mh_parser/vol_split/10 - 2Samuel/Chapter 3.xml

<div2 id="iiSam.iv" n="iv" next="iiSam.v" prev="iiSam.iii" progress="40.32%" title="Chapter III">
<h2 id="iiSam.iv-p0.1">S E C O N D   S A M U E L</h2>
<h3 id="iiSam.iv-p0.2">CHAP. III.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiSam.iv-p1">The battle between Joab and Abner did not end the
controversy between the two houses of Saul and David, but it is in
this chapter working towards a period. Here is, I. The gradual
advance of David's interest, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.1" parsed="|2Sam|3|1|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:1">ver.
1</scripRef>. II. The building up of his family, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.2-2Sam.3.5" parsed="|2Sam|3|2|3|5" passage="2Sa 3:2-5">ver. 2-5</scripRef>. III. Abner's quarrel with
Ish-bosheth, and his treaty with David, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.6-2Sam.3.12" parsed="|2Sam|3|6|3|12" passage="2Sa 3:6-12">ver. 6-12</scripRef>. IV. The preliminaries settled,
<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.13-2Sam.3.16" parsed="|2Sam|3|13|3|16" passage="2Sa 3:13-16">ver. 13-16</scripRef>. V. Abner's
undertaking and attempt to bring Israel over to David, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.17-2Sam.3.21" parsed="|2Sam|3|17|3|21" passage="2Sa 3:17-21">ver. 17-21</scripRef>. VI. The treacherous
murder of Abner by Joab, when he was carrying on this matter,
<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.22-2Sam.3.27" parsed="|2Sam|3|22|3|27" passage="2Sa 3:22-27">ver. 22-27</scripRef>. VII. David's
great concern and trouble for the death of Abner, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.28-2Sam.3.39" parsed="|2Sam|3|28|3|39" passage="2Sa 3:28-39">ver. 28-39</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iiSam.iv-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3" parsed="|2Sam|3|0|0|0" passage="2Sa 3" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiSam.iv-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.1-2Sam.3.6" parsed="|2Sam|3|1|3|6" passage="2Sa 3:1-6" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.3.1-2Sam.3.6">
<h4 id="iiSam.iv-p1.10">David's Wives and Children. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iv-p1.11">b. c.</span> 1048.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.iv-p2">1 Now there was long war between the house of
Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger,
and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.   2 And unto
David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of
Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;   3 And his second, Chileab, of
Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the
son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;   4 And
the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah
the son of Abital;   5 And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah
David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.   6 And it
came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the
house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of
Saul.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p3">Here is, I. The struggle that David had
with the house of Saul before his settlement in the throne was
completed, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.1" parsed="|2Sam|3|1|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. 1.
Both sides contested. Saul's house, though beheaded and diminished,
would not fall tamely. It is not strange between them, but one
would wonder it should be a long war, when David's house had right
on its side, and therefore God on its side; but, though truth and
equity will triumph at last, God made for wise and holy ends
prolonged the conflict. The length of this war tried the faith and
patience of David, and made his establishment at last the more
welcome to him. 2. David's side got ground. The house of Saul waxed
weaker and weaker, lost places, lost men, sunk in its reputation,
grew less considerable, and was foiled in every engagement. But the
house of David grew stronger and stronger. Many deserted the
declining cause of Saul's house, and prudently came into David's
interest, being convinced that he would certainly win the day. The
contest between grace and corruption in the hearts of believers,
who are sanctified but in part, may fitly be compared to this
recorded here. There is a long war between them, the flesh lusted
against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh; but, as the
work of sanctification is carried on, corruption, like the house of
Saul, grows weaker and weaker; while grace, like the house of
David, grows stronger and stronger, till it come to a perfect man,
and judgment be brought forth unto victory.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p4">II. The increase of his own house. Here is
an account of six sons he had by six several wives, in the seven
years he reigned in Hebron. Perhaps this is here mentioned as that
which strengthened David's interest. Every child, whose welfare was
embarked in the common safety, was a fresh security given to the
commonwealth for his care of it. He that has his quiver filled with
these arrows shall <i>speak with his enemy in the gate,</i>
<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.127.5" parsed="|Ps|127|5|0|0" passage="Ps 127:5">Ps. cxxvii. 5</scripRef>. As the death
of Saul's sons weakened his interest, so the birth of David's
strengthened his. 1. It was David's fault thus to multiply wives,
contrary to the law (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Deut.17.17" parsed="|Deut|17|17|0|0" passage="De 17:17">Deut. xvii.
17</scripRef>), and it was a bad example to his successors. 2. It
does not appear that in these seven years he had above one son by
each of these wives; some have had as numerous a progeny, and with
much more honour and comfort, by one wife. 3. We read not that any
of these sons came to be famous (three of them were infamous,
Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah); we have therefore reason to rejoice
with trembling in the building up of our families. 4. His son by
Abigail is called <i>Chileab</i> (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.3" parsed="|2Sam|3|3|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), whereas (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.3.1" parsed="|1Chr|3|1|0|0" passage="1Ch 3:1">1 Chron. iii. 1</scripRef>) he is called <i>Daniel.</i>
Bishop Patrick mentions the reason which the Hebrew doctors give
for these names, that his first name was <i>Daniel—God has judged
me</i> (namely, against Nabal), but David's enemies reproached him,
and said, "It is Nabal's son, and not David's," to confute which
calumny Providence so ordered it that, as he grew up, he became, in
his countenance and features, extremely like David, and resembled
him more than any of his children, upon which he gave him the name
of <i>Chileab,</i> which signifies, <i>like his father,</i> or the
father's picture. 5. Absalom's mother is said to be the daughter of
Talmai king of Geshur, a heathen prince. Perhaps David thereby
hoped to strengthen his interest, but the issue of the marriage was
one that proved his grief and shame. 6. The last is called
<i>David's wife,</i> which therefore, some think, was Michal, his
first and most rightful wife, called here by another name; and,
though she had no child after she mocked David, she might have had
before.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p5">Thus was David's house strengthened; but it
was Abner that <i>made himself strong for the house of Saul,</i>
which is mentioned (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.6" parsed="|2Sam|3|6|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>) to show that, if he failed them, they would fall of
course.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiSam.iv-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.7-2Sam.3.21" parsed="|2Sam|3|7|3|21" passage="2Sa 3:7-21" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.3.7-2Sam.3.21">
<h4 id="iiSam.iv-p5.3">Abner Deserts to David. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iv-p5.4">b. c.</span> 1048.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.iv-p6">7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name
<i>was</i> Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and <i>Ishbosheth</i> said
to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?
  8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and
said, <i>Am</i> I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew
kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his
brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the
hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning
this woman?   9 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iv-p6.1">Lord</span> hath sworn to David, even
so I do to him;   10 To translate the kingdom from the house
of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over
Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba.   11 And he could not
answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.   12 And
Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose
<i>is</i> the land? saying <i>also,</i> Make thy league with me,
and, behold, my hand <i>shall be</i> with thee, to bring about all
Israel unto thee.   13 And he said, Well; I will make a league
with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not
see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when
thou comest to see my face.   14 And David sent messengers to
Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver <i>me</i> my wife Michal,
which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
  15 And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from <i>her</i>
husband, <i>even</i> from Phaltiel the son of Laish.   16 And
her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then
said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.   17 And
Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye
sought for David in times past <i>to be</i> king over you:  
18 Now then do <i>it:</i> for the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iv-p6.2">Lord</span> hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand
of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of
the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.  
19 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went
also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good
to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
  20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with
him. And David made Abner and the men that <i>were</i> with him a
feast.   21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go,
and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may
make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that
thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in
peace.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p7">Here, I. Abner breaks with Ish-bosheth, and
deserts his interest, upon a little provocation which Ish-bosheth
unadvisedly gave him. God can serve his own purposes by the sins
and follies of men. 1. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of no less a crime
than debauching one of his father's concubines, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.7" parsed="|2Sam|3|7|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. Whether it was so or no does not
appear, nor what ground he had for the suspicion: but, however it
was, it would have been Ish-bosheth's prudence to be silent,
considering how much it was his interest not to disoblige Abner. If
the thing was false, and his jealousy groundless, it was very
disingenuous and ungrateful to entertain unjust surmises of one who
had ventured his all for him, and was certainly the best friend he
had in the world. 2. Abner resented the charge very strongly.
Whether he was guilty of the <i>fault concerning this woman</i> or
no he does not say (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.8" parsed="|2Sam|3|8|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:8"><i>v.</i>
8</scripRef>), but we suspect he was guilty, for he does not
expressly deny it; and, though he was, he lets Ish-bosheth know,
(1.) That he scorned to be reproached with it by him, and would not
take reproof at his hands. "What!" says Abner, "<i>Am I a dog's
head,</i> a vile and contemptible animal, that thou exposest me
thus? <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.8" parsed="|2Sam|3|8|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. Is this
my recompence for the kindness I have shown to thee and thy
father's house, and the good services I have done you?" He
magnifies the service with this, that it was against Judah, the
tribe on which the crown was settled, and which would certainly
have it at last, so that, in supporting the house of Saul, he acted
both against his conscience and against his interest, for which he
deserved a better requital than this: and yet, perhaps, he would
not have been so zealous for the house of Saul if he had not
thereby gratified his own ambition and hoped to find his own
account in it. Note, Proud men will not bear to be reproved,
especially by those whom they think they have obliged. (2.) That he
would certainly be revenged on him, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.9-2Sam.3.10" parsed="|2Sam|3|9|3|10" passage="2Sa 3:9,10"><i>v.</i> 9, 10</scripRef>. With the utmost degree of
arrogance and insolence he lets him know that, as he had raised him
up, so he could pull him down again and would do it. He knew that
God had sworn to David to give him the kingdom, and yet opposed it
with all his might from a principle of ambition; but now he
complies with it from a principle of revenge, under colour of some
regard to the will of God, which was but a pretence. Those that are
slaves to their lusts have many masters, which drive, some one way
and some another, and, according as they make head, men are
violently hurried into self-contradictions. Abner's ambition made
him zealous for Ish-bosheth, and now his revenge made him as
zealous for David. If he had sincerely regarded God's promise to
David, and acted with an eye to that, he would have been steady and
uniform in his counsels, and acted in consistency with himself.
But, while Abner serves his own lusts, God by him serves his own
purposes, makes even his wrath and revenge to praise him, and
ordains strength to David by it. <i>Lastly,</i> See how Ish-bosheth
was thunder-struck by Abner's insolence: He <i>could not answer him
again,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.11" parsed="|2Sam|3|11|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. If
Ish-bosheth had had the spirit of a man, especially of a prince, he
might have answered him that his merits were the aggravation of his
crimes, that he would not be served by so base a man, and doubted
not but to do well enough without him. But he was conscious to
himself of his own weakness, and therefore said not a word, lest he
should make bad worse. His heart failed him, and he now became, as
David had foretold concerning his enemies, like a bowing wall and a
<i>tottering fence,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.62.3" parsed="|Ps|62|3|0|0" passage="Ps 62:3">Ps. lxii.
3</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p8">II. Abner treats with David. We must
suppose that he began to grow weary of Ish-bosheth's cause, and
sought an opportunity to desert it, or else, however he might
threaten Ish-bosheth with it, for the quashing of the charge
against himself, he would not have made good his angry words so
soon as he did, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.12" parsed="|2Sam|3|12|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:12"><i>v.</i>
12</scripRef>. He <i>sent messengers to David,</i> to tell him that
he was at his service. "<i>Whose is the land?</i> Is it not thine?
For thou hast the best title to the government and the best
interest in the people's affections." Note, God can find out ways
to make those serviceable to the kingdom of Christ who yet have no
sincere affection for it and who have vigorously set themselves
against it. Enemies are sometimes made a footstool, not only to be
trodden upon, but to ascend by. The earth helped the woman.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p9">III. David enters into a treaty with Abner,
but upon condition that he shall procure him the restitution of
Michal his wife, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.13" parsed="|2Sam|3|13|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:13"><i>v.</i>
13</scripRef>. Hereby, 1. David showed the sincerity of his
conjugal affection to his first and most rightful wife; neither her
marrying another, nor his, had alienated him from her. Many waters
could not quench that love. 2. He testified his respect to the
house of Saul. So far was he from trampling upon it, now that it
was fallen, that even in his elevation he valued himself not a
little on his relation to it. He cannot be pleased with the honours
of the throne unless he have Michal, Saul's daughter, to share with
him in them, so far is he from bearing any malice to the family of
his enemy. Abner sent him word that he must apply to Ish-bosheth,
which he did (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.14" parsed="|2Sam|3|14|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>), 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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.15" parsed="|2Sam|3|15|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>), 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> (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.16" parsed="|2Sam|3|16|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>), 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 class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p10">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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.17" parsed="|2Sam|3|17|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:17"><i>v.</i>
17</scripRef>): "<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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.18" parsed="|2Sam|3|18|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:18"><i>v.</i>
18</scripRef>): "<i>The Lord hath spoken of David.</i> Compare
<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.9" parsed="|2Sam|3|9|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. 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> <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p10.4" osisRef="Bible:Rev.3.9" parsed="|Rev|3|9|0|0" passage="Re 3:9">Rev. iii.
9</scripRef>. 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 class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p11">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, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.19" parsed="|2Sam|3|19|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. He
came now, not as at first privately, but with a retinue of twenty
men, and David entertained them with <i>a feast</i> (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.20" parsed="|2Sam|3|20|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>) in token of
reconciliation and joy and as a pledge of the agreement between
them: it was a feast upon a covenant, like that, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.26.30" parsed="|Gen|26|30|0|0" passage="Ge 26:30">Gen. xxvi. 30</scripRef>. <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, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.21" parsed="|2Sam|3|21|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>. 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>
</div><scripCom id="iiSam.iv-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.22-2Sam.3.39" parsed="|2Sam|3|22|3|39" passage="2Sa 3:22-39" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Sam.3.22-2Sam.3.39">
<h4 id="iiSam.iv-p11.6">Joab Murders Abner; David's Reflections on
Abner's Murder. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iv-p11.7">b. c.</span> 1048.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiSam.iv-p12">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 <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iv-p12.1">Lord</span> 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="iiSam.iv-p12.2">Lord</span>
shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p13">We have here an account of the murder of
Abner by Joab, and David's deep resentment of it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p14">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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.22-2Sam.3.23" parsed="|2Sam|3|22|3|23" passage="2Sa 3:22,23"><i>v.</i> 22, 23</scripRef>), 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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.24-2Sam.3.25" parsed="|2Sam|3|24|3|25" passage="2Sa 3:24,25"><i>v.</i> 24,
25</scripRef>): <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
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.11" parsed="|2Sam|3|11|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>), but because
he despised him, or because Joab had not so much good manners as to
stay for an answer.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p15">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>
<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.26" parsed="|2Sam|3|26|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:26"><i>v.</i> 26</scripRef>. 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> (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.2.22" parsed="|2Sam|2|22|0|0" passage="2Sa 2:22"><i>ch.</i> ii. 22</scripRef>), and there Joab murdered
him (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p15.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.27" parsed="|2Sam|3|27|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>), and it
is intimated (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p15.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.30" parsed="|2Sam|3|30|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>)
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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p15.5" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.27 Bible:2Sam.3.30" parsed="|2Sam|3|27|0|0;|2Sam|3|30|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:27,30"><i>v.</i> 27,
30</scripRef>); 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> <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p15.6" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.5" parsed="|1Kgs|2|5|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:5">1
Kings ii. 5</scripRef>. (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, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p15.7" osisRef="Bible:Deut.27.24" parsed="|Deut|27|24|0|0" passage="De 27:24">Deut. xxvii. 24</scripRef>. 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> <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p15.8" osisRef="Bible:Ps.55.21" parsed="|Ps|55|21|0|0" passage="Ps 55:21">Ps.
lv. 21</scripRef>. Thus he basely slew Amasa, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p15.9" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.20.9" parsed="|2Sam|20|9|0|0" passage="2Sa 20:9"><i>ch.</i> xx. 9, 10</scripRef>. (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 class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p16">III. David laid deeply to heart and in many
ways expressed his detestation of this execrable villany.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p17">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> <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.28" parsed="|2Sam|3|28|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>. 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> <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:Deut.21.7" parsed="|Deut|21|7|0|0" passage="De 21:7">Deut. xxi. 7</scripRef>. However we may be
censured or suspected, <i>our hearts shall not reproach us.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p18">2. He entailed the curse for it upon Joab
and his family (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.29" parsed="|2Sam|3|29|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:29"><i>v.</i>
29</scripRef>): "<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 class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p19">3. He called upon all about him, even Joab
himself, to lament the death of Abner (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.31" parsed="|2Sam|3|31|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>): <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> (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.23.2-Gen.23.3" parsed="|Gen|23|2|23|3" passage="Ge 23:2,3">Gen. xxiii. 2, 3</scripRef>), and he gives a reason why
they should attend his funeral with sincere and solemn mourning
(<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.38" parsed="|2Sam|3|38|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:38"><i>v.</i> 38</scripRef>), because
there is <i>a prince and a great man fallen this day in 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 <i>this day,</i> just when he was doing the best deed he
ever did in his life, <i>this day,</i> when he was likely to be so
serviceable to the public peace and welfare and could so ill be
spared." (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 <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p19.4" osisRef="Bible:Rev.18.10" parsed="|Rev|18|10|0|0" passage="Re 18:10">Rev. xviii. 10</scripRef>) 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>
<p class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p20">4. David himself followed the corpse as
chief mourner, and made a funeral oration at the grave. He attended
the bier (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.31" parsed="|2Sam|3|31|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>)
<i>and wept at the grave,</i> <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.32" parsed="|2Sam|3|32|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>. 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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p20.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.33-2Sam.3.34" parsed="|2Sam|3|33|3|34" passage="2Sa 3:33,34"><i>v.</i> 33, 34</scripRef>): <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> <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p20.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.146.3-Ps.146.4" parsed="|Ps|146|3|146|4" passage="Ps 146:3,4">Ps. cxlvi. 3, 4</scripRef>. 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 class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p21">5. He fasted all that day, and would by no
means be persuaded to eat any thing till night, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.35" parsed="|2Sam|3|35|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>. It was then the custom of great
mourners to refrain for the time from bodily refreshments, as
<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.1.12 Bible:1Sam.31.13" parsed="|2Sam|1|12|0|0;|1Sam|31|13|0|0" passage="2Sa 1:12,1Sa 31:13"><i>ch.</i> i. 12; 1 Sam.
xxxi. 13</scripRef>. 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 (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.36-2Sam.3.37" parsed="|2Sam|3|36|3|37" passage="2Sa 3:36,37"><i>v.</i> 36, 37</scripRef>), 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, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p21.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.34.30" parsed="|Gen|34|30|0|0" passage="Ge 34:30">Gen. xxxiv. 30</scripRef>. 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 class="indent" id="iiSam.iv-p22">6. He bewailed it that he could not with
safety do justice on the murderers, <scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.30" parsed="|2Sam|3|30|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>. 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> (<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.9.6" parsed="|Gen|9|6|0|0" passage="Ge 9:6">Gen. ix.
6</scripRef>), 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,
<scripRef id="iiSam.iv-p22.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.27.21" parsed="|1Chr|27|21|0|0" passage="1Ch 27:21">1 Chron. xxvii. 21</scripRef>.</p>
</div></div2>