The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 491

were still disquieted, like the sea after a storm; the independent action of Judah in conducting the king over the Jordan aroused the jealousy of the other tribes; at Gilgal (1 Bam. xi. 16; xiii. 8-10; xv, 12, 13), where the representatives of the latter assembled and met the king, a fierce altercation ensued (eh. xix. 40--43); and shortly afterwards the trumpet was blown by Sheba the Bichrite (Gen. xlvi. 21). "He who lately (with the rest of Israel) claimed ten parts in David as king, disclaims and disowns him now, as having no part in him at all. David before had raised bis band against a faithrul subject, Uriah, and therefore now a faithless subject raises his hand against him; as a mo.n sinneth, so ofttimes be is punished. And a.a bees, when they are once up in 11 swarm, are ready to light upon every bough, so the Isr&e!ites, being stirred up by the late rebellion of Absalom, are apt here also to follow Sheb11; especially finding nothing but clemency, and Davitl's passing by their former revolt" (Guild). Concerning this insurrection, observe that (like others which h11ve since occurred}- I. IT AROSE OUT OF AN EVIL DISPOSITION INDULGED BY THE PEOPLE, They were: 1. Discontented with the government of David; the restlessness, lawlessness, and ungorlli- ness which they displayed in joining Absalom's revolt were only partially corrected by recent chastisement (eh. xix. 9, 10); their complaint to:tbe king concerning the conduct of " the men of Judah" (ver. 41) was due more to regard for their own honour than zeal for hie; and was an indirect expression of their diss11tisfaction at the disrespect which he had shown toward them, for "very probably it had been learned th&t he had II hand in the movement." 2. Contentious in their treatment of their "brethren;" ready to find occasion of offence '' because of envy" and, ill will; their anger being increased by the proud and contemptuous bearing of the latter. Whatever m11y h11ve been the motives of the men of Judah in their recent action, they were now as blamable as the men of Israel; each party sought to exalt itself and depreciate the other; and "the words of, the men of Judah were more violent than the words of the men of Israel" (ver. 43). "Grievous words stir up anger" (Prov. xv. 1, 18; xxv. 15; xxi.x:. 22). How differently had Gideon spoken to the men of Ephraim under similar circumst11nces (Judg. viii. 1-3) I 3. Self-blinded. Indifferent to their true interests, without proper self-control, liable to surrender themselves to the guidance of an ambitious leader, and prepared for open rebellion. Having violated the spirit of unity, they were ready to destroy the formal union of the tribes, which it had cost so much to bring about, an<l. on which their strength and prosperity so much depended. "Where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed" (Jas. iii. 16; iv. 1, 11). Il.,IT WAS INSTIGATED BY A WOilTBLESS LEADER, "A man of Belia!, a Benjamite" (like Shimei, eh. xvi. 11); "a man of the mountains of Ephraim" (ver. 21); who prob11bly took an active part in the late rebellion, and had numerous dependents. "He was one of the great rogues of the high nobility, who had a l11rge retinue among the people, and consideration or name, as C11taline at Rome" (Luther). 1. The worst (as well as the best) elements of a people find their chief embodiment in some one man, who is the product of the prevailing spirit of his time, and ad11pted to be its leader. "Avarice, envy, pride, Three fatal sparks, have set the hearts of all On fire," (Dante.) In hie selfish ambition, Sheba sought for himself individually what the men of Israel sought for themselves as a whole. 2. Such a man clearly perceives the popular feeling and tendency, with which he sympathizes, and finds therein his opportunity rur effecting his own purposes. '!'he design of Sheba was, doubtless, to become head_ of a new combination of the northern tribes. 3. He seizes a suitable moment for raising his seditious cry; and, instead of quenching the sparks of discord, kindle~ th~m i~to a blaze. "They claim David as their own. Let them have him. ,ve disclaim him altogether. '.!.'he son of Jesse! Let every man cast off his yoke, return home, and unite with me in securing liberty, equ11lity, and fraternity!" What at a?oth~r tiuie would have been without effect, is now irresietible with the people. Nothrng 1s 111ure unstable thrin a multitude; one day crying, "Hosaun11 I" another, "Not this Man, but Barabbae I" , Ill. IT ATTAINED A DANGEROUS MAGNITUDE. "And all the men of Israel went up 60! THE SECOND BOOK or SA.MOEL. [Oil. x.x. 1-20,