THE

SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL,

OTHERWISE CALLED

THE SECOND BOOK OF THE KINGS.

THIS book derives the name, by which it is generally called, from the prophet Samuel, though he had been dead some time, when the history contained in it commences. Perhaps it was so named, because he anointed that king whose actions it records; or because the prophets by whom it was written were raised up in those seminaries, which he instituted. The names, however, of the books are no part of divine revelation; and its authority, as a part of the sacred oracles is not at all lessened, by conceding, that the title given it in the Septuagint, and the Vulgate, namely, 'The Second Book of the Kings,' is more appropriate.-The book itself most evidently continues the preceding narrative, and introduces that which follows: and its authenticity is considered as undoubted in every subsequent part of Scripture. The Psalms abound (Ps. 3: title. 72. 78:70-72: 89:19-36. 132:) with references to the events recorded in it. The narrative of David's fall in the matter of Uriah, related only in this book, is mentioned in other parts of Scripture. (1 Kings 15:5. Ps. 51: title. Matt. 1:6.) In short, wherever the covenant made with David, concerning the regal authority, as perpetuated in his family, and at length inherited by the Messiah to descend from him; or the promises made respecting Solomon, the especial type of Christ; or the Lord's choice of Jerusalem, and of mount Zion, as the place of his sanctuary, to which the Israelites should resort; or the building and continuance of the temple there, are mentioned; the events recorded in this book are divinely attested.— As containing the history of almost the whole of David's reign, and exclusively that of many important transactions, during this interesting period, there are perhaps more references directly or indirectly made to it in other parts of the Scripture, than to any other portion of the sacred narrative. The promises made to David, were, both in the literal and typical sense of them, evident prophecies, the fulfilment of which, as recorded in the subsequent books of Scripture, and in the history of the church and kingdom of Christ even to this day, are a divine attestation, that it was written by inspiration of that God, "to whom were known all his works froin the beginning of the world." (Notes, 7: 22: 23:1—7.)—It opens with David's accession to the throne, his gradual prevalence against the house of Saul, and his establishment in the kingdom; it proceeds to relate his victories over his enemies, together with his zealous endeavors to reform the state of religion among his people, as well as to enlarge their territory and advance their prosperity. But with these more pleasing events are recorded the grievous sins which he committed, and the many domestic and public calamities with which he was chastised. These, as a dark cloud, cover the latter part of the history of this book; (which brings us almost to the close of his reign of forty years;) yet, through all, his character shines very bright in many instances, and we learn from another place, that he closed his life in a most honorable manner. (Notes, 1 Chr. 28: 29:)

9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me; for anguish lamentation over Saul, and over Jonais come upon me, because whole in me.

V. 11, 12. David mourned for Jonathan, as having lost a most excellent and beloved friend; V. 18. Perhaps the bow had fallen into disfor Saul, as having good will and compassion for use among the Israelites, and this had given the him without resentment, and because every|| Philistines an advantage: at the time therefore

B. C. 1056.

19 The beauty of upon thy high places; mighty fallen!

k

CHAPTER II.

Israel is slain ||* pleasant in their lives, and in their
how are the death they were not divided: they were
swifter than eagles, they were stronger
than lions.

20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not
in the streets of Askelon; lest the daugh-
ters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the
' daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
21 Ye mountains of Gilboa, let
there be no dew, neither let there be rain
upon you, nor fields of offerings: for
there the shield of the mighty is vilely
cast away, the shield of Saul, as though
he had not been Panointed with oil.

22 From the blood of the slain, from
the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jona-
than turned not back, and the sword of
Saul returned not empty.

23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and

g 23. Deut. 4:7,8. 1 Sam. 31:8. | 1 1 Sam. 17:26,36. 31:4.
Is. 4:2. 53:2. Lam. 2:1. Zech. m 1 Sam. 31:1. 1 Chr. 10:1.8.
11:7,10.

h 25,27. Lam. 5:16.

i Deut. 32.26,27. Judg. 16:23,24.
Mic. 1:10.

k Ex. 15:20,21. Judg. 11:34. 1
Sam. 18:6. Ez. 16:27,57.

n Judg. 5:23. Job 3:3-8. Is. 5:
6. Jer. 20:14.

o Joel 1:9. 2:14.

p 1 Sam. 10:1. Is. 21:5.

q 1 Sam. 14:7-14. 18:4. Is. 34:
6,7.

24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.

25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.

26 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

a

*Or, sweet. 1 Sam. 18:1. 20:2.
r1 Sam. 31:2-5.

$ 2:18. Deut. 28:49. 1 Chr. 12:
8. Job 9:26. Jer. 4:13. Lam.
4:19.

t 23:20. Judg. 14:18. Prov. 30:30.
u Judg. 5:30. Ps. 68:12. Prov.
31:21. 1s. 3:16-26. Jer. 2:32.

1 Tim. 2:9.10. 1 Pet. 8:3-5. x 19,27. Lam. 5:16.

y Judg. 5:18. 1 Sam. 14:13-15 z 1 Sam. 18:1-4. 20:17,41. 23: 16.

a 2 Kings 2:12. 13:14. Ps. 46:9 76:6. Ez. 39:9,10.

greatly distressed at his premature death.

that this poem was inserted in the book of Ja-ship had been to David, he could not but be
sher, (Note, Josh. 10:12-14.) it was also re-
corded, that David had given orders to the peo-
ple, to habituate themselves to the expert use
of the bow.-Some, however, understand this
expression of a tune, or musical instrument, to
which this poem was adapted.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-16.

The deepest distress sometimes immediately precedes the dawning of deliverance: but those, who have committed their concerns to the Lord, should quietly abide his will; and repress that eagerness and anxiety, with which others disquiet themselves, when they expect important changes.-Many secretly wish for the death of those who keep them from honors or estates, without excepting even their nearest relations; and inwardly rejoice at those events for which This is well they decently appear to mourn. known to mercenary men, who form their plans are actuated by the same selfish. principles. accordingly; and are apt to conclude that all the grace of God subdues this base disposition, and forms the mind to a more liberal temper: the true believer does not allow himself to desire, or to rejoice in, the calamity or death of a rival or an enemy; (Note, Prov. 24:17,18.) much less for that of a kind and superior relation, to whom gratitude and honor are justly due: and his mourning will on such occasions to the will of God. He cannot exult in the be unfeigned, though moderated by submission prospect of worldly advancement: for he considers himself as by it intrusted with more talents, surrounded by greater temptations, and called to increasing cares, duties, and burdens. Those therefore will be deceived, who court his favor, as sycophants do that of ungodly superiors: they will meet with a frown, a rebuke, and perhaps punishment, where they expected a large reward: and this treatment of such mercenary men promises a useful and honorable V. 17-27. possession of worldly pre-eminence.

V. 19-27. This elegy contains little directly relating to religion; but it is highly poetical. It was intended as a tribute of respect to the memory of Saul, and of affection to that of Jonathan; who perhaps was principally meant by "The beauty of Israel," being in every respect an ornament to his religion and people. Saul's valor and military renown are celebrated, and his faults are veiled; but nothThe ing is spoken of his piety or justice. charge given to every one, not to mention the catastrophe in the cities of the Philistines, lest the enemies of God should rejoice, is very beau-But tiful. The wish that neither rain nor dew might fructify the fields, on which the fatal battle was fought; and that no sacrifices might thence be brought to the altar of God, because there the anointed of the LORD had cast away his shield, as if he had been a common soldier, is a strong The expression of regret for such an event. barmony, which generally subsisted between Saul and Jonathan, in warring against the enemies of Israel; the impetuosity and fury with which they had together charged and pursued them; and their falling in the same battle, are It is touched upon in a very poetical manner. probable, that Saul had encouraged the manufactures of Israel, and perhaps had increased their wealth: the daughters of Israel therefore, as most delighted with external embellishment, are called upon to lament over their prince. Every thing is mentioned in his commendation, which truth permitted: but Jonathan is named with most passionate affection; as having fallen upon the high places, where he had often successfully displayed his valor; and as having shewn a strong and faithful affection, in such trying circumstances, and in so disinterested a manner, as could not be equalled by any instances of conjugal fidelity, or the most constant love which had ever subsisted between the sexes. Considering therefore how pleasant his friend- ||

The faults even of our enemies should not be needlessly exposed, and all remembrance of injuries should be buried with the deceased, except the glory of God and the benfit of men require the contrary; and the offices and rank of distinguished persons are entitled to respect, though their characters do not deserve our es [111 teem.-Useful endowments are conferred on

CHAP. II.

David, by divine direction, goes with his company to Hebron, men of Jabesh-gilead for their kindness to Saul, 5-7. Abner

and is anointed king over Judah, 1-4. He commends the

Twelve of Absets up Ish-bosheth as king over Israel, 8—11. ner's men. and twelve of Joab's, engage in a fatal contest, which brings on a battle, in which Israel is vanquished, 12-17. Asahel. Joab's brother, is slain by Abner, 18-24. At Abner's

the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh. gilead were they that buried Saul.

5 And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto

i

desire Joab sounds a retreat, 25-29. The number of the slain, them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your

30, 31. Asahel's burial, 32.

AND it came to pass the LORD, say

a

David inquired of ing, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go

up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.

c

2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife the Carmelite. 3 And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities

of Hebron.

lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.
and truth unto you: and 'I also will re-
quite you this kindness, because ye have
done this thing.
m let your hands be
strengthened, and be ye valiant: for
your master Saul is dead, and also the
house of Judah have anointed me king
over them.

6 And now the LORD shew kindness

7 Therefore now

8 ¶ But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to P Mahanaim;

numbers who are destitute of true piety; and it (Notes, 1 Chr. 12:1-22.) yet he took no step is in some cases allowable and decent to give to obtain possession of the vacant throne, withthem due commendation: yet we must on no out consulting the Lord as in former instances, account praise them for virtues which they do by Abiathar the priest. (Marg. Rif.—Notes, not possess. But holiness demands our peculiar | Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21.) He trusted in him love, and renders the society of those who pos-who had promised him the kingdom, to give it sess it very pleasant to the true believer. Next him in his own time and manner; that he might to the love which subsists between the Lord and possess it with a clear conscience, and avoid all his people, that endeared affection which springs appearance of those evils, with which he knew from it, produces the most vigorous, durable, Saul's adherents would be ready to charge him. faithful, and disinterested friendship: (Notes,(Note, 1 Kings 11:37.) Judah was his own 1 Pet. 1:22-25.) yet even this heavenly love tribe, and he was decided in his opinion, that he occasions deep distress in this world, in which must first go up to some city of that tribe. Acit is an exotic; but in its own climate above, it cordingly he was directed to go up to Hebron, will flourish into unalloyed and eternal pleasure. a chief city of Judah: and his men with their -The calamities of the Lord's people, and the families were placed in the adjacent towns, detriumphs of his enemies, always grieve the pendent on Hebron. (Marg. Ref.) hearts of true believers, whatever advantages they may incidentally derive from them; and it would be well, if many things which continually occur among professed Christians could be concealed from infidels and profligates, who are exceedingly hardened and emboldened by them. But it is not enough to conceal offences. Indeed the wish to do it is vain, and the thing itself generally impracticable: and the very endeavor often increases the mischief; being considered as an effort to connive at or palliate evil conduct, in those of our own creed or party. And at the same time the hope of escaping disgrace decreases resistance in the hour of temptation; and so multiplies the scandals themselves. We must therefore watch and pray against them, and use all our influence to prevent them. Let us then learn to repress ambition, resentment, and self-love; and to exercise patience, meekness, gratitude to our benefactors, love to our country, and good will to men; with zeal for the glory of God, and the interests of true religion.

NOTES.

CHAP. II. V. 1-3. After the death of Saul many of the Israelites resorted to David at Ziklag, till his forces became very considerable: ||

V. 4. David had been privately anointed by Samuel, as Saul's successor; (1 Sam. 16:12,13.) and now the principal persons in the tribe of Judah publicly anointed him to be their king; but they did not attempt to place him over the other tribes. (Note, 5:3.)

V. 5-7. David took every opportunity of expressing the same regard to Saul, as he had done in his life-time.-But he and three of his sons were now dead; and all Israel knew that Saul's family had been rejected by the Lord, who had appointed David his successor. The tribe of Judah had recognized his title: it was proper that he should act as king: and he could not begin his reign by a more conciliating measure, than by sending a deputation to thank those, who had rescued the bodies of Saul and his sons, and performed the funeral ceremonies over them. (Note, 1 Sam. 31:11-13.) He not only besought the Lord to reward the men of Jabesh, but promised that he also would requite them; being determined to shew all kindness to the friends of his predecessor: and he also encouraged them to expect his firm support against the Philistines and other enemies.

V. 8. Abner was a near relation of Saul, and commander of his armies; and Ish-bosheth was

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9 And made him king over 4 Gilead, his fellow's side; so they fell down togeth-
and over the Ashurites, and over Jez-
reel, and over Ephraim, and over Benja-
min, and over all Israel.

10 Ish-bosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years: but the house of Judah followed David.

8

11 And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah, was seven years and six months.

[Practical Observations.]

12 T And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gib

an insignificant person: Abner therefore doubt-
less intended to give him only the title of king,
and to possess the authority himself. (Marg.
Ref.-Notes, 3:6-12,17-21. 1 Sam. 14:47-
52.) Either Abner had not been present at the
battle in Gilboa, or he had escaped by flight.

V. 9. Abner deemed it prudent to fix Ish-
bosheth's residence at Mahanaim, east of Jor-
dan, (Note, Gen. 32:1,2.) as most secure both
from David and the Philistines; yet all the tribes
west of Jordan adhered to him, except the tribe
of Judah.-The Ashurites were the tribe of
Asher.-The nation in general had rejected the
judges, whom God had raised up for them, and
had demanded a king: and, in the same rebel-
lious spirit they refused the prince whom the
Lord had selected for them, who was a man of
approved abilities and character; and preferred
the surviving son of their rejected king, though
in every respect an improper person. In this,
David was a type of Christ, whom Israel would
not submit to, though anointed by the Father to
be their Prince and Savior. (Notes, 1 Sam. 8:
Acts 7:51-

Ps. 2: Luke 19:11-27.

c

19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left, from Abner.

ช

following

20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.

21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and But Asahel lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his ** armor. would not turn aside from following of him.

22 And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

23 Howbeit, he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner, with the hinder end of

33. Note, Judg. 6:31,32.) He was evidently a very inconsiderable and despised person.

V. 12, 13. David was made king by God himself, and had never been subject to Ish-bosheth: yet he did not begin hostilities, but waited to see how God would order things in his favor.

When however Abner made war on him, he was not bound to the same measures of mere self-defence, as when persecuted by the LORD's anointed.-Abner marched his army over Jordan, unto Gibeon of Benjamin, doubtless expecting to be effectually supported, in subjecting the tribe of Judah to Ish-bosheth but David opposed an army to him under the command of Joab, his sister's son; and to the instructions given him we may ascribe the mod eration with which he conducted the war. 'For he had sworn to Saul, that he would not cut off his sced, and therefore would not willingly enSam. 24:16-22.) gage against Ish-bosheth.' Bp. Patrick. (Note,

V. 14-16. It is probable that Joab kept upon the defensive, and gave Abner no opportunity of attacking him; and that Abner's impatience 1-9. to engage induced him to give this rash chal53.) V. 10, 11. For two years Ish-bosheth reign-lenge. He expressed himself, as if he only ined in peace, and David made no attempts against tended to make diversion for the two armies, him: but for the remainder of the seven years according to the horrible custom of gladiators Abner possessin after ages, who gratified the diabolical specand six months, there was war. tators by murdering each other. Joab, though ed the authority, and Ish-bosheth was only a nominal king. Ish-bosheth signifies a man of backward to engage, had not resolution to re[113 He is also called Esh-baal. (1 Chr. 8: fuse the challenge. Some think that only the shame.