The 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, and again be united with Judah in one kingdom. They accordingly make their submission to him and solemnly accept him as their sovereign. I. THE GROUNDS OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF HIM. 1. Close relationship. "Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh" (comp. Eph. v. 30). God has given to us a King who is one with us in nature. The Ruler of the Church, yea, of all things, is a Man ; the throne of the universe is filled by a human form (see Heb. ,ii. 5, et seq.)-a fact which endears the Christ to his willing subjects. 2. Previous service. (Ver. 2.) "In time past," etc. In which service David had both displayed and increased his capacities for ruling men. With this may be compared Christ's period of service when on earth, especially during his public ministry and last sufferings. By these he was trained and prepared for his throne (made "perfect through sufferings," Heb. ii. 10); and it is in and by these that he reveals himself and attracts the hearts of men. 3. Divin6 appointment. (Ver. 2.) "The Lord said to thee, 'l'hou shalt feed [' shepherd,' 'be the shepherd of'] my people Israel, anrl thou shalt be a captain [literally, • foremost man, leader'] over Israel." A king is to be as a shepherd to his subjects, not only ruling them, but caring for, watching over, protecting, guiding, uniting them; guarding and preserv- ing the weaii: from violence and oppression, as a shepherd his lambs. '!'he image wa.s natural to the Hebrews, and runs through the Scriptures, extending even to the visions of heaven (Rev. vii. 17). 'l'he king was also to be leader in peace or war, ever "to the front,'' worthy to be followed, first and foremost in all noble deeds, accepting courageously the perils of snch a position. David was such a king, imperfectly i Christ is such a King, pllrlectly. Both were divinely designated to the office of Ruler  138 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [oil. v. l-'-25.