The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 410

EXPOSITION. about six miles from the city, and about half- CHAPTER xvn way towards the fords of the Jordan. The Ver. 1.-Let me JI.OW ohoose out twelve march was probably continued at sunset, and tho118&Ild men. The advice of Ahithophel the fords reached before midnight; and there was snchas would have ma.de sucoeas almost David halted, waiting for the arrival of ccrto.i.n. TLe rebellion had ta.ken David by Jona.than and Ahimaaz, and making pre- surprise, and he was quite nnprepared to parations for the passage. Now, if Ahitho- resist the large forces which Abse.lom had phel's advice had been followed, he would gathered round him. But the better pa.rt of have reached the fords as quickly as the the nation disapproved of the enterprise, young men did ; for they lost time at Bahu- especially when they perceived that David's rim. Upon this David had not calculated, life was in danger; aud conseqnently his but supposed that anyhow he should have followers, in course of time, would increase. the interval won by Ahimaaz's fleetness. Moreover, the day had been one of extreme With twelve thousand picked troops unen- more.I lloild mental trial to David. Upon the cumbered with baggage, Ahithopbel would sudden news of Absalom's approach, he had thus have found lJavid still on the west of to arrange for the flight of his wives lloild the Jordan, and though Joa.b and Abishai childreu; to provide supplies for their wants, would have done all that braYe men could, and for those of their attendants on • the yet they would scarcely have been in a march; to give orders to his officers, and position to make a long defence. And the take means to prevent their flight degene- command was to "smite the king only." A rating- into a panic. Then, with covered hea.d panic was inevitable, and oonfnsion among and feet unshod, he had descended into the David's followers, who had women and Valley of Jehoshaphat, and slowly traversed children to defend; and in tho midst of it the Mount of Olives; thence, in deep distress, Ahithophel would direct his me.in attaok on he b.e.d advanced to the way of the wilder- fue pa.rt where David wa.s, and single him ness towards Jericho, lloild there had been out for slaughter. When this was done all assailed by Shimei with bitter revilings. would be accomplished; for Absalom would His progn,u after th.i8 was unimpeded, and become king by right of succession. Even at Ayephim he lloild the other fugitives had Joe.band the Gibborim would acknowledge needful rest and refreshment. As Bahurim him, and the whole nation be at peace. was about four miles from J eruse.lem, this Ver. 3.-The mau whom thou seekest is as cp.ravanserai a little f~theron WIMI probably ii all retll?ll,ed; Hebrew, cu the retum of the OH, XVII, 1-29,] THE SECOND BOOK 01'' SAMUEL. 417