2. Samuel 19:8 Kommentar

We left David's army in triumph and yet David himself in tears: now here we have, I. His return to himself, by the persuasion of Joab (Sa2 19:1-8). II. His return to his kingdom from his present banishment. 1. The men of Israel were forward of themselves to bring him back (Sa2 19:9, Sa2 19:10). 2. The men of Judah were dealt with by David's agents to do it (Sa2 19:11-14) and did it (Sa2 19:15). III. At the king's coming over Jordan, Shimei's treason is pardoned (Sa2 19:16-23), Mephibosheth's failure is excused (Sa2 19:24-30), and Barzillai's kindness is thankfully owned, and recompensed to his son (Sa2 19:31-39). IV. The men of Israel quarrelled with the men of Judah, for not calling them to the ceremony of the king's restoration, which occasioned a new rebellion, an account of which we have in the next chapter (Sa2 19:40-43).

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 19 David indulging to too much grief for the death of his son, is rebuked by Joab, and threatened with a revolt of the people from him, if he did not change his conduct, which be accordingly did, Sa2 19:1; upon which the men of Israel were the first that moved for the bringing him back to Jerusalem, and the men of Judah were solicited to join with them in it, which was effected, Sa2 19:9; and at Jordan, Shimei, that had cursed him, met him, and asked his pardon, and was forgiven, Sa2 19:16; and when come to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth excused so well his not going out with him, that he had half his land restored to him, which had been given to his servant, Sa2 19:24; and Barzillai, who had very liberally supplied the king, was allowed to return to his own city, and Chimham his son was taken to court, Sa2 19:31; and a contention arose between the men of Israel and of Judah about the restoration of the king, which issued in an insurrection, as the next chapter shows, Sa2 19:41.

Than the king arose, and sat in the gate,.... Of the city, a public place, where the inhabitants met on divers accounts at times, and where there were always people passing and repassing: and they told unto all the people; or it was reported to the soldiers particularly: saying, behold the king doth sit in the gate; has laid aside his mourning, appears in public, and receives his friends, and attends to business: and all the people came before the king; to congratulate him on the victory obtained, to receive his thanks and his favours: for Israel had fled every man to his tent: or to his city, as the Targum; that is, those that followed Absalom; which is observed not on account of what goes before, but of what follows after; see Sa2 18:17.

David continues his lamentation for his son, and the people are greatly discouraged, Sa2 19:1-4. Joab reproves and threatens him with the general defection of the people, Sa2 19:5-7. David lays aside his mourning, and shows himself to the people, who are thereby encouraged, Sa2 19:8. The tribes take counsel to bring the king back to Jerusalem, Sa2 19:9-12. He makes Amasa captain of the host in place of Joab, Sa2 19:13. The king, returning, is met by Judah at Gilgal, Sa2 19:14, Sa2 19:15. Shimei comes to meet David, and entreats for his life, which David grants, Sa2 19:16-23. Mephibosheth also meets him, and shows how he had been slandered by Ziba, Sa2 19:24-30. David is met by Barzillai, and between them there is an affecting interview, Sa2 19:31-40. Contention between the men of Judah and the men of Israel, about bringing back the king, Sa2 19:41-43.

The king - sat in the gate - The place where justice was administered to the people.

JOAB CAUSES THE KING TO CEASE MOURNING. (Sa2 19:1-8) the people gat them by stealth . . . to the city--The rumor of the king's disconsolate condition spread a universal and unseasonable gloom. His troops, instead of being welcomed back (as a victorious army always was) with music and other demonstrations of public joy, slunk secretly and silently into the city, as if ashamed after the commission of some crime.

the king arose, and sat in the gate--He appeared daily in the usual place for the hearing of causes. all the people came before the king--that is, the loyal natives who had been faithful to his government, and fought in his cause. Israel had fled--that is, the adherents of Absalom, who, on his defeat, had dispersed and saved themselves by flight.

David Reinstated in His Kingdom - 2 Samuel 19:1-39 In his passionate and sinful sorrow on account of Absalom's death David not only forgot altogether what it was his duty to do, in order to recover the affections of the people, so that Joab was obliged to remind him of this duty which was binding upon him as king (Sa2 19:1-8); but he even allowed himself to be carried away into the most inconsiderate measures (Sa2 19:9-14), and into acts of imprudence and injustice (Sa2 19:16-23, Sa2 19:24-30), which could not contribute to the strengthening of his throne, however much the affection with which he wished to reward the old man Barzillai for his faithful services (Sa2 19:31-40) might show that the king was anxious to promote the welfare of his subjects.