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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. XV.</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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Absalom's name signifies "the peace of his father," yet he proves his
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greatest trouble; so often are we disappointed in our expectations from
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the creature. The sword entailed upon David's house had hitherto been
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among his children, but now it begins to be drawn against himself, with
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this aggravation, that he may thank himself for it, for, had he done
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justice upon the murderer, he would have prevented the traitor. The
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story of Absalom's rebellion begins with this chapter, but we must go
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over three or four more before we see the end of it. In this chapter we
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have,
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I. The arts Absalom used to insinuate himself into the people's
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affections,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:1-6">ver. 1-6</A>.
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II. His open avowal of his pretensions to the crown at Hebron, whither
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he went under colour of a vow, and the strong party that appeared for
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him there,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:7-12">ver. 7-12</A>.
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III. The notice brought of this to David, and his flight from Jerusalem
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thereupon,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:13-18">ver. 13-18</A>.
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In his flight we are told,
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1. What passed between him and Ittai,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:19-22">ver. 19-22</A>.
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2. The concern of the country for him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:23">ver. 23</A>.
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3. His conference with Zadok,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:24-29">ver. 24-29</A>.
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4. His tears and prayers upon this occasion,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:30-31">ver. 30-31</A>.
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5. Matters concerted by him with Hushai,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:32-37">ver. 32-37</A>.
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Now the word of God was fulfilled, that he would "raise up evil against
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him out of his own house,"
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+12:11"><I>ch.</I> xii. 11</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_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>Absalom's Ambition.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1027.</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 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him
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chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
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2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the
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gate: and it was <I>so,</I> that when any man that had a controversy
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came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and
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said, Of what city <I>art</I> thou? And he said, Thy servant <I>is</I> of
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one of the tribes of Israel.
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3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters <I>are</I> good and
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right; but <I>there is</I> no man <I>deputed</I> of the king to hear thee.
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4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land,
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that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me,
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and I would do him justice!
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5 And it was <I>so,</I> that when any man came nigh <I>to him</I> to do
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him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed
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him.
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6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the
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king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of
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Israel.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Absalom is no sooner restored to his place at court than he aims to be
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in the throne. He that was unhumbled under his troubles became
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insufferably proud when they were over; and he cannot be content with
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the honour of being the king's son, and the prospect of being his
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successor, but he must be king now. His mother was a king's daughter;
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on that perhaps he valued himself, and despised his father, who was but
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the son of Jesse. She was the daughter of a heathen king, which made
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him the less concerned for the peace of Israel. David, in this unhappy
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issue of that marriage, smarted for his being unequally yoked with an
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unbeliever. When Absalom was restored to the king's favour, if he had
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had any sense of gratitude, he would have studied how to oblige his
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father, and make him easy; but, on the contrary, he meditates how to
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undermine him, by stealing the hearts of the people from him. Two
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things recommend a man to popular esteem--greatness and goodness.</P>
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<P>
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I. Absalom looks great,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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He had learned of the king of Geshur (what was not allowed to the kings
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of Israel) to multiply horses, which made him look desirable, while his
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father, on his mule, looked despicable. The people desired a king like
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the nations; and such a one Absalom will be, appearing in pomp and
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magnificence, above what had been seen in Jerusalem. Samuel had
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foretold that this would be <I>the manner of the king:</I> He shall
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<I>have chariots and horsemen, and some shall run before his
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chariots</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+8:11">1 Sam. viii. 11</A>);
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and this is Absalom's manner. Fifty footmen (in rich liveries we may
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suppose) running before him, to give notice of his approach, would
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highly gratify his pride and the people's foolish fancy. David thinks
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that this parade is designed only to grace his court, and connives at
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it. Those parents know not what they do who indulge a proud humour in
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their children; for I have seen more young people ruined by pride than
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by any one lust whatsoever.</P>
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<P>
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II. Absalom will seem very good too, but with a very bad design. Had he
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proved himself a good son and a good subject, and set himself to serve
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his father's interest, he would have done his present duty, and shown
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himself worthy of future honours, after his father's death. Those that
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know how to obey well know how to rule. But to show how good a judge
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and how good a king he will be is but to deceive himself and others.
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Those are good indeed that are good in their own place, not that
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pretend how good they would be in other people's places. But this is
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all the goodness we find in Absalom.</P>
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<P>
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1. He wishes that he were a judge in Israel,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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He had all the pomp and all the pleasure he could wish, lived as great
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and in as much ease as any man could; yet this will not content him,
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unless he have power too: <I>O that I were a judge in Israel!</I> He
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that should himself have been judged to death for murder has the
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impudence to aim at being a judge of others. We read not of Absalom's
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wisdom, virtue, or learning in the laws, nor had he given any proofs of
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his love to justice, but the contrary; yet he wishes he were judge.
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Note, Those are commonly most ambitious of preferment that are least
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fit for it; the best qualified are the most modest and self-diffident,
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while it is no better than the spirit of an Absalom that says, <I>O
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that I were a judge in Israel!</I></P>
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<P>
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2. He takes a very bad course for the accomplishing of his wish. Had he
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humbly petitioned his father to employ him in the administration of
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justice, and studied to qualify himself for it (according to the rule,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+18:21">Exod. xviii. 21</A>),
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no doubt he would have been sure of the next judge's place that fell;
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but this is too mean a post for his proud spirit. It is below him to be
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subordinate, though to the king his father; he must be supreme or
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nothing. He wants to be such a judge that every man who has any cause
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shall come to him: in all causes, and over all persons, he must
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preside, little thinking what a fatigue this would be to have every man
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come to him. Moses himself could not bear it. Those know not what power
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is that grasp at so much, so very much. To gain the power he aims at,
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he endeavours to instil into the people's minds,</P>
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<P>
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(1.) A bad opinion of the present administration, as if the affairs of
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the kingdom were altogether neglected, and no care taken about them. He
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got round him all he could that had business at the council-board,
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enquired what their business was; and,
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[1.] Upon a slight and general enquiry into their cause, he pronounced
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it good: <I>Thy matters are right.</I> A fit man indeed to be a judge,
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who would give judgment upon hearing one side only! For he has a bad
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cause indeed that cannot put a good colour upon it, when he himself has
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the telling of the story. But,
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[2.] He told them that it was to no purpose to appeal to the throne:
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"<I>There is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.</I> The king is
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himself old, and past business, or so taken up with his devotions that
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he never minds business; his sons are so addicted to their pleasures
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that, though they have the name of chief rulers, they take no care of
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the affairs committed to them." He further seems to insinuate what a
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great want there was of him while he was banished and confined, and how
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much the public suffered by his exile; what his father said truly in
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Saul's reign
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+75:3">Ps. lxxv. 3</A>)
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he says falsely: <I>The land and all the inhabitants of it are
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dissolved,</I> all will go to wreck and ruin, unless <I>I bear up the
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pillars of it.</I> Every appellant shall be made to believe that he
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will never have justice done him, unless Absalom be viceroy or
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lord-justice. It is the way of turbulent, factious, aspiring men, to
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reproach the government they are under. <I>Presumptuous are they,
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self-willed, and not afraid to speak evil of dignities,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+2:10">2 Pet. ii. 10</A>.
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Even David himself, the best of kings, and his administration, could
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not escape the worst of censures. Those that aim to usurp cry out of
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grievances, and pretend to design nothing but the redress of them: as
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Absalom here.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) A good opinion of his own fitness to rule. That the people might
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say, "O that Absalom were a judge!" (and they are apt enough to desire
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changes), he recommends himself to them,
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[1.] As very diligent. He rose up early, and appeared in public before
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the rest of the king's sons were stirring, and he stood beside the way
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of the gate, where the courts of judgment sat, as one mightily
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concerned to see justice done and public business despatched.
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[2.] As very inquisitive and prying, and desirous to be acquainted with
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every one's case. He would know of what city every one was that came
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for judgment, that he might inform himself concerning every part of the
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kingdom and the state of it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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[3.] As very familiar and humble. If any Israelite offered to do
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obeisance to him he took him and embraced him as a friend. No man's
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conduct could be more condescending, while his heart was as proud as
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Lucifer's. Ambitious projects are often carried on by <I>a show of
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humility,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+2:23">Col. ii. 23</A>.
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He knew what a grace it puts upon greatness to be affable and
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courteous, and how much it wins upon common people: had he been sincere
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in it, it would have been his praise; but to fawn upon the people that
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he might betray them was abominable hypocrisy. <I>He croucheth, and
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humbleth himself, to draw them into his net,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+10:9,10">Ps. x. 9, 10</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Sa15_12"> </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>Absalom's Rebellion.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1023.</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 it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto
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the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have
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vowed unto the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, in Hebron.
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8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria,
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saying, If the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem,
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then I will serve the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>.
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9 And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and
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went to Hebron.
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10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel,
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saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye
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shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.
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11 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem,
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<I>that were</I> called; and they went in their simplicity, and they
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knew not any thing.
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12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's
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counsellor, from his city, <I>even</I> from Giloh, while he offered
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sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people
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increased continually with Absalom.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here the breaking out of Absalom's rebellion, which he had long
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been contriving. It is said to be <I>after forty years,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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But whence it is to be dated we are not told; not from David's
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beginning his reign, for then it would fall in the last year of his
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life, which is not probable; but either from his first anointing by
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Samuel seven years before, or rather (I think) from the people's
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desiring a king, and the first change of the government into a
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monarchy, which might be about ten years before David began to reign;
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it is fitly dated thence, to show that the same restless spirit was
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still working, and still they were given to change: as fond now of a
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new man as then of a new model. So it fell about the thirtieth year of
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David's reign. Absalom's plot being now ripe for execution,</P>
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<P>
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I. The place he chose for the rendezvous of his party was Hebron, the
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place where he was born and where his father began his reign and
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continued it several years, which would give some advantage to his
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pretensions. Every one knew Hebron to be a royal city; and it lay in
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the heart of Judah's lot, in which tribe, probably, he thought his
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interest strong.</P>
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<P>
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II. The pretence he had both to go thither and to invite his friends to
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him there was to offer a sacrifice to God, in performance of a vow he
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had made during his banishment,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:7,8"><I>v.</I> 7, 8</A>.
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We have cause enough to suspect that he had not made any such vow; it
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does not appear that he was so religiously inclined. But he that stuck
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not at murder and treason would not make conscience of a lie to serve
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his purpose. If he said he had made such a vow, nobody could disprove
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him. Under this pretence,
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1. He got leave of his father to go to Hebron. David would be well
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pleased to hear that his son, in his exile, was so desirous to return
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to Jerusalem, not only his father's city, but the city of the living
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God,--that he looked up to God, to bring him back,--that he had vowed,
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if he were brought back, to serve the Lord, whose service he had
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hitherto neglected,--and that now, being brought back, he remembered
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his vow, and resolved to perform it. If he think fit to do it in
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Hebron, rather than in Sion or Gibeon, the good king is so well pleased
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with the thing itself that he will not object against his choice of the
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place. See how willing tender parents are to believe the best
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concerning their children, and, upon the least indication of good, to
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hope, even concerning those that have been untoward, that they will
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repent and reform. But how easy is it for children to take advantage of
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their good parents' credulity, and to impose upon them with the show of
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religion, while still they are what they were! David was overjoyed to
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hear that Absalom inclined to <I>serve the Lord,</I> and therefore
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readily gave him leave to go to Hebron, and to go thither with
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solemnity.
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2. He got a good number of sober substantial citizens to go along with
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him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
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There went 200 men, probably of the principal men of Jerusalem, whom he
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invited to join with him in his feast upon his sacrifice; and they went
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in their simplicity, not in the least suspecting that Absalom had any
|
|
bad design in this journey. He knew that it was to no purpose to tempt
|
|
them in to his plot: they were inviolably firm to David. But he drew
|
|
them in to accompany him, that the common people might think that they
|
|
were in his interest, and that David was deserted by some of his best
|
|
friends. Note, It is no new thing for very good men, and very good
|
|
things, to be made use of by designing men to put a colour upon bad
|
|
practices. When religion is made a stalking-horse, and sacrifice a
|
|
shoeing-horn, to sedition and usurpation it is not to be wondered at if
|
|
some that were well affected to religion, as these followers of Absalom
|
|
here, are imposed upon by the fallacy, and drawn in to give countenance
|
|
to that, with their names, which in their heart they abhor, not having
|
|
known the depths of Satan.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The project he laid was to get himself proclaimed king throughout
|
|
all the tribes of Israel upon a signal given,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Spies were sent abroad, to be ready in every country to receive the
|
|
notice with satisfaction and acclamations of joy, and to make the
|
|
people believe that the news was both very true and very good, and that
|
|
they were all concerned to take up arms for their new king. Upon the
|
|
sudden spreading of this proclamation, "<I>Absalom reigns in
|
|
Hebron,</I>" some would conclude that David was dead, others that he
|
|
had resigned: and thus those that were in the secret would draw in many
|
|
to appear for Absalom, and to come into his assistance, who, if they
|
|
had rightly understood the matter, would have abhorred the thought of
|
|
it, but, being drawn in, would adhere to him. See what artifices
|
|
ambitious men use for the compassing of their ends; and in matters of
|
|
state, as well as in matters of religion, let us not be forward to
|
|
believe every spirit, but try the spirits.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. The person he especially courted and relied upon in this affair was
|
|
Ahithophel, a politic thinking man, and one that had a clear head and a
|
|
great compass of thought, that had been David's counsellor, his guide
|
|
and his acquaintance
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+55:13">Ps. lv. 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
his <I>familiar friend, in whom he trusted, who did eat of his
|
|
bread,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+41:9">Ps. xli. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
But, upon some disgust of David's against him, or his against David, he
|
|
was banished, or retired from public business, and lived privately in
|
|
the country. How should a man of such good principles as David, and a
|
|
man of such corrupt principles as Ahithophel, long agree? A fitter tool
|
|
Absalom could not find in all the kingdom than one that was so great a
|
|
statesman, and yet was disaffected to the present ministry. While
|
|
Absalom was offering his sacrifices, in performance of his pretended
|
|
vow, he sent for this man. So much was his heart on the projects of his
|
|
ambition that he could not stay to make an end of his devotion, which
|
|
showed what his eye was upon in all, and that it was but for a pretence
|
|
that he made long offerings.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. The party that joined with him proved at last very considerable. The
|
|
people increased continually with Absalom, which made the conspiracy
|
|
strong and formidable. Every one whom he had complimented and caressed
|
|
(pronouncing his matters right and good, especially if afterwards the
|
|
cause went against him) not only came himself, but made all the
|
|
interest he could for him, so that he wanted not for numbers. The
|
|
majority is no certain rule to judge of equity by. <I>All the world
|
|
wondered after the beast.</I> Whether Absalom formed this design merely
|
|
in the height of his ambition and fondness to rule, or whether there
|
|
was not in it also malice against his father and revenge for his
|
|
banishment and confinement, though this punishment was so much less
|
|
than he deserved, does not appear. But, generally, that which aims at
|
|
the crown aims at the head that wears it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_23"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>David's Flight.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1023.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of
|
|
the men of Israel are after Absalom.
|
|
14 And David said unto all his servants that <I>were</I> with him at
|
|
Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not <I>else</I> escape
|
|
from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly,
|
|
and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the
|
|
sword.
|
|
15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy
|
|
servants <I>are ready to do</I> whatsoever my lord the king shall
|
|
appoint.
|
|
16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him.
|
|
And the king left ten women, <I>which were</I> concubines, to keep the
|
|
house.
|
|
17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and
|
|
tarried in a place that was far off.
|
|
18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the
|
|
Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six
|
|
hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the
|
|
king.
|
|
19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest
|
|
thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king:
|
|
for thou <I>art</I> a stranger, and also an exile.
|
|
20 Whereas thou camest <I>but</I> yesterday, should I this day make
|
|
thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return
|
|
thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth <I>be</I> with thee.
|
|
21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, <I>As</I> the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> liveth,
|
|
and <I>as</I> my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord
|
|
the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will
|
|
thy servant be.
|
|
22 And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the
|
|
Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones
|
|
that <I>were</I> with him.
|
|
23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the
|
|
people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook
|
|
Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the
|
|
wilderness.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is,
|
|
|
|
I. The notice brought to David of Absalom's rebellion,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
The matter was bad enough, and yet it seems to have been made worse to
|
|
him (as such things commonly are) than really it was; for he was told
|
|
that <I>the hearts of the men of Israel</I> (that is, the generality of
|
|
them, at least the leading men) were <I>after Absalom.</I> But David
|
|
was the more apt to believe it because now he could call to mind the
|
|
arts that Absalom had used to inveigle them, and perhaps reflected upon
|
|
it with regret that he had not done more to counterwork him, and secure
|
|
his own interest, which he had been too confident of. Note, It is the
|
|
wisdom of princes to make sure of their subjects; for, if they have
|
|
them, they have their purses, and arms, and all, at their service.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The alarm this gave to David, and the resolutions he came to
|
|
thereupon. We may well imagine him in a manner thunderstruck, when he
|
|
heard that the son he loved so dearly, and had been so indulgent to,
|
|
was so unnaturally and ungratefully in arms against him. Well might he
|
|
say with Caesar, <B><I>Kai su teknon</I></B>--<I>What, thou my son?</I>
|
|
Let not parents raise their hopes too high from their children, lest
|
|
they be disappointed. David did not call a council, but, consulting
|
|
only with God and his own heart, determined immediately to quit
|
|
Jerusalem,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
He took up this strange resolve, so disagreeable to his character as a
|
|
man of courage, either,
|
|
|
|
1. As a penitent, submitting to the rod, and lying down under God's
|
|
correcting hand. Conscience now reminded him of his sin in the matter
|
|
of Uriah, and the sentence he was under for it, which was that <I>evil
|
|
should arise against him out of his own house.</I> "Now," thinks he,
|
|
"the word of God begins to be fulfilled, and it is not for me to
|
|
contend with it or fight against it; God is righteous and I submit."
|
|
Before unrighteous Absalom he could justify himself and stand it out;
|
|
but before the righteous God he must condemn himself and yield to his
|
|
judgments. Thus he <I>accepts the punishment of his iniquity.</I> Or,
|
|
|
|
2. As a politician. Jerusalem was a great city, but not tenable; it
|
|
should seem, by David's prayer
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+51:18">Ps. li. 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
that the walls of it were not built up, much less was it regularly
|
|
fortified. It was too large to be garrisoned by so small a force as
|
|
David had now with him, He had reason to fear that the generality of
|
|
the inhabitants were too well affected to Absalom to be true to him.
|
|
Should he fortify himself here, he might lose the country, in which,
|
|
especially among those that lay furthest from Absalom's tampering, he
|
|
hoped to have the most friends. And he had such a kindness for
|
|
Jerusalem that he was loth to make it the seat of war, and expose it to
|
|
the calamities of a siege; he will rather quit it tamely to the rebels.
|
|
Note, Good men, when they suffer themselves, care not how few are
|
|
involved with them in suffering.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. His hasty flight from Jerusalem. His servants agreed to the
|
|
measures he took, faithfully adhered to him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
and assured him of their inviolable allegiance, whereupon,
|
|
|
|
1. He went out of Jerusalem himself on foot, while his son Absalom had
|
|
chariots and horses. It is not always the best man, nor the best cause,
|
|
that makes the best figure. See here, not only the servant, but the
|
|
traitor, on horseback, while the prince, the rightful prince, <I>walks
|
|
as a servant upon the earth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+10:7">Eccl. x. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus he chose to do, to abase himself so much the more under God's
|
|
hand, and in condescension to his friends and followers, with whom he
|
|
would walk, in token that he would live and die with them.
|
|
|
|
2. He took his household with him, his wives and children, that he
|
|
might protect them in this day of danger, and that they might be a
|
|
comfort to him in this day of grief. Masters of families, in their
|
|
greatest frights, must not neglect their households. <I>Ten women,</I>
|
|
that <I>were concubines,</I> he <I>left</I> behind, <I>to keep the
|
|
house,</I> thinking that the weakness of their sex would secure them
|
|
from murder, and their age and relation to him would secure them from
|
|
rape; but God overruled this for the fulfilling of his word.
|
|
|
|
3. He took his life-guard with him, or band of pensioners, the
|
|
Cherethites and Pelethites, who were under the command of Benaiah, and
|
|
the Gittites, who were under the command of Ittai,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
These Gittites seem to have been, by birth, Philistines of Gath, who
|
|
came, a regiment of them, 600 in all, to enter themselves in David's
|
|
service, having known him at Gath, and being greatly in love with him
|
|
for his virtue and piety, and having embraced the Jews' religion. David
|
|
made them of his <I>garde du corps--his body-guard,</I> and they
|
|
adhered to him in his distress. The Son of David <I>found not such
|
|
great faith in Israel</I> as in a Roman centurion and a woman of
|
|
Canaan.
|
|
|
|
4. As many as would, of the people of Jerusalem, he took with him, and
|
|
made a halt at some distance from the city, to draw them up,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
He compelled none. Those whose hearts were with Absalom, to Absalom let
|
|
them go, and so shall their doom be: they will soon have enough of him.
|
|
Christ enlists none but volunteers.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. His discourse with Ittai the Gittite, who commanded the
|
|
Philistine-proselytes.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. David dissuaded him from going along with him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:19,20"><I>v.</I> 19, 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though he and his men might be greatly serviceable to him yet,
|
|
|
|
(1.) He would try whether he was hearty for him, and not inclined to
|
|
Absalom. He therefore bids him return to his post in Jerusalem, and
|
|
serve the new king. If he was no more than a soldier of fortune (as we
|
|
say), he would be for that side which would pay and prefer him best;
|
|
and to that side let him go.
|
|
|
|
(2.) If he was faithful to David, yet David would not have him exposed
|
|
to the fatigues and perils he now counted upon. David's tender spirit
|
|
cannot bear to think that a stranger and an exile, a proselyte and a
|
|
new convert, who ought, by all means possible, to be encouraged and
|
|
made easy, should, at his first coming, meet with such hard usage:
|
|
"<I>Should I make thee go up and down with us?</I> No, return with thy
|
|
brethren." Generous souls are more concerned at the share others have
|
|
in their troubles than at their own. Ittai shall therefore be dismissed
|
|
with a blessing: <I>Mercy and truth be with thee,</I> that is, God's
|
|
mercy and truth, mercy according to promise, the promise made to those
|
|
who renounce other gods and put themselves under the wings off the
|
|
divine Majesty. This is a very proper pious farewell, when we part with
|
|
a friend, "<I>Mercy and truth be with thee,</I> and then thou art safe,
|
|
and mayest be easy, wherever thou art." David's dependence was upon the
|
|
mercy and truth of God for comfort and happiness, both for himself and
|
|
his friends; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+61:7">Ps. lxi. 7</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Ittai bravely resolved not to leave him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
Where David is, <I>whether in life or death,</I> safe or in peril,
|
|
there will this faithful friend of his be; and he confirms this
|
|
resolution with an oath, that he might not be tempted to break it.
|
|
Such a value has he for David, not for the sake of his wealth and
|
|
greatness (for then he would have deserted him now that he saw him thus
|
|
reduced), but for the sake of his wisdom and goodness, which were still
|
|
the same, that, whatever comes of it, he will never leave him. Note,
|
|
That is a friend indeed who loves at all times, and will adhere to us
|
|
in adversity. Thus should we cleave to the Son of David with full
|
|
purpose of heart that <I>neither life nor death shall separate us from
|
|
his love.</I> </P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. The common people's sympathy with David in his affliction. When he
|
|
and his attendants <I>passed over the brook Kidron</I> (the very same
|
|
brook that Christ passed over when he entered upon his sufferings,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:1">John xviii. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>towards the way of the wilderness,</I> which lay between Jerusalem
|
|
and Jericho, <I>all the country wept with a loud voice,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
Cause enough there was for weeping,
|
|
|
|
1. To see a prince thus reduced, one that had lived so great forced
|
|
from his palace and in fear of his life, with a small retinue seeking
|
|
shelter in a desert, to see the city of David, which he himself won,
|
|
built, and fortified, made an unsafe abode for David himself. It would
|
|
move the compassion even of strangers to see a man fallen thus low from
|
|
such a height, and this by the wickedness of his own son; a piteous
|
|
case it was. Parents that are abused and ruined by their own children
|
|
merit the tender sympathy of their friends as much as any of the sons
|
|
or daughters of affliction. Especially,
|
|
|
|
2. To see their own prince thus wronged, who had been so great a
|
|
blessing to their land, and had not done any thing to forfeit the
|
|
affections of his people; to see him in this distress, and themselves
|
|
unable to help him, might well draw floods of tears from their
|
|
eyes.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_30"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>24 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites <I>were</I> with him,
|
|
bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark
|
|
of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done
|
|
passing out of the city.
|
|
25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into
|
|
the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, he will
|
|
bring me again, and shew me <I>both</I> it, and his habitation:
|
|
26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, <I>here
|
|
am</I> I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
|
|
27 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, <I>Art not</I> thou a
|
|
seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you,
|
|
Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
|
|
28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until
|
|
there come word from you to certify me.
|
|
29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to
|
|
Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
|
|
30 And David went up by the ascent of <I>mount</I> Olivet, and wept
|
|
as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot:
|
|
and all the people that <I>was</I> with him covered every man his
|
|
head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here we have,
|
|
|
|
I. The fidelity of the priests and Levites and their firm adherence to
|
|
David and his interest. They knew David's great affection to them and
|
|
their office, notwithstanding his failings. The method Absalom took to
|
|
gain people's affections made no impression upon them; he had little
|
|
religion in him, and therefore they steadily adhered to David. Zadok
|
|
and Abiathar, and all the Levites, if he go, will accompany him, and
|
|
take the ark with them, that, by it, they may ask counsel of God for
|
|
him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Those that are friends to the ark in their prosperity will find
|
|
it a friend to them in their adversity. Formerly David would not rest
|
|
till he had found a resting-place for the ark; and now, if the priests
|
|
may have their mind, the ark shall not rest till David return to his
|
|
rest.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. David's dismission of them back into the city,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:25,26"><I>v.</I> 25, 26</A>.
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Abiathar was high priest
|
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|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:35">1 Kings ii. 35</A>),
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|
|
but Zadok was his assistant, and attended the ark most closely, while
|
|
Abiathar was active in public business,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
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Therefore David directs his speech to Zadok, and an excellent speech it
|
|
is, and shows him to be in a very good frame under his affliction, and
|
|
that still he holds fast his integrity.
|
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1. He is very solicitous for the safety of the ark: "By all means
|
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<I>carry the ark back into the city,</I> let not that be unsettled and
|
|
exposed with me, lodge that again in the tent pitched for it; surely
|
|
Absalom, bad as he is, will do that no harm." David's heart, like Eli's
|
|
trembles for the ark of God. Note, It argues a good principle to be
|
|
more concerned for the church's prosperity than for our own, to
|
|
<I>prefer Jerusalem</I> before our <I>chief joy</I>
|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+137:6">Ps. cxxxvii. 6</A>),
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the success of the gospel, and the flourishing of the church, above our
|
|
own wealth, credit, ease, and safety, even when they are most in
|
|
hazard.
|
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|
2. He is very desirous to return to the enjoyment of the privileges of
|
|
God's house. He will reckon it the greatest instance of God's favour to
|
|
him if he may but once more be brought back to see it and his
|
|
habitation. This will be more his joy than to be brought back to his
|
|
own palace and throne again. Note, Gracious souls measure their
|
|
comforts and conveniences in this world by the opportunity they give
|
|
them of communion with God. Hezekiah wished for the recovery of his
|
|
health for this reason, that he might <I>go up to the house of the
|
|
Lord,</I>
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|
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+38:22">Isa. xxxviii. 22</A>.
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3. He is very submissive to the holy will of God concerning the issue
|
|
of this dark dispensation. He hopes the best
|
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|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>),
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|
|
and hopes for it from the favour of God, which he looks upon to be the
|
|
fountain of all good: "If God favour me so far, I shall be settled
|
|
again as formerly." But he provides for the worst: "If he deny me this
|
|
favour--if he thus say, <I>I have no delight in thee</I>--I know I
|
|
deserve the continuance of his displeasure; his holy will be done." See
|
|
him here patiently awaiting the event: "<I>Behold, here am I,</I> as a
|
|
servant expecting orders;" and see him willing to commit himself to God
|
|
concerning it: "<I>Let him do to me as seemeth good to him.</I> I have
|
|
nothing to object. All is well that God does." Observe with what
|
|
satisfaction and holy complacency he speaks of the divine disposal: not
|
|
only, "He can do what he will," subscribing to his power
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+9:12">Job ix. 12</A>),
|
|
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|
or, "He has a right to do what he will," subscribing to his sovereignty
|
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|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+33:13">Job xxxiii. 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
or, "He will do what he will," subscribing to his unchangeableness
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+23:13,15">Job xxiii. 13, 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
but, "<I>Let him to what he will,</I>" subscribing to his wisdom and
|
|
goodness. Note, It is our interest, as well as duty, cheerfully to
|
|
acquiesce in the will of God, whatever befals us. That we may not
|
|
complain of what is, let us see God's hand in all events; and, that we
|
|
may not be afraid of what shall be, let us see all events in God's
|
|
hand.</P>
|
|
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|
<P>
|
|
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|
III. The confidence David put in the priests that they would serve his
|
|
interest to the utmost of their power in his absence. He calls Zadok a
|
|
<I>seer</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
that is, a wise man, a man that can see into business and discern time
|
|
and judgment: "Thou hast thy <I>eyes in thy head</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+2:14">Eccl. ii. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
and therefore art capable of doing me service, especially by sending me
|
|
intelligence of the enemy's motions and resolutions." One friend that
|
|
is a seer, in such an exigency as this, was worth twenty that were not
|
|
so quick-sighted. For the settling of a private correspondence with the
|
|
priests in his absence, he appoints,
|
|
|
|
1. Whom they should send to him--their two sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan,
|
|
whose coat, it might be hoped, would be their protection, and of whose
|
|
prudence and faithfulness he had probably had experience.
|
|
|
|
2. Whither they should send. He would encamp <I>in the plain of the
|
|
wilderness</I> till he heard from them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>),
|
|
|
|
and then would move according to the information and advice they should
|
|
send him. Hereupon they returned to the city, to await the event. It
|
|
was a pity that any disturbance should be given to a state so happy as
|
|
this was, when the prince and the priests had such an entire affection
|
|
for the confidence in each other.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. The melancholy posture that David and his men put themselves into,
|
|
when, at the beginning of their march, they went up the <I>mount of
|
|
Olives,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. David himself, as a deep mourner, covered his head and face for
|
|
shame and blushing, went bare-foot, as a prisoner or a slave, for
|
|
mortification, and went weeping. Did it become a man of his reputation
|
|
for courage and greatness of spirit thus to cry like a child, only for
|
|
fear of an enemy at a distance, against whom he might easily have made
|
|
head, and perhaps with one bold stroke have routed him? Yes, it did not
|
|
ill become him, considering how much there was in this trouble,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Of the unkindness of his son. He could not but weep to think that
|
|
one who came out of his bowels, and had so often lain in his arms,
|
|
should thus lift up the heel against him. God himself is said to be
|
|
grieved with the rebellions of his own children
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+95:10">Ps. xcv. 10</A>)
|
|
|
|
and even <I>broken with their whorish heart,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+6:9">Ezek. vi. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) There was much of the displeasure of his God in it. This infused
|
|
the wormwood and gall into the <I>affliction and misery,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=La+3:19">Lam. iii. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
His sin was <I>ever before him</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+51:3">Ps. li. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
but never so plain nor ever appearing so black as now. He never wept
|
|
thus when Saul hunted him: but a wounded conscience makes troubles lie
|
|
heavily,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+38:4">Ps. xxxviii. 4</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. When David wept all his company wept likewise, being much affected
|
|
with his grief and willing to share in it. It is our duty to <I>weep
|
|
with those that weep,</I> especially our superiors, and those that are
|
|
better than we; for, <I>if this be done in the green tree, what will be
|
|
done in the dry?</I> We must weep with those that weep for sin. When
|
|
Hezekiah humbled himself for his sin all Jerusalem joined with him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ch+32:26">2 Chron. xxxii. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
To prevent suffering with sinners, let us sorrow with them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_35"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Sa15_37"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>David's Request to Hushai.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1023.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>31 And <I>one</I> told David, saying, Ahithophel <I>is</I> among the
|
|
conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, I pray thee,
|
|
turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
|
|
32 And it came to pass, that <I>when</I> David was come to the top
|
|
<I>of the mount,</I> where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the
|
|
Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his
|
|
head:
|
|
33 Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou
|
|
shalt be a burden unto me:
|
|
34 But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will
|
|
be thy servant, O king; <I>as</I> I <I>have been</I> thy father's servant
|
|
hitherto, so <I>will</I> I now also <I>be</I> thy servant: then mayest thou
|
|
for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.
|
|
35 And <I>hast thou</I> not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the
|
|
priests? therefore it shall be, <I>that</I> what thing soever thou
|
|
shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell <I>it</I> to Zadok
|
|
and Abiathar the priests.
|
|
36 Behold, <I>they have</I> there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz
|
|
Zadok's <I>son,</I> and Jonathan Abiathar's <I>son;</I> and by them ye
|
|
shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.
|
|
37 So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom
|
|
came into Jerusalem.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Nothing, it seems, appeared to David more threatening in Absalom's plot
|
|
than that Ahithophel was in it; for one good head, in such a design, is
|
|
worth a thousand good hands. Absalom was himself no politician, but he
|
|
had got one entirely in his interest that was, and would be the more
|
|
dangerous because he had been all along acquainted with David's
|
|
counsels and affairs; if therefore he can be baffled, Absalom is as
|
|
good as routed and the head of the conspiracy cut off. This David
|
|
endeavours to do.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. By prayer. When he heard that Ahithophel was in the plot he lifted
|
|
up his heart to God in this short prayer: <I>Lord, turn the counsel of
|
|
Ahithophel into foolishness,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
He had not opportunity for a long prayer, but he was not one of those
|
|
that thought he should be heard for his much speaking. It was a fervent
|
|
prayer: "<I>Lord, I pray thee,</I> do this." God is well pleased with
|
|
the importunity of those that come to him with their petitions. David
|
|
is particular in this prayer; he names the person whose counsels he
|
|
prays against. God gives us leave, in prayer, to be humbly and
|
|
reverently free with him, and to mention the particular care, and fear,
|
|
and grief, that lies heavily upon us. David prayed not against
|
|
Ahithophel's person, but against his counsel, that God would <I>turn it
|
|
into foolishness,</I> that, though he was a wise man, he might at this
|
|
time give foolish counsel, or, if he gave wise counsel, that it might
|
|
be rejected as foolish, or, if it were followed, that by some
|
|
providence or other it might be defeated, and not attain the end. David
|
|
prayed this in a firm belief that God has all hearts in his hand, and
|
|
tongues too, that, when he pleases, he can <I>take away the
|
|
understanding of the aged and make the judges fools,</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+12:7,Isa+3:2,3">Job xii. 17; Isa. iii. 2, 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
and in hope that God would own and plead his just and injured cause.
|
|
Note, We may pray in faith, and should pray with fervency, that God
|
|
will turn that counsel into foolishness which is taken against his
|
|
people.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. By policy. We must second our prayer with our endeavours, else we
|
|
tempt God. It is good service to countermine the policy of the church's
|
|
enemies. When David came to the top of the mount, he <I>worshipped
|
|
God,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Weeping must not hinder worshipping, but quicken it rather. Now
|
|
he penned the
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+3:1-8">third Psalm</A>,
|
|
|
|
as appears by the title; and some think that his singing this was the
|
|
worship he now paid to God. Just now Providence brought Hushai to him.
|
|
While he was yet speaking, God heard, and sent him the person that
|
|
should be instrumental to befool Ahithophel. He came to condole with
|
|
David on his present trouble, with his coat rent and earth upon his
|
|
head; but David, having a great deal of confidence in his conduct and
|
|
faithfulness, resolved to employ him as a spy upon Absalom. He would
|
|
not take him with him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
for he had now more need of soldiers than counsellors, but sent him
|
|
back to Jerusalem, to wait for Absalom's arrival, as a deserter from
|
|
David, and to offer him his service,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus he might insinuate himself into his counsels, and defeat
|
|
Ahithophel, either by dissuading Absalom from following his advice or
|
|
by discovering it to David, that he might know where to stand upon his
|
|
guard. How this gross dissimulation, which David put Hushai upon, can
|
|
be justified, as a stratagem in war, I do not see. The best that can be
|
|
made of it is that Absalom, if he rebel against his father, must stand
|
|
upon his guard against all mankind, and, if he will be deceived, let
|
|
him be deceived. David recommended Hushai to Zadok and Abiathar, as
|
|
persons proper to be consulted with
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>),
|
|
|
|
and to their two sons, as trusty men to be sent on errands to David,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:36"><I>v.</I> 36</A>.
|
|
|
|
Hushai, thus instructed, came to Jerusalem
|
|
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:37"><I>v.</I> 37</A>),
|
|
|
|
whither also Absalom soon after came with his forces. How soon do royal
|
|
palaces and royal cities change their masters! But we look for a
|
|
kingdom which cannot be thus shaken and in the possession of which we
|
|
cannot be disturbed.</P>
|
|
|
|
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