is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Be-||and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that 5 Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar. 7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt * eat bread at my table continually. 8 And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? 9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, "I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul, and to all his house. 10 Thou therefore, and thy sons, and P 11 Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons. 12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha: and all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth. 13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet. CHAP. X. David sends ambassadors to comfort Hanun, the king of Ammon, it came pass after this, thy servants, shall till the land for him. A the king of the children of As, that cording to the example of the LORD's kindness unto himself.-Lame, &c.] Note, 4:3,4. V. 4. Machir.] This person was afterwards a very useful friend to David; and perhaps the more willingly, on account of David's kindness to Mephibosheth, whom he had generously brought up. (Note, 17:27-29.) V. 6. David might have heard of the name of Mephibosheth; or perhaps he had seen him in his infancy, and now recollected his features, though he knew not before that he was living. Ammon son reigned in his Micah. r Mic. 7:6. s 7,10,11. a Judg. 10.7-9. 11:12-28. 1 V. 12. Micha.] The posterity of Jonathan and Mephibosheth, by Micha, was very numerous. (Marg. Ref.--Notes, 1 Chr. 8:29-40. 9: 35-44.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Amidst a multiplicity of affairs, we are prone to forget the gratitude we owe, and the engagements we are under, not only to our friends, but to the Lord himself: but persons of real and eminent piety, when they recollect their obligaV. 7. Saul's paternal estate came into Da- tions, will have no rest till they have dischargvid's hands after the death of Ish-bosheth, and ed them: they will be burdened with those posit seems to have been large. This was now re- sessions, which they suppose in equity belong stored by him to Mephibosheth as the right heir; to another; and impatient to express their forand he was besides admitted to a place at Da-giveness of those by whom they have been invil's own table, as one of his near friends or relatives. V. 8. A dead dog.] (Marg. Ref. 1.) That is. a person who is very mean, and incapable of being any way serviceable. Mephibosheth adverted, not only to his unworthiness, but to his bodily infirmities, in this expression of grateful surprise. He seems to have been an unambitious, modest, friendly, and pious man. V. 9-11. Ziba had been greatly enriched under Saul, and was now intrusted with the management of Mephibosheth's estate, because of his professed affection for his family: but David seems to have been more generous than prudent in this appointment. Mephibosheth's family must be provided for out of the estate, though he himself lived at David's table.-Some understand the last clause, as the words of Ziba, proposing in a boasting manner to entertain Mephibosheth rurally at his own table: but they seem to be the words of David. jured, and their gratitude to the persons or the 2 Then said David, I will shew!! 7 And when David heard of it, he kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash,|| sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty as his father shewed kindness unto me. men. And David sent to comfort him, by the hand of his servants, for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon. 3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, *Thinkest thou that David doth honor thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? 4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away. 5 When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. 6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of t Ish-tob twelve thousand men. CHAP. X. V. 2. It is probable, that Nahash was kind to David in the days of Saul, from resentment and dislike to that prince: but it may be questioned, whether David ought to have shewn respect to the memory of so cruel an enemy to his people; especially as the law forbad Israel to seek the peace and prosperity of the Ammonites. (Notes, Deut. 23:3-6. 1 Sam. 11: 1-3.) They were not, however, of the devoted nations; so that, perhaps, it was not wrong for David to express a sense of gratitude to a benefactor, without deciding upon the motives of his conduct; and to render the customary civilities to his son, on his decease. 8 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field. 9 When Joab saw that "the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. 10 And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon. 11 And he said, "If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee. 12 Be P of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good. 13 And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him. 1 23:8.&c. 1 Chr. 19:8,&c. m 6. Num. 13:21. Josh. 19:28. Judg. 1:31. n Josh. 8:22. Judg. 20:42,43. o1 Chr. 19:9-12. Neh. 4:20. Luke 22:32. Rom. 15:1. Gal. 6:2. Phil. 1:27,28. p Num. 13:20. Deut. 31:6. Josh. 1:6,7,9,18. 1 Sam. 14:6,12. 17: 32. 2 Chr. 32:7. Neh. 4:14. Heb. 13:6. q 1 Sam. 4:9. 1 Chr. 19:13. 1 Cor. 16:13, r 16:10,11. Judg. 10:15. 1 Sam. 3:18. Job 1:21. s1 Kings 20:13,14,19-21,2830. 1 Chr. 19:14,15. 2 Chr. 13. 5-16. David's ambassadors. This was a violation of the most sacred laws of nations; the greatest affront imaginable to the prince whom they represented; and a direct declaration of war against him.-According to the sentiments and customs of those days, the Ammonites treated David's ambassadors in the most contemptuous manner, which they could possibly devise. (Marg. Ref. e, f.) V. 5. Jericho.] This was a village near the spot where Jericho had stood: for that city was not yet rebuilt. (Notes, Josh. 6:26. 1 Kings 16:34.)-In this place, as soon as the ambassadors had crossed Jordan, they were advised to remain till their beards were grown; (which were considered as necessary to the appearance in public of grave and venerable persons) that thus the disgrace which they had received might be obliterated. V. 6. (Note, Gen. 34:30.) The Ammonites had made themselves so odious to David, that they could not expect but that he would make war on them: and therefore they determined to form alliances, and act offensively.—Little more can be determined with certainty concerning the different tribes of the Syrians, than what may be collected from the texts referred to in the margin. Maacah seems to have been the name of a district, and not of a king: and the clause may be rendered. "of the king of Maa(Notes, 1 Chr. 19:6,7.) V. 3, 4. The princes of Hanun, who had great authority with him, seem to have been suspicious of David, froin consciousness of the injuries which they had done to Israel, and were still meditating against it. (Note, 1 Sam. 29:4 -6.) But if they had seen cause to be reserved, they ought not to have abused and insulted|cah." 14 And when the children of Ammon || saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem. 15 ¶ And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they 'gathered themselves together. 16 And "Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river; and they came to Helam: and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them. 17 And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam: and the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him. 18 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote t Ps. 2:1. Is. 8:9,10. Mic. 4:11, | † Or, Shophach. 1 Chr. 19:16. 12. Zech. 14:2,3. Rev. 19:19- x 1 Chr. 19:17. Shobach the captain of their host, who died there. 19 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more. CHAP. XI. Joab besieges Rabbah, 1. David commits adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, 2-4. She informs David, that she is pregnant, 5; who sends for Uriah, and in vain tries to induce him to visit his wife, 6-13. He sends by Uriah a letter to Joab; according to which Uriah, with others, is slain by the Ammonites, 14-17. Joab sends word to David, and he answers the messengers in very improper language, 18-25. David marries Bath-sheba, who bears him a son; but God is displeased, 26, 27. AND it came to pass, a * after the year kings go forth to battle, that David sent was expired, at the time when Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah: but David tarried still at Jerusalem. a Judg. 4:2,22. 5:26. b Gen. 14:1-5. Josh. 11:10. 2:37. c 8.6. 1 Chr. 19:19. Ps. 48:4,5. c *Heb. at the return of the V. 8-14. This battle seems to have fought at the gate of Medeba, a city upon the borders of the Ammonites, and in their possession. (1 Chr. 19:7.) Joab's forces were opposed by two armies, before and behind: but his arrangement was judicious, and his address spirited. His valor and regard to his country were real and eminent: and the language of faith and piety which he employed, probably under some transient convictions, was honorable to God, and might be useful to the soldiers. Perhaps the slaughter was not very great, as both the Syrians and Ammonites took shelter in the city. V. 18. The men of seven hundred, &c.] "Seven thousand men which fought in chariots." (1 Chr. 19:18.) Probably seven thousand men belonging to seven hundred chariots; and forty thousand men, who fought on foot, or on horseback, as there was occasion or opportunity. Or, some were foot-soldiers and some horsemen. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. We ought to sympathize with the afflicted, and shew gratitude to our friends: but nothing, except vexation and disappointment, can be ex-ly let the impenitent and unbelieving and disopected by courting the friendship of ungodly bedient recollect, that the son of David will asmen.—Treacherous minds are always suspicious: suredly resent their contempt of his ambassaas they are conscious, that they themselves dors, whom he sends to them with a message of mean to deceive when they can gain by it, they peace and love; and that he will consider the naturally suppose that others intend the same; ill-usage of them as a declaration of war against and weak and wicked princes generally em- himself. In this warfare numbers and confede ploy counsellors of this description. It is the racies are utterly unavailing, and destruction height of folly to awaken the resentment of is inevitable. Those therefore, who have rashthose, by insult and contempt, whose powerly engaged in the desperate contest, should of taking vengeance cannot be thus diminished: without delay, separate from his enemies, fearand the fatal effects of rash affronts, though lit-ing any longer to help them; and make it their tle feared, are often severely felt.-We should great object to obtain his forgiveness, and to be shew respect and kindness, to those who have numbered among his subjects. All his people been unjustly disgraced; yet it is needless to should be valiant in his cause, and for his truth lay mere affronts and insults to heart: unmerit- and righteousness: and ministers should neither ed reproaches or contempt will soon wear away, fear, nor be ashamed, to exercise their embassy and a clear conscience should be deemed suth- of reconciliation, however despised, insulted, or cient to counterbalance the present uneasiness. persecuted; for he will plead their cause, comYet, by measures of this kind, valuable persons fort them under their trials, and reward their are often driven for a season into obscurity, to faithfulness with "a crown of glory which fad the loss of the public rather than of themselves. eth not away." been-Those, who are the most ready to commit injustice, are commonly the most averse to reconciliation: and confidence in numbers, strength, or valor, frequently buoys up men to their de struction; for "though hand join in hand the wicked shall not be unpunished." But a good cause and a single dependence upon the Lord afford the surest indications of success: and when valiant men are cordial to the interests of their country, and are defending its civil and religious liberties, their animation and presence of mind will often increase in proportion to dangers and difficulties.—It is our duty, in every emergency, to do our utmost, and to encourage others to do the same, helping one another as occasion may require; and thus committing the event to the Lord; “Let him do what seemeth him good." But alas, many use good words, and seem, in perilous circumstances, to depend on God, and to be submissive to him, whose hearts are not upright in his sight: and many are very serviceable to his church, who have no part in its peculiar blessings.-But especial e B. C. 1035. and told David, and said, "I am with child. 6 And David sent to Joab, saying, 2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David darose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a wo-° Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab man washing herself; and the woman was sent Uriah to David. very beautiful to look upon. 3 And David sent and inquired after he woman. And one said, Is not this *Bath-sheba the daughter of Eliam, the wife of i Uriah the Hittite? m 4 And David sent messengers, and took her: and she came in unto him, and 'he lay with her, (for she was purified from her uncleanness,) and she returned unto her house. 5 And the woman conceived, and sent d 4:5,7. Prov. 19:15. 24:53,34. Matt. 26:40,41. 1 Thes. 5:6,7. 1 Pet. 4:7. *Or, Bath-shua. † Or, Ammiel. 1 Chr. 3:5. i 23:39. 1 Chr. 11:41. e Deut. 22:8. Jer. 19:13. Matt. k Gen. 39:7. Job 31:9-11. Ps. 10:27. Acts 10:9. f Gen. 3:6, 6:2. 34:2. Job 31:1. Ps. 119:37. Matt. 5:28. 1 John 2.16. g Gen. 39:6. Prov. 6:25. 31:30. h Jer. 5:8. Hos. 7:6,7. Jam. 1: 14,15. 50:18. 1 Ps. 51: title. Jam. 1:14. Or, and when she had puri- m Lev. 12:2-5, 15:19, &c. 18: NOTES. 7 And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered. 8 And David said to Uriah, P Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king. 8 9 But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house. 10 And when they had told David, n Deut. 22:22. Prov. 6:34. o Gen. 4:7. 38:18-23. 1 Sam. Heb. of the peace of Joab. p Ps. 41:21. Is. 29:15. Luke 12:2. Heb. 4:13. q Gen. 18:4. 19:2. r Ps. 12:2. 55:21. Heb. went out after him. t Job 5:12-14. Prov. 21:30. dom, and the immense obligations which the Lord had conferred on him; the rank and character of Bath-sheba too, and the service for him and his country in which Uriah was engaged, were all circumstances which exceedingly ag Matt. 1:18,19.)—Most of the Jewish writers, on the most frivolous pretences, exculpate both David and Bath-sheba, as to the adultery; and only condemn David, as to the murder! This is a specimen of their morality! CHAP. XI. V. 1-5. David committed the management of the war against Ammon to Joab, and continued at ease in his palace, when he ought to have been "fighting the battles of the LORD:" and thus, being out of the line of pres-gravated his offence.-When Bath-sheba found ent duty, he slothfully wasted his time. With that she was with child by David, she justly out doubt his prosperity had gradually rendered dreaded the resentment of her husband, who him more negligent than formerly in his devo- had been absent from her for a considerable tional exercises, and more self-indulgent; and time; and she sent to inform David, that by the perhaps had occasioned a measure of self-confi- iniquitous interposition of his authority, which dence and carnal security. Thus his passions perhaps he had promised, she might be preservgathered force, in proportion as his holy affec-ed from being made a public example. (Note, tions abated: and, having been accustomed,|| without censure, to marry any single woman, for whom he conceived an affection, his inclinations had not been habituated to a denial. When therefore, after an unseasonable sleep, he was walking on the flat roof of his house, and by some means had a view of a very beautiful woman, who was washing herself from a ceremonial uncleanness, he allowed himself to gaze upon her, until he lusted after her in his heart; and, perhaps supposing her not to be a married woman, he sent to inquire after her, in order to add her to the number of his wives. But his sinful passion had acquired such an ascendency, that he was the more inflamed by being informed, that she was the wife of one of his bravest and most faithful officers. He therefore sent messengers for her, who could not be Ignorant of his intentions: and though she was previously a person of virtue and reputation, he obtained her compliance, (probably by means of those hopes which his rank in life was capable of inspiring,) and committed adultery with her. This crime was attended with manifold aggravations: it was a gross violation of the seventh commandment: it was likewise punishable by the death of both parties according to the judicial law. (Lev. 20:10.) David was chief magistrate, to whom it belonged to carry that law into execution: he was at this time about fifty years of age; and he had already many wives; and many children also, approaching to man's estate, to whom the example would be prejudicial in the extreme. His acquaintance with the divine law, his open profession of true religion, his high reputation for piety and wis V. 6, 7. It is probable that Uriah was descended from the Hittites; but he was a proselyte, and had the heart of an Israelite.-Under the guilt of his very heinous sin, David was more anxious to conceal his shame, and prevent the temporal consequences, than to obtain forgiveness from God! indeed the former seems, for the time, to have almost wholly occupied his mind. (Note, Ps. 32:3-5.)-Perhaps he feared lest Uriah, in his deep resentment, should raise rebellion against him: and certainly he dreaded the reproaches which he might well expect from every quarter, when his shameful misconduct should be publicly known. In this state of mind, he did not consider the treachery and injustice, of drawing in Uriah to consider himself as the father of the child, with which Bath-sheba was pregnant: but, having formed his plan, he sent to Uriah, as if he could depend more on him to inform him of the state of the war, than on any other person. V. 8, 9. Uriah's house was near David's palace, perhaps because he commanded some of the Cherethites and Pelethites, who were the king's guard. (Note, 8:15-18.) David never questioned but that he would gladly embrace the opportunity of visiting his wife, and accordingly provided them an entertainment. But whether any thing had excited Uriah's suspicions; or whether, through a hardy self-denied disposition, he scorned to fare better than his com saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest not thou from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house? 11 And Uriah said unto David, "The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields: shall I then go into mine house to eat, and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing. 12 And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to-day also, and to-morrow I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day and the morrow. 13 And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he * made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house. mander and comrades, he would not go home, but slept with the other soldiers: and thus the Lord defeated David's design of "covering his transgression." (Note, Prov. 28:13.) V. 10. 11. The circumstance of the ark being constantly placed in a tabernacle, and not a temple, could be no reason why Uriah should not go home to his house. It is therefore probable, that the ark was on this occasion carried with the army to the war. (Notes, 1 Sam. 4:4,5. 14:16-23.)-Uriah's answer was so decided, that David's heart, it might have been expect'ed, should have been deeply touched, to think 'how he had abused so brave a man; and made 'him reflect, how vilely he indulged himself in 'sinful pleasure, while this man and the rest 'gloriously endured all manner of hardships, and 'refused the most innocent pleasure, for the 'sake of their country. But he was so corrupt'ed for the present, that he was troubled to find "Uriah so true a soldier!' Bp. Patrick. Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire yet from him, that he may be smitten, and die. e 16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place, where he knew that valiant men were. 17 And the men of the city went out and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also. 18 Then Joab sent, and told David all the things concerning the war; 19 And charged the messenger, say ing, When thou hast made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the king; 20 And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall? 21 Who smote Abimelech the son of h Jerub-besheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a mill-stone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went at present his leading object, and all other consequences were for the moment forgotten. David, however, would not kill Uriah with his own hands, nor order his servants to assassinate him, nor put him to death under color of law: for his reputation must have been ruined by such measures; nay, perhaps the direct injustice and murder would have disquieted his conscience, insensible as it was become. But he devised a more plausible and secret method of getting rid of him; which seemed at the time less atrocious, though in reality it was unspeakably more complicated and heinous. The known valor, fidelity, and zeal for his country, of this gallant officer, suggested the method of murdering him! David had such confidence in this much-injured man, that he did not hesitate to intrust him with the letter which decreed his death: and whatever else Uriah suspected, he did not betray his trust. Joab, and those "who retired from Uri. ah," were thus made accomplices in the murder; and the soldiers who were slain with Uriah, were no less murdered by David, than he was. Whatever casuistry David might use with his conscience, this was deliberate murder of many in-persons with malice prepense, aggravated exceedingly by the circumstance, that these men were slain in the very act of fighting for him and his kingdom. Perhaps Joab imagined that the king had some political reason for thus taking off Uriah: but probably he was rejoiced to see him involved in the guilt of murder as well as himself. (Notes, 3:26-39.)—And is this David, who repeatedly spared his enemy, and whose heart smote him, when he had cut off Saul's skirt! (Notes, 1 Sam. 24:4-15. 26:8-20.) Alas, how is he changed and fallen!-Quantum mu'tatus ab illo! V. 12, 13. David pretended further business with Uriah, and great kindness for him, in order to deceive him; that, if possible, he might break his resolution. Accordingly he entertained him at his own table: and, in addition to his other juries, became his tempter to drunkenness; hoping that when his passions were inflamed, he might be induced to go home to his wife: but in this too he found himself disappointed. (Notes, 13:22-29. Gen. 19:31-38. Hab. 2:15-17.) V. 14-17. Satan having gradually drawn David on into one sinful attempt after another, had prepared his mind for still more atrocious wickedness. (Notes, Matt. 26:14-16,25,3035,40,41.69-75. John 12:1–8. 13:18-30.) He now perceived that, if Uriah lived, he must detect his wife's unfaithfulness; to prevent this was |