mh_parser/vol_split/10 - 2Samuel/Chapter 2.xml

<div2 id="iiSam.iii" n="iii" next="iiSam.iv" prev="iiSam.ii" progress="39.84%" title="Chapter II">
<h2 id="iiSam.iii-p0.1">S E C O N D   S A M U E L</h2>
<h3 id="iiSam.iii-p0.2">CHAP. II.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiSam.iii-p1">David had paid due respect to the memory of Saul
his prince and Jonathan his friend, and what he did was as much his
praise as theirs; he is now considering what is to be done next.
Saul is dead, now therefore David arise. I. By direction from God
he went up to Hebron, and was there anointed king, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.1-2Sam.2.4" parsed="|2Sam|2|1|2|4" passage="2Sa 2:1-4">ver. 1-4</scripRef>. II. He returned thanks to
the men of Jabesh-Gilead for burying Saul, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.5-2Sam.2.7" parsed="|2Sam|2|5|2|7" passage="2Sa 2:5-7">ver. 5-7</scripRef>. III. Ishbosheth, the son of Saul,
is set up in opposition to him, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.8-2Sam.2.11" parsed="|2Sam|2|8|2|11" passage="2Sa 2:8-11">ver.
8-11</scripRef>. IV. A warm encounter happens between David's party
and Ishbosheth's, in which, 1. Twelve of each side engaged hand to
hand and were all slain, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.12-2Sam.2.16" parsed="|2Sam|2|12|2|16" passage="2Sa 2:12-16">ver.
12-16</scripRef>. 2. Saul's party was beaten, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.17" parsed="|2Sam|2|17|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:17">ver. 17</scripRef>. 3. Asahel, on David's side, was
slain by Abner, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.18-2Sam.2.23" parsed="|2Sam|2|18|2|23" passage="2Sa 2:18-23">ver.
18-23</scripRef>. 4. Joab, at Abner's request, sounds a retreat,
<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.24-2Sam.2.28" parsed="|2Sam|2|24|2|28" passage="2Sa 2:24-28">ver. 24-28</scripRef>. 5. Abner
makes the best of his way (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.29" parsed="|2Sam|2|29|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:29">ver.
29</scripRef>), and the loss on both sides is computed, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.3-2Sam.2.32" parsed="|2Sam|2|3|2|32" passage="2Sa 2:3-32">ver. 30-32</scripRef>. So that here we have
an account of a civil war in Israel, which, in process of time,
ended in the complete settlement of David on the throne.</p>
<scripCom id="iiSam.iii-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2" parsed="|2Sam|2|0|0|0" passage="2Sa 2" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiSam.iii-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.1-2Sam.2.7" parsed="|2Sam|2|1|2|7" passage="2Sa 2:1-7" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.2.1-2Sam.2.7">
<h4 id="iiSam.iii-p1.12">David Made King at Hebron. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iii-p1.13">b. c.</span> 1053.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.iii-p2">1 And it came to pass after this, that David
enquired of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iii-p2.1">Lord</span>, saying, Shall
I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iii-p2.2">Lord</span> said unto him, Go up. And David said,
Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.   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
<i>were</i> with him did David bring up, every man with his
household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.   4 And the
men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the
house of Judah. And they told David, saying, <i>That</i> the men of
Jabesh-gilead <i>were they</i> that buried Saul.   5 And David
sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them,
Blessed <i>be</i> ye of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iii-p2.3">Lord</span>,
that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, <i>even</i> unto
Saul, and have buried him.   6 And now the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iii-p2.4">Lord</span> shew kindness and truth unto you: and I
also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this
thing.   7 Therefore now 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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p3">When Saul and Jonathan were dead, though
David knew himself anointed to be king, and now saw his way very
clear, yet he did not immediately send messengers through all the
coasts of Israel to summon all people to come in and swear
allegiance to him, upon pain of death, but proceeded leisurely; for
he that believeth doth not make haste, but waits God's time for the
accomplishment of God's promises. Many had come in to his
assistance from several tribes while he continued at Ziklag, as we
find (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.12.1-1Chr.12.22" parsed="|1Chr|12|1|12|22" passage="1Ch 12:1-22">1 Chron. xii.
1-22</scripRef>), and with such a force he might have come in by
conquest. But he that will rule with meekness will not rise with
violence. Observe here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p4">I. The direction he sought and had from God
in this critical juncture, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.1" parsed="|2Sam|2|1|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:1"><i>v.</i>
1</scripRef>. He doubted not of success, yet he used proper means,
both divine and human. Assurance of hope in God's promise will be
so far from slackening that it will quicken pious endeavours. If I
be elected to the crown of life, it does not follow, Then I will do
nothing; but, Then I will do all that he directs me, and follow the
guidance of him who chose me. This good use David made of his
election, and so will all whom God has chosen. 1. David, according
to the precept, <i>acknowledged God in his way.</i> He enquired of
the Lord by the breast-plate of judgment, which Abiathar brought to
him. We must apply to God not only when we are in distress, but
even when the world smiles upon us and second causes work in favour
of us. His enquiry was, <i>Shall I go up to any of the cities of
Judah?</i> Shall I stir hence? Though Ziklag be in ruins, he will
not quit it without direction from God. "If I stir hence, <i>Shall
I go to one of the cities of Judah?</i>" not limiting God to them
(if God should so direct him, he would go to any of the cities of
Israel), but thus expressing his prudence (in the cities of Judah
he would find most friends), and his modesty—he would look no
further at present than his own tribe. In all our motions and
removals it is comfortable to see God going before us; and we may,
if by faith and prayer we set him before us. 2. God, according to
the promise, directed his path, bade him go up, told him whither,
unto Hebron, a priest's city, one of the cities of refuge, so it
was to David, and an intimation that God himself would be to him a
little sanctuary. The sepulchres of the patriarchs, adjoining to
Hebron, would remind him of the ancient promise, on which God had
caused him to hope. God sent him not to Bethlehem, his own city,
because that was <i>little among the thousands of Judah</i>
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Mic.5.2" parsed="|Mic|5|2|0|0" passage="Mic 5:2">Mic. v. 2</scripRef>), but to Hebron,
a more considerable place, and which perhaps was then as the
county-town of that tribe.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p5">II. The care he took of his family and
friends in his removal to Hebron. 1. He took his wives with him
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.2" parsed="|2Sam|2|2|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>), that, as they
had been companions with him in tribulation, they might be so in
the kingdom. It does not appear that as yet he had any children;
his first was born in Hebron, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.2" parsed="|2Sam|3|2|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:2"><i>ch.</i> iii. 2</scripRef>. 2. He took his friends and
followers with him, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.3" parsed="|2Sam|2|3|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:3"><i>v.</i>
3</scripRef>. They had accompanied him in his wanderings, and
therefore, when he gained a settlement, they settled with him.
Thus, if we <i>suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him,</i>
<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.2.12" parsed="|2Tim|2|12|0|0" passage="2Ti 2:12">2 Tim. ii. 12</scripRef>. Nay, Christ
does more for his good soldiers than David could do for his; David
found lodging for them—<i>They dwelt in the cities of Hebron,</i>
and adjacent towns; but to those who <i>continue with Christ in his
temptations he appoints a kingdom,</i> and will <i>feast them at
his own table,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p5.5" osisRef="Bible:Luke.22.29-Luke.22.30" parsed="|Luke|22|29|22|30" passage="Lu 22:29,30">Luke xxii. 29,
30</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p6">III. The honour done him by the men of
Judah: They <i>anointed him king over the house of Judah,</i>
<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.4" parsed="|2Sam|2|4|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>. The tribe of
Judah had often stood by itself more than any other of the tribes.
In Saul's time it was numbered by itself as a distinct body
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.15.4" parsed="|1Sam|15|4|0|0" passage="1Sa 15:4">1 Sam. xv. 4</scripRef>) and those of
this tribe had been accustomed to act separately. They did so now;
yet they did it for themselves only; they did not pretend to anoint
him king <i>over all Israel</i> (as <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Judg.9.22" parsed="|Judg|9|22|0|0" passage="Jdg 9:22">Judg. ix. 22</scripRef>), but only <i>over the house of
Judah.</i> The rest of the tribes might do as they pleased, but, as
for them and their house, they would be ruled by him whom God had
chosen. See how David rose gradually; he was first anointed king
<i>in reversion,</i> then <i>in possession</i> of one tribe only,
and at last of all the tribes. Thus the kingdom of the Messiah, the
Son of David, is set up by degrees; he is Lord of all by divine
designation, but <i>we see not yet all things put under him,</i>
<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:Heb.2.8" parsed="|Heb|2|8|0|0" passage="Heb 2:8">Heb. ii. 8</scripRef>. David's reigning
at first over the house of Judah only was a tacit intimation of
Providence that his kingdom would in a short time be reduced to
that again, as it was when the ten tribes revolted from his
grandson; and it would be an encouragement to the godly kings of
Judah that David himself at first reigned over Judah only.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p7">IV. The respectful message he sent to the
men of Jabesh-Gilead, to return them thanks for their kindness to
Saul. Still he studies to honour the memory of his predecessor, and
thereby to show that he was far from aiming at the crown from any
principle of ambition or enmity to Saul, but purely because he was
called of God to it. It was told him that the men of Jabesh-Gilead
buried Saul, perhaps by some that thought he would be displeased at
them as over-officious. But he was far from that. 1. He commends
them for it, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.5" parsed="|2Sam|2|5|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>.
According as our obligations were to love and honour any while they
lived, we ought to show respect to their remains (that is, their
bodies, names, and families) when they are dead. "Saul was your
lord," says David, "and therefore you did well to show him this
kindness and do him this honour." 2. He prays to God to bless them
for it, and to recompense it to them: <i>Blessed are you,</i> and
blessed <i>may you be</i> of the Lord, who will deal kindly with
those in a particular manner that <i>dealt kindly with the
dead,</i> as it is in <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Ruth.1.8" parsed="|Ruth|1|8|0|0" passage="Ru 1:8">Ruth i.
8</scripRef>. Due respect and affection shown to the bodies, names,
and families of those that are dead, in conscience towards God, is
a piece of charity which shall in no wise lose its reward: <i>The
Lord show kindness and truth to you</i> (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.6" parsed="|2Sam|2|6|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>), that is, kindness according to
the promise. What kindness God shows is in truth, what one may
trust to. 3. He promises to make them amends for it: <i>I also will
requite you.</i> He does not turn them over to God for a recompence
that he may excuse himself from rewarding them. Good wishes are
good things, and instances of gratitude, but they are too cheap to
be rested in where there is an ability to do more. 4. He prudently
takes this opportunity to gain them to his interest, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.7" parsed="|2Sam|2|7|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. They had paid their last
respects to Saul, and he would have them to be the last: "<i>The
house of Judah have anointed me king,</i> and it will be your
wisdom to concur with them and in that to be valiant." We must not
so dote on the dead, how much soever we have valued them, as to
neglect or despise the blessings we have in those that survive,
whom God has raised up to us in their stead.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiSam.iii-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.8-2Sam.2.17" parsed="|2Sam|2|8|2|17" passage="2Sa 2:8-17" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.2.8-2Sam.2.17">
<h4 id="iiSam.iii-p7.6">A Civil War in Israel. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iii-p7.7">b. c.</span> 1053.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.iii-p8">8 But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's
host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to
Mahanaim;   9 And made him king over Gilead, and over the
Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin,
and over all Israel.   10 Ishbosheth Saul's son <i>was</i>
forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two
years. But the house of Judah followed David.   11 And the
time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was
seven years and six months.   12 And Abner the son of Ner, and
the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim
to Gibeon.   13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants
of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and
they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other
on the other side of the pool.   14 And Abner said to Joab,
Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let
them arise.   15 Then there arose and went over by number
twelve of Benjamin, which <i>pertained</i> to Ishbosheth the son of
Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.   16 And they
caught every one his fellow by the head, and <i>thrust</i> his
sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore
that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which <i>is</i> in Gibeon.
  17 And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was
beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p9">Here is, I. A rivalship between two
kings—David, whom God made king, and Ishbosheth, whom Abner made
king. One would have thought, when Saul was slain, and all his sons
that had sense and spirit enough to take the field with him, David
would come to the throne without any opposition, since all Israel
knew, not only how he had signalized himself, but how manifestly
God had designated him to it; but such a spirit of contradiction is
there, in the devices of men, to the counsels of God, that such a
weak and silly thing as Ishbosheth, who was not thought fit to go
with his father to the battle, shall yet be thought fit to succeed
him in the government, rather than David shall come peaceably to
it. Herein David's kingdom was typical of the Messiah's, against
which <i>the heathens rage</i> and the <i>rulers take counsel,</i>
<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.2.1-Ps.2.2" parsed="|Ps|2|1|2|2" passage="Ps 2:1,2">Ps. ii. 1, 2</scripRef>. 1. Abner was
the person who set up Ishbosheth in competition with David, perhaps
in his zeal for the lineal succession (since they must have a king
like the nations, in <i>this</i> they must be like them, that the
crown must descend from father to son), or rather in his affection
to his own family and relations (for he was Saul's uncle), and
because he had no other way to secure to himself the post of honour
he was in, as captain of the host. See how much mischief the pride
and ambition of one man may be the occasion of. Ishbosheth would
never have set up himself if Abner had not set him up, and made a
tool of him to serve his own purposes. 2. Mahanaim, the place where
he first made his claim, was on the other side Jordan, where it was
thought David had the least interest, and being at a distance from
his forces they might have time to strengthen themselves. But
having set up his standard there, the unthinking people of all the
tribes of Israel (that is, the generality of them) submitted to him
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.9" parsed="|2Sam|2|9|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>), and Judah
only was entirely for David. This was a further trial of the faith
of David in the promise of God, and of his patience, whether he
could wait God's time for the performance of that promise. 3. Some
difficulty there is about the time of the continuance of this
competition. David reigned about seven years over Judah only
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.11" parsed="|2Sam|2|11|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>), and yet
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.10" parsed="|2Sam|2|10|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>) Ishbosheth
reigned over Israel but two years: before those two years, or
after, or both, it was in general for the house of Saul (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.6" parsed="|2Sam|3|6|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:6"><i>ch.</i> iii. 6</scripRef>), and not any
particular person of that house, that Abner declared. Or these two
years he reigned before the war broke out (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p9.6" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.12" parsed="|2Sam|2|12|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>), which continued long, even the
remaining five years, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p9.7" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.1" parsed="|2Sam|3|1|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:1"><i>ch.</i> iii.
1</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p10">II. An encounter between their two
armies.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p11">1. It does not appear that either side
brought their whole force into the field, for the slaughter was but
small, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.30" parsed="|2Sam|2|30|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:30"><i>v.</i> 30, 31</scripRef>. We
may wonder, (1.) That the men of Judah did not appear and act more
vigorously for David, to reduce all the nation into obedience to
him; but, it is likely, David would not suffer them to act
offensively, choosing rather to wait till the thing would do itself
or rather till God would do it for him, without the effusion of
Israelitish blood; for to him, as a type of Christ, that was very
precious, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.72.14" parsed="|Ps|72|14|0|0" passage="Ps 72:14">Ps. lxxii. 14</scripRef>.
Even those that were his adversaries he looked upon as his
subjects, and would treat them accordingly. (2.) That the men of
Israel could in a manner stand neuter, and sit down tamely under
Ishbosheth, for so many years, especially considering what
characters many of the tribes displayed at this time (as we find,
<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.12.23" parsed="|1Chr|12|23|0|0" passage="1Ch 12:23">1 Chron. xii. 23</scripRef>,
&amp;c.): <i>Wise men, mighty men, men of valour, expert in
war,</i> and not of double heart, and yet for seven years together,
for aught that appears, most of them seemed indifferent in whose
hand the public administration was. Divine Providence serves its
own purposes by the stupidity of men at some times and the activity
of the same persons at other times; they are unlike themselves, and
yet the motions of Providence are uniform.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p12">2. In this battle Abner was the aggressor.
David sat still to see how the matter would fall, but the house of
Saul, and Abner at the head of it, gave the challenge, and they
went by the worst. Therefore <i>go not forth hastily to strive,</i>
nor be forward to begin quarrels, <i>lest thou know not what to do
in the end thereof,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.25.8" parsed="|Prov|25|8|0|0" passage="Pr 25:8">Prov. xxv.
8</scripRef>. A fool's lips and hands enter into contention.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p13">3. The seat of the war was Gibeon. Abner
chose it because it was in the lot of Benjamin, where Saul had the
most friends; yet, since he offered battle, Joab, David's general,
would not decline it, but there joined issue with him, and met him
<i>by the pool of Gibeon,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.13" parsed="|2Sam|2|13|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. David's cause, being built upon
God's promise, feared not the disadvantages of the ground. The pool
between them gave both sides time to deliberate.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p14">4. The engagement was at first proposed by
Abner, and accepted by Joab, to be between twelve and twelve of a
side. (1.) It should seem this trial of skill began in sport. Abner
made the motion (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.14" parsed="|2Sam|2|14|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>): <i>Let the young men arise and play before us,</i>
as gladiators. Perhaps Saul had used his men to these barbarous
pastimes, like a tyrant indeed, and Abner had learnt of him to make
a jest of wounds and death and divert himself with the scenes of
blood and horror. He meant, "Let them <i>fight</i> before us," when
he said, "Let them <i>play</i> before us." <i>Fools</i> thus
<i>make a mock at sin.</i> but he is unworthy the name of a man
that can be thus prodigal of human blood, that can thus <i>throw
about firebrands, arrows, and death,</i> and say, <i>Am not I in
sport?</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.26.18-Prov.26.19" parsed="|Prov|26|18|26|19" passage="Pr 26:18,19">Prov. xxvi. 18,
19</scripRef>. Joab, having been bred up under David, had so much
wisdom as not to make such a proposal, yet had not resolution
enough to resist and gainsay it when another made it; for he stood
upon a point of honour, and thought it a blemish to his reputation
to refuse a challenge, and therefore said, <i>Let them arise;</i>
not that he was fond of the sport, or expected that the duels would
be decisive, but he would not be hectored by his antagonist. How
many precious lives have thus been sacrificed to the caprices of
proud men! Twelve of each side were accordingly called out as
champions to enter the lists, a double jury of life and death, not
of others', but their own; and the champions on Abner's side seem
to have been most forward, for they took the field first (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.15" parsed="|2Sam|2|15|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>), having perhaps been
bred up in a foolish ambition thus to serve the humour of their
commander-in-chief. But, (2.) However it began, it ended in blood
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p14.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.16" parsed="|2Sam|2|16|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>): They thrust
<i>every man his sword into his fellow's side</i> (spurred on by
honour, not by enmity); so they <i>fell down together,</i> that is,
all the twenty-four were slain, such an equal match were they for
one another, and so resolute, that neither side would either beg or
give quarter; they did as it were by agreement (says
<i>Josephus</i>) dispatch one another with mutual wounds. Those
that strike at other men's lives often throw away their own and
death only conquers and rides in triumph. The wonderful obstinacy
of both sides was remembered in the name given to the place:
<i>Helkath-hazzurim</i>—<i>the field of rocky men,</i> men that
were not only strong in body, but of firm and unshaken constancy,
that stirred not at the sight of death. Yet <i>the stout-hearted
were spoiled, and slept their sleep,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p14.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.76.5" parsed="|Ps|76|5|0|0" passage="Ps 76:5">Ps. lxxvi. 5</scripRef>. Poor honour for men to purchase
at so vast an expense! Those that lose their lives for Christ shall
find them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p15">5. The whole army at length engaged, and
Abner's forces were routed, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.17" parsed="|2Sam|2|17|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:17"><i>v.</i>
17</scripRef>. The former was a drawn battle, in which all were
killed on both sides, and therefore they must put it upon another
trial, in which (as it often happens) those that gave the challenge
went away with loss. David had God on his side; his side therefore
was victorious.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiSam.iii-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.18-2Sam.2.24" parsed="|2Sam|2|18|2|24" passage="2Sa 2:18-24" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.2.18-2Sam.2.24">
<h4 id="iiSam.iii-p15.3">Asahel Slain by Abner. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iii-p15.4">b. c.</span> 1053.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.iii-p16">18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there,
Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel <i>was as</i> light of
foot as a wild roe.   19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and
in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from
following Abner.   20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said,
<i>Art</i> thou Asahel? And he answered, I <i>am.</i>   21 And
Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy
left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his
armour. But Asahel 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 the
spear smote him under the fifth <i>rib,</i> that the spear came out
behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and
it came to pass, <i>that</i> as many as came to the place where
Asahel fell down and died stood still.   24 Joab also and
Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were
come to the hill of Ammah, that <i>lieth</i> before Giah by the way
of the wilderness of Gibeon.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p17">We have here the contest between Abner and
Asahel. Asahel, the brother of Joab and cousin-german to David, was
one of the principal commanders of David's forces, and was famous
for swiftness in running: he was <i>as light of foot as a wild
roe</i> (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.18" parsed="|2Sam|2|18|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>);
this he got the name of by swift pursuing, not swift flying. Yet,
we may suppose, he was not comparable to Abner as a skilful
experienced soldier; we must therefore observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p18">I. How rash he was in aiming to make Abner
his prisoner. He pursued after him, and no other, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.19" parsed="|2Sam|2|19|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. Proud of his relation
to David and Joab, his own swiftness, and the success of his party,
no less a trophy of victory would now serve the young warrior than
Abner himself, either slain or bound, which he thought would put an
end to the war and effectually open David's way to the throne. This
made him very eager in the pursuit, and careless of the
opportunities he had of seizing others in his way, on his right
hand and on his left; his eye was on Abner only. The design was
brave, had he been <i>par negotio—equal to its accomplishment:</i>
but let not the swift man glory in his swiftness, any more than the
strong man in his strength; <i>magnis excidit ausis—he perished in
an attempt too vast for him.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p19">II. How generous Abner was in giving him
notice of the danger he exposed himself to, and advising him not to
<i>meddle to his own hurt,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.25.19" parsed="|2Chr|25|19|0|0" passage="2Ch 25:19">2
Chron. xxv. 19</scripRef>. 1. He bade him content himself with a
less prey (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.21" parsed="|2Sam|2|21|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>):
"<i>Lay hold of one of the young men,</i> plunder him and make him
thy prisoner, meddle with thy match, but pretend not to one who is
so much superior to thee." It is wisdom in all contests to compare
our own strength with that of our adversaries, and to take heed of
being partial to ourselves in making the comparison, lest we prove
in the issue <i>enemies to ourselves,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:Luke.14.31" parsed="|Luke|14|31|0|0" passage="Lu 14:31">Luke xiv. 31</scripRef>. 2. He begged of him not to put
him upon the necessity of slaying him in his own defence, which he
was very loth to do, but must do rather than be slain by him,
<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p19.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.22" parsed="|2Sam|2|22|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. Abner, it
seems, either loved Joab or feared him; for he was very loth to
incur his displeasure, which he would certainly do if he slew
Asahel. It is commendable for enemies to be thus respectful one to
another. Abner's care how he should lift up his face to Joab gives
cause to suspect that he really believed David would have the
kingdom at last, according to the divine designation, and then, in
opposing him, he acted against his conscience.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p20">III. How fatal Asahel's rashness was to
him. He refused to turn aside, thinking that Abner spoke so
courteously because he feared him; but what came of it? Abner, as
soon as he came up to him, gave him his death's wound with a back
stroke (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.23" parsed="|2Sam|2|23|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>):
<i>He smote him with the hinder end of his spear,</i> from which he
feared no danger. This was a pass which Asahel was not acquainted
with, nor had learned to stand upon his guard against; but Abner,
perhaps, had formerly used it, and done execution with it; and here
it did effectual execution. Asahel died immediately of the wound.
See here, 1. How death often comes upon us by ways that we least
suspect. Who would fear the hand of a flying enemy or the butt-end
of a spear? yet from these Asahel receives his death's wound. 2.
How we are often betrayed by the accomplishments we are proud of.
Asahel's swiftness, which he presumed so much upon, did him no
kindness, but forwarded his fate, and with it he ran upon his
death, instead of running from it. Asahel's fall was not only
Abner's security from him, but put a full stop to the conqueror's
pursuit and gave Abner time to rally again; for all that came to
the place stood still, only Joab and Abishai, instead of being
disheartened, were exasperated by it, pursued Abner with so much
the more fury (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.24" parsed="|2Sam|2|24|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:24"><i>v.</i>
24</scripRef>), and overtook him at last about sunset, when the
approaching night would oblige them to retire.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiSam.iii-p0.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.25-2Sam.2.32" parsed="|2Sam|2|25|2|32" passage="2Sa 2:25-32" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.2.25-2Sam.2.32">
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.iii-p21">25 And the children of Benjamin gathered
themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on
the top of an hill.   26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said,
Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be
bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou
bid the people return from following their brethren?   27 And
Joab said, <i>As</i> God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely
then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following
his brother.   28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people
stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they
any more.   29 And Abner and his men walked all that night
through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all
Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.   30 And Joab returned
from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people
together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.
  31 But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of
Abner's men, <i>so that</i> three hundred and threescore men died.
  32 And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre
of his father, which <i>was in</i> Bethlehem. And Joab and his men
went all night, and they came to Hebron at break of day.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p22">Here, I. Abner, being conquered, meanly
begs for a cessation of arms. He rallied the remains of his forces
on the top of a hill (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.25" parsed="|2Sam|2|25|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:25"><i>v.</i>
25</scripRef>), as if he would have made head again, but becomes a
humble supplicant to Joab for a little breathing-time, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.26" parsed="|2Sam|2|26|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:26"><i>v.</i> 26</scripRef>. He that was most
forward to fight was the first that had enough of it. He that made
a jest of bloodshed (<i>Let the young men arise and play before
us,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p22.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.14" parsed="|2Sam|2|14|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>) is
now shocked at it, when he finds himself on the losing side, and
the sword he made so light of drawing threatening to touch himself.
Observe how his note is changed. Then it was but playing with the
sword; now, <i>Shall the sword devour for ever?</i> It had devoured
but one day, yet to him it seemed forever, because it went against
him; and very willing he is now that the sun should not go down
upon the wrath. Now he can appeal to Joab himself concerning the
miserable consequences of a civil war: <i>Knowest thou not that it
will be bitterness in the latter end?</i> It will be reflected upon
with regret when the account comes to be made up; for, whoever gets
in a civil war, the community is sure to lose. Perhaps he refers to
the bitterness that there was in the tribes of Israel, in the end
of their war with Benjamin, when they wept sorely for the
desolations which they themselves had made, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p22.4" osisRef="Bible:Judg.21.2" parsed="|Judg|21|2|0|0" passage="Jdg 21:2">Judg. xxi. 2</scripRef>. Now he begs of Joab to sound a
retreat, and pleads that they were brethren, who ought not thus to
bite and devour one another. He that in the morning would have Joab
bid the people fall upon their brethren now would have him bid them
lay down their arms. See here, 1. How easy it is for men to use
reason when it makes for them who would not use it if it made
against them. If Abner had been the conqueror, we should not have
had him complaining of the voraciousness of the sword and the
miseries of a civil war, nor pleading that both sides were
brethren; but, finding himself beaten, all these reasonings are
mustered up and improved for the securing of his retreat and the
saving of his scattered troops from being cut off. 2. How the issue
of things alters men's minds. The same thing which looked pleasant
in the morning at night looked dismal. Those that are forward to
enter into contention will perhaps repent it before they have done
with it, and therefore had better leave it off before it be meddled
with, as Solomon advises. It is true of every sin (O that men would
consider it in time!) that it will be <i>bitterness in the latter
end. At the last it bites like a serpent</i> those on whom it
fawned.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p23">II. Joab, though a conqueror, generously
grants it, and sounds a retreat, knowing very well his master's
mind and how averse he was to the shedding of blood. He does indeed
justly upbraid Abner with his forwardness to engage, and lays the
blame upon him that there had been so much bloodshed as there was
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.27" parsed="|2Sam|2|27|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>): "<i>Unless
thou hadst spoken,</i>" that is, "hadst given orders to fight,
hadst bidden the young men arise and play before us, none of us
would have struck a stroke, nor drawn a sword against our brethren.
Thou complainest that the sword devours, but who first unsheathed
it? Who began? Now thou wouldst have the people parted, but
remember who set them on to fight. We should have retired in the
morning if thou hadst not given the challenge." Those that are
forward to make mischief are commonly the first to complain of it.
This might have served to excuse Joab if he had pushed on his
victory, and made a full end of Abner's forces; but like one that
pitied the mistake of his adversaries, and scorned to make an army
of Israelites pay dearly for the folly of their commander, he very
honourably, by sound of trumpet, put a stop to the pursuit
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p23.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.28" parsed="|2Sam|2|28|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>) and suffered
Abner to make an orderly retreat. It is good husbandry to be
sparing of blood. As the soldiers were here very obsequious to the
general's orders, so he, no doubt, observed the instructions of his
prince, who sought the welfare of all Israel and therefore not the
hurt of any.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iii-p24">III. The armies being separated, both
retired to the places whence they came, and both marched in the
night, Abner to Mahanaim, on the other side Jordan (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.29" parsed="|2Sam|2|29|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>), and Joab to Hebron,
where David was, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p24.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.32" parsed="|2Sam|2|32|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:32"><i>v.</i>
32</scripRef>. The slain on both sides are computed. On David's
side only nineteen men were missing, besides Asahel (<scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p24.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.30" parsed="|2Sam|2|30|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>), who was worth more
than all; on Abner's side 360, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p24.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.31" parsed="|2Sam|2|31|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>. In civil wars formerly great
slaughters had been made (as <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p24.5" osisRef="Bible:Judg.12.6 Bible:Judg.12.20 Bible:Judg.12.44" parsed="|Judg|12|6|0|0;|Judg|12|20|0|0;|Judg|12|44|0|0" passage="Jdg 12:6,20,44">Judg. xii. 6, 20, 44</scripRef>), in comparison
with which this was nothing. It is to be hoped that they had grown
wiser and more moderate. Asahel's funeral is here mentioned; the
rest they buried in the field of battle, but he was carried to
Bethlehem, and buried in the sepulchre of his father, <scripRef id="iiSam.iii-p24.6" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.32" parsed="|2Sam|2|32|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>. Thus are distinctions
made between the dust of some and that of others; but in the
resurrection no other difference will be made but that between
godly and ungodly, which will remain for ever.</p>
</div></div2>