V. 21-23. (Marg. Ref.—Note, 1 Cor. 2:14 -16.) While David entertained any hope of the child's life, humble fasting and prayer formed the present duty: but after the event, meek Eubmission was required. He could not profit the child; and he might injure himself, and neglect his duty, by mourning for him. The child, released from sufferings, and gone before to a better world, was no loser; the public sustained no detriment, as in the death of useful persons; and there remained no farther reason for sorrow, except he should repine against the will of God: and this he would not do, but rather prepare to follow his son, and hope to meet him in the world above. Rabbah, and have taken the city of wa ters. 28 Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it; lest I take the city, and tit be called after my name. 29 And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it. 30 And he took their king's crown from off his head, (the weight whereof was a talent of gold, with the precious stones,) and it was set on David's head: and he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance. 31 And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brick-kiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem. c 11:1. Deut. 3:11. Ez. 21:20. | e 1 Chr. 20:2. d John 7:18. mon. As the siege of Rabbah seems to have been considerably advanced when Uriah was slain, the event here recorded must be supposed to have occurred not long after. The Lord was very gracious to David, in thus prospering his arms, notwithstanding his aggravated offences: and Joab approved himself very faithful to his prince, and attentive to his reputation. The crown of the king of the Ammonites is said to have weighed a talent; but that, being above a hundred weight, seems enormous: probably it means the value of it with the precious stones. -David appears to have been too much pleased with this crown: whereas his anointing, as the king of God's people, was a far more honorable distinction.-It is not certain what the punishments were, which he inflicted upon the prisoners; whether he put them to death, under saws, axes, and harrows; or whether he condemned them to wear out their lives in severe bondage, by various labors. He meant to punish their cruelty to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and their contempt of his ambassadors: (Notes, 10:3,4. 1 Sam. 11:1-3.) but if there were, as it seems probable, an undistinguishing severity exercised towards them, we must ascribe it to the state of his mind at that time. City of waters. (27) The other part of the city, being supplied with water, from that part of which Joab had got possession, could not hold out long, but must be soon forced to surrender. V. 24, 25. David's marriage with Bath-sheba was in many respects very sinful; (Note, 11: 27.) yet it must not be disannulled. In the mystery of the divine counsels, it made way for the performance of the promises before given: (Note, 7:12-16.) and Bath-sheba has her nazie inserted in the genealogy of the Redeemer!As a token of the Lord's reconciliation to David and Bath-sheba, this son by her was named Solomon, or the peaceable; and Jedidiah, or Beloved of the LORD, because of the LORD's peculiar favor to him. (Marg.-Notes, Gen. 49:10. Matt. 1:20-23.) In this he especially typified Him of whom the Father hath said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."It is ob'servable, that there is not one word said to 'Bath-sheba, in all this relation.... She was pun'ished.... in the calamity that befel David; who 'enticed her, not she him, to commit the foul sin 'of adultery; and she was innocent in the mur- Our falls into sin originate from the evil of 'der of Uriah.' Bp. Patrick. It seems, that our depraved hearts, but our recoveries are from she was released from the legal punishment of the Lord. He commonly employs the ministry death, by the same act of grace, which pardon- of the word in bringing sinners to repentance: ed David: but she was, probably, for some time and the plain, authoritative declaration of the both in great sorrow and distress, and over- divine law, and of the evil nature and effects of whelmed with fears, and remorse, and shame. sin, is the appointed method of awakening the V. 26-31. The sacred historian, having fin-careless conscience, and of bringing men to ished the account of David's fall and repentance, resumes the subject of the war with Am PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-14. condemn themselves. In some cases great prudence and address are necessary in deliver CHAP. XIII. tires to Absalom, 15-20. David is angry; but Absalom conceals his hatred, 21, 22. Absalom invites his brethren to a feast; where Amnon at his command is murdered, 23-29. David grieves vehemently, supposing that all his sons are slain; but is comforted by Jonadab, and learns the truth, 3036. Absalom flees to Geshur; but David longs after him, 37 -39. phemy to the enemies of the Lord the falls of his professing people afford: yet none except his enemies will make this use of them; and the open confessions of the penitent offenders, their future holy conduct, the severe corrections which they experience, and their patience under them, will manifest the equity and purity, as well as the mercy of God, in pardoning their offences; and will mark an essential difference, of habitual character and disposition, between them and unhumbled sinners of every description. (Notes, Rom. 7:13—17.) Amnon, David's son, loves his sister Tamar, 1,2: and by Jona- V. 15-31. The Lord often causes his offending people to read their sins in their punishment; he puts them to open shame for their secret offences; and, by the sufferings of those whom they most tenderly love, he fills their hearts with the keenest anguish. Under such rebukes they will be led to deeper and deeper humiliation, to chasten themselves with fasting, and to pour out more fervent and incessant prayers; and especially for those who are suffering on their account, and are unable to pray for themselves. Yet, the same principles will teach them to moderate their sorrows for those beloved objects, whom God has taken from them, and to prepare diligently to follow them: and nothing should induce them to neglect their present duty. After the same manner, as long as life lasts, let the discourag ed sinner seek the Lord, humble himself, and pour out his prayers before him; if only able to say, "Who knoweth if God will be gracions to me!"-Those, who are ignorant of the divine life, cannot comprehend the reasons of a believer's conduct in his varied experiences: they mistake deep humility and fervent prayer, for impatience and an inordinate love to created objects; acquiescence in the Lord's will, and cheerful gratitude under sharp trials, will be deemed indifference and apathy; and in a thousand different ways they will shew their inca pacity to judge of the consistency and reasons of his behavior. (Notes, Acts 16:1-5. P. O. 1 Cor. 2:10-16.) But God accepts those services which man censures: a humble, submissive spirit prepares the way for divine consolations, notwithstanding former crimes; and we should encourage the desponding hearts of our fellowsinners, with the comforts which the Lord has graciously afforded us: and when the heart is thus prepared, the message of the minister will again be peace and joy.-Our prayers for our children are graciously answered, if some of them die in their tender infancy, (for they are well taken care of,) and the others live "beloved of the LORD."-Vengeance will in due season overtake the persecutors and abusers of God's people and ministers; and in their severest sufferings He will be righteous, though the instruments should be unreasonably and iniquitously severe.-In proportion as we lose sight of the honor that cometh from God, we become ambitious and vain of worldly distinctions: (Note, 2 Kings 20:12-19.) and we are most compassionate, kind, and forgiving to our fellow-sinners, when we most feel our need of the Lord's forgiving love to our own souls, and experience the comfort of it.-Finally, in whatever service the Lord may please to employ us, may we, (as Joab with David,) execute his will faithfully, and then give him the whole glory without any 3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David's brother: and Jonadab was a very h subtle man. 4 And he said unto him, 'Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, 1 my brother Absalom's sister. 1 m 5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand. 6 So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I 32. 1 Sam. 16:9. Shammah. a 3:2,3. 1 Chr. 3:2. b 11:2. Gen. 6:2. 39:6,7. Prov. h 14:2,19,20. Gen. 3:1. Jer. 4: 6:25. 31:30. c 14:27. 1 Chr. 3:9. d 15. Gen. 29:18,20. 34:3. 1 Kings 11:1. 22. 1 Cor. 3:19. Jam. 3:15. i 1 Kings 21:7. Esth. 5:13, 14. † Heb. thin. e 1 Kings 21:4. Cant. 5:8. 2 Heb. morning by morning. Cor. 7:10. Heb. it was marvellous, or hidden, in the eyes of Amnon. f Gen. 38 1,20. Judg. 14:20. Esth. 5:10,14. 6:13. Prov. 19: 6. k Is. 3:9. Jer. 8:12. Mic. 7:3. m 16:21-23. 17:1-4. Ps. 50: NOTES. pray thee, let Tamar my sister come and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand. 7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat. 8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes. 9 And she took a pan, and poured them out before him, but he refused to eat. • And Amnon said, Have out all men from me: and they went out every man from him. 10 And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother. 11 And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, P Come, lie with me, my sister. 12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for ¶ no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. 13 And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt n Gen. 18:6. Matt. 13:33. Deut. 22:29. Heb. it ought not so to be done. Lev. 18:9. 20:17. q Gen. 34:7. Judg. 19:23. 20: 6. Prov. 7:7. the reputation, virtue, or comfort of Tamar; or by any foresight of evil consequences: but, because of her modesty, and the care which was taken of her, he could not find an opportunity of getting her into his power. His passion therefore preyed upon his spirits, and impaired his health. (Notes, Cant. 5:8. 2 Cor. 7:9-11.) CHAP. XIII. V. 1, 2. Nathan's word began to take effect not very long after it was delivered. (Notes, 12:10-12.)-David seems to have been far too indulgent of his children: probably, their mothers had a great share in their education, and some of these instilled into them bad principles; indeed these are the nat- V. 3, 4. Amnon deemed Jonadab his friend, ural effects of polygamy. Yet his sons had been because he was his flatterer, and the caterer for restrained from open wickedness, by his exam- his lusts. He was "a very subtle man;” (Notes, ple, influence, and occasional instructions, until 32,33. 16:20-23. Gen. 3:1.) one very sagahe had committed those crimes which have been cious, as to this present world; or rather, a considered. But notwithstanding David's re- very crafty courtier, who readily discerned the pentance, they, now grown up, would naturally inclinations of his superiors, and was very inconsider that his conduct gave some license to genious in devising means for the gratification their youthful inclinations, and conclude that of them. Observing Amnon to look more and he could not greatly censure them, after he had more languid one day after another, he suspectset them such an example. Thus he mighted the cause, and intimated to him, that a perclearly trace the sins of his children from his son of his rank might obtain his desires if he own misconduct, and this would increase the went about it: and thus he drew from him the anguish of the chastisement.-Tamar was Am-shameful secret. Had he not interposed, probnon's sister as the daughter of David, but of ably Amnon's passion might have been suppressanother mother. (Note, 3:2—5.) If Amnon ed, and at length supplanted by an affection fo had not been secretly habituated to vice, he some other object. (Notes, 1 Kings 21:4-7.) surely never could, in the first instance, have But when Jonadab understood the state of his yielded to so unnatural a passion! (Note, Lev. mind, he speedily put him in a way of obtaining 18:6-17.) By gazing upon Tamar's beauty his his wishes. Amnon was the heir-apparent of concupiscence was excited, and, being indulg- the crown: David was growing old, and probaed, it gained an entire ascendency. (Notes, 11: bly shewed Jonadab but little favor though he 1-5. Matt. 5:27,28.) He was not restrained was his nephew; being the son of David's brothfrom attempting to accomplish his base purpose er Shimeah, called also Shammah, and Shimma. by the fear of God; by conscience, shame, re-(32. 1 Sam. 16:9. 1 Chr. 2:13.) He therefore gard to the peace or favor of his father, or to paid court to Amnon; and supposed that his be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee. 14 Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice; but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. [Practical Observations.] ex 15 Then Amnon hated her ceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her: and Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. 16 And she said unto him, There is no cause; this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me: but he would not hearken unto her. 17 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her. vehement hatred: and without regarding her remonstrances, he ordered her to be turned out of doors, with every circunstance of aversion and abhorrence, 'as if she had been an infamous intruder.' Bp. Patrick. (Note, Gen. 39:13-16.) This was doubtless additional and most malignant ill usage, and tended to publish her disgrace, which might otherwise have been concealed: but we must attribute it to the confusion and distress of her mind, that she stated this to be the greater injury; unless she supposed that, in so singular a case, he might and ought to have married her. V. 5-14. This plot was laid very artfully. Amnon's sickly looks gave plausibility to his pretended illness: David's tender affection to his children was well known: persons, who have been accustomed to indulgence, are naturally whimsical in their diet when sick: David would be sure to visit Amnon, and be disposed to humor him in every thing, and would not at all suspect so base a design concealed under his request: and thus he would readily obtain David's consent to Tamar's coming to him. Nor could she have any suspicion of such horrid vil- V. 19, 20. Tamar went home in the manner, lany from one, who seemed very ill and in dan- and with all the gestures of an inconsolable ger of death: but when he commanded all to mourner. (Marg. Ref.) Doubtless her mind leave the room, whilst he ate of her cakes, she was filled with extreme anguish; but perhaps she might very justly have apprehended some bad meant also thus to protest, that though unfortudesign.-Tamar's skill and readiness in such nate she was not criminal. Absalom dissembled ordinary employments, though a king's daugh- his deep and implacable resentment, and perter; her compassionate attention to her half-suaded her to compose her mind, and not further brother; and all her answers and behavior, are suited to give us a very favorable opinion of her character. She pleaded that he, as her brother, ought to protect her, instead of injuring her; that such behavior was peculiarly foolish and wicked in an Israelite; that it would for ever disgrace and ruin her; and would expose him to scorn and hatred, as one of the most abandoned of men. (Marg. Ref. pr.) Her proposal to him, to ask her of the king, who would rather allow him to marry her, than leave him to die of his sickness, was doubtless solely meant to prevent present violence; for she knew that David would afterwards protect her. (Note, Gen. 19:6-9.) And it is probable, that she accompanied her complaints and expostulations with unavailing outcries, which Amnon's domestics doubtless disregarded: for she seems to have been entirely free from blame in the scandalous transaction. V. 15-18. The determined language and conduct of Tamar, probably joined with sharp reproaches, so irritated Amnon, that his licentious love was at once changed into the most to expose the shame of her family.-It seems that Tamar not only shunned society at the time; but also lived all her days a single and retired life. (Note, Gen. 34:31.) V. 21. Amnon's incest was an express violation of the divine law; and to one prohibition it is added, "they shall be cut off; ... he shall bear his iniquity." (Lev. 18:9. 20:17.) Yet the magistrate was not explicitly commanded to put the offender to death. Neither was it enjoined, that he who forced a woman should be put to death, unless she was betrothed; because otherwise he would have been obliged to marry her. (Notes, Ex. 22:16,17. Deut. 22:22-27.) Perhaps these circumstances united with David's excessive paternal tenderness, especially to his eldest son, and with the consciousness of his own guilt, to satisfy his mind in leaving Amnon to the judg ment of God, without inflicting any punishment upon him. But certainly he ought to have manifested his displeasure in some very decided manner; and this complication of crimes would have justified the severest punishment: but as he neg||lected his duty, the Lord afterwards took_ven e B. c.1 years, that Absalom had sheep-|| 30 And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to Da vid, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. invited 1030. shearers in Baal-hazor, which is 24 And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheep-shearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants, go with thy servant. 25 And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest. we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: how beit he would not go, but i blessed him. h 29 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded: then all the king's sons arose, and every man + gat him upon his P mule and fled. e Gen. 38:12,13. 1 Sam. 25:2,4, Dan. 5:2-6,30. Nah. 1:10. n Num. 22:16,17. 1 Sam. 28:10, 36. 2 Kings 3:4. 2 Chr. 26:10. f 1 Kings 1:9,19,25. g 11:8-15. Ps. 12:2. 55:21. b Gen. 19:2,3. Judg. 19:7-10. 1 11:15. Ex. 1:16,17. 1 Sam. m 11:13. Gen. 9:21. 19:32-35. Judg. 19:6,22. 1 Sam. 25:36-38. 1 Kings 20:16. Esth. 1:10. Luke 21:34. 13. * Or, Will you not, since I have commanded you? Josh. 1:9. Heb. sons of valor. o 1 Sam. 22:18,19. 1 Kings 21: Ieb. rode. p 18:9. Gen. 36:24. Lev. 19: geance on Amnon, in a way which added still more to David's domestic trials. (Notes, 2233. 1 Sam. 2:29-34.) V. 22-29. Absalom harbored the deepest resentment of the gross affront put upon himself, and the irreparable injury done to his sister: yet for two years he concealed his hatred under the appearance of total indifference! (Notes, Gen. 27:41,42. Prov. 26:24-27. Eph. 4:26,27.)|| This imposed on Amnon, who on that very account ought to have been more afraid of him: at length, however, Absalom deemed matters ripe for the execution of his determined revenge. According to the custom of those times, having flocks of sheep, and making a feast when they were shorn, he formed his plot upon that circumstance. To cover his design he invited his father with all his attendants to come to his feast, sensible that from prudential reasons he would decline the invitation: but he thus obtained his approbation to Amnon's going with the rest of his brethren; and David perhaps hoped that a reconciliation between them would be thus effected or cemented. Probably, Absalom was urged on the more resolutely to the murder of his brother, because he was the next heir to the crown; if Chileab were dead, as it is gener 31 Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent. 8 32 And Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the ap pointment of Absalom this hath been "determined, from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. 33 Now therefore "let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead. 34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill-side behind him. 35 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: "as thy servant said, so it is. 36 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice, and wept; and the king also and all his servants wept very sore. But Absalom fled, and went to 37 q 12:16. r 1:11. 3:31. $ 3-5. t 1 Sam. 16:9. Shammah. Or, settled. Gen. 27:41. Ps. ** x 38. Gen. 4:3-14. Prov. 28- **Heb. with a great weeping 33. ally supposed. (3:3.) His atrocious crime was V. 32, 33. It cannot be supposed, that Absalom would make Jonadab his confident; but being a sagacious man he had, from some circumstances, or casual expressions, suspected his malicious intentions. (Marg. Ref. Note, 3,4.) It would, however, have been far more profita |