Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 19

Introduction

Overview

2 Samuel 19:1, Joab causes the king to cease his mourning; 2 Samuel 19:9, The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back; 2 Samuel 19:11, David sends to the priests to incite them of Judah; 2 Samuel 19:18, Shimei is pardoned; 2 Samuel 19:24, Mephibosheth excused; 2 Samuel 19:32, Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king’s family; 2 Samuel 19:41, The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them.

Verse 1

2 Samuel 18:5, 2 Samuel 18:12, 2 Samuel 18:14, 2 Samuel 18:20, 2 Samuel 18:33, Proverbs 17:25

Verse 2

victory: Heb. salvation, or, deliverance

turned: Proverbs 16:15, Proverbs 19:12

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 14:1 - toward Absalom

Verse 3

into the city: 2 Samuel 19:32, 2 Samuel 17:24

steal: Genesis 31:27

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 19:8 - for Israel 2 Samuel 19:41 - stolen

Verse 4

covered: 2 Samuel 15:30

O my son: It is allowed by competent critics that the lamentation of David over his son, of which this forms a part, is exceedingly pathetic; and Calmet properly remarks, that the frequent repetition of the name of the deceased is common in the language of lamentation. 2 Samuel 18:33

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 14:1 - toward Absalom 1 Chronicles 3:2 - Absalom Job 9:24 - he covereth Jeremiah 14:3 - covered 1 Corinthians 11:4 - having

Verse 5

Thou hast: Every one must admit that David's immoderate grief for his rebellious son was imprudent, and that Joab's firm and sensible reproof was necessary to arouse him to a sense of his duty to his people: but, in his manner, Joab far exceeded the bounds of that reverence which a servant owes to his master, or a subject to his prince.

saved: Nehemiah 9:27, Psalms 3:8, Psalms 18:47, Psalms 18:48

Reciprocal: Judges 19:1 - a concubine 2 Samuel 3:24 - What hast 2 Samuel 19:13 - room of Joab 1 Kings 2:5 - Joab Psalms 34:5 - their

Verse 6

In that: etc. Heb. By loving, etc

thou regardest: etc. Heb. princes or servants are not to thee. then it had. 2 Samuel 3:24, 2 Samuel 3:25, Job 34:18, Proverbs 19:9, Proverbs 19:10, Acts 23:5

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:12 - Whose 2 Samuel 3:39 - too hard

Verse 7

comfortably unto thy: Heb. to the heart of thy, Genesis 34:3, Proverbs 19:15, Isaiah 40:1, Hosea 2:14, *marg.

there: Proverbs 14:28

all the evil: Psalms 71:4-6, Psalms 71:9-11, Psalms 71:18-20, Psalms 129:1, Psalms 129:2

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:39 - too hard 2 Samuel 20:6 - do us Proverbs 17:26 - to strike

Verse 8

sat in the gate: How prudently and mildly David took the reproof and counsel given him! He shook off his grief, anointed his head, and washed his face, that he might not appear unto men to mourn, and then made his appearance at the gate of the city, which was the public place of resort for the hearing of causes and giving judgment, as well as a place to ratify special bargains. Thither the people flocked to congratulate him on his and their safety, and that all was well. When we are convinced of a fault, we must amend, though we are told of it by our inferiors in a way which is peculiarly painful to our natural feelings. This ancient custom still obtains in the East; for when Dr. Pococke returned from viewing the town of ancient Byblus, he says, "The sheik and the elders were sitting in the gate of the city, after the ancient manner, and I sat awhile with them." 2 Samuel 18:4, 2 Samuel 18:24

for Israel: 2 Samuel 19:3, 2 Samuel 18:6-8, 1 Kings 22:36, 2 Kings 14:12

Verse 9

strife: Genesis 3:12, Genesis 3:13, Exodus 32:24, James 3:14-16

The king: 2 Samuel 8:10, 1 Samuel 17:50, 1 Samuel 18:5-7, 1 Samuel 18:25, 1 Samuel 19:5

he is fled: 2 Samuel 15:14

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 19:20 - Joseph 2 Samuel 19:43 - our advice 2 Samuel 22:44 - delivered Ecclesiastes 4:16 - they also

Verse 10

whom: 2 Samuel 15:12, 2 Samuel 15:13, Hosea 8:4

is dead: 2 Samuel 18:14

speak ye not a word: Heb. are ye silent, Judges 18:9

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 15:10 - reigneth 1 Kings 22:3 - still

Verse 11

sent: 2 Samuel 15:29, 2 Samuel 15:35, 2 Samuel 15:36, 1 Kings 2:25, 1 Kings 2:26, 1 Kings 2:35

Speak: 2 Corinthians 5:20

Why are: Matthew 5:16, 2 Thessalonians 3:9

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 2:4 - the men of Judah 2 Samuel 19:40 - all the people

Verse 12

my bones: 2 Samuel 5:1, Genesis 2:23, Judges 9:2, Ephesians 5:30

Reciprocal: Genesis 29:14 - art my 2 Samuel 19:42 - Because 1 Chronicles 11:1 - Behold

Verse 13

Amasa: 2 Samuel 17:25, 1 Chronicles 2:16, 1 Chronicles 2:17, 1 Chronicles 12:18

God: Ruth 1:17, 1 Kings 19:2

room of Joab: 2 Samuel 19:5-7, 2 Samuel 3:29, 2 Samuel 3:30, 2 Samuel 8:16, 2 Samuel 18:11

Reciprocal: Genesis 2:23 - bone Genesis 29:14 - art my Judges 9:2 - your bone 1 Samuel 3:17 - God 1 Samuel 14:44 - God 1 Samuel 20:13 - The Lord do 2 Samuel 3:9 - So do God 2 Samuel 3:39 - too hard 2 Samuel 5:1 - we 2 Samuel 20:4 - Amasa 2 Samuel 20:5 - So Amasa 1 Kings 2:23 - God 2 Kings 4:13 - to the captain 2 Kings 6:31 - God do so 1 Chronicles 11:1 - Behold

Verse 14

he bowed: The measures that he pursued were the best calculated that could be adopted for accomplishing this salutary end. David appears to take no notice of their infidelity, but rather to place confidence in them, that their confidence in him might be naturally excited; and to oblige them yet farther, purposes to make Amasa general of the army, instead of Joab.

even: Judges 20:1, Psalms 110:2, Psalms 110:3, Acts 4:32

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:12 - my hand 2 Samuel 19:43 - our advice 2 Samuel 22:44 - delivered

Verse 15

Gilgal: Joshua 5:9, 1 Samuel 11:14, 1 Samuel 11:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:46 - an heap 2 Samuel 20:2 - from Jordan

Verse 16

Shimei: It appears that Shimei was a powerful chieftain in the land; for he had here in his retinue no less than a thousand men. 2 Samuel 16:5-13, 1 Kings 2:8, 1 Kings 2:36-46

hasted: Job 2:4, Proverbs 6:4, Proverbs 6:5, Matthew 5:25

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:16 - Bahurim 2 Samuel 17:18 - Bahurim

Verse 17

Ziba: 2 Samuel 19:26, 2 Samuel 19:27, 2 Samuel 9:2, 2 Samuel 9:10, 2 Samuel 16:1-4

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 9:11 - Ziba

Verse 18

And there: The LXX connecting this the with preceding verse, render, ךבי ךבפוץטץםבם פןם ןסהבםחם ולנסןףטום פןץ גבףיכושע, ךבי וכויפןץסדחףבם פחם כויפןץסדיבם פןץ היבגיגבףבי פןם גבףיכוב, "and they made ready Jordan before the king, and did the necessary service to bring over the king."

The Vulgate has: et irrumpentes Jordanem, ante regem transierunt vada, ut traducerent domum regis, "and breaking into Jordan, they passed the fords before the king, to bring over the king's household." Josephus says they prepared a bridge over the Jordan, to facilitate his passage.

what he thought good: Heb. the good in his eyes

fell down: Psalms 66:3, Psalms 81:15, Revelation 3:9

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 18:7 - fell on Psalms 119:42 - have wherewith

Verse 19

And said: Ecclesiastes 10:4

Let not: 1 Samuel 22:15, Psalms 32:2, Romans 4:6-8, 2 Corinthians 5:19

remember: Psalms 79:8, Isaiah 43:25, Jeremiah 31:34

did perversely: 2 Samuel 16:5-9, 2 Samuel 16:10-14, Exodus 10:16, Exodus 10:17, 1 Samuel 26:21, Matthew 27:4

take it: 2 Samuel 13:20, 2 Samuel 13:33, 1 Samuel 25:25

Reciprocal: Numbers 12:11 - lay not Psalms 55:3 - for they Proverbs 19:6 - will Ecclesiastes 7:21 - take no heed James 5:16 - Confess

Verse 20

I am come: Psalms 78:34-37, Jeremiah 22:23, Hosea 5:15

Joseph: 2 Samuel 19:9, 2 Samuel 16:5, Genesis 48:14, Genesis 48:20, 1 Kings 12:20, 1 Kings 12:25, Hosea 4:15-17, Hosea 5:3

Reciprocal: Exodus 10:16 - I have 1 Kings 11:28 - the house Amos 5:6 - the house Obadiah 1:18 - the house of Joseph

Verse 21

Shall not: Exodus 22:28, 1 Kings 21:10, 1 Kings 21:11

cursed: 2 Samuel 16:5, 2 Samuel 16:7, 2 Samuel 16:13, 1 Samuel 24:6, 1 Samuel 26:9

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 18:12 - Moreover Job 31:31 - the men Job 34:17 - wilt Lamentations 4:20 - the anointed James 3:9 - therewith curse

Verse 22

What have: 2 Samuel 3:39, 2 Samuel 16:10, 1 Samuel 26:8, Matthew 8:29

shall there any man: 1 Samuel 11:13, Isaiah 16:5, Luke 9:54-56

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 17:18 - What have I 1 Chronicles 2:16 - the sons of 1 Chronicles 18:12 - Moreover Job 2:10 - Thou speakest Job 31:31 - the men Jeremiah 38:5 - for Matthew 16:23 - Satan Mark 8:33 - he rebuked Luke 9:55 - and rebuked John 2:4 - what

Verse 23

Thou shalt: 1 Kings 2:8, 1 Kings 2:9, 1 Kings 2:37, 1 Kings 2:46

sware: 1 Samuel 28:10, 1 Samuel 30:15, Hebrews 6:16

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 25:24 - sware to them

Verse 24

Mephibosheth: 2 Samuel 9:6, 2 Samuel 16:3

dressed his feet: Literally, made his feet, which seems to mean washing the feet paring the nails, and perhaps anointing or otherwise perfuming them, if not tinging the nails with henna; see note on Deuteronomy 21:12. Sir John Chardin, in his manuscript note on this place, informs us, that it is customary in the East to have as much care of the feet as the hands; and that their barbers cut and adjust the nails with a proper instrument, because they often go barefoot. The nails of the toes of the mummies inspected in London in 1763, of which an account is given in the Philosophical Transactions for 1764, seem to have been tinged with some reddish colour. 2 Samuel 15:30, Isaiah 15:2, Jeremiah 41:5, Matthew 6:16, Romans 12:15, Hebrews 13:3

trimmed: Literally, made his beard, which may mean, combing, curling, and perfuming it. But Mr. Morier says that they almost universally dye the beard black, by successive layers of a paste made of henna, and another made of the leaf of the indigo: the first tinging with an orange colour, and the next with a dark bottle green, which becomes jet black when exposed to the air for twenty-four hours.

Reciprocal: Genesis 28:21 - I come Genesis 41:14 - he shaved Exodus 33:4 - and no 1 Chronicles 8:34 - Meribbaal Proverbs 18:13 - that Proverbs 18:17 - General Proverbs 27:10 - own Ecclesiastes 9:8 - thy garments Daniel 6:18 - and passed Daniel 10:3 - neither did

Verse 25

Wherefore: 2 Samuel 16:17

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 21:7 - Mephibosheth

Verse 26

I will saddle: 2 Samuel 16:2, 2 Samuel 16:3

thy servant: 2 Samuel 4:4

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 9:3 - yet a son 2 Samuel 9:11 - According 2 Samuel 19:17 - Ziba 1 Kings 13:13 - General Proverbs 30:10 - Accuse not

Verse 27

slandered: 2 Samuel 16:3, Exodus 20:16, Psalms 15:3, Psalms 101:5, Jeremiah 9:4

as an angel: 2 Samuel 14:17, 2 Samuel 14:20, 1 Samuel 29:9

Reciprocal: Exodus 23:1 - shalt not 2 Samuel 9:2 - was Ziba 2 Samuel 19:17 - Ziba Proverbs 30:10 - Accuse not Galatians 4:14 - an angel Ephesians 4:31 - evil speaking

Verse 28

were: Genesis 32:10

dead men: Heb. men of death, 1 Samuel 26:16

didst thou: 2 Samuel 9:7, 2 Samuel 9:8, 2 Samuel 9:10, 2 Samuel 9:13

to cry: 2 Kings 8:3

Reciprocal: Ruth 2:10 - Why have 1 Samuel 20:31 - shall surely die 1 Kings 2:7 - eat Job 2:10 - shall we receive Proverbs 27:10 - own Luke 22:30 - eat

Verse 29

Why speakest: Job 19:16, Job 19:17, Proverbs 18:13, Acts 18:15

Thou: Deuteronomy 19:17-19, Psalms 82:2, Psalms 101:5

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 9:9 - I have given

Verse 30

Yea: 2 Samuel 1:26, Acts 20:24, Philippians 1:20

Reciprocal: Genesis 28:21 - I come Judges 11:36 - forasmuch Proverbs 18:24 - that hath Luke 6:29 - and him

Verse 31

1 Kings 2:7, Ezra 2:61, Nehemiah 7:63

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 17:27 - Barzillai

Verse 32

fourscore: Genesis 5:27, Genesis 9:29, Genesis 25:7, Genesis 47:28, Genesis 50:26, Deuteronomy 34:7, Psalms 90:3-10, Proverbs 16:31

provided: 2 Samuel 17:27

for he was: 1 Samuel 25:2, Job 1:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 47:9 - have not Joshua 21:38 - Mahanaim 1 Samuel 9:1 - power 2 Samuel 16:1 - with a couple 2 Samuel 19:3 - into the city 2 Kings 4:8 - a great woman 2 Kings 4:13 - to the king 2 Kings 15:20 - the mighty 1 Chronicles 6:80 - Mahanaim Daniel 2:48 - a great Matthew 25:17 - he also

Verse 33

Come thou: 2 Samuel 9:11, Matthew 25:34-40, Luke 22:28-30, 2 Thessalonians 1:7

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 9:7 - eat bread

Verse 34

How long have I to live: Heb. How many days are the years of my life, Genesis 47:9, Job 14:14, Psalms 39:5, Psalms 39:6, 1 Corinthians 7:29, James 4:14

Verse 35

can I discern: Job 6:30, Job 12:11, Hebrews 5:14, 1 Peter 2:3

taste: Ecclesiastes 12:1-5

I hear: Ezra 2:65, Nehemiah 7:67, Exodus 2:8, Exodus 12:4

a burden: 2 Samuel 13:25, 2 Samuel 15:33

Reciprocal: Psalms 71:9 - when Psalms 90:10 - yet Ecclesiastes 2:8 - men singers Ecclesiastes 12:4 - all Luke 7:25 - are in

Verse 36

the king: Luke 6:38

Verse 37

Let thy: The whole of this little episode is extremely interesting, and contains an affecting description of the infirmities of old age. The venerable and kind Barzillai was fourscore years old; his ear was become dull of hearing, and his relish for even royal dainties was gone: the evil days had arrived in which he was constrained to say, "I have no pleasure in them" - Ecclesiastes 12:1. As he was too old either to enjoy the pleasures of a court, or to be of any further service to the king, he finishes his affecting address to the aged monarch with the request, that he would suffer him to enjoy what old men naturally desire, to "die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and mother;" at the same time commending his son Chimham to his kind offices.

I may die: Genesis 48:21, Joshua 23:14, Luke 2:29, Luke 2:30, 2 Timothy 4:6, 2 Peter 1:14

by the grave: Genesis 47:30, Genesis 49:29-31, Genesis 50:13, 1 Kings 13:22

Chimham: 2 Samuel 19:40, 1 Kings 2:7, Jeremiah 41:17

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 4:5 - the king's Philemon 1:10 - my son

Verse 38

require: Heb. choose, 2 Samuel 19:38

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 4:5 - the king's Jeremiah 41:17 - Chimham Philemon 1:10 - my son

Verse 39

the king: The kiss was the token of friendship and farewell; the blessing was a prayer to God for his prosperity: probably a prophetical benediction.

kissed Barzillai: Genesis 31:55, Genesis 45:15, Ruth 1:14, 1 Kings 19:20, Acts 20:37, 1 Thessalonians 5:26

blessed: 2 Samuel 6:18, 2 Samuel 6:20, 2 Samuel 13:25, Genesis 14:19, Genesis 28:3, Genesis 47:7, Genesis 47:10, Luke 2:34

returned: Genesis 31:55, Numbers 24:25, 1 Samuel 24:22

Reciprocal: Genesis 29:13 - kissed Exodus 18:23 - and all this 1 Samuel 10:1 - kissed him 1 Samuel 20:41 - and they kissed 2 Samuel 14:22 - thanked Luke 7:45 - gavest

Verse 40

Chimham: Heb. Chimhan

all the people: 2 Samuel 19:11-15, Genesis 49:10, Matthew 21:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:46 - an heap 2 Samuel 19:37 - Chimham 2 Samuel 20:2 - from Jordan

Verse 41

Why have: Judges 8:1, Judges 12:1, John 7:5, John 7:6

stolen: 2 Samuel 19:3, Genesis 31:26, Genesis 31:27

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:12 - my hand 2 Samuel 18:7 - the people 2 Samuel 20:1 - And there 2 Samuel 20:2 - every man Proverbs 17:14 - beginning Proverbs 26:4 - General Ecclesiastes 10:13 - beginning

Verse 42

Because: 2 Samuel 19:12, 2 Samuel 5:1, 1 Chronicles 2:3-17

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 2:4 - the men of Judah 1 Chronicles 12:39 - eating and drinking

Verse 43

We have: 2 Samuel 20:1, 2 Samuel 20:6, 1 Kings 12:16

ten parts: 2 Samuel 5:1, Proverbs 13:10

despise us: Heb. set us at light

our advice: 2 Samuel 19:9, 2 Samuel 19:14, Galatians 5:20, Galatians 5:26, Philippians 2:3

the words: Judges 8:1, Judges 9:23, Judges 12:1-6, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 17:14, Proverbs 18:19, Romans 12:21, Galatians 5:15, Galatians 5:20, James 1:20, James 3:2-10, James 3:14-16, James 4:1-5, Whatever value or respect the men of Israel at this time professed for their king, they would not have quarrelled so fiercely about their own credit and interest in recalling him, if they had been truly sorry for their former rebellion.

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 12:13 - answered 2 Chronicles 25:10 - great anger Proverbs 15:18 - wrathful Ecclesiastes 7:9 - hasty Ephesians 4:31 - clamour James 3:6 - the tongue