The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 406

Vers. 9, 10.-(BAHURIM.) The ual of .A'bishai. (Referenr.es: I Chron. ii. 6; 1 Sam. xvi. 6; eh. ii. 18 ; x. 14; xxi. 17; xxiii. 18 ; 1 Chron. xviii. 12.) Of the three sons of Zeruiah (eh. v. 39), the youngest, Asahel, was slain in early life (eh. ii. 23); the oldest, J oah, was now present (ver.10)," little trusting the revolution which a capricious stripling (like the Stuart Monmouth) was to lea.d;" the second, Abishai, was one of the earliest, bravest, and most faithful of David's supporters. As on a former occasion, when he sought to destroy Saul with a stroke, so now his thoughtless, headstrong, and undevout impulses needed to be checked. "The characteristic trait of his nature was a blunt, impetuous ferocity." His passionate emotion was- I. NATURALLY EXCITED by the conduct of Shimei; and was, in some respects, commendable; inasmuch as it showed: L An ardent affection toward the king, his "lord;" like that of James and John toward Jesus (Luke ix. 54), and of Peter and the other disciples (Luke xxii 49; Matt. xxvi. 51). The zeal of the Lord's enemies against him calls forth the zeal of his friends on his behalf. 2. A burning indignation a,,,uainst wrong-doing. "Ye that love the Lord, hate evil." 3. A vehement desire for the triumph of justice. He doubtless felt that the offender deserved to die; and was eager to " take off his head," in order to the vindication of the royal honour, the main- tenance of the Divine Law, and the promotion of the public good. He thus displayed something of the zeal of Phinehas (Numb. xxv. 13; Deut. xxxiii. 9) and of Elijah (1 Kings :xviii. 40; 2 Kings i.10); without, however, being justified therein by the same necessity and authority, or imbued with the same simple, pure, and lofty spirit. It is difficult to indulge in resentment, even when proper to do so, without sin (John ii.17; Eph. iv. 26), IL WRONGLY nmULGED. "Let me go over," etc. This request was marked by: 1. ;Inconsideration and want of jadimient. It is doubtful whether hie attempt, if permitted, would have succeeded, for Shimei was hardly likely to be without defenders (eh. xix. 17); it could scarcely fail to hinder the king's flight and imperil his safety; and its success wonld have effected no useful purpose at such a crisis. Zeal is often blind and misguided (Rom. x. 2; Phil. iii. 5; Acts xvii. 5) as to the right end, the proper mea,ns, and the suitable time. "Zeal without knowledge is as wild-fire ii~ a fool's hand." 2. Vindictiveness; such as frequently mingles with deserved indignation toward evil-doers; is bitter (Jas. iii. 14) and violent; and makes him who entertains it partaker of the evil which he condemns. "The wrath of man worketh not the right- eousness of God." 3. Presumption and vain-glory; not altogether unlike that of Saul (eh. xxi. 2) and of Jehu (2 Kings x. 16). How often do men feel confident of the rectitude of their conrse, although acting contrary to the will of God! and how often, whilst apparently full of zea.1 for public justice and " the glory of God," are they really full of pride and self-will! " True zeal is merciful and mild, Can pity and forbear; TLe falec, is heo.ilstrong, fier~.e, o.nd w:ld, An<l Lrcathes revenge and WiLr." OH, XVI. 1-23.] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 413