conspicuous in IsrRel, now combined with the silent forces that ran through the forest trees to bring him into the judament for which bis courge of rebellion had been preparing him. When God's time he.a" come ho has many instruments for effecting his pnrpose. The best gifts of…
910 wordsSECTION 437The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 437
life of Abee.lorn, solely because of the king's commandment (vers. 5, 12, 13). The question of the prudence or imprudence of the a.et we.e not for a moment entertained. Obedience to the royal nuthority was the prime duty. This belief was the govern- ing rule of conduct. No imaginary advantage to Israel, no example or p…
878 wordsSECTION 438The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 438
"Love your enemies" is a Divine command; but we aro not so good AS was he who r;nve the commAnd, and so he will condone our cherishing some hatred I Be truthful in wor<l and deed is the meaning to us all of Christ's life; but the pressure of businose and the difficulties or diplomacy in national l\ffairs are such that…
846 wordsSECTION 439The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 439
hl•lief thnt his nature was too tender and sympathetic for wha.t he re"arded as the proper delivery of tbe dark side of the message, Joab was a. bard and blunt man, and he wanted RUcb II man for a work which, because disagreeable, had better be "Ot rid of as quickly as possible. If David should be angry with the Cus…
885 wordsSECTION 440The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 440
and IRke because of the bree.d they ate (John vi. 24-27) were not the whole-hearted di11eiple~ Christ ce.red to have. Christ would he.ve the entire life (Luke ix. 69-62). III. PROMPT ACTION IN EMERGENOIES. The reality of this young me.n's enthusiMm appeared in bis ready offer of the specie.I powers with which he was e…
1,171 wordsSECTION 441The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 441
The great lamentation. On hearing of the death of his son, David retired into secrecy and poured out his soul in perhaps the most touching language to be found in tlie Bible. The strength and depth of feeling- expressed were evidently in propor- tion to the interest which all along he had cherished in this abandoned ch…
1,038 wordsSECTION 442The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 442
HOMILIES BY V.ARIOUS AUTHOR:: Vers. 1-8.----{MAllANAm.) Davia's victory over his rebellious subfects, Havjng found refuge in the fortified city of Mahanaim (eh. ii. ,8), and recrui_ted their exball6ted energies, David and those who were with him· prepared for the conflict which now seemed inevitable. Meanwhile (duri…
1,197 wordsSECTION 443The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 443
brave soldier came upon their leader, suspended from "the entangled branohes of the great terebinth,'' in which his head was fastened 110 that he could not extricate himself. He forthwith reported what he had seen to Joab, who asked him why ho bad not despatched him, and said that be would have given him ten }lieces of…
794 wordsSECTION 444The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 444
accidental circumstances, the devices and efforts of the transgressor, a.re so ordered that he shall not go unpunished (Prov. xi. 19, 81; xiii. 21; xxii. 6; xxviii. 17, 18). II. ExEOUTED BY HUMAN VIOLENCE, SIMILAR TO ms OWN. (Vers. 14, 15.) As he had slain Amnon (eh. xiii. 28, 29), so was he slain by Joab. "He that wa…
1,072 wordsSECTION 445The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 445
Ver. 29.-(MARANAIM.) • Is the young man , , . safe," Youth is a seJLqon of intense activity, favourable opportunities, and glowing promise, "The passion, which in youth Drives fut downhill, means that the impulse gained Should speed m up the hill that's_ opposite." (Sir H. Taylor,) This question is specially sugge…
1,133 wordsSECTION 446The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 446
II. DIBAPPOINTED EXPECTATION AND HOPE, .All through the course pursued by Absnlom, David doubtless cherished the hope that: 1. He might see the error of hie way, and, constrained by bis father's 11:ff'ection, repent of hie sine. He may have ~upposc<l him penitent at the time of bis return (c.b. xiv. 23), and that hi…
877 wordsSECTION 447The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 447
many lives. In personal worth he may not be equal to many " single soldier or sub- ject; but he represents the etnte; in his life may be involved the welfare of a nation, to protect which it is worth while for many to die. Such thoughts might well console the private soldier dying in obscurity on the field or in hospit…
913 wordsSECTION 448The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 448
~hould be thus immortal and immutable, i• matter for joy and thankfulness. He ncede not, like DRvid, the plans and efforts of his servante to preserve him; but we can nnd should rejoice that he lives and reigns, and "must reio-n till he hath put all enemice under his feet" (1 <Jor. xv. 25). 2. Devoted loya,lt_,/' t,o …
1,060 wordsSECTION 449The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 449
Ver. 13.-The omniscience of our King. "There is no matter hid from the king." This .is given, by the man who informed Joab that Absalom was hanging in an oak, as a reason why he might have been sure of death himself if he had killed Absalom. It shows how well informed David was understood to be of all that took place a…
643 wordsSECTION 450The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 450
Ver. 18.-Absalom's monument The cont.ra~t between ver. 17 and ver. 18 Is touch- ing. Absalom, whoee three eone (eh. xiv. 27) were dead, desirous that his name ~b_oul~ not thei:efore _die, erected a monum~nt to perpetm~te it, proba1?1Y conneoting with 1t a tomb rn which he purposed that his body should he, and in whi…
1,045 wordsSECTION 451The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 451
Ver. 27.-A good messenger of good news. "He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings." Underlying this phrase is probably the feeling that there is a. con- gruity between good tidings and a good man. David may have thought that such a messenger as Ahimaaz would not have been sent with bad news; and, indeed, Joab was…
1,028 wordsSECTION 452The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 452
Ver. 29.-0oncern for the welfare ef young men. ff Is the young man Absalom safe ? " or, as in the Revised Version, ff Is it well with the young man Absalom? " '1.'he inquiry reveals what was on David's heart equally with, if not more than, the welfare of the state and the continuance of his own reign. While .A.bsalom h…
976 wordsSECTION 453The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 453
Ver. 33.-.Afather's anguish at his son's death. The stroke which David feared fell upon him at last. In spite of all his desire to save his rebellious son, and his com- mands to each of the generals to " deal gently " with him for his sake, he had been slain. When the father learnt the unwelcome truth from "the Cushite…
886 wordsSECTION 454The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 454
F.XPOSITION. self-reproach betw...in the gates. His eagar CH.A.P'l'ER XIX. inquiries, "Is the lad safe?" meant-Has the Ver. 2.-The viutory (Hebrew, the 11alt,a- hand of justice a.gain smitten me? e.nd when twn) that day .... turned mo mourning. he found that a second blow had fallen, bis Naturally, the people did no…
437 wordsSECTION 455The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 455
but of hie eone o.nd do.ughters, nnd of the over u1. It ia evident from these "'ords that women who ho.d accompanied him in his there had been some solemn anointinoo and flight. Nor would it ho.ve stopped there, appointment of Ahse.lom, and this acc';;11ntd but the officers of his comt, the co.ptaine of for the mann…
1,086 wordsSECTION 456The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 456
of Just. The guilt of elRying Absnlom w11e be mRny legitimiate who would coneidor thnt ee nothing compared with the.t of sll\ying the orown belonged to Saul's heirs, and who -Uriah, nor was it eo baee 118 the aeeaeein&tion would watch the course or events for any of Abner, which David he.d tolerated, though opportunity…
1,001 wordsSECTION 457The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 457
Jeroboam, whom Solomon had me.de "ruler eo, the order or events is not chronologica.1. over e.11 the oherge of the house of Joseph" Zibe. certainly ea.me to the Jordan fords, (1 Kings xl. 28), quickly wrested the ten e.nd the narrative ma.y ha.ve been introduced tribes from him. In Amoe v, 6 " the here to complete the …
1,020 wordsSECTION 458The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 458
Ver. 26.-Thy ■ervant ■aid, I 'Will 1aadle in pereon until he ro&ched the other side of me a.n a111. This would meRn, "Thy serv1mt Jordan, pul'f'Oeed, Mid within himsolf, that be would Ver. 33.-And I will feed thee. This ia s&ddle an ass, not by his own hande, but by the same verb ae that used in ver, 32, and tb<>l!…
1,027 wordsSECTION 459The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 459
west or the river looked contemptuonsly, and the gree.t gathering of Judah e.nd Benjamin of Bhimei and his Benje.mites, and " few at Jerusalem after AsB had defeated Zerah more in the immedio.te neighbourhood. 'l'he the Ethiopian; e.nd Josiah outried out his tre.ns-Jorrlanio tribes are probably those reformation in Sim…
896 wordsSECTION 460The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 460
friends, WlLII very near imperilling hia influence as l!Overctgn, and gave eome ostensible 0-round for the ungracioll8 remonstrance of Joa.b. But the fact is, David was true to himaelf 88 a man of deepest piety, and the '(leOple were unable to enter Into the nctunl Ft ruggle through which he was passing. Like Oae gr…
920 wordsSECTION 461The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 461
ABSORPTION IN TilE SORROWS OF' A RELIGIOUS P:XPERIENCE. David never felt anything like thi~. But the reason is plain. Never before did he see a connection between bis own pnst conduct and so awful an event. The special elements contributing to his self- absorbing misery were a vivid remembrance of his dreadful sin in t…
875 wordsSECTION 462The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 462
which would not have happened but for the sin which created the sorrow. The que~tion of the precedence of Jude.h in the matter of his restore.tion was the distinct formulRtion of a jee.louey and sectionRl inte1·est which subsequently resulted in 8 schism of the kingdom, and this question would not have arisen but fo…
873 wordsSECTION 463The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 463
JV, 'l'HE MANIFOLD AND EVER-FLOWING 0ONBEQUEN0EB OF BIN ARE NOT ADEQUATELY BE0OONIZED BY MANKIND. David recognized the rebellion and death of Absalom and the 1111sociated civil inconveniences as being in some way connected with his sin; but even be did not see, when at Mahanaim, that the subsequent death of Amasa and t…
848 wordsSECTION 464The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 464
edt~~tion ·an? experience in the grAdual exercise of l)i!I powers In lower spheres of actrMty contnbuted to the mature form and l:a.nge of hill Influence. • 'l'he c·onqueror of lion and gia.nt beca.me, by an edncational process, a conqueror of the hearts of nien. The development of natural powers, whether of oratory…
875 wordsSECTION 465The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 465
the high priests to the mon of ,Judah, and the reason of the promotion of Ama,a. (together with hie reasonu.blo desire to express his sense of Joab's dangerous liberty in dieobeying o. positive public command). The noble-hearted king felt the importance of the restoration of peace and unity so deeply, and was so sensib…
896 wordsSECTION 466The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 466
Pee bow this action of oonecienoe is verified in the case of many who hRve rejected Christ, the Lord's Anointed. Once let them know that he is coming into hie kingdom and unell.llinees will appee.r. ' _IV. 'l'HE INFL~o~ IN LIFE OF DOMINATING IDEAS. The son of Zeruie.h (ver. 21) wished to slay Shurnn at once, e.nd, …
896 wordsSECTION 467The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 467
Ziba had befriended his friends in a time of need (eh. xvi. 1, 2), and had been foremost to welcome himself back (eh. xix. 17). 'l'he kindness of the man in the hour of need was a set-off to his deceit. On the other haJ:?rl, the forfeiture of the property of Mephi- boshelh by royal decree was he.Red on false informa…
875 wordsSECTION 468The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 468
the beautiful character of the venerable man who had befriended him In his mlefor- tt~ne11, and no_w, with a consciousness that hie own earthly oouree is nearly run, bid~ him an affectionate fe.rewell. There are many venerable aaints referred to in the Bible-from the time of Enoch to the beloved exile of Patmos-and …
915 wordsSECTION 469The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 469
IV. A DEAUTJB'UL 01,D AGE JS AN ABIDING CHARM IN THE Ml!:M0RY, David and Barzil!o.1 never met o.gain on eo.rth. Their parting partook of all the sweet tenderness of a fine.I severance, Before David had finished his career, the venerable man hn.d passed awo.y to bis blessed reward (1 Kings ii. 7). But it could not but b…
873 wordsSECTION 470The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 470
humanity. It is the abeence of ideals whioh marks off the beast from man. When we are expected to provoke one another to love and good works, we at onoe think of the standard after which we are, es Christians, bound to strive (Phil. iii. 12-14). 'l'he feot that othen; surpass us is a reminder of the vows we have tak…
840 wordsSECTION 471The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 471
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vere. 1-8.-(MAHANAJM.) Immoderate grief. Thie interview between David anrl Joab throws light upon the character of both, and the relations snbsistina between them: 1. The best of men are by no means perfect. David's grief, although natural, and, m some respects, commendable, was unseaso…
809 wordsSECTION 472The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 472
and in this was le.id the le.sting breach between himself and his nephew, which neithor the one nor the other ever forgave" (Ste.nley). But, convinced the.t he he.d given oocasion for reproof, ht, now patiently submitted to it ~s. cxli. 5). "Hard natures e.nd he.rsh words have their uses in life e.fter all" (Scott . "T…
796 wordsSECTION 473The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 473
inherlte.nce. 5. The friendly greeting of the faithful. (Vers. 31-39). Barzillai, an aged end "very great man," representative of the tran1-Jorrlomic inhabitants; testifyinu his devotion to the king in prosperity, whom be had aided in adversity, and receiving his graterul benediotion. How ditforent is it with David now…
830 wordsSECTION 474The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 474
"Shn.11 there any man be put to death this day in Isr11.el? For do I not know thl\t I Am this day king o\'er Israel 'l" (It is noticeable how frequently he is designated " the king" in this chapter.) 4. An exercise of the royal, prerogative of pardon, 'l'his prerogative, indeed (though prompted by a ganerous impulse), …
850 wordsSECTION 475The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 475
Vere. 31-40.-(Tmi: JORDAN.) Old Barzillai. "How long have I to live?" (ver. 84). Barzillai dwelt at Rogelim (his own city, ver. 37), in Gilead, where, amidst the rich highland pasturee, diligently euperintending his flocks and herds, he epent hie days in peace. He enjoyed "the blessing of the Old Testament "-prosper…
889 wordsSECTION 476The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 476
may cent'l'e l\t hu1t in God" (Sydne:v Smith, • On the Pleasures of Old Age'). "Old age may be not only venerable, but beautiful, and the object of reverenc& untinctured by corupassioll. 'fne intellect, the emotions, the affections (the beet of them) all alive, -it ie the paseions and appetites only that are de11.d; a…
818 wordsSECTION 477The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 477
be, where our Father God is, where our Rasband Christ Is, where our chief kiadred and acquaintance be, all the prophets and apostles and martyr~ of God departed are; that is our home, and thither should we go" (R. Harris). "I am now passing through the latest stage of my pilgrimage on earth. My sun is speedily going do…
1,264 wordsSECTION 478The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 478
T"er. 9.-Late 'f'eji,ection and appreciation. The rebels against King David having been defeated, and their chosen leader slain, they bethink themselves of their position and of the claims of their injnred sovereign; and begin to stir up each other to obtain his return and reinstatement. Their words are obviously tr…
1,088 wordsSECTION 479The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 479
Vers. 24-30.-Inability hindering desired service, Although some are di~posed to accept Ziba's account cf his master's conduct (eh. xvi. 3) rather than Mephibosheth's own, as given in these verses, there seems to be no just reason to doubt his truth and sincerity. He did not go with David because, owing to his lameness …
1,030 wordsSECTION 480The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 480
On the other hand, many an obscure and perhaps dis-regarded eervant of Christ will find himself unexpectedly applauded and eulted. "Lord, when saw we thee," etc.? (Matt. XXV, 37). Wherefore: 1. "Judge nothing before the time" (1 Cor. iv. 5). 2. Let (Jhristian., of limited powers and opportunities be encouraged to do t…
767 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical Pulpit Commentary. Source page identifies the volume as Public Domain; text extracted from its historical PDF.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.