2 Samuel 15

2Sa 15:1-9.

ABSALOM

STEALS THE

HEARTS OF

ISRAEL.

1. Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run

before him--This was assuming the state and equipage of a prince. The

royal guards, called runners, avant couriers, amounted to fifty

(1Ki 1:5).

The chariot, as the Hebrew indicates, was of a magnificent style; and

the horses, a novelty among the Hebrew people, only introduced in that

age as an appendage of royalty

(Ps 32:9; 66:12),

formed a splendid retinue, which would make him "the observed of all

observers."

2-6. Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the

gate--Public business in the East is always transacted early in the

morning--the kings sitting an hour or more to hear causes or receive

petitions, in a court held anciently, and in many places still, in the

open air at the city gateway; so that, as those whose circumstances led

them to wait on King David required to be in attendance on his morning

levees, Absalom had to rise up early and stand beside the way of the

gate. Through the growing infirmities of age, or the occupation of his

government with foreign wars, many private causes had long lain

undecided, and a deep feeling of discontent prevailed among the people.

This dissatisfaction was artfully fomented by Absalom, who addressed

himself to the various suitors; and after briefly hearing their tale,

he gratified everyone with a favorable opinion of his case. Studiously

concealing his ambitious designs, he expressed a wish to be invested

with official power, only that he might accelerate the course of

justice and advance the public interests. His professions had an air of

extraordinary generosity and disinterestedness, which, together with

his fawning arts in lavishing civilities on all, made him a popular

favorite. Thus, by forcing a contrast between his own display of public

spirit and the dilatory proceedings of the court, he created a growing

disgust with his father's government, as weak, careless, or corrupt,

and seduced the affections of the multitude, who neither penetrated the

motive nor foresaw the tendency of his conduct.

7-9. after forty years--It is generally admitted that an error has

here crept into the text, and that instead of "forty," we should read

with the Syriac and Arabic versions, and

JOSEPHUS, "four years"--that

is, after Absalom's return to Jerusalem, and his beginning to practice

the base arts of gaining popularity.

my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord--during his exile in Geshur.

The purport of it was, that whenever God's providence should pave the

way for his re-establishment in Jerusalem, he would offer a sacrifice

of thanksgiving. Hebron was the spot selected for the performance of

this vow, ostensibly as being his native place

(2Sa 3:3),

and a famous high place, where sacrifices were frequently offered

before the temple was built; but really as being in many respects the

most suitable for the commencement of his rebellious enterprise. David,

who always encouraged piety and desired to see religious engagements

punctually performed, gave his consent and his blessing.

2Sa 15:10-12.

HE

FORMS A

CONSPIRACY.

10. Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of

Israel--These emissaries were to sound the inclination of the

people, to further the interests of Absalom, and exhort all the

adherents of his party to be in readiness to join his standard as soon

as they should hear that he had been proclaimed king. As the summons

was to be made by the sound of trumpets, it is probable that care had

been taken to have trumpeters stationed on the heights, and at

convenient stations--a mode of announcement that would soon spread the

news over all the country of his inauguration to the throne.

11. with Absalom went two hundred men . . . that were called--From

their quality, reputation, and high standing, such as would create the

impression that the king patronized the movement and, being aged and

infirm, was willing to adopt his oldest and noblest son to divide with

him the cares and honors of government.

12. Absalom sent for Ahithophel--who he knew was ready to join the

revolt, through disgust and revenge, as Jewish writers assert, at

David's conduct towards Bath-sheba, who was his granddaughter.

Giloh--near Hebron.

the conspiracy was strong--The rapid accession of one place after

another in all parts of the kingdom to the party of the insurgents,

shows that deep and general dissatisfaction existed at this time

against the person and government of David. The remnant of Saul's

partisans, the unhappy affair of Bath-sheba, the overbearing insolence

and crimes of Joab, negligence and obstruction in the administration of

justice--these were some of the principal causes that contributed to

the success of this widespread insurrection.

2Sa 15:13-37.

DAVID

FLEES FROM

JERUSALEM.

14. David said . . . Arise, and let us flee--David, anxious for the

preservation of the city which he had beautified, and hopeful of a

greater support throughout the country, wisely resolved on leaving

Jerusalem.

18-20. all the Gittites, six hundred men--These were a body of foreign

guards, natives of Gath, whom David, when in the country of the

Philistines, had enlisted in his service, and kept around his person.

Addressing their commander, Ittai, he made a searching trial of their

fidelity in bidding them

(2Sa 15:19)

abide with the new king.

23. the brook Kidron--a winter torrent that flows through the valley

between the city and the eastern side of the Mount of Olives.

24, 25. Zadok also, and all the Levites . . ., bearing the ark--Knowing

the strong religious feelings of the aged king, they brought it to

accompany him in his distress. But as he could not doubt that both the

ark and their sacred office would exempt them from the attacks of the

rebels, he sent them back with it--not only that they might not be

exposed to the perils of uncertain wandering, for he seems to place

more confidence in the symbol of the divine presence than in God

Himself--but that, by remaining in Jerusalem, they might render him

greater service by watching the enemy's movements.

30. David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet--The same pathway

over that mount has been followed ever since that memorable day.

had his head covered--with a mourning wrapper. The humility and

resignation of David marked strongly his sanctified spirit, induced by

contrition for his transgressions. He had fallen, but it was the fall

of the upright; and he rose again, submitting himself meekly in the

meantime to the will of God [CHALMERS].

31. David said, Turn, O Lord, . . . the counsel of Ahithophel--this

senator being the mainstay of the conspiracy.

32. when David was come to the top of the mount, where he

worshipped--looking towards Jerusalem, where were the ark and

tabernacle.

Hushai the Archite--A native of Archi, on the frontiers of Benjamin

and Ephraim

(Jos 16:2).

Comparing the prayer against Ahithophel with the counsel to Hushai, we

see how strongly a spirit of fervent piety was combined in his

character with the devices of an active and far-seeing policy.