XVI. (1) ZIBA... MET HIM. — It is evident from the sequel of the story (2 Samuel 19:24) that Ziba grossly slandered his master, doubtless for the purpose (as appears from 2 Samuel 16:4) of personal gain. This story was, indeed, almost too improbable to be believed; for, quite independently of his o... [ Continue Reading ]
I HUMBLY BESEECH THEE THAT I MAY FIND GRACE. — Literally, _I bow myself down; let me find favour. _... [ Continue Reading ]
BAHURIM. — See Note on 2 Samuel 3:16. OF THE FAMILY OF THE HOUSE OF SAUL. — That is, “of the family,” in the larger sense of tribe. Many of the Benjamites naturally felt aggrieved when the royal house passed away from their tribe; and, although under restraint while David’s government was strong, w... [ Continue Reading ]
HE CAST STONES. — The road appears to have led along the side of a narrow ravine, on the opposite side of which (see 2 Samuel 16:9, “let me go _over_”) Shimei kept along with the fugitives, out of reach, and yet easily heard, and able to annoy them with stones.... [ Continue Reading ]
COME OUT, COME OUT. — Rather, _Go out, go_ out. It is doubtful whether by the words, “thou bloody man,” Shimei meant anything more than that he considered David responsible for “the blood of the house of Saul”, (2 Samuel 16:8), especially in the case of Ishbosheth and of Abner, and the execution of... [ Continue Reading ]
SO LET HIM CURSE. — This translation follows the margin of the Hebrew, as the LXX. and Vulg. also do. David, throughout, recognises that all his sufferings were from the Lord’s hand, and he wishes to submit himself entirely to His will. He does not, of course, mean to justify Shimei’s wrong; but onl... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW MUCH MORE NOW MAY THIS BENJAMITE. — The “Benjamite” is in contrast to his own son, because he represents the adherent of another and rival dynasty. It is noticeable that David accuses Absalom not only of seeking his throne, but his life.... [ Continue Reading ]
LOOK ON MINE AFFLICTION. — The English here follows the LXX. and Vulg. The Hebrew margin has _mine eye,_ but the text has _my iniquity,_ which is probably the true sense. David expresses the hope that God will mercifully look upon his sin, of which he has repented, and for which he is now bearing pu... [ Continue Reading ]
CAME WEARY. — The sentence seems to require the mention of some place, and the clause “refreshed themselves there” to imply that a place has already been mentioned. The word for _weary_ is, therefore, generally taken as a proper name, _Ayephim,_ which was probably a mere caravansary.... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD SAVE THE KING. — In the original, wherever this phrase occurs, it is simply, _Let the king live._ This and the expression “God forbid” are exceptional instances in which modern phraseology refers more directly to God than the ancient. Absalom is surprised at Hushai’s coming to him, and inclined... [ Continue Reading ]
AND AHITHOPHEL SAID. — The counsel of Ahithophel was in effect that Absalom should make the breach between him and his father absolute and irreconcilable. His followers would thus be assured of the impossibility of his securing a pardon for himself while they were left to their fate. After adopting... [ Continue Reading ]
A TENT UPON THE TOP OF THE HOUSE. — Nathan had foretold that the nature of David’s public punishment should correspond to the character of his secret crime. The fact that this punishment takes place on the very roof where David had first yielded to his guilty passion makes it particularly striking.... [ Continue Reading ]