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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>S E C O N D S A M U E L</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. III.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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The battle between Joab and Abner did not end the controversy between
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the two houses of Saul and David, but it is in this chapter working
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towards a period. Here is,
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I. The gradual advance of David's interest,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:1">ver. 1</A>.
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II. The building up of his family,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:2-5">ver. 2-5</A>.
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III. Abner's quarrel with Ish-bosheth, and his treaty with David,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:6-12">ver. 6-12</A>.
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IV. The preliminaries settled,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:13-16">ver. 13-16</A>.
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V. Abner's undertaking and attempt to bring Israel over to David,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:17-21">ver. 17-21</A>.
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VI. The treacherous murder of Abner by Joab, when he was carrying on
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this matter,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:22-27">ver. 22-27</A>.
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VII. David's great concern and trouble for the death of Abner,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:28-39">ver. 28-39</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>David's Wives and Children.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1048.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the
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house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the
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house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.
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2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn
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was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
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3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the
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Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter
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of Talmai king of Geshur;
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4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth,
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Shephatiah the son of Abital;
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5 And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were
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born to David in Hebron.
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6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of
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Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for
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the house of Saul.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here is,
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I. The struggle that David had with the house of Saul before his
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settlement in the throne was completed,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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1. Both sides contested. Saul's house, though beheaded and diminished,
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would not fall tamely. It is not strange between them, but one would
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wonder it should be a long war, when David's house had right on its
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side, and therefore God on its side; but, though truth and equity will
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triumph at last, God made for wise and holy ends prolonged the
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conflict. The length of this war tried the faith and patience of David,
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and made his establishment at last the more welcome to him.
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2. David's side got ground. The house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker,
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lost places, lost men, sunk in its reputation, grew less considerable,
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and was foiled in every engagement. But the house of David grew
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stronger and stronger. Many deserted the declining cause of Saul's
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house, and prudently came into David's interest, being convinced that
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he would certainly win the day. The contest between grace and
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corruption in the hearts of believers, who are sanctified but in part,
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may fitly be compared to this recorded here. There is a long war
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between them, the flesh lusted against the spirit and the spirit
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against the flesh; but, as the work of sanctification is carried on,
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corruption, like the house of Saul, grows weaker and weaker; while
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grace, like the house of David, grows stronger and stronger, till it
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come to a perfect man, and judgment be brought forth unto victory.</P>
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<P>
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II. The increase of his own house. Here is an account of six sons he
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had by six several wives, in the seven years he reigned in Hebron.
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Perhaps this is here mentioned as that which strengthened David's
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interest. Every child, whose welfare was embarked in the common safety,
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was a fresh security given to the commonwealth for his care of it. He
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that has his quiver filled with these arrows shall <I>speak with his
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enemy in the gate,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+127:5">Ps. cxxvii. 5</A>.
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As the death of Saul's sons weakened his interest, so the birth of
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David's strengthened his.
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1. It was David's fault thus to multiply wives, contrary to the law
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+17:17">Deut. xvii. 17</A>),
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and it was a bad example to his successors.
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2. It does not appear that in these seven years he had above one son by
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each of these wives; some have had as numerous a progeny, and with much
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more honour and comfort, by one wife.
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3. We read not that any of these sons came to be famous (three of them
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were infamous, Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah); we have therefore reason
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to rejoice with trembling in the building up of our families.
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4. His son by Abigail is called <I>Chileab</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
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whereas
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+3:1">1 Chron. iii. 1</A>)
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he is called <I>Daniel.</I> Bishop Patrick mentions the reason which
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the Hebrew doctors give for these names, that his first name was
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<I>Daniel--God has judged me</I> (namely, against Nabal), but David's
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enemies reproached him, and said, "It is Nabal's son, and not David's,"
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to confute which calumny Providence so ordered it that, as he grew up,
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he became, in his countenance and features, extremely like David, and
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resembled him more than any of his children, upon which he gave him the
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name of <I>Chileab,</I> which signifies, <I>like his father,</I> or the
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father's picture.
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5. Absalom's mother is said to be the daughter of Talmai king of
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Geshur, a heathen prince. Perhaps David thereby hoped to strengthen
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his interest, but the issue of the marriage was one that proved his
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grief and shame.
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6. The last is called <I>David's wife,</I> which therefore, some think,
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was Michal, his first and most rightful wife, called here by another
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name; and, though she had no child after she mocked David, she might
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have had before.</P>
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<P>
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Thus was David's house strengthened; but it was Abner that <I>made
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himself strong for the house of Saul,</I> which is mentioned
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>)
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to show that, if he failed them, they would fall of course.</P>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_16"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_17"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_18"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_19"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_20"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa3_21"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Abner Deserts to David.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1048.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name <I>was</I> Rizpah, the
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daughter of Aiah: and <I>Ishbosheth</I> said to Abner, Wherefore hast
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thou gone in unto my father's concubine?
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8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and
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said, <I>Am</I> I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness
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this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and
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to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of
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David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this
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woman?
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9 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> hath
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sworn to David, even so I do to him;
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10 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set
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up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even
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to Beer-sheba.
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11 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he
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feared him.
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12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying,
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Whose <I>is</I> the land? saying <I>also,</I> Make thy league with me, and,
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behold, my hand <I>shall be</I> with thee, to bring about all Israel
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unto thee.
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13 And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one
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thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face,
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except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest
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to see my face.
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14 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying,
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Deliver <I>me</I> my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an
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hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
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15 And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from <I>her</I> husband, <I>even</I>
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from Phaltiel the son of Laish.
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16 And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to
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Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
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17 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel,
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saying, Ye sought for David in times past <I>to be</I> king over you:
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18 Now then do <I>it:</I> for the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> hath spoken of David, saying,
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By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out
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of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their
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enemies.
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19 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went
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also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good
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to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
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20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him.
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And David made Abner and the men that <I>were</I> with him a feast.
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21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will
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gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a
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league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine
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heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here,
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I. Abner breaks with Ish-bosheth, and deserts his interest, upon a
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little provocation which Ish-bosheth unadvisedly gave him. God can
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serve his own purposes by the sins and follies of men.
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1. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of no less a crime than debauching one of
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his father's concubines,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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Whether it was so or no does not appear, nor what ground he had for the
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suspicion: but, however it was, it would have been Ish-bosheth's
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prudence to be silent, considering how much it was his interest not to
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disoblige Abner. If the thing was false, and his jealousy groundless,
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it was very disingenuous and ungrateful to entertain unjust surmises of
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one who had ventured his all for him, and was certainly the best friend
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he had in the world.
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2. Abner resented the charge very strongly. Whether he was guilty of
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the <I>fault concerning this woman</I> or no he does not say
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
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but we suspect he was guilty, for he does not expressly deny it; and,
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though he was, he lets Ish-bosheth know,
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(1.) That he scorned to be reproached with it by him, and would not
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take reproof at his hands. "What!" says Abner, "<I>Am I a dog's
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head,</I> a vile and contemptible animal, that thou exposest me thus?
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
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Is this my recompence for the kindness I have shown to thee and thy
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father's house, and the good services I have done you?" He magnifies
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the service with this, that it was against Judah, the tribe on which
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the crown was settled, and which would certainly have it at last, so
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that, in supporting the house of Saul, he acted both against his
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conscience and against his interest, for which he deserved a better
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requital than this: and yet, perhaps, he would not have been so zealous
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for the house of Saul if he had not thereby gratified his own ambition
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and hoped to find his own account in it. Note, Proud men will not bear
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to be reproved, especially by those whom they think they have obliged.
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(2.) That he would certainly be revenged on him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:9,10"><I>v.</I> 9, 10</A>.
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With the utmost degree of arrogance and insolence he lets him know
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that, as he had raised him up, so he could pull him down again and
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would do it. He knew that God had sworn to David to give him the
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kingdom, and yet opposed it with all his might from a principle of
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ambition; but now he complies with it from a principle of revenge,
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under colour of some regard to the will of God, which was but a
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pretence. Those that are slaves to their lusts have many masters, which
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drive, some one way and some another, and, according as they make head,
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men are violently hurried into self-contradictions. Abner's ambition
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made him zealous for Ish-bosheth, and now his revenge made him as
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zealous for David. If he had sincerely regarded God's promise to David,
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and acted with an eye to that, he would have been steady and uniform in
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his counsels, and acted in consistency with himself. But, while Abner
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serves his own lusts, God by him serves his own purposes, makes even
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his wrath and revenge to praise him, and ordains strength to David by
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it. <I>Lastly,</I> See how Ish-bosheth was thunder-struck by Abner's
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insolence: He <I>could not answer him again,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
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If Ish-bosheth had had the spirit of a man, especially of a prince, he
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might have answered him that his merits were the aggravation of his
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crimes, that he would not be served by so base a man, and doubted not
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but to do well enough without him. But he was conscious to himself of
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his own weakness, and therefore said not a word, lest he should make
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bad worse. His heart failed him, and he now became, as David had
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foretold concerning his enemies, like a bowing wall and a <I>tottering
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fence,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+62:3">Ps. lxii. 3</A>.</P>
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<P>
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II. Abner treats with David. We must suppose that he began to grow
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weary of Ish-bosheth's cause, and sought an opportunity to desert it,
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or else, however he might threaten Ish-bosheth with it, for the
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quashing of the charge against himself, he would not have made good his
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angry words so soon as he did,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
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He <I>sent messengers to David,</I> to tell him that he was at his
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service. "<I>Whose is the land?</I> Is it not thine? For thou hast the
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best title to the government and the best interest in the people's
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affections." Note, God can find out ways to make those serviceable to
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the kingdom of Christ who yet have no sincere affection for it and who
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have vigorously set themselves against it. Enemies are sometimes made a
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footstool, not only to be trodden upon, but to ascend by. The earth
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helped the woman.</P>
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<P>
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III. David enters into a treaty with Abner, but upon condition that he
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shall procure him the restitution of Michal his wife,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
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Hereby,
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1. David showed the sincerity of his conjugal affection to his first
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and most rightful wife; neither her marrying another, nor his, had
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alienated him from her. Many waters could not quench that love.
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2. He testified his respect to the house of Saul. So far was he from
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trampling upon it, now that it was fallen, that even in his elevation
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he valued himself not a little on his relation to it. He cannot be
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pleased with the honours of the throne unless he have Michal, Saul's
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daughter, to share with him in them, so far is he from bearing any
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malice to the family of his enemy. Abner sent him word that he must
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apply to Ish-bosheth, which he did
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
pleading that he had purchased her at a dear rate, and she was
|
|
wrongfully taken from him. Ish-bosheth durst not deny his demand, now
|
|
that he had not Abner to stand by him, but took her from Phaltiel, to
|
|
whom Saul had married her
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
and Abner conducted her to David, not doubting but that then he should
|
|
be doubly welcome when he brought him a wife in one hand and a crown in
|
|
the other. Her latter husband was loth to part with her, and followed
|
|
her <I>weeping</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
but there was no remedy: he must thank himself; for when he took her he
|
|
knew that another had a right to her. Usurpers must expect to resign.
|
|
Let no man therefore set his heart on that to which he is not entitled.
|
|
If any disagreement has separated husband and wife, as they expect the
|
|
blessing of God let them be reconciled, and come together again; let
|
|
all former quarrels be forgotten, and let them live together in love,
|
|
according to God's holy ordinance.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. Abner uses his interest with the elders of Israel to bring them
|
|
over to David, knowing that whichever way they went the common people
|
|
would follow of course. Now that it serves his own turn he can plead in
|
|
David's behalf that he was,
|
|
|
|
1. Israel's choice
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>You sought for him in times past to be king over you,</I> when he
|
|
had signalized himself in so many engagements with the Philistines and
|
|
done you so much good service; no man can pretend to greater personal
|
|
merit than David nor to less than Ish-bosheth. You have tried them
|
|
both, <I>Detur digniori--Give the crown to him that best deserves
|
|
it.</I> Let David be your king."
|
|
|
|
2. God's choice
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>The Lord hath spoken of David.</I> Compare
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
When God appointed Samuel to anoint him he did, in effect, promise that
|
|
by his hand he would save Israel; for for that end he was made king.
|
|
God having promised, by David's hand, to save Israel, it is both your
|
|
duty, in compliance with God's will, and your interest, in order to
|
|
your victories over your enemies, to submit to him; and it is the
|
|
greatest folly in the world to oppose him." Who would have expected
|
|
such reasonings as these out of Abner's mouth? But thus God will make
|
|
the enemies of his people to know and own <I>that he has loved
|
|
them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+3:9">Rev. iii. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
He particularly applied to the men of Benjamin, those of his own tribe,
|
|
on whom he had the greatest influence, and whom he had drawn in to
|
|
appear for the house of Saul. He was the man that had deceived them,
|
|
and therefore he was concerned to undeceive them. Thus the multitude
|
|
are as they are managed.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. David concludes the treaty with Abner; and he did wisely and well
|
|
therein; for, whatever induced Abner to it, it was a good work to put
|
|
an end to the war, and to settle the Lord's anointed on the throne; and
|
|
it was as lawful for David to make use of his agency as it is for a
|
|
poor man to receive alms from a Pharisee, who gives it in pride and
|
|
hypocrisy. Abner reported to David the sense of the people and the
|
|
success of his communications with them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
He came now, not as at first privately, but with a retinue of twenty
|
|
men, and David entertained them with <I>a feast</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>)
|
|
|
|
in token of reconciliation and joy and as a pledge of the agreement
|
|
between them: it was a feast upon a covenant, like that,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+26:30">Gen. xxvi. 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>If thy enemy hunger, feed him;</I> but, if he submit, feast him.
|
|
Abner, pleased with his entertainment, the prevention of his fall with
|
|
Saul's house (which would have been inevitable if he had not taken this
|
|
course), and much more with the prospect he had of preferment under
|
|
David, undertakes in a little time to perfect the revolution, and to
|
|
bring all Israel into obedience to David,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
He tells David he shall <I>reign over all that his heart desired.</I>
|
|
He knew David's elevation took rise from God's appointment, yet he
|
|
insinuates that it sprang from his own ambition and desire of rule;
|
|
thus (as bad men often do) he measured that good man by himself.
|
|
However, David and he parted very good friends, and the affair between
|
|
them was well settled. Thus it behoves all who fear God and keep his
|
|
commandments to avoid strife, even with the wicked, to live at peace
|
|
with all men, and to show the world that they are children of the
|
|
light.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_35"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_37"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa3_39"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Joab Murders Abner; David's Reflections on Abner's Murder.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1048.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from
|
|
<I>pursuing</I> a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but
|
|
Abner <I>was</I> not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away,
|
|
and he was gone in peace.
|
|
23 When Joab and all the host that <I>was</I> with him were come,
|
|
they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king,
|
|
and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
|
|
24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done?
|
|
behold, Abner came unto thee; why <I>is</I> it <I>that</I> thou hast sent
|
|
him away, and he is quite gone?
|
|
25 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive
|
|
thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know
|
|
all that thou doest.
|
|
26 And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers
|
|
after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but
|
|
David knew <I>it</I> not.
|
|
27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside
|
|
in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under
|
|
the fifth <I>rib,</I> that he died, for the blood of Asahel his
|
|
brother.
|
|
28 And afterward when David heard <I>it,</I> he said, I and my
|
|
kingdom <I>are</I> guiltless before the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> for ever from the blood
|
|
of Abner the son of Ner:
|
|
29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's
|
|
house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that
|
|
hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or
|
|
that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
|
|
30 So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had
|
|
slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
|
|
31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that <I>were</I>
|
|
with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and
|
|
mourn before Abner. And king David <I>himself</I> followed the bier.
|
|
32 And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his
|
|
voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
|
|
33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a
|
|
fool dieth?
|
|
34 Thy hands <I>were</I> not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters:
|
|
as a man falleth before wicked men, <I>so</I> fellest thou. And all
|
|
the people wept again over him.
|
|
35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat
|
|
while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and
|
|
more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
|
|
36 And all the people took notice <I>of it,</I> and it pleased them:
|
|
as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.
|
|
37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that
|
|
it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
|
|
38 And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there
|
|
is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
|
|
39 And I <I>am</I> this day weak, though anointed king; and these
|
|
men the sons of Zeruiah <I>be</I> too hard for me: the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> shall
|
|
reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here an account of the murder of Abner by Joab, and David's
|
|
deep resentment of it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Joab very insolently fell foul upon David for treating with Abner.
|
|
He happened to be abroad upon service when Abner was with David,
|
|
pursuing a troop, either of Philistines or of Saul's party; but, upon
|
|
his return, he was informed that Abner was just gone
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:22,23"><I>v.</I> 22, 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
and that a great many kind things had passed between David and him. He
|
|
had all the reason in the world to be satisfied of David's prudence and
|
|
to acquiesce in the measures he took, knowing him to be a wise and good
|
|
man himself and under a divine conduct in all his affairs; and yet, as
|
|
if he had the same sway in David's cause that Abner had in
|
|
Ish-bosheth's, he chides David, and reproaches him to his face as
|
|
impolitic
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:24,25"><I>v.</I> 24, 25</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>What hast thou done?</I> As if David were accountable to him for
|
|
what he did: "<I>Why hast thou sent him away,</I> when thou mightest
|
|
have made him a prisoner? He came as a spy, and will certainly betray
|
|
thee." I know not whether to wonder more that Joab had impudence enough
|
|
to give such an affront to his prince or that David had patience enough
|
|
to take it. He does, in effect, call David <I>a fool</I> when he tells
|
|
him he knew Abner came to deceive him and yet he trusted him. We find
|
|
no answer that David gave him, not because he feared him, as
|
|
Ish-bosheth did Abner
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
but because he despised him, or because Joab had not so much good
|
|
manners as to stay for an answer.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. He very treacherously sent for Abner back, and, under colour of a
|
|
private conference with him, barbarously killed him with his own hand.
|
|
That he made use of David's name, under pretence of giving him some
|
|
further instructions, is intimated in that, <I>but David knew it
|
|
not,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
Abner, designing no harm, feared none, but very innocently returned to
|
|
Hebron, and, when he found Joab waiting for him at the gate, turned
|
|
aside with him to speak with him privately, forgetting what he himself
|
|
had said when he slew Asahel, <I>How shall I hold up my face to Joab
|
|
thy brother?</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+2:22"><I>ch.</I> ii. 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
and there Joab murdered him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
and it is intimated
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>)
|
|
|
|
that Abishai was privy to the design, and was aiding and abetting, and
|
|
would have come in to his brother's assistance if there had been
|
|
occasion; he is therefore charged as an accessary: <I>Joab and Abishai
|
|
slew Abner,</I> though perhaps he only knew it who is privy to the
|
|
thoughts and intents of men's hearts. Now in this,
|
|
|
|
1. It is certain that the Lord was righteous. Abner had maliciously,
|
|
and against the convictions of his conscience, opposed David. He had
|
|
now basely deserted Ish-bosheth, and betrayed him, under pretence of
|
|
regard to God and Israel, but really from a principle of pride, and
|
|
revenge, and impatience of control. God will not therefore use so bad a
|
|
man, though David might, in so good a work as the uniting of Israel.
|
|
Judgments are prepared for such scorners as Abner was. But,
|
|
|
|
2. It is as certain that Joab was unrighteous, and, in what he did, did
|
|
wickedly. David was a man after God's own heart, but could not have
|
|
those about him, no, not in places of the greatest trust, after his own
|
|
heart. Many a good prince, and a good master, has been forced to employ
|
|
bad men.
|
|
|
|
(1.) Even the pretence for doing this was very unjust. Abner had indeed
|
|
slain his brother Asahel, and Joab and Abishai pretended herein to be
|
|
the avengers of his blood
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:27,30"><I>v.</I> 27, 30</A>);
|
|
|
|
but Abner slew Asahel in an open war, wherein Abner indeed had given
|
|
the challenge, but Joab himself had accepted it and had slain many of
|
|
Abner's friends. He did it likewise in his own defence, and not till he
|
|
had given him fair warning (which he would not take), and he did it
|
|
with reluctancy; but Joab here shed <I>the blood of war in peace,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:5">1 Kings ii. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That which we have reason to think was at the bottom of Joab's
|
|
enmity to Abner made it much worse. Joab was now general of David's
|
|
forces; but, if Abner should come into his interest, he would possibly
|
|
be preferred before him, being a senior officer, and more experienced
|
|
in the art of war. This Joab was jealous of, and could better bear the
|
|
guilt of blood than the thoughts of a rival.
|
|
|
|
(3.) He did it treacherously, and under pretence of speaking peaceably
|
|
to him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+27:24">Deut. xxvii. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
Had he challenged him, he would have done like a soldier; but to
|
|
assassinate him was done villainously and like a coward. <I>His words
|
|
were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+55:21">Ps. lv. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus he basely slew Amasa,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+20:9"><I>ch.</I> xx. 9, 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
(4.) The doing of it was a great affront and injury to David, who was
|
|
now in treaty with Abner, as Joab knew. Abner was now actually in his
|
|
master's service, so that, through his side, he struck at David
|
|
himself.
|
|
|
|
(5.) It was a great aggravation of the murder that he did it in the
|
|
gate, openly and avowedly, as one that was not ashamed, nor could
|
|
blush. The gate was the place of judgment and the place of concourse,
|
|
to that he did it in defiance of justice, both the just sentence of the
|
|
magistrates and the just resentment of the crowd, as one that neither
|
|
feared God nor regarded men, but thought himself above all control: and
|
|
Hebron was a Levites' city and a city of refuge.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. David laid deeply to heart and in many ways expressed his
|
|
detestation of this execrable villany.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He washed his hands from the guilt of Abner's blood. Lest any should
|
|
suspect that Joab had some secret intimation from David to do as he did
|
|
(and the rather because he went so long unpunished), he here solemnly
|
|
appeals to God concerning his innocency: <I>I and my kingdom are
|
|
guiltless</I> (and my kingdom is so because I am so) <I>before the Lord
|
|
for ever,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is a comfort to be able to say, when any bad thing is done, that we
|
|
had no hand in it. <I>We have not shed this blood,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+21:7">Deut. xxi. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
However we may be censured or suspected, <I>our hearts shall not
|
|
reproach us.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He entailed the curse for it upon Joab and his family
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Let it rest on the head of Joab.</I> Let the blood cry against him,
|
|
and let divine vengeance follow him. Let the iniquity be visited upon
|
|
his children and children's children, in some hereditary disease or
|
|
other. The longer the punishment is delayed, the longer let it last
|
|
when it shall come. Let his posterity be stigmatized, blemished with an
|
|
issue or a leprosy, which will shut them out from society; let them be
|
|
beggars, or cripples, or come to some untimely end, that it may be
|
|
said, He is one of Joab's race." This intimates that the guilt of blood
|
|
brings a curse upon families; if men do not avenge it, God will, and
|
|
will lay up the iniquity for the children. But methinks a resolute
|
|
punishment of the murderer himself would better have become David than
|
|
this passionate imprecation of God's judgments upon his posterity.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He called upon all about him, even Joab himself, to lament the death
|
|
of Abner
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Rend your clothes and mourn before Abner,</I> that is, before the
|
|
hearse of Abner, as Abraham is said to mourn <I>before his dead</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+23:2,3">Gen. xxiii. 2, 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
and he gives a reason why they should attend his funeral with sincere
|
|
and solemn mourning
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>),
|
|
|
|
because there is <I>a prince and a great man fallen this day in
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|
Israel.</I> His alliance to Saul, his place as general, his interest,
|
|
and the great services he had formerly done, were enough to denominate
|
|
him <I>a prince and a great man.</I> When he could not call him a saint
|
|
or a good man, he said nothing of that, but what was true he gave him
|
|
the praise of, though he had been his enemy, that he was <I>a prince
|
|
and a great man.</I> "Such a man has fallen in Israel, and fallen
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|
<I>this day,</I> just when he was doing the best deed he ever did in
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|
his life, <I>this day,</I> when he was likely to be so serviceable to
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the public peace and welfare and could so ill be spared."
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|
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(1.) Let them all lament it. The humbling change death puts all men
|
|
under is to be lamented, especially as affecting princes and great men.
|
|
Alas! alas! (see
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+18:10">Rev. xviii. 10</A>)
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how mean, how little, are those made by death who made themselves the
|
|
terror of the mighty in the land of the living! But we are especially
|
|
obliged to lament the fall of useful men in the midst of their
|
|
usefulness and when there is most need of them. A public loss must be
|
|
every man's grief, for every man shares in it. Thus David took care
|
|
that honour should be done to the memory of a man of merit, to animate
|
|
others.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Let Joab, in a particular manner, lament it, which he has less
|
|
heart but more reason to do than any of them. If he could be brought to
|
|
do it sincerely, it would be an expression of repentance for his sin in
|
|
slaying him. If he did it in show only, as it is likely he did, yet it
|
|
was a sort of penance imposed upon him, and a present commutation of
|
|
the punishment. If he do not as yet expiate the murder with his blood,
|
|
let him do something towards it with tears. This, perhaps, Joab
|
|
submitted to with no great reluctancy, now he had gained his point. Now
|
|
that he is on the bier, no matter in what pomp he lies. <I>Sit divus,
|
|
modo non sit vivus</I>--<I>Let him be canonized, so that he be but
|
|
killed.</I></P>
|
|
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<P>
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|
|
|
4. David himself followed the corpse as chief mourner, and made a
|
|
funeral oration at the grave. He attended the bier
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>)
|
|
|
|
<I>and wept at the grave,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though Abner had been his enemy, and might possibly have proved no very
|
|
firm friend, yet because he had been a man of bravery in the field, and
|
|
might have done great service in the public counsels at this critical
|
|
juncture, all former quarrels are forgotten and David is a true mourner
|
|
for his fall. What he said over the grave fetched fresh floods of tears
|
|
from the eyes of all that were present, when they thought they had
|
|
already paid the debt in full
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:33,34"><I>v.</I> 33, 34</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Died Abner as a fool dieth?</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He speaks as one vexed that Abner was fooled out of his life, that
|
|
so great a man as he, so famed for conduct and courage, should be
|
|
imposed upon by a colour of friendship, slain by surprise, and so die
|
|
as a fool dies. The wisest and stoutest of men have no fence against
|
|
treachery. To see Abner, who thought himself the main hinge on which
|
|
the great affairs of Israel turned, so considerable as himself to be
|
|
able to turn the scale of a trembling government, his head full of
|
|
great projects and great prospects, to see him made a fool of by a base
|
|
rival, and falling on a sudden a sacrifice to his ambition and
|
|
jealousy--this stains the pride of all glory, and should put one out of
|
|
conceit with worldly grandeur. <I>Put not your trust in princes,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+146:3,4">Ps. cxlvi. 3, 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
And let us therefore make that sure which we cannot be fooled out of. A
|
|
man may have his life, and all that is dear to him, taken from him, and
|
|
not be able to prevent it with all his wisdom, care, and integrity; but
|
|
there is that which no thief can break through to steal. See here how
|
|
much more we are beholden to God's providence than to our own prudence
|
|
for the continuance of our lives and comforts. Were it not for the
|
|
hold God has of the consciences of bad men, how soon would the weak and
|
|
innocent become an easy prey to the strong and merciless and the wisest
|
|
die as fools! Or,
|
|
|
|
(2.) He speaks as one boasting that Abner did not fool himself out of
|
|
his life: "<I>Died Abner as a fool dies?</I> No, he did not, not as a
|
|
criminal, a traitor or felon, that forfeits his life into the hands of
|
|
public justice; his hands were not pinioned, nor his feet fettered, as
|
|
those of malefactors are: Abner falls not before just men, by a
|
|
judicial sentence; but as <I>a man, an innocent man, falleth before
|
|
wicked men,</I> thieves and robbers, so fellest thou." <I>Died Abner as
|
|
Nabal died?</I> so the LXX. reads it. Nabal died as he lived, like
|
|
himself, like a sot; but Abner's fate was such as might have been the
|
|
fate of the wisest and best man in the world. Abner did not throw away
|
|
his life as Asahel did, who wilfully ran upon the spear, after fair
|
|
warning, but he was struck by surprise. Note, It is a sad thing to die
|
|
like a fool, as those do that in any way shorten their own days, and
|
|
much more those that make no provision for another world.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. He fasted all that day, and would by no means be persuaded to eat
|
|
any thing till night,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>.
|
|
|
|
It was then the custom of great mourners to refrain for the time from
|
|
bodily refreshments, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+1:12,1Sa+31:13"><I>ch.</I> i. 12; 1 Sam. xxxi. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
How incongruous is it then to turn the house of mourning into a house
|
|
of feasting! This respect which David paid to Abner was very pleasing
|
|
to the people and satisfied them that he was not, in the least,
|
|
accessory to the murder
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:36,37"><I>v.</I> 36, 37</A>),
|
|
|
|
of which he was solicitous to avoid the suspicion, lest Joab's villany
|
|
should make him odious, as that of Simeon and Levi did Jacob,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+34:30">Gen. xxxiv. 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
On this occasion it is said, <I>Whatever the king did pleased all the
|
|
people.</I> This intimates,
|
|
|
|
(1.) His good affection to them. He studied to please them in every
|
|
thing and carefully avoided what might be disobliging.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Their good opinion of him. They thought every thing he did well
|
|
done. Such a mutual willingness to please, and easiness to be pleased,
|
|
will make every relation comfortable.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
6. He bewailed it that he could not with safety do justice on the
|
|
murderers,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
He was weak, his kingdom was newly planted, and a little shake would
|
|
overthrow it. Joab's family had a great interest, were bold and daring,
|
|
and to make them his enemies now might be of bad consequence. These
|
|
sons of Zeruiah were too hard for him, too big for the law to take hold
|
|
of; and therefore, though by man, by the magistrate, the blood of a
|
|
murderer <I>should be shed</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+9:6">Gen. ix. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
David bears the sword in vain, and contents himself, as a private
|
|
person, to leave them to the judgment of God: <I>The Lord shall reward
|
|
the doer of evil according to his wickedness.</I> Now this is a
|
|
diminution,
|
|
|
|
(1.) To David's greatness. He is anointed king, and yet is kept in awe
|
|
by his own subjects, and some of them are too hard for him. Who would
|
|
be fond of power when a man may have the name of it, and must be
|
|
accountable for it, and yet be hampered in the use of it?
|
|
|
|
(2.) To David's goodness. He ought to have done his duty, and trusted
|
|
God with the issue. <I>Fiat justitia, ruat coelum</I>--<I>Let justice
|
|
be done, though the heavens should fall asunder.</I> If the law had had
|
|
its course against Joab, perhaps the murder of Ishbosheth, Amnon, and
|
|
others, would have been prevented. It was carnal policy and cruel pity
|
|
that spared Joab. Righteousness supports the throne and will never
|
|
shake it. Yet it was only a reprieve that David gave to Joab; on his
|
|
death-bed he left it to Solomon (who could the better wield the sword
|
|
of justice because he had no occasion to draw the sword of war) to
|
|
avenge the blood of Abner. Evil pursues sinners, and will overtake them
|
|
at last. David preferred Abner's son Jaasiel,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+27:21">1 Chron. xxvii. 21</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
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