2 Samuel 16:1

CHAPTER XVI

Ziba, servant of Mephibosheth, meets David with provisions, and

by false insinuations obtains the grant of his masters

property, 1-4.

Shimei abuses and curses David, who restrains Abishai from

slaying him, 5-14.

Hushai makes a feigned tender of his services to Absalom, 15-19.

Absalom calls a council and Ahithophel advises him to go in to

his father's concubines, 20-22.

Character of Ahithophel as a counselor, 23.

NOTES ON CHAP. XVI

Verse 2 Samuel 16:1. Two hundred loaves of bread] The word loaf gives us a false idea of the ancient Jewish bread; it was thin cakes, not yeasted and raised like ours.

Bunches of raisins] See on 1 Samuel 25:18.

Summer fruits] These were probably pumpions, cucumbers, or watermelons. The two latter are extensively used in those countries to refresh travellers in the burning heat of the summer. Mr. Harmer supposes they are called summer fruits on this very account.

A bottle of wine.] A goat's skin full of wine; this I have already shown was the general bottle in the Eastern countries; see on 1 Samuel 25:18.