Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 11

Verse 1

at the time , &c.: i. e, the next spring.

children = sons.

Rabbah . The capital of Ammon (Deuteronomy 3:11 .Joshua 13:25; Joshua 13:25 ).

But David tarried . Note contrast with "kings" going forth, above, and this word "But".

Verse 2

washing = bathing. Probably in the court below.

Verse 3

Bath-sheba . Called Bath-shua, 1 Chronicles 3:5 .

Eliam . Called "Ammiel", 1 Chronicles 3:5 . The son of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 23:34 ).

Uriah . One of David's faithful soldiers (2 Samuel 23:39 . Married the daughter of Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3 ), who was the son of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 23:34 ). This relationship probably led to Ahithophel's disloyalty (2 Samuel 15:12 ).

Verse 4

for = and when.

purified . Compare Leviticus 15:18 . It is possible to be more punctilious about the ceremonial Law than the moral Law.

Verse 5

sent and told : that David might shield her from the death penalty (Leviticus 20:10 ).

Verse 9

door = entrance.

Verse 11

thy soul = thou (emph.) Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

men . Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .

Verse 17

men . Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 .

Verse 20

from = from off, as in 2 Samuel 11:24 .

Verse 21

Jerubbesheth (Judges 9:1 ) = Jerubbaal. Baal-lord, Bosheth = shame; changed by Holy Ghost here to suit his idolatry (Judges 8:27 ), and now David's sin. a woman, one of the ten deaths caused by a woman. See note, Judges 4:21 ,

piece = upper piece.

millstone . One of the "despised" things used. See note on Judges 3:21 ; Judges 9:53 .

Verse 23

entering = entrance.

Verse 25

displease thee = be evil in thine eyes. This event put David in Joab's power, which Joab freely used. David was not tongue-tied in 2 Samuel 3:29 ; but from now he had to endure Joab's insolence, being too suspicious to trust him, and too weak to dismiss him. Compare 2 Samuel 14:19 ; 2 Samuel 19:7 . 1 Kings 2:5 , 1 Kings 2:32 , 1 Kings 2:33 .

one as well as another = now this one, now that one.

Verse 26

mourned = made lamentations.

Verse 27

sent . Not till nine months after.

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .