7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me: and I answered, † Here am I. 8 And he said unto me, Who art thou! And I answered him, I am Pan Amalekite. 9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me; for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. 10 So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord. T Heb. Behold me. 9:6. 1 Sam. 22:12. p Gen. 14:7. Ex. 17:8-16. Num. 24: Is. 6:8. marg. 65:1. 20. Deut. 25:17-19. 1 Sam. 15:3. 27:8. 30:1,13. Or, my coat of mail, or, my embroid ered coat hindereth me, that my, &c. q Judg. 9:54. 1 Sam. 31:4,5. r 12:30. Lam, 5:16. B 3:31. 13:31. Gen. 37:29,34. Acta 14:14. issue of the war was, for multitudes resorted to him, it should seem, in consequence; but he was desirous to know the certainty of it concerning Saul and Jonathan, either because he was not forward to believe it, or because he would not proceed upon it, to make his own claims, till he was fully assured of it. The young man, therefore, puts it past doubt that Saul was dead, for he himself had been an instrument of his death, therefore David might rely on his testimony. He says nothing of Jonathan, knowing how ungrateful his death would be to David, but accounts only for Saul, thinking (as David understood it well enough, ch. 4: 10.) that he should be welcome for that, and rewarded, as one that brought good tidings. 1. His account is very particular: that he happened to go to the place where Saul was, (v. 6.) as a passenger, not as a soldier, and therefore an indifferent person; that he found Saul endeavoring to run himself through with his own spear. The margin reads the phrase, Anguish is come upon me, as a complaint of the inconvenience of his clothes; his coat of mail, or his embroidered coat, hindered him, that he could not get the spear far enough into his body, or so straitened him, now that his body swelled with anguish, that he could not expire. Let no man's clothes be his pride, for they may be his burden and snare. 'Hereupon,' saith our young man, 'I stood upon him, and slew him;' (v. 10.) at which word, perhaps, he observed David look with displeasure, and therefore excuses it, in the next words; for I was sure he could not live; his life was whole in him indeed, but he would certainly have fallen into the hands of the Philistines, or given himself another thrust.' 2. It is doubtful whether this story be true. If it was, the righteousness of God is to be observed, that Saul, who spared the Amalekites, in contempt of the divine command, received his death wound from an Amalekite. But most interpreters think it false, and that he told it to David, in ex pectation that he would have rewarded him, as having done him a good service. They who rejoice at the fall of an enemy, are apt to measure others by themselves, and to think they will do so too. But a man after God's own heart, is not to be judged of by common men. I am not clear whether this young man's story were true or no; it may consist with the narrative in the ch. before, and be an addition to it, as Peter's account of the death of Judas, Acts 1: 18. is to the narrative, Mat. 27: 5. What is there called a sword, may here be called a spear; or, when he fell on his sword, he leaned on his spear. 3. However, he produced what was proof sufficient of the death of Saul, his crown and bracelet. These Saul was so foolishly fond of, as to wear in the field of battle, which made him a fair mark for the archers; but as pride (we say) feels no cold, so it fears no danger from that which gratifies it. Saul spared the best of the Amalekite's spoil, and now the best of his came to one of that devoted nation. He brought them to David, as the rightful owner of them now that Saul was dead, not doubting but, by his officiousness herein, to recommend himself to the best preferments in his court or camp. The tradition of the Jews, that this Amalekite was the son of Doeg, is a groundless conceit; Doeg's son, it is likely, was so well known to Saul, that he needed not ask him as he did, (v. 8.) Who art thou? David had been long waiting for the crown, and now it is brought him by an Amalekite. See how God can serve his own purpose of kindness to his people, even by designing (ill-designing) men, who aim at nothing but to set up themselves. V. 11-16. I. So far was David from falling into a transport of joy, as the Amalekite expected, that he falls into a passion of weeping, rent his clothes, (v. 11.) mourned and fasted, (v. 12.) not only for his people Israel, and Jonathan his Verse 9. Anguish, &c.] Following the marginal reading, which seems to give the true meaning, the Amalekite describes, with great particularity, (almost as if he had wholly invented a set of plausible circum friend, but for Saul his enemy. This he did, not only as a man of honor, in observance of that decorum which forbids us to insult over the fallen, and requires us to attend our relations to the grave with respect, whatever we lost by their life, or got by their death; but as a good man, and a man of conscience, that had forgiven Saul's injuries, and bore him no malice. He knew before his son wrote it, that if we rejoice when our enemy falls, the Lord sees it, and it displeases Him; and, that he who is glad at calamities, shall not go unpunished. By this it appears, that those passages in David's psalms, which express his desire of, and triumph in, the ruin of his enemies, proceed not from a spirit of revenge, or any irregular passion, but from a holy zeal for the glory of God and the public good; for by what he did here, when he heard of Saul's death, we may perceive his natural temper was very tender, and he kindly affected even to those that hated him. He was very sincere, and his passion so strong, on this occasion, that it moved those about him; probably, it was a religious fast, they humbled themselves under the hand of God, and prayed for the repairing of the breaches made upon Israel by this defeat. II. The reward he gave to him that brought the tidings; instead of preferring him, he put him to death: judged him, out of his own mouth, as a murderer of his prince, and ordered him forthwith to be executed for the same. Now, 1. David herein did justly. For, (1.) The man was an Amalekite. This, he made him own a second time, v. 13. That nation, and all that belonged to it, were doomed to destruction; so that, in slaying him, David did what his predecessor should have done, and was rejected for not doing. (2.) He did himself confess the crime, so that the evidence was, by the consent of all laws, sufficient to convict him; for every man is presumed to make the best of himself: and by boasting of it to David, he showed what opinion he had of him, that he would rejoice in it, as one altogether like himself, which was an intolerable affront to him, who had once and again refused to stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed. And his lying to David, if indeed it were a lie, was highly criminal, and proved, as sooner or later that sin will prove, lying against his own head. 2. He did honorably and well. Hereby he demonstrated the sincerity of his grief; discouraged all others from thinking, by doing the like, to ingratiate themselves with him; and did what might, probably, oblige the house of Saul, win upon them, and recommend him to the people, as one zealous for public justice, without regard to private interest. We may learn from it, that to give assistance to any in murdering themselves, directly or indirectly, if done wittingly, incurs the guilt of blood; and that the lives of princes ought to be, in a special manner, precious to us. V. 17-27. We have here a poem David wrote on the occasion of Saul's death; by which he designed both to express his own sorrow for this great calamity, and to impress the like on the minds of others, who ought to lay it to heart. I. The orders David gave with this elegy, v. 18. Not but that the children of Judah knew how to use the bow; but, perhaps, they had of late made more use of slings, as David, in killing Goliath, because cheaper; now, 1. David would have them return to the use of the bow, that they might be in a capacity to avenge the death of their prince on the Philistines, and to outdo them at their own weapon, 1 Sam. 31: 3. David hereby showed his authority over,and concern for, the armies of Israel, and set himself to rectify the errors of the former reign. But we find that the companies now come to David to Ziklag, were armed with bows; (1 Chron. 12: 2.) therefore, 2. Some understand it, either of some musical instrument called a bow, to which he would have the mournful ditties sung, or, of the elegy itself; he bade them teach the children of stances,) how Saul, having wounded himself, complains that the texture of his coat of mail (shebets) would not permit his blood to flow freely from the wound: i. e. his life (for the life was thought to reside in the blood) was yet whole in him. The cut of a coat of mail, from Judah, Kesheth, the bow, i. e. this song, which was so 1. He was very generous to Saul, his sworn ene- II. The elegy itself. It is not a divine hymn, nor given by inspiration of God, but a human composition; therefore it was inserted, not in the book of Psalms, which, being of Divine original, is preserved; but in the book of Jasher, which, being only a collection of comanon poems, is long since lost. excellent spirit, in four things. LORD'S anointed. [Practical Observations.] 18 (Also he bade them h 20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; * lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, x 8. y Num. 12:8. 1 Sam. 31:4. 2 Pet. 2: a 4:10-12. Judg. 8:20. 1 Sam. 22:17, 18. 1 Kings 2:25,34,46. b Gen. 9:5,6. Iev. 20:9,11-13,16,27. c Job 15:6. Prov. 6:2. Luke 19:22. d Gen. 50:11. 2 Chr. 35:25. Jer. 9:17 -21. himself as by it intrusted with more talents, surrounded by greater temptations, and called to increasing cares, duties, and burdens. Those therefore will be deceived, who court his favor, as sycophants, and will meet with a rebuke, and perhaps punishment, where they expected a large reward: and this treatment of such mercenary men promises a useful and honorable possession of worldly pre-eminence. SCOTT. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-16. Many secretly wish for the death of those who keep them from honors or estates, without excepting even their nearest relations; but the grace of God subdues this base disposition, and the true believer does not allow himself to desire, or to rejoice in, the ca.amity or death of a rival or an enemy; (Note, Prov. 24: 17, 18.) much less of a kind and superior relation. Nor can he exult in the prospect of worldly advancement; for he considers ancient Egyptian monuments, will show the texture of those used in Egypt; and probably Saul, as king, had his dress of the best manufacture that could be procured, and that was, doubtless, at that time, Egyptian. Braunius transl. shebets, tunica scutulata, Jun. and Trem. ocellata chlamys' Gill. ED. Verse 10. Crown.] Probably no more than a royal fillet. [Cuts, 2 Chron. 12: 8, &c.] It is sometimes customary in the east for a sovereign to give a crown and bracelets, when investing others with authority over certain provinces. Did Saul receive them, in token of being God's vicegerent, and that he held the kingdom from Him alone? Dr. A. CLARKE. The bracelets are ornaments fastened above the elbows, (cut, Gen. 41: 42, 43.] composed of precious stones of great value, and are worn only by the king and his sons.' MORIER. Verses 19-27. This elegy contains little directly relating to religion; but it is highly poetical. The wish that neither rain nor dew might fructify the fields, on which the fatal battle was fought; and that no sacrifices might thence be brought to the altar of God, because there the anointed of the LORD had cast away his shield, as a common soldier, is a strong expression of regret. The harmony, which generally subsisted between Saul and Jonathan, in warring against the enemies of Israel; their impetuosity and fury; and their falling in the same battle, are touched in a very poetical manner. Probably Saul had encouraged the manufactures of Israel, and perhaps had increased their wealth: the daughters of Israel therefore, as most delighted with external embellishment, are called upon to lament over their prince. Every thing is mentioned in his commendation, which truth permitted: but Jonathan is named with most passionate affection; as having fallen upon the high places, where he had often successfully displayed his valor; and as having shown a strong and faithful affection, in such trying circumstances, and in so disinterested a manner, as could not be equalled by any instances of conjugal fidelity, or the most constant love which had ever subsisted between the sexes. SCOTT. (19.) Beauty.] Tsebi, lit. antelope, used metaphorically in the east for beauty. O antelope of Israel, pierced on thine own mountains.' GEDDES, and BOOTHR. (19-27.) This inimitable lamentation is justly admired as a picture of distress, the most tender and the most striking; unequally divided by grief into longer and shorter breaks, as nature could pour them forth from a mind interrupted by the alternate recurrences of the most lively images of love and greatness. It is almost impossible to read the noble original without finding every word swollen with a sigh, or broken with a sob. A heart eloquent with distress, and striving to utter expressions descriptive of its feelings, (which are repeatedly interrupted by an excess of grief,) is most sensibly painted throughout the whole.' Dr. A. CLARKE. (21.) Vilely.) 'It was always reckoned very scandalous, and a great crime, ever punishable with death, to cast away a shield, both with the Greeks, ancient Germans, &c.' GILL. So the Spartan mother told her son, to return from battle' with his shield, or upon it.' ED. Not.] 'Heb. beli, I read keley, instruments, weapons. So Soncini bible, A. D. 1488, and 1 Kennicott ms. of A. D. 1200. Neither the Syr. Arab. nor Chal. acknowledge the negative particle: the Heb. b. closely resembles the k. Thus altered, the verse will read, "The shield of Saul, weapons anointed with oil." Dr. A. CLARKE. Gill supposes shields were anointed, to cause missiles to glance off them, referring to Is. 21:5. Gerson refers to the anointing of shields, &c. when laid aside, to keep them from rust. ED. lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. 21 Ye mountains of Gilboa, "let there be no dew, neither let there be rain upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been P anointed with oil. 22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. 23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and * * pleasant in their lives, and in their death 'they were not divided: they were 'swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. t 24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. the affections of his subjects, v. 23. Jonathan a fine imagination, as well as wise and holy. The 2. He was very grateful to Jonathan, his sworn 3. He was deeply concerned for the honor of 25 How are the God; which he has an eye to, when he fears lest mighty fallen in the the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph over midst of the battle! O Israel, and the God of Israel, v. 20. Good men Jonathan, thou wast are touched very sensibly by the reproaches of slain in thine high pla- them that reproach God. CHAP. II. Here we have an account of a civil war in Israel, which,in process of time, ended in the complete settlement of David on the throne. V. 1-7. When Saul and Jonathan were dead, though David knew himself anointed to be king, and now saw his way very clear, yet he did not immediately send messengers through all the coasts of Israel, to suminon all people to come in and swear allegiance to him, on pain of death, but proceeded leisurely; for he that believeth, doth not make haste; and he that will rule with ineekness, will not rise with violence. Observe here, I. He doubted not of success, yet he uses proper means, both divine [v. 1.] and human, [v. 5—7.] Assurance of hope in God's promise, so far from slackening, will quicken pious endeavors. 1. David, according to the precept, acknowledged God in his way: inquired by the breast-plate of judg ment, Abiathar brought. We must apply to God, not only when in distress, but even when the world smiles on us, and second causes work in our favor. Shall I go up? God, according to the promise, directed his path. Hebron, a priest's city, with the sepulchres of the patriarchs adjoining, would remind him of the ancient promise, on which God had caused him to hope. God sent him, not to Beth-lehem his own city, because that was little among the thousands of Judah; but to Hebron, a more considerable place, and which, perhaps, was then as the county town of that tribe. II. His care of his family and friends in his 4. He was deeply concerned for the public wel-remove, v. 2, 3. It does not appear, that as yet fare. It was the beauty of Israel that was slain, he had any children; his first-born was in Hebron, (v. 19.) and the honor of the public that was dis- ch. 3: 2. His friends and followers had accomgraced; the mighty are fallen, that is three times panied him in his wanderings, therefore, when he lamented, (v. 19, 25, 27.) and so the strength of gained a settlement, they settled with him: so to the people is weakened. Public losses are most those who continue with Christ in his temptations, laid to heart by men of public spirit. He appoints a kingdom, and will feast them at his b David here shows himself also to be a man of own table. ND it came to pass vid inquired of the 2 So David went up 1 1 Sam. 17:26,36. 31:4. m 1 Sam. 31:1. 1 Chr. 10:1,8. n Judg. 5:23. Job 3:3-8. Is. 5:6. Jer. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 17-27. The faults even of our enemies should not be needlessly exposed, and the offices and rank of distinguished persons are entitled to respect, though their characters do not deserve our esteem.-Useful endowments are conferred on numbers who are destitute of true piety; and it is in some cases allowable and decent to give them due commendation: yet we must on no account praise them for virtues which they do not possess.-The calamities of the Lord's people, and the triumphs of his enemies, always grieve the hearts of true believers; and it would be well, if many things which continually occur among professed Christians could be concealed from infidels and profligates, who are exceedingly hardened and emboldened by them. NOTES. CHAP. II. V. 1. Hebron.] One of the richest regions in Judea. The mountains of Hebron were famed for fruits, herbage, and honey; r1 Sam. 31:2-5. 8 2:18. Deut. 28:49. 1 Chr. 12:8. Job t 23:20. Judg. 14:18. Prov. 30:30. * 19,27. Lam, 5:16. y Judg. 5:18. 1 Sam. 14:13-15. a 5:19,23. Num. 27:21. Judg. 1:1. 1 b 5:1-3. 15:7. Gen. 23:2. Num. 13: 22. Josh. 14:14,15. 1 Kings 2:11, 1 Chr. 29:27. c 1 Sam. 25:42,43. 30:5. Luke 22:28, 29. But it is not enough to conceal offences. Indeed the wish to do and many parts were well adapted for vines, olives, and different kinds 3 And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul, 5 And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have showed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. 6 And now the LORD show kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing. 7 Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them. 8 But Abner the son of Ner, captain of † Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to ℗ Mahanaiın; III. The honor done him by the men of Judah, | Israel but 2 years: either before those 2 years, or v. 4. Judah had often stood by itself, more than after, or both, it was in general for the house of any other of the tribes; (1 Sam. 15: 4.) and had Saul, (ch. 3: 6.) and not any particular person been used to act separately; they did so now; of that house, that Abner declared. Or, these they did not pretend to anoint him king over all two years he reigned, before the war broke out, Israel, (as Judg. 9: 22.) but only over the house (v. 12.) which continued long, even the remainof Judah; the rest of the tribes might do as they ing 5 years, ch. 3: 1. pleased, but as for them and their house, they would be ruled by him whom God had chosen. See how David rose gradually; he was first anointed king in reversion, then, in possession, of the kingdom of the Son of David is set up by deone tribe only, and, at last, of all the tribes: thus grees; He is Lord of all, by divine designation, but we see not yet all things put under Him. IV. His respectful message to the men of Jabesh-gilead, to thank them for their kindness to Saul. Still he studies to honor the memory of his predecessor, and thereby to show, that he was far from aiming at the crown from any principle of ambition, or enmity to Saul, but purely because called of God to it. Perhaps some thought he would have been displeased at them as over-officious. But he commended them for it, v. 5. He prays God to bless and recompense them for it. Due respect and affection showed to the bodies, names, and families, of those that are dead, in conscience toward God, is a piece of charity, which shall in nowise lose its reward. He promises to make them amends for it, also will requite you. And finally, he prudently takes this opportunity to gain them to his interest, v. 7. Judah has anointed me king, and it will be your wisdom to concur with them, and in that to be valiant. We must not so dote on the dead, as to neglect or despise the blessings we have in those whom God has raised up to us in their stead. V. 8-17. Here is, I. A rivalship between two kings; David, whom God made king, and Ish-bosheth, whom Abner made king. Such a II. A rencounter between their two armies. It does not appear that either side brought their whole force into the field, for the slaughter was but small, v. 30, 31. We may wonder, 1. That vigorously for David; but, it is likely, David the men of Julah did not appear and act more would not suffer them, choosing rather to wait till God should give him the crown, without the effusion of Israelitish blood; for to him, as a type f Christ, that was very precious, Ps. 72. 14. Even those that were his adversaries he looked upon as his subjects, and would treat them accordingly. 2. That the men of Israel could sit down tamely under Ish-bosheth, for so many years, especially considering what characters many of the tribes displayed at this time, as we find, 1 Chron. 12: 23, &c. Wise men, mighty men, men of valor, expert in war, and not of double heart. But Divine Providence serves its own purposes, by the stupidity of men at some times, and the activity of the same persons at other times; they are unlike themselves, and yet the motions of Providence uniform. (1.) Abner was the aggressor, and the seat of the war Gibeon; Abuer chose it, because it was in the lot of Benjamin, where Saul had the most friends; yet, since he offered battle, Joab, David's general, would not decline it, but there joined issue with him, and met him by the pool of Gibcon, v. 13. would be decisive, but would not be hectored by his antagonist. How many precious lives have thus been sacrificed to the caprice of proud men! (2.) It should seem the trial between 12 and 12 of a side began in sport as a trial of skill, as gladiators: (v. 14.) perhaps, Saul had used his men spirit of contradiction is there, in the devices of to these barbarous pastimes, like a tyrant indeed, men, to the counsels of God, that such a weak and and Abner had learned it of him. He meant,' Let silly thing as Ish-bosheth, who was not thought them fight before us,' when he said, 'Let them fit to go with his father to the battle, shall yet be play before us;' fools thus make a mock at sin. thought fit to succeed him in the government, But he is unworthy the name of a man, that can rather than David shall come peaceably to it. be thus prodigal of human blood. Joab, having Herein David's kingdom was typical of the Mes- been bred up under David, had so much wisdom siah's, against which the heathens rage, and the as not to make such a proposal, yet not resolution rulers take counsel. 1. Since they must have a enough to refuse a challenge when another made king like the nations, the crown must descend it. Therefore he said, Let them arise; not that as with them from father to son. See how much he was fond of the sport, or expected the duels mischief one man may be the occasion of Ish9 And made him king bosheth would never have set up himself, if Abner over Gilead, and over had not set him up, and made a tool of him to the Ashurites, and over serve his own purposes. 2. Mahanaim was the Jezreel, and over Eph- other side Jordan, where it was thought David place where he first made his claim. On the raim, and over Benja- had the least interest, and being at a distance from min, and over all Israel. his forces, they might have time to strengthen 10 Ish-bosheth Saul's themselves. But, having set up his standard there, son was forty years old the unthinking people of all the tribes of Israel, when he began to reign that is, the generality of them, submitted to him, over Israel, and reigned This was a further trial of the faith of David in (v. 9.) and Judah only was entire for David. two years: but the house the promise of God, and of his patience, whether of Judah followed Da- he could wait God's time for the performance of vid. that promise. 3. Some difficulty there is about the time of the continuance of this competition. David reigned over Judah only, about 7 years; (v. 11.) and yet (v. 10.) Ish-bosheth reigned over 11 And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house di Sam. 22:2. 27:2,3. 30:9,10. 1 Chr. 12:1,&c. Joah. 21:11,12. f 19:11,42. Gen. 49:8-16. 7. 5:3,17. 1 Sam. 16:13. 1 Chr. 11:3. as Rama.' h1 Sam. 31:11-13. i Ruth 1:8. 2:20. 3:10. 1 Sam. 23:21. k 15:20. Ps. 57:3. Prov. 14:22. Matt. 19: 3,7. 16: 2. Matt. 5:44. 10: 16. Verse 3. But, however this sport began, it ended in into his fellow's side, spurred on by honor, not by blood; (v. 16.) they thrust every man his sword enmity; so they fell down together, that is, all the 24 were slain; such an equal match were they for one another, and so resolute, that neither side would either beg or give quarter; they did, as it were by agreement, (says Josephus,) despatch one at other men's lives, often throw away their own, another with mutual wounds. They that strike and death only conquers and rides in triumph. The wonderful obstinacy of both sides was re membered in the name given to the place, Helkathhazzurim, the field of rocky men; men that were not only strong in body, but of firm and unshaken constancy, that stirred not at the sight of death. m 10:12. Gen. 15:1. 1 Sam. 4:9. 31: n 1 Sam. 14:50. 17:55. 26:14. p 17:26,27. Gen. 32:2. q Num. 32:1,&c. Josh. 13:8-11. Ps. 108:8. r Gen. 30:13. Num. 1:40. 8 5:5. 1 Kings 2:11. 1 Chr. 3:4. 29: 27. Heb. number of days. up for them, and had demanded a king: and, in the same rebellious spirit, they refused the prince whom the Lord had selected for them, who was a man of approved abilities and character; and preferred the surviving son of their rejected king, though in every respect an improper person. In this, David was a type of Christ, whom Israel would not submit to, though anointed by the Father to be their Prince and Savior. SCOTT. Gittaim.] Probably the same as Gath, as Ramathaim is the same Dr. A. CLARKE. Ish-bosheth.] Called Esh-baal, 1 Chr. 8: 33 and 9: 39. Baal is the name of a shameful idol, therefore some mes called Bosheth,shame. See Hos. 9: 10. wherefore such names as had Baal in them were changed for Besheth or Bosheth, as the names of Jerub-baal, and Merib-baal, who were called Jerub-bosheth and Mephi-bosheth. See Judg. 8: 35 comp. with 2 Sam. 11: 21, and 4; 4 with 1 Chr. 8: S4. For 2 years Ish-bosheth reigned in peace, and David made no at and 9: 40.' tempts against him: but for the remainder of the 7 years and 6 months, there was war. Abner possessed the authority, and Ish-boThe nation in general had rejected the judges, whom Go' had raised sheth was only a nominal king. Ish-bosheth signifies a man of shame. Verse 9. GILL. Verses 10, 11. 18 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met * together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. 14 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise. 15 Then there arose and went over by numLer twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. 16 And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called † Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon. 17 And there was a very sore battle that day: and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David. 18 And there were Z three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a § wild roe. 19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to 2 SAMUEL, II. Yet the stout-hearted were spoiled, and slept their Abner's forces were routed, v. 17. The former ous. and Asahel: Asahel, the brother of Joab, and [thus He bade him content himself with a less prey; 20 Then Abner look- 21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him. armor. 22 And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: ⚫ wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother? 23 Howbeit, he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner, with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear Abner, with Ish-bosheth's men, routed. it seems, either loved Joab, or feared him, for he commendable for enemies to be thus respectful one was very loath to incur his displeasure. It is believed David would have the kingdom at last, his face to Joab, gives cause to suspect he really to another. Abner's care, how he should lift up according to the divine designation, and then, in opposing him, he acted against his conscience. spoke so kindly, from fear; but what came of it? Asahel refused to turn aside, thinking Abner Abner gave him his death's wound with a back See here, (1.) How death often comes upon us by This was a pass Asahel was not acquainted with. stroke; (v. 23.) from which he feared no danger. ways we least suspect. Who would fear the hand of a flying enemy, or the butt-end of a spear? How often are we betrayed by the accomplishments we are proud of. Asahel's fall put a full stop to the again; for all that came to the place, stood still: conqueror's pursuit, and gave Abner time to rally only Joab and Abishai, instead of being disheartened, were exasperated by it, pursued Abner with so much the more fury, (v. 24.) and overtook him at last about sunset, when the approaching night would oblige them to retire. of his forces on the top of a hill, (v. 25.) as if to V. 25-32. Here, 1. Abner rallies the remains 26. Observe how his note is changed: Shall the supplicant to Joab for a little breathing-time, r. make head again, but meanly becomes an humble sword devour for ever? day, yet to him it seemed for ever; because it went It had devoured but one came out behind him; and he fell down there, be then, ere thou bid and died in the same the people return from place: and it came to following their brethren? pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died, 'stood still. 24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah, by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. 25 And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill. 26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it i PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-11. If we would possess temporal things with a blessing, we must not eagerly seize upon them, nor be determined by favorable events, or carnal counsellors: but we must observe the rules of God's Word, and pray for his direction; using those means, an i those only, which He has appointed or allowed, and avoiding all evil, and appearance of evil,' in our pursuit of them: and then, whatever else we fail in, we shall certainly be directed in the way to the kingdom of heaven.-Ambition, jealousy, envy, and other He is also called Esh-baal. (1 Chr. 8: 33. Note, Judz. 6:31,32.) He was evidently a very inconsiderable and despised person. [Yet Abner (see note, end of 1 Sam.) could employ the political jealousies of the tribes in favor of one even so worthless.] SCOTT. Verses 12, 13. The moderation with which Joab conducted the war may be ascribed to the instructions given him by David. Saul, that he would not cut off his seed, and therefore would not wil'For he had sworn to lingly engage against Ish-bosheth.' Patrick. Verses 14-16. ID. It is probable Joab kept on the defensive, and gave Abner no opportunity of attacking him; and that Abner's impatience to engage [126] 27 And Joab said, As * God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then **in the morning the people had †† gone t Josh. 9:3. 10:12. 18:23. u 18. 8:16. 20:23. 1 Kings 1:7. 2:28 -35. Heb. them together. x Jer. 41:12. y 26. Prov. 10:23. 17:14. 20:18. 25: 26:19,19. 8. That is, The field of strong men. z 1 Chr. 2:15,16. a 1:23. 1 Chr. 12:8. Pa. 147:10,11. Ec. 9:11. Heb. his feet Heb. one of the roes that is in the field. Ps. 18:33. Cant. 2:17. 8:14. Hab. 3:19. b 21. Josh. 1:7. 23:6. 2 Kings 242. Prov. 4:27. Heb. after Abner, Or, spoil. Judg. 14:19. c 2 Kings 14:10-12. Prov. 29:1. 6:10. d 3:27. e 4:5. 20:10. f 20:12,13. 14. Acts 7:26. Ec. 11:25. Is 1:20. Jer. 2:30. 12:12. 46:10.14. Hos. 11:6. k 1 Sam. 25:26. Joh 27:2. Job 18:2. 19:2. Ps. 4:2. Jer. 4:21. 1 Prov. 15: 1. 17: 14. 20:18. Heb. from the morning. 25:8. evil passions, cause men to rebel against the word of God: but they generally attempt to conceal their real motives under plausible pretences. The believer's wisdom, however, consists in waiting quietly and silently under injuries, and in leaving God to plead his cause, except it is evidently his duty to be active. But there is a respect due to superior relations, to which equals or inferiors, in similiar circumstances, are not entitled. SCOTT. |