2 Samuele 19:7 Commento

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.

Now therefore arise, go forth,.... Arise from his couch, he was watering with his tears, and go forth from his house, where he had shut himself up retired from all company, to the gate of the city, where the people passed and repassed, and there was a concourse of them: this he said not by way of command, but by way of advice; though all along he seems to take too much upon him, and to speak unbecoming a subject, and not with that decency as was necessary in, speaking to a king; but it may be observed, that a general of an army had great power over princes in those times; and presumed very much on their interest in the army, which led them sometimes not to behave with that decorum as became them: and speak comfortably unto thy servants; commend them for their courage and faithfulness, thank them for their services, and reward them suitably; at least give them assurance of it: for I swear by the Lord; by the Word of the Lord, as the Targum; this he said to arouse him, and make him bestir himself, and think what was proper for him to do: if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night; signifying that he would use his interest in the army to go off with it, and set up another king; and did not doubt of success, as well knowing what temper and humour the people were in through the king's conduct: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now; for when he was persecuted by Saul he had a number of friends that adhered close to him; and when Ishbosheth was set up against him by Abner as king of Israel, the tribe of Judah cleaved to him, anointed him their king, and abode by him; wherefore, should he now be abandoned by his army, his case would be worse than ever it had been.

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.

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.

Now . . . arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants--The king felt the truth of Joab's reprimand; but the threat by which it was enforced, grounded as it was on the general's unbounded popularity with the army, showed him to be a dangerous person; and that circumstance, together with the violation of an express order to deal gently for his sake with Absalom, produced in David's mind a settled hatred, which was strongly manifested in his last directions to Solomon.

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.