2 Samuel 15:1

CHAPTER XV

Absalom conspires against his father, and uses various methods

to seduce the people from their allegiance to their king, 14.

Under pretence of paying a vow at Hebron, he obtains leave from

David to go thither; and, by emissaries sent through the land,

prepares the people for revolt, 7-11.

He gains over Ahithophel, David's counsellor, 12.

David is informed of the general defection of the people; on

which he, and his life-guards and friends, leave the city, and

go towards the wilderness, 13-18.

The steadfast friendship of Ittai, the Gittite, 19-22.

David's affecting departure from the city, 23.

He sends Zadok and Abiathar with the ark back to Jerusalem,

24-29.

He goes up Mount Olivet; prays that the counsel of Ahithophel

may be turned into foolishness, 30-31.

He desires Hushai to return to Jerusalem, and to send him word

of all that occurs, 32-37.

NOTES ON CHAP. XV

Verse 2 Samuel 15:1. Absalom prepared him chariots and horses] After all that has been said to prove that horses here mean horsemen, I think it most likely that the writer would have us to understand chariots drawn by horses; not by mules or such like cattle.

Fifty men to run before him.] Affecting in every respect the regal state by this establishment. Of this man Calmet collects the following character: "He was a bold, violent, revengeful, haughty, enterprising, magnificent, eloquent, and popular prince; he was also rich, ambitious, and vain of his personal accomplishments: after the death of Amnon, and his reconciliation to his father, he saw no hindrance in his way to the throne. He despised Solomon because of the meanness of his birth, and his tender years. He was himself of the blood royal, not only by his father David, but also by his mother Maacah, daughter to Talmai, king of Geshur: and, doubtless, in his own apprehension, of sufficient age, authority, and wisdom, to sustain the weight of government. There was properly now no competitor in his way: Amnon, David's first-born, was dead. Of Chileab, his second son by Abigail, we hear nothing; and Absalom was the third: see 2 Samuel 3:2. He, therefore, seemed to stand nearest to the throne; but his sin was, that he sought it during his father's life, and endeavoured to dethrone him in order to sit in his stead."