mh_parser/vol_split/10 - 2Samuel/Chapter 18.xml

<div2 id="iiSam.xix" n="xix" next="iiSam.xx" prev="iiSam.xviii" progress="47.23%" title="Chapter XVIII">
<h2 id="iiSam.xix-p0.1">S E C O N D   S A M U E L</h2>
<h3 id="iiSam.xix-p0.2">CHAP. XVIII.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiSam.xix-p1">This chapter puts a period to Absalom's rebellion
and life, and so makes way for David to his throne again, whither
the next chapter brings him back in peace and triumph. We have
here, I. David's preparations to engage the rebels, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.1-2Sam.18.5" parsed="|2Sam|18|1|18|5" passage="2Sa 18:1-5">ver. 1-5</scripRef>. II. The total defeat of
Absalom's party and their dispersion, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.6-2Sam.18.8" parsed="|2Sam|18|6|18|8" passage="2Sa 18:6-8">ver. 6-8</scripRef>. III. The death of Absalom, and
his burial, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.9-2Sam.18.18" parsed="|2Sam|18|9|18|18" passage="2Sa 18:9-18">ver. 9-18</scripRef>.
IV. The bringing of the tidings to David, who tarried at Mahanaim,
<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.19-2Sam.18.32" parsed="|2Sam|18|19|18|32" passage="2Sa 18:19-32">ver. 19-32</scripRef>. V. His
bitter lamentation for Absalom, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.33" parsed="|2Sam|18|33|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:33">ver.
33</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iiSam.xix-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18" parsed="|2Sam|18|0|0|0" passage="2Sa 18" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiSam.xix-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.1-2Sam.18.8" parsed="|2Sam|18|1|18|8" passage="2Sa 18:1-8" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.18.1-2Sam.18.8">
<h4 id="iiSam.xix-p1.8">Preparations for Battle. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.xix-p1.9">b. c.</span> 1023.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.xix-p2">1 And David numbered the people that <i>were</i>
with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds
over them.   2 And David sent forth a third part of the people
under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai
the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand
of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will
surely go forth with you myself also.   3 But the people
answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will
not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us:
but now <i>thou art</i> worth ten thousand of us: therefore now
<i>it is</i> better that thou succour us out of the city.   4
And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And
the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by
hundreds and by thousands.   5 And the king commanded Joab and
Abishai and Ittai, saying, <i>Deal</i> gently for my sake with the
young man, <i>even</i> with Absalom. And all the people heard when
the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.   6
So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the
battle was in the wood of Ephraim;   7 Where the people of
Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there
a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand <i>men.</i>   8
For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the
country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword
devoured.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p3">Which way David raised an army here, and
what reinforcements were sent him, we are not told; many, it is
likely, from all the coasts of Israel, at least from the
neighbouring tribes, came in to his assistance, so that, by
degrees, he was able to make head against Absalom, as Ahithophel
foresaw. Now here we have,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p4">I. His army numbered and marshalled,
<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.1-2Sam.18.2" parsed="|2Sam|18|1|18|2" passage="2Sa 18:1,2"><i>v.</i> 1, 2</scripRef>. He had,
no doubt, committed his cause to God by prayer, for that was his
relief in all his afflictions; and then he took an account of his
forces. Josephus says they were, in all, but about 4000. These he
divided into regiments and companies, to each of which he appointed
proper officers, and then disposed them, as is usual, into the
right wing, the left wing, and the centre, two of which he
committed to his two old experienced generals, Joab and Abishai,
and the third to his new friend Ittai. Good order and good conduct
may sometimes be as serviceable in an army as great numbers. Wisdom
teaches us to make the best of the strength we have, and let it
reach to the utmost.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p5">II. Himself over-persuaded not to go in
person to the battle. He was Absalom's false friend that persuaded
him to go, and served his pride more than his prudence; David's
true friends would not let him go, remembering what they had been
told of Ahithophel's design to <i>smite the king only.</i> David
showed his affection to them by being willing to venture with them
(<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.2" parsed="|2Sam|18|2|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>), and they
showed theirs to him by opposing it. We must never reckon it an
affront to be gain-said for our good, and by those that therein
consult our interest. 1. They would by no means have him to expose
himself, for (say they) <i>thou art worth</i> 10,000 <i>of us.</i>
Thus ought princes to be valued by their subjects, who, for their
safety, must be willing to expose themselves. 2. They would not so
far gratify the enemy, who would rejoice more in his fall than in
the defeat of the whole army. 3. He might be more serviceable to
them by tarrying in the city, with a reserve of his forces there,
whence he might send them recruits. That may be a post of real
service which yet is not a post of danger. The king acquiesced in
their reasons, and changed his purpose (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.4" parsed="|2Sam|18|4|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>): <i>What seemeth to you best I
will do.</i> It is no piece of wisdom to be stiff in our
resolutions, but to be willing to hear reason, even from our
inferiors, and to be overruled by their advice when it appears to
be for our own good. Whether the people's prudence had an eye to it
or no, God's providence wisely ordered it, that David should not be
in the field of battle; for then his tenderness would certainly
have interposed to save the life of Absalom, whom God had
determined to destroy.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p6">III. The charge he gave concerning Absalom,
<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.5" parsed="|2Sam|18|5|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>. When the army
was drawn out, rank and file, Josephus says, he encouraged them,
and prayed for them, but withal bade them all take heed of doing
Absalom any hurt. How does he render good for evil! Absalom would
have David only smitten. David would have Absalom only spared. What
foils are these to each other! Never was unnatural hatred to a
father more strong than in Absalom; nor was ever natural affection
to a child more strong than in David. Each did his utmost, and
showed what man is capable of doing, how bad it is possible for a
child to be to the best of fathers and how good it is possible for
a father to be to the worst of children; as if it were designed to
be a resemblance of man's wickedness towards God and God's mercy
towards man, of which it is hard to say which is more amazing.
"<i>Deal gently,</i>" says David, "by all means, <i>with the young
man, even with Absalom, for my sake;</i> he is a young man, rash
and heady, and his age must excuse him; he is mine, whom I love; if
you love me, be not severe with him." This charge supposes David's
strong expectation of success. Having a good cause and a good God,
he doubts not but Absalom would lie at their mercy, and therefore
bids them deal gently with him, spare his life and reserve him for
his judgment.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p7">Bishop Hall thus descants on this: "What
means this ill-placed love? This unjust mercy? Deal gently with a
traitor? Of all traitors, with a son? Of all sons, with an Absalom?
That graceless darling of so good a father? And all this, for thy
sake, whose crown, whose blood, he hunts after? For whose sake must
he be pursued, if forborne for thine? Must the cause of the quarrel
be the motive of mercy? Even in the holiest parents, nature may be
guilty of an injurious tenderness, of a bloody indulgence. But was
not this done in type of that immeasurable mercy of the true King
and Redeemer of Israel, who prayed for his persecutors, for his
murderers, <i>Father, forgive them? Deal gently with them for my
sake.</i>" When God sends and affliction to correct his children,
it is with this charge, "Deal gently with them for my sake;" for he
knows our frame.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p8">IV. A complete victory gained over
Absalom's forces. The battle was fought <i>in the wood of
Ephraim</i> (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.6" parsed="|2Sam|18|6|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>),
so called from some memorable action of the Ephraimites there,
though it lay in the tribe of Gad. David thought fit to meet the
enemy with his forces at some distance, before they came up to
Mahanaim, lest he should bring that city into trouble which had so
kindly sheltered him. The cause shall be decided by a pitched
battle. Josephus represents the fight as very obstinate, but the
rebels were at length totally routed and 20,000 of them slain,
<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.7" parsed="|2Sam|18|7|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. Now they
smarted justly for their treason against their lawful prince, their
uneasiness under so good a government, and their base ingratitude
to so good a governor; and they found what it was to take up arms
for a usurper, who with his kisses and caresses had wheedled them
into their own ruin. Now where are the rewards, the preferments,
the golden days, they promised themselves from him? Now they see
what it is to take counsel <i>against the Lord and his
anointed,</i> and to think of <i>breaking his bands asunder.</i>
And that they might see that God fought against them, 1. They are
conquered by a few, an army, in all probability, much inferior to
theirs in number. 2. By that flight with which they hoped to save
themselves they destroyed themselves. <i>The wood,</i> which they
sought to for shelter, <i>devoured more than the sword,</i> that
they might see how, when they thought themselves safe from David's
men, and said, <i>Surely the bitterness of death is past,</i> yet
the justice of God pursued them and suffered them not to live. What
refuge can rebels find from divine vengeance? The pits and bogs,
the stumps and thickets, and, as the Chaldee paraphrase understands
it, the wild beasts of the wood, were probably the death of
multitudes of the dispersed distracted Israelites, besides the
20,000 that were slain with the sword. God herein fought for David,
and yet fought against him; for all these that were slain were his
own subjects, and the common interest of his kingdom was weakened
by the slaughter. The Romans allowed no triumph for a victory in a
civil war.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiSam.xix-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.9-2Sam.18.18" parsed="|2Sam|18|9|18|18" passage="2Sa 18:9-18" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.18.9-2Sam.18.18">
<h4 id="iiSam.xix-p8.4">The Death of Absalom. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.xix-p8.5">b. c.</span> 1023.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.xix-p9">9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And
Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs
of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was
taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that
<i>was</i> under him went away.   10 And a certain man saw
<i>it,</i> and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in
an oak.   11 And Joab said unto the man that told him, And,
behold, thou sawest <i>him,</i> and why didst thou not smite him
there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten <i>shekels</i>
of silver, and a girdle.   12 And the man said unto Joab,
Though I should receive a thousand <i>shekels</i> of silver in mine
hand, <i>yet</i> would I not put forth mine hand against the king's
son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and
Ittai, saying, Beware that none <i>touch</i> the young man Absalom.
  13 Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine
own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou
thyself wouldest have set thyself against <i>me.</i>   14 Then
said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts
in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he
<i>was</i> yet alive in the midst of the oak.   15 And ten
young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote
Absalom, and slew him.   16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the
people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the
people.   17 And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great
pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and
all Israel fled every one to his tent.   18 Now Absalom in his
lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which
<i>is</i> in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my
name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name:
and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p10">Here is Absalom quite at a loss, at his
wit's end first, and then at his life's end. He that began the
fight, big with the expectation of triumphing over David himself,
with whom, if he had had him in his power, he would not have dealt
gently, is now in the greatest consternation, when he <i>meets the
servants of David,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.9" parsed="|2Sam|18|9|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>. Though they were forbidden to meddle with him, he
durst not look them in the face; but, finding they were near him,
he clapped spurs to his mule and made the best of his way, through
thick and thin, and so rode headlong upon his own destruction. Thus
<i>he that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit, and he
that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare,</i>
<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.44" parsed="|Jer|48|44|0|0" passage="Jer 48:44">Jer. xlviii. 44</scripRef>. David is
inclined to spare him, but divine justice passes sentence upon him
as a traitor, and sees it executed—that he hang by the neck, be
caught alive, be embowelled, and his body dispose of
disgracefully.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p11">I. He is hanged by the neck. Riding
furiously, neck or nothing, <i>under the thick boughs of a great
oak</i> which hung low and had never been cropped, either the
twisted branches, or some one forked bough of the oak, caught hold
of his head, either by his neck, or, as some think, by his long
hair, which had been so much his pride, and was now justly made a
halter for him, and there he hung, so astonished that he could not
use his hands to help himself or so entangled that his hands could
not help him, but the more he struggled the more he was
embarrassed. This set him up for a fair mark to the servants of
David, and he had the terror and shame of seeing himself thus
exposed, while he could do nothing for his own relief, neither
fight nor fly. Observe concerning this, 1. That his <i>mule went
away</i> from <i>under him,</i> as if glad to get clear of such a
burden, and resign it to the ignominious tree. Thus the whole
creation groans under the burden of man's corruption, but shall
shortly be delivered from its load, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Rom.8.21-Rom.8.22" parsed="|Rom|8|21|8|22" passage="Ro 8:21,22">Rom. viii. 21, 22</scripRef>. 2. That he hung
<i>between heaven and earth,</i> as unworthy of either, as
abandoned of both; earth would not keep him, heaven would not take
him, hell therefore opens her mouth to receive him. 3. That this
was a very surprising unusual thing. It was fit that it should be
so, his crime being so monstrous: if, in his flight, his mule had
thrown him, and left him half-dead upon the ground, till the
servants of David had come up and dispatched him, the same thing
would have been done as effectually; but that would have been too
common a fate for so uncommon a criminal. God will here, as in the
case of those other rebels, Dathan and Abiram, <i>create a new
thing,</i> that it may be understood how much <i>this man has
provoked the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.16.29-Num.16.30" parsed="|Num|16|29|16|30" passage="Nu 16:29,30">Num. xvi.
29, 30</scripRef>. Absalom is here hung up, <i>in terrorem—to
frighten</i> children from disobedience <i>to their parents.</i>
See <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.30 Bible:Prov.17" parsed="|Prov|30|0|0|0;|Prov|17|0|0|0" passage="Pr 30 17">Prov. xxx. 17</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p12">II. He is caught alive by one of the
servants of David, who goes directly and tells Joab in what posture
he found that archrebel, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.10" parsed="|2Sam|18|10|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:10"><i>v.</i>
10</scripRef>. Thus was he set up for a spectacle, as well as a
mark, that the righteous might see him and <i>laugh at him</i>
(<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.52.6" parsed="|Ps|52|6|0|0" passage="Ps 52:6">Ps. lii. 6</scripRef>), while he had
this further vexation in his breast, that of all the friends he had
courted and confided in, and thought he had sure in his interest,
though he hung long enough to have been relieved, yet he had none
at hand to disentangle him. Joab chides the man for not dispatching
him (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.11" parsed="|2Sam|18|11|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>),
telling him, if he had given that bold stroke, he would have
rewarded him with ten half-crowns and a girdle, that is, a
captain's commission, which perhaps was signified by the delivery
of a belt or girdle; see <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:Isa.22.21" parsed="|Isa|22|21|0|0" passage="Isa 22:21">Isa. xxii.
21</scripRef>. But the man, though zealous enough against Absalom,
justified himself in not doing it: "Dispatch him!" says he, "not
for all the world: it would have cost my head: and thou thyself
wast witness to the king's charge concerning him (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.12" parsed="|2Sam|18|12|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>), and, for all thy
talk, wouldst have been my prosecutor if I had done it," <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p12.6" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.13" parsed="|2Sam|18|13|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. Those that love the
treason hate the traitor. Joab could not deny this, nor blame the
man for his caution, and therefore makes him no answer, but breaks
off the discourse, under colour of haste (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p12.7" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.14" parsed="|2Sam|18|14|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>): <i>I may not tarry thus with
thee.</i> Superiors should consider a reproof before they give it,
lest they be ashamed of it afterwards, and find themselves unable
to make it good.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p13">III. He is (as I may say) embowelled and
quartered, as traitors are, so pitifully mangled is he as he hangs
there, and receives his death in such a manner as to see all its
terrors and feel all its pain. 1. Joab throws three darts into his
body, which put him, no doubt, to exquisite torment, while he is
yet <i>alive in the midst of the oak,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.14" parsed="|2Sam|18|14|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. I know not whether Joab can be
justified in this direct disobedience to the command of his
sovereign; was this to <i>deal gently with the young man?</i> Would
David have suffered him to do it if he had been upon the spot? Yet
this may be said for him, that, while he broke the order of a too
indulgent father, he did real service both to his king and country,
and would have endangered welfare of both if he had not done it.
<i>Salus populi suprema lex—The safety of the people is the
supreme law.</i> 2. Joab's young men, ten of them, smite him,
before he is dispatched, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.15" parsed="|2Sam|18|15|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:15"><i>v.</i>
15</scripRef>. They surrounded him, made a ring about him in
triumph, and then <i>smote him and slew him.</i> So <i>let all they
enemies perish, O Lord!</i> Joab hereupon sounds a retreat,
<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.16" parsed="|2Sam|18|16|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>. The danger
is over, now that Absalom is slain; the people will soon return to
their allegiance to David, and therefore no more blood shall be
spilt; no prisoners are taken, to be tried as traitors and made
examples; let every man return to his tent; they are all the king's
subjects, all his good subjects again.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p14">IV. His body is disposed of disgracefully
(<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.17-2Sam.18.18" parsed="|2Sam|18|17|18|18" passage="2Sa 18:17,18"><i>v.</i> 17, 18</scripRef>):
They <i>cast it into a great pit in the wood;</i> they would not
bring it to his father (for that circumstance would but have added
to his grief), nor would they preserve it to be buried, according
to his order, but threw it into the next pit with indignation. Now
where is the beauty he had been so proud of and for which he had
been so much admired? Where are his aspiring projects, and the
castles he had built in the air? His thoughts perish, and he with
them. And, to signify how heavy <i>his iniquity lay upon his
bones,</i> as the prophet speaks (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.32.27" parsed="|Ezek|32|27|0|0" passage="Eze 32:27">Ezek. xxxii. 27</scripRef>), they raised a <i>great
heap of stones upon him,</i> to be a monument of his villany, and
to signify that he ought to have been stoned as a rebellious son,
<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Deut.21.21" parsed="|Deut|21|21|0|0" passage="De 21:21">Deut. xxi. 21</scripRef>. Travelers
say that the place is taken note of to this day, and that it is
common for passengers to throw a stone to this heap, with words to
this purport: <i>Cursed be the memory of rebellious Absalom, and
cursed for ever be all wicked children that rise up in rebellion
against their parents.</i> To aggravate the ignominy of Absalom's
burial, the historian takes notice of a pillar he had erected in
the valley of Kidron, near Jerusalem, to be a monument for himself,
and keep his name in remembrance (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p14.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.18" parsed="|2Sam|18|18|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>), at the foot of which, it is
probable, he designed to be buried. What foolish insignificant
projects do proud men fill their heads with! And what care do many
people take about the disposal of their bodies, when they are dead,
that have no care at all what shall become of their precious souls!
Absalom had three sons (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p14.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.14.27" parsed="|2Sam|14|27|0|0" passage="2Sa 14:27"><i>ch.</i>
xiv. 27</scripRef>), but, it seems, now he had none; God had taken
them away by death; and justly is a rebellious son written
childless. To make up the want, he erects this pillar for a
memorial; yet in this also Providence crosses him, and a rude heap
of stones shall be his monument, instead of this marble pillar.
Thus <i>those that exalt themselves shall be abased.</i> His care
was to have his name kept in remembrance, and it is so, to his
everlasting dishonour. He could not be content in the obscurity of
the rest of David's sons, of whom nothing is recorded but their
names, but would be famous, and is therefore justly made for ever
infamous. The pillar shall bear his name, but not to his credit; it
was designed for Absalom's glory, but proved Absalom's folly.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiSam.xix-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.19-2Sam.18.33" parsed="|2Sam|18|19|18|33" passage="2Sa 18:19-33" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.18.19-2Sam.18.33">
<h4 id="iiSam.xix-p14.7">David's Grief for Absalom. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.xix-p14.8">b. c.</span> 1023.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.xix-p15">19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me
now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.xix-p15.1">Lord</span> hath avenged him of his enemies.   20
And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but
thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear
no tidings, because the king's son is dead.   21 Then said
Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi
bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.   22 Then said Ahimaaz the
son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee,
also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my
son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?   23 But
howsoever, <i>said he,</i> let me run. And he said unto him, Run.
Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.  
24 And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to
the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and
looked, and behold a man running alone.   25 And the watchman
cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he <i>be</i> alone,
<i>there is</i> tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew
near.   26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the
watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold <i>another</i>
man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  27 And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the
foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the
king said, He <i>is</i> a good man, and cometh with good tidings.
  28 And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well.
And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and
said, Blessed <i>be</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.xix-p15.2">Lord</span> thy
God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand
against my lord the king.   29 And the king said, Is the young
man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's
servant, and <i>me</i> thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I
knew not what <i>it was.</i>   30 And the king said <i>unto
him,</i> Turn aside, <i>and</i> stand here. And he turned aside,
and stood still.   31 And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said,
Tidings, my lord the king: for the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.xix-p15.3">Lord</span> hath avenged thee this day of all them that
rose up against thee.   32 And the king said unto Cushi, Is
the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my
lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do <i>thee</i>
hurt, be as <i>that</i> young man <i>is.</i>   33 And the king
was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept:
and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son
Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my
son!</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p16">Absalom's business is done; and we are now
told,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p17">I. How David was informed of it. He staid
behind at the city of Mahanaim, some miles from the wood where the
battle was, and in the utmost border of the land. Absalom's
scattered forces all made homeward toward Jordan, which was the
contrary way from Mahanaim, so that his watchmen could not perceive
how the battle went, till an express came on purpose to bring
advice of the issue, which the king sat in the gate expecting to
hear, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.24" parsed="|2Sam|18|24|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p18">1. Cushi was the man Joab ordered to carry
the tidings (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.21" parsed="|2Sam|18|21|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:21"><i>v.</i>
21</scripRef>), an <i>Ethiopian,</i> so his name signifies, and
some think that he was so by birth, a black that waited on Joab,
probably one of the ten that had helped to dispatch Absalom
(<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.15" parsed="|2Sam|18|15|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>) as some
think, though it was dangerous for one of those to bring the news
to David, lest his fate should be the same with theirs that
reported to him Saul's death, and Ish-bosheth's.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p19">2. Ahimaaz, the young priest (one of those
who brought David intelligence of Absalom's motions, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.17.17" parsed="|2Sam|17|17|0|0" passage="2Sa 17:17"><i>ch.</i> xvii. 17</scripRef>), was very
forward to be the messenger of these tidings, so transported was he
with joy that this cloud was blown over; let him go and tell the
king that <i>the Lord hath avenged him of his enemies,</i>
<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.19" parsed="|2Sam|18|19|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. This he
desired, not so much in hope of a reward (he was above that) as
that he might have the pleasure and satisfaction of bringing the
king, whom he loved, this good news. Joab knew David better than
Ahimaaz did, and that the tidings of Absalom's death, which must
conclude the story, would spoil the acceptableness of all the rest;
and he loves Ahimaaz too well to let him be the messenger of those
tidings (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.20" parsed="|2Sam|18|20|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>);
they are fitter to be brought by a footman than by a priest.
However, when Cushi was gone, Ahimaaz begged hard for leave to run
after him, and with great importunity obtained it, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p19.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.22-2Sam.18.23" parsed="|2Sam|18|22|18|23" passage="2Sa 18:22,23"><i>v.</i> 22, 23</scripRef>. One would
wonder why he should be so fond of this office, when another was
employed in it. (1.) Perhaps it was to show his swiftness;
observing how heavily Cushi ran, and that he took the worse way,
though the nearest, he had a mind to show how fast he could run,
and that he could go the furthest way about and yet beat Cushi. No
great praise for a priest to be swift of foot, yet perhaps Ahimaaz
was proud of it. (2.) Perhaps it was in prudence and tenderness to
the king that he desired it. He knew he could get before Cushi, and
therefore was willing to prepare the king, by a vague and general
report, for the plain truth which Cushi was ordered to tell him. If
bad news must come, it is best that it come gradually, and will be
the better borne.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p20">3. They are both discovered by the watchman
on the gate of Mahanaim, Ahimaaz first (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.24" parsed="|2Sam|18|24|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>), for, though Cushi had the
lead, Ahimaaz soon outran him; but presently after Cushi appeared,
<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.26" parsed="|2Sam|18|26|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:26"><i>v.</i> 26</scripRef>. (1.) When
the king hears of one running alone he concludes he is an express
(<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p20.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.25" parsed="|2Sam|18|25|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:25"><i>v.</i> 25</scripRef>): <i>If he
be alone, there are tidings in his mouth;</i> for if they had been
beaten, and were flying back from the enemy, there would have been
many. (2.) When he hears it is Ahimaaz he concludes he brings good
news, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p20.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.27" parsed="|2Sam|18|27|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>.
Ahimaaz, it seems, was so famous for running that he was known by
it at a distance, and so eminently good that it is taken for
granted, if he be the messenger, the news must needs be good: <i>He
is a good man,</i> zealously affected to the king's interest, and
would not bring bad news. It is pity but the good tidings of the
gospel should always be brought by good men; and how welcome should
the messengers be to us for their message sake!</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p21">4. Ahimaaz is very forward to proclaim the
victory (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.28" parsed="|2Sam|18|28|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>),
cries at a distance, "Peace, there is peace;" peace after war,
which is doubly welcome. "<i>All is well,</i> my lord O king! the
danger is over, and we may return, when the king pleases, to
Jerusalem." And, when he comes near, he tells him the news more
particularly. "They are all cut off <i>that lifted up their hands
against the king;</i>" and, as became a priest, while he gives the
king the joy of it, he gives God the glory of it, the God of peace
and war, the God of salvation and victory: "<i>Blessed be the Lord
thy God,</i> that has done this for thee, as thy God, pursuant to
the promises made to uphold thy throne," <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.7.16" parsed="|2Sam|7|16|0|0" passage="2Sa 7:16"><i>ch.</i> vii. 16</scripRef>. When he said this, <i>he
fell down upon his face,</i> not only in reverence to the king, but
in humble adoration of God, whose name he praised for this success.
By directing David thus to give God thanks for his victory, he
prepared him for the approaching news of its allay. The more our
hearts are fixed and enlarged in thanksgiving to God for our
mercies the better disposed we shall be to bear with patience the
afflictions mixed with them. Poor David is so much a father that he
forgets he is a king, and therefore cannot rejoice in the news of a
victory, till he know whether the <i>young man Absalom be safe,</i>
for whom his heart seems to tremble, almost as Eli's, in a similar
case, for the ark of God. Ahimaaz soon discerned, what Joab
intimated to him, that the death of the king's son would make the
tidings of the day very unwelcome, and therefore in his report left
that matter doubtful; and, though he gave occasion to suspect how
it was, yet, that the thunderclap might not come too suddenly upon
the poor perplexed king, he refers him to the next messenger, whom
they saw coming, for a more particular account of it. "When Joab
sent the king's servant (namely, <i>Cushi) and me thy servant,</i>
to bring the news, <i>I saw a great tumult,</i> occasioned by
something extraordinary, as you will hear by and by; but I have
nothing to say about it. I have delivered that which was my
message. Cushi is better able to inform you than I am. I will not
be the messenger of evil tidings; nor will I pretend to know that
which I cannot give a perfect account of." He is therefore told to
stand by till Cushi come (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.30" parsed="|2Sam|18|30|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:30"><i>v.</i>
30</scripRef>), and now, we may suppose, he gives the king a more
particular account of the victory, which was the thing he came to
bring the news of.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p22">5. Cushi, the slow post, proves the sure
one, and besides the confirmation of the news of the victory which
Ahimaaz had brought—<i>The Lord has avenged thee of all those that
rose up against thee</i> (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.31" parsed="|2Sam|18|31|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:31"><i>v.</i>
31</scripRef>)—he satisfied the king's enquiry concerning Absalom,
<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.32" parsed="|2Sam|18|32|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>. <i>Is he
safe?</i> says David. "Yes," says Cushi, "he is safe in his grave;"
but he tells the news so discreetly that, how unwelcome soever the
message is, the messenger can have no blame. He did not tell him
plainly that Absalom was hanged, and run through and buried under a
heap of stones; but only that his fate was what he desired might be
the fate of all that were traitors against the king, his crown and
dignity: "<i>The enemies of my lord the king,</i> whoever they are,
<i>and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young
man is;</i> I need wish them no worse."</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.xix-p23">II. How David received the intelligence. He
forgets all the joy of his deliverance, and is quite overwhelmed
with the sorrowful tidings of Absalom's death, <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.18.33" parsed="|2Sam|18|33|0|0" passage="2Sa 18:33"><i>v.</i> 33</scripRef>. As soon as he perceived by
Cushi's reply that Absalom was dead, he asked no more questions,
but fell into a passion of weeping, retired from company, and
abandoned himself to sorrow; as he was going up to his chamber he
was overheard to say "<i>O my son Absalom! my son, my son
Absalom!</i> alas for thee! I lament thee. How hast thou fallen!
<i>Would God I had died for thee,</i> and that thou hadst remained
alive this day" (so the Chaldee adds) "<i>O Absalom! my son, my
son!</i>" I wish I could see reason to think that this arose from a
concern about Absalom's everlasting state, and that the reason why
he wished he had <i>died for him</i> was because he had good hopes
of his own salvation, and of Absalom's repentance if he had lived.
It rather seems to have been spoken inconsiderately, and in a
passion, and it was his infirmity. He is to be blamed, 1. For
showing so great a fondness for a graceless son only because he was
handsome and witty, while he was justly abandoned both of God and
man. 2. For quarrelling, not only with divine providence, in the
disposals of which he ought silently to have acquiesced, but with
divine justice, the judgments of which he ought to have adored and
subscribed to. See how Bildad argues (<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p23.2" osisRef="Bible:Job.8.3-Job.8.4" parsed="|Job|8|3|8|4" passage="Job 8:3,4">Job viii. 3, 4</scripRef>), <i>If thy children have
sinned against him, and he have cast them away in their
transgression,</i> thou shouldst submit, <i>for doth God pervert
judgment?</i> See <scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p23.3" osisRef="Bible:Lev.10.3" parsed="|Lev|10|3|0|0" passage="Le 10:3">Lev. x. 3</scripRef>.
3. For opposing the justice of the nation, which, as king, he was
entrusted with the administration of, and which, with other public
interests, he ought to have preferred before any natural affection.
4. For despising the mercy of his deliverance, and the deliverance
of his family and kingdom, from Absalom's wicked designs, as if
this were no mercy, nor worth giving thanks for, because it cost
the life of Absalom. 5. For indulging in a strong passion, and
speaking unadvisedly with his lips. He now forgot his own
reasonings upon the death of another child (<i>Can I bring him back
again?</i>) and his own resolution to <i>keep his mouth as with a
bridle</i> when <i>his heart was hot within him,</i> as well as his
own practice at other times, when he <i>quieted himself as a child
that was weaned from his mother.</i> The best men are not always in
an equally good frame. What we over-loved we are apt to over-grieve
for: in each affection, therefore, it is wisdom to have rule over
our own spirits and to keep a strict guard upon ourselves when that
is removed from us which was very dear to us. Losers think they may
have leave to speak; but little said is soon amended. The penitent
patient sufferer <i>sitteth alone and keepeth silence</i>
(<scripRef id="iiSam.xix-p23.4" osisRef="Bible:Lam.3.28" parsed="|Lam|3|28|0|0" passage="La 3:28">Lam. iii. 28</scripRef>), or rather,
with <i>Job,</i> says, <i>Blessed be the name of the Lord.</i></p>
</div></div2>