B. C. 1048. File it CHAP. IV. if I tase Je bisse though A CHAPTER IV. Ish-bosheth and Israel are troubled at Abner's death, 1. After e 3 And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, were sojourners there until this and Rechab and Baanah slay Ish- day.) David causes bosheth, and bring his head to David, 5-8. 4 And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a He was son that was lame of his feet. ND when Saul's son heard that Ab-five years old when the tidings came of testimony against sin.-Though guilt commonly hear, and fear, and do no more such wicked- V. 17-39. NOTES. proudest subject, lest blood be imputed to the land. As our lives are so exposed on every side; and as he most emphatically "dieth as a The bulk of mankind, in all ages, are guided fool," who dies in his sins; we should be care by those who rule or teach them, and address ful to be always ready: for all the honor of their passions by eloquence or flattery: but let commendations, that men can bestow on us after us seek for a sound judgment, a good conscience, our decease, will not affect or amend the state and an upright heart; that we may know and of the departed soul.-Alas, what are the imag adhere to the truth and will of God, amidst all ined advantages of royalty? The king "after changes.-Those who have deceived others, God's own heart" finds as much cause for lamshould endeavor to undeceive them: but good entation and complaint, as when a poor fugitive! words will do little, while a man continues the But he who now reigns upon the throne of Daslave of his lusts.-In cultivating Christian tem- vid, has a kingdom of a nobler kind: whatever pers and performing relative duties, extremes he does is noticed by and pleases all his willing and counterfeits must be guarded against: as people: and he will bring them all to share his zeal and boldness may become furious and con- glory and joy. Many however are outwardly tentious; so meekness, and the love of peace serviceable to his cause, who only seek themmay degenerate into imbecility and irresolu-selves in all they do, and from time to time distion; and through undue ascendency of those in- grace it with their crimes: these may escape feriors, who ought "to be kept in subjection for a season, but at length they shall be numwith all gravity," shameful things will often be bered with his enemies, and shall perish for done or connived at, to the disgrace of individ- ever. uals, and the reproach of the common cause. Every one therefore should know his own place and duties, and exercise the Christian temper in doing them; and not make the fear of being ruffled or discomposed an excuse for neglecting them.-Proud men rate their services so high, and are so regardless of relative duties and decorum, that it is not desirable to be under obligations to them: we should however receive every thing as from God; and consider every V. 24. Beeroth was one of the cities of man as a channel through which the gift is communicated, of whom there is indeed no real necessity, on whom we should rest no dependence, Gibeon, (Josh. 9:17.) and it was allotted to Benand to whom that gratitude is due, and that jamin; (Josh. 18:25.) but when Saul's army was alone, which consists with every other duty.-routed, and he and his sons slain, the inhabitants of Beeroth deserted their city, and went to soUngodly men, who cannot brook an affront or a rival, and who deem themselves too powerful journ at Gittaim; where they remained, when for human justice, have little to restrain them this history was written. (Neh. 11:33. Note, 1 from the commission of the most horrid crimes: Sam. 31:7.) At the same time Mephibosheth and the human heart is capable of making the fell and was lamed.-These facts seem to have highest professions of friendship subservient to been recorded, to illustrate the consternation the most cruel murders, and of violating every which followed the death of Saul and his sons: sacred tie. It is not enough for those, who are and perhaps Mephibosheth's youth and laineinvested with authority, to express their abhor-ness emboldened Rechab and Baanah to murrence of such crimes and criminals, or their compassion for those who suffer by them: but all partialities, relative affections, and interested considerations should be laid aside, and condign punishment inflicted; that "others may CHAP. IV. V. 1. Perhaps Ish-bosheth had not before been certainly informed, that Abner had deserted to David: or, both he and the people hoped by Abner's means to have obtained better terms. But by his death their affairs were left in a most unsettled and dangerous situation; and they had no person in whom they to battle, or as negotiating a treaty. could place confidence, either as leading them der Ish-bosheth; as Mephibosheth was the next heir of Saul, and the avenger of blood. (Note, Num. 35:11-15.) V. 5. Ish-bosheth had enough to employ him [119 in this emergency, without sleeping on his bed 6 And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him * under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. 7 For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bed-chamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night. 8 And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed. 9 And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, Ast the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, k 2:23. 3.27. 20:10. 11 Sam. 17:54. 31:9. 2 Kings 10:6,7. Matt. 14:11. Mark 6: 28,29. m 1 Sam. 18:11. 19:2-10,15. 20 1. 23:15. 25:29. Matt. 2:20. n 18:19,31. 22:48. Luke 18.7,8. Rev. 6:10. 18:20. o Gen. 48:16. 1 Kings 1:29. Ps. 31:5-7. 34:22. 71:23. 103: 4. 106:10. 107:2. 2 Tim. 4:17, 18. at noon. But he appears to have been an inactive, self-indulgent man. It was indeed, and is still, a custom in the east countries, to retire for sleep about noon; that is, for such as live in ease and luxury, not for others, except in very sultry regions. The Scripture gives no intimation that this was a common practice in Israel. (Marg. Ref.j.) V. 6, 7. Řechab and Baanah, as captains of bands, had access to some granary attached to Ish-bosheth's house, whence their soldiers had provisions; and under this pretence, without being suspected, they entered into his apartments and stabbed him, in that part of the body where a wound was known to be most certainly fatal. (Marg. Ref. k.)—And when he was thus slain, they cut off his head also, and escaped. V. 8. These men entirely mistook David's character, as if he had such a thirst for revenge, that he would reward any villany by which it could be accomplished: and they presumed that they had performed the will of God, in this complicated treason and parricide! The LORD had indeed avenged his servant of his enemies: but neither David, nor David's LORD, had commissioned them to murder their prince, whom they professed to serve. (Note, 3:6-10.) V. 9, 10. Redeemed, &c. (9) (Marg. Ref. -Note, Gen. 48:16.) By using this language, David reminded all who heard him, that in his most extreme dangers, he had neither used treachery or cruelty himself, nor allowed his men to use them. It must therefore be evident, that now the Lord had rescued and prospered him, he had no temptation to countenance such traitors as Rechab and Baanah. V. 11, 12. (Note, 1:13-16.) Whatever Ishbosheth's character was before God, he was righteous as to his murderers, having done them no injury, and given them no provocation: so that in slaying him, they "shed innocent blood," from the basest motives, and with the greatest aggravations: and David, as God's vicegerent, most justly executed vengeance upon them for it. (Note, Ex. 23:6-9.)-It would have been well, if he had been equally decisive in the case of Joab: that there might have been no appearance of partiality, and no hope of impunity to any criminal. (Note, 3:28,29.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Innumerable are the perils, to which our tender years are exposed: and we owe much gratitude both to God and to our parents, if preserved during that period, from losing our limbs or senses, or contracting harms, which would have rendered our whole lives uncomfortable to ourselves and others. Parents too should take occasion from this reflection, not only to be very attentive to their offspring, but by prayer to commit them continually to the Lord's keeping. Every thing will concur in forwarding the accomplishment of God's word, whether of promise or of wrath, when the appointed time approaches: on one hand there can be no failure; on the other, no escape.-Wretched indeed are they, who are engaged in undertakings, in which none can serve them without opposing the known will of God! The more exalted their station, the greater is their danger: for the very men, in whom they repose their chief ccnfidence, are destitute of principle, serve them only for gain, and will betray or murder them when their mercenary schemes require it.— Alas! what numbers sink from self-indulgence and carnal security, into unsuspected and inevitable destruction! Many are conscious, that they should be pleased with villany, provided it conduced greatly to their profit: thus they are led confidently to conclude, that others will be so too; and as numbers are rewarded for villa nous actions, they expect the same. Persons in authority should therefore decidedly manifest, that they will not be served by such base characters, but will, instead of rewarding, severely punish their crimes.-The servants of God are encouraged by the Scriptures, and by their own experience, to trust him in the path of duty; and confidently to expect that he will redeem them from all adversity, without countenancing sin, CHAP. V. The elders of the tribes, at Hebron, anoint David king over all Israel, 1-3. His age at the beginning of his reign, and the length of his reign, 4, 5. He takes Zion from the Jebusites, and calls it the city of David, 6-10. Hiram sends him timber and workmen to build him a house, 11. He prospers, he began to reign, and he reigned' forty years. m 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Je and takes more wives; and eleven sons are born to him, 12-16. rusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah. By divine direction, he gains two victories over the Philistines, 17-25. q to Jerusalem unto P the Jebusites, the 6 ¶ And the king and his men" went inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, 4 Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: *thinking, David cannot come in hither. 7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David. 8 And David said on that day, Whoeth the Jebusites, and the lame and the soever getteth up to the gutter, and smitblind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. shall be chief and captain. + Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. 11 Chr. 26:31. 29:27. e 1 Sam. 9:16. 13:14. 2 Kings m 2:11. 1 Kings 2:11. 1 Chr. f 1 Chr. 11:3. g 1 Sam. 11:15. 2 Kings 11:17. 2 Chr. 23:15. d 7:7. 1 Sam. 16:1,13. 25:30. h Judg. 11:11. 1 Sam. 23:18. any more than committing it, for that purpose: they will also pity and pray for, and behave kindly to, their opposers, and speak as favorably of them as they can; and on no account become their own avengers.-Finally, the son of David will requite those, who pretend to serve his cause by frauds, treasons, massacres, and persecutions, with far more dreadful vengeance, than was inflicted by David on Ish-bosheth's murderers. NOTES. 3:4. n 1 Chr. 11:4-9. o Gen. 14:18. Josh. 10:3. Judg. p Josh. 15:63. 18:28. Judg. 1: 2. 132:13. Is. 12:6. 59:20. Mic. 4:2. Rom. 9:33. Heb. 12:22. Rev. 14:1. s 6:10. 1 Kings 2:10. 3:1. 8:1. 1 Chr. 11:7. 2 Chr. 5:2. 22: 16. t Josh. 15:16,17. 1 Sam. 17:25. † Or, Because they had said, even the lame and the blind, he shall not come into the house. herds, which is afterwards very common, and is especially applied to Christ our King. (Marg. Ref. d.) But wicked rulers are characterized as lions, bears, wolves, and leopards. (Notes, Prov. 28:15,16. Ez. 19:2-9. 22:27,28. Dan. 7: 2-8.) V. 3. It is probable, that David agreed to an act of indemnity for past offences, and engaged to rule over his people according to the law of God; and they submitted to his authority according to the same rule.-On this occasion he was anointed a third time, probably by the high priest. (Marg. Ref.) V. 4, 5. (Marg. Ref. m.) If David was twenty years of age, when Samuel anointed him, Saul reigned ten years after that transaction, but it is not certainly known how long he had reigned before. (Note, Acts 13:21.) V. 6-8. The greater part of Jerusalem lay in the lot of Benjamin, and had hitherto been possessed by the Jebusites. (Notes, Josh. 15:63. Judg. 1:8,21.) But as soon as Israel had submitted to David, he marched to dispossess them. The citadel, called "the Strong hold of Zion," was fortified by nature and art, and the Jebusites set him at defiance. Confiding in its strength, they told him that blind and lame men could defend it against his army; and perhaps in derision, placed a company of invalids upon CHAP. V. V. 1, 2. (Note, 1 Chr. 12:23-40.) When Abner and Ish-bosheth were dead, the tribes of Israel were left "as sheep without a shepherd:" they had no inclination to set up another of Saul's family in opposition to David: and having observed the prosperous state of Judah under his government, they began to entertain higher and more honorable thoughts of him. Of their own accord therefore they applied to him, by their elders, to take the government upon him; and as a reason why he should forgive their ill-usage, they pleaded their near relation to him, being his brethren, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Marg. Ref. b.) They now praised his former services, which before they had overlooked; and they acknowledged the Lord's appointment of him, which before they had resisted. They therefore desired to put themselves under his protec-it, who insulted David and his soldiers: for the tion: and hoped that he would rule over them in last clause (8) may be translated "They had tenderness and equity, for their safety and com- said, even the blind and the lame, that he shall fort, as a shepherd feeds his flock; as well as not come into the house." But David commandthat he would lead them forth to victory over ed his men, "when they smote the Jebusites, to their enemies. This is introduced, as a part of throw down the blind and the lame into the gutthe Lord's commission to him, when he appoint- ter," or ditch, as it might be rendered; which, uned him to the kingdom; by which they conveyed der the conduct of Joab, they effected accordingthe intimation in the most unexceptionable and ly. These were said to be "hated of David's soul;" efficacious manner.-This is the first time good for they were devoted Canaanites and idolaters, rulers are spoken of, under the emblem of shep-if not blasphemers of God.-But, by "the blind VOL. II 9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about "Millo and inward. 10 And David went on and grew great; and the LORD God of hosts was with him. B. C. 11 ¶ And Hiram king of Tyre 1043. sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and † masons: and y they built David an house. 12 And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake. a 13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David. 14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem: Shamuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, e u Judg. 9:6,20. 1 Kings 9:15,24. 11:27. 2 Chr. 32:5. Heb. went going and growing. 3:1. Job 17:9. Prov. 4: 18. Is. 9:7. Dan. 2:44. Luke 2:52. v Gen. 21:22. Ps. 46:7,11. Is. * 1 Kings 5:8,9. 1 Chr. 14:1. y 7:2. 1 Kings 7:1-12. Ec. 2: 4-11. Jer. 22:14-16. z 7:16. 1 Chr. 14:2. Elishua, and 15 Ibhar also, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 16 And Elishamah, and Eliada, and Eliphalet. B. C. 17 But when the Philistines i heard that they had anointed David 1046.J king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold. 18 The Philistines also came, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 19 And David " inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up; for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand. 20 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place! Baal-perazim. 21 And there they left their images, a 1 Kings 10:9. 2 Chr. 2:11. and P David and his men "burned them. Esth. 4:14. Is. 1:25-27. Dan. b Gen. 25:5,6. Deut. 17:17. 1 c 1 Chr. 3:5-9. 14:4. Or, Shimea. 1 Chr. 3:5. d 12:1-7. Luke 3:31. and the lame," some understand the idols of the V. 13-16. (Marg. Ref.) It was customary for kings to multiply wives, and to strengthen their interest by many alliances; and to this David very improperly conformed. (Notes, 3:2— 5. 11:1-5. 15:16. 16:20-23. 1 Kings 11:1—8.) Some names are mentioned in Chronicles, not found here; perhaps the sons there mentioned died in infancy. (Note, 1 Chr. 3:1–9.) V. 17, 18. The Philistines, satisfied with the advantages which they had enjoyed since the death of Saul, had been restrained from molesting the Israelites during their civil dissensions: V. 9. Millo seems to have been a place of but they invaded them as soon as they were public convention, all around which David erect-united again under one king. Thus, by begined such buildings, as were proper for rendering the city the seat of government. (Note, Judg. 9:16-20, v. 20. 2 Kings 12:20,21.) V. 11. Hiram sent to congratulate David on his accession to the throne, and to enter into a league with him; and as Hiram's subjects were better architects than the Israelites, they were employed in building David a palace, suited to his exalted station. Though Saul affected the splendor of royalty, yet he did not build a royal palace; but David built one, perhaps as a token of his assured belief that the kingdom would be continued in his family. ning war, they delivered David from any embarrassment, about warring against those who had previously protected him. (Notes, 1 Sam. 27:1-3. 28:1,2.) He immediately therefore marched to some fortified place, where he might check their incursions, and consult what measures to take.-The valley of Rephaim was not far from Jerusalem. (Marg. Ref. 1.) V. 19. Notes, 2:1-3. Ex. 28:30. Num 27:21. V. 20. Baal-perazim properly signifies the lord of breaches. By some evident interposition the Lord himself fought against the PhilisV. 12. David was sensible, that God had ad-|| tines, like the breaking forth of impetuous torvanced him to the kingdom, not so much that rents, which bear all down before them. David he might be honorable and prosperous, as that therefore gave the place the name of Baal-pehe might promote the temporal and eternal in-razim, by way of ascribing to God all the honor terests of his people. This is the greatest grace "of a king, that he certainly believes himself to V. 21. The Philistines expected protection 'be made a king by God, for the sake of the from their images, but they became a prey to 'people: and let him often call to mind, the peo- the conquerors. When the Philistines had 'ple were not created or ordained by God for taken the ark of the Lord, he by grievous judg the king.' Conradus Pellicanus in Bp. Pat-ments constrained them to restore it: (Notes, 1 rick. of the victory. Sam. 5: 6:) but the Israelites burnt the idols of came up yet|| Philistines from Geba until thou come 22 And the Philistines 23 And when David 'inquired of the trees. 24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry-trees, that then " thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the l'hilistines. 25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the 1 Chr. 14:14. u Judg. 4:14. 7:15. 1 Sam. 14:9) the Philistines without either fear or hurt. (1 V. 24. When David heard a sound among the mulberry-trees, like the marching of an army, denoting the assistance of angels, or of God himself; he was directed to bestir himself. Sometimes the Lord commands and employs man's concurrence, and sometimes he rejects it; that we may neither be self-important nor negligent. to Gazer. CHAP. VI. David fetches the ark from Kirjath-jearim on a new cart, 1-5. Uzzah is smitten, David is disconcerted, and the ark is left A thousand. a 2 And David arose, and went with all the people, that were with him, from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts, that dwelleth between the cherubims. x 1 Chr. 14.16. Gibeon. a 5:1. 1 Kings 8:1. 1 Chr. 13:1 b Josh. us. 15:9,10,60. Baalah, Kirjath jearim. 1 Sam. 7:1. 1 Chr. 13:6. * Or, at which the name, even c Ex. 25:18-22. Lev. 1 Sam. 4:4. 1 Kings 8:6,7. Ps. 80:1. 1 Pet. reign there for ever. (Notes, Gal. 2:17-21. Eph. 2:19-22. 3:14-19.)-It is in mercy to a nation, when wise and righteous persons are exalted to authority: and every advancement or endowment which we receive, should remind us, that the Lord alone has conferred the distinction; and that he did it, that we might be We have therefore cause to be thankful useful to his people by the talents intrusted to and watchful; and to pray earnestly for grace sufficient to enable us duly to improve them: (Note, 1 Kings 3:5-14. P. O. 1-15.) nay, we PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Mercies, long waited for in faith and patience, have double cause for humility, when we reflect will be conferred in the most reputable and how little we do so.-Alas! even good men are comfortable manner: nor shall any go unre- apt to grow secure and self-indulgent in proswarded, who persist in refusing to employ sinful perity, and to sanction by their example those means for their own deliverance, or advance-abuses, which they should oppose or repress: ment.-Civil government is fixed on its firmest basis, and is likely to produce the most permanent blessings, when it is regulated by wholesome laws; marking out duties, prerogatives, and privileges to the prince and people, and reciprocally ratified, as in the presence of the Lord, by the most solemn assurances, with a view to his authority, appointments, and commandments. We are all brethren; "of one bone, and of one flesh;" and none ought to oppress or to be cruel to another: princes should use clemency, and tenderly watch over their people, like shepherds over their flocks; and the people should gratefully acknowledge the blessings which they enjoy under their government, honor the authority of God in them, and yield them willing submission in all things lawful. Thus Jesus became our Brother, assumed and inhabits our nature, that he might be our Prince and Savior: and thus the humbled sinner takes encouragement from this endearing relation; applies for his salvation, voluntarily submits to his kind authority, and craves his powerful protection.-The false confidences of ungodly men will assuredly deceive them, and their proud boastings will hasten their ruin: while those, with whom is the LORD God of osts, go forward and grow great. In the day of his power Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is converted into "an habitation of God through the Spirit;" and into a throne, on which the Son of David rules, and brings every thought into obedience to himself. May he thus come and claim and cleanse each of our hearts; and having destroyed every idol, may he dwell and and all our returns for the Lord's mercies are deeply tinged with ingratitude.-When the church of God begins to prosper, its enemies will generally exert themselves: and the great exemption from all kinds of persecution, and the seeming friendliness of the world to religion, with which many are pleased, arise from the policy of the enemy, who determines to let men alone with their empty notions, forms, and profession.-In our spiritual warfare, we must decidedly declare for the Lord, though against relatives or benefactors; and if we consult hin, he will teach us to do it without even the appearance of evil.-All those objects, which men idolize, will prove a useless encumbrance to them, when the Lord shall arise to execute judgment on his enemies: and when the wicked shall be swept into destruction, as with an impetuous flood, the earth and all its contents shall be burnt up. But those who depend upon the Lord, and act according to his directions, and are ready to give him all the praise, will doubtless prevail against all enemies, add one victory to another, and at length be admitted into his presence, to see and adore their before invisible Helper. |