2 SAMUEL

Author and date:

See the introduction to 1 Samuel.
Themes:
David’s reign over Judah and Israel, its success and glory; God’s covenant with David;
David’s sin and punishment.
Contents:
David learns of the death of Saul and Jonathan .............................. 1:1-16
David’s lament................................................................................ 1:17-27
David begins his reign over Judah .................................................. 2:1-7
War with Abner.............................................................................. 2:8-32
David’s sons born in Hebron ........................................................... 3:2-5
Abner comes over to David’s side.................................................... 3:6-21
Joab kills Abner.............................................................................. 3:21-29
Murder of Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth .................................................... 4:1-12
David becomes king over all Israel .................................................. 5:1-5
David conquers Jerusalem and makes his home there ..................... 5:6-16
David defeats the Philistines ........................................................... 5:17-25
David brings the ark to Jerusalem ................................................... 6:1-23
David’s desire to build a temple ...................................................... 7:1-7
God’s covenant with David............................................................. 7:8-16
David’s prayer ................................................................................ 7:17-29
David’s wars, his officials ............................................................... 8:1-18
David and Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth ........................................ 9:1-13
David defeats the Ammonites and Syrians ...................................... 10:1-19
David’s sin with Bathsheba ............................................................. 11:1—12:23
The sin ........................................................................................ 11:2-5
Nathan rebukes David, David’s punishment ................................ 12:1-14
The punishment begins ............................................................... 12:15-23
The birth of Solomon...................................................................... 12:24-25
David’s family problems ................................................................. 13:1—18:33
His punishment continues, Amnon dishonors Tamar .................. 13:1-22
Absalom kills Amnon and runs away .......................................... 13:23-39
Absalom returns .......................................................................... 14:1-33
Absalom’s plot against David....................................................... 15:1-37
Ziba’s story .................................................................................. 16:1-4
Shimei curses David .................................................................... 16:5-13
Two advisors – Hushai and Ahithophel........................................ 16:15—17:14
The priests send word to David about Absalom’s plans ................ 17:15-22
Ahithophel’s suicide .................................................................... 17:23
Absalom’s death, David’s grief ..................................................... 18:1-33
Joab’s advice................................................................................... 19:1-8
David returns to Jerusalem ............................................................. 19:9-43
Sheba’s rebellion crushed ................................................................ 20:1-26
A famine and the Gibeonites’ revenge on Saul’s descendants .......... 21:1-14
Wars with the Philistines ................................................................ 21:15-22
2 Samuel 418

David’s song of praise ..................................................................... 22:1-51

David’s final words ......................................................................... 23:1-7
David’s mighty warriors ................................................................. 23:8-39
David’s sin in numbering the people ............................................... 24:1-10
The result of David’s sin, the plague ............................................... 24:11-17
David builds an altar and offers sacrifice ........................................ 24:18-25
419 2 Samuel 1:21

1 Now it came about after the death of 11 Then David took hold of his clothes and

Saul, when David had returned from tore them, as did all the men who were with
the slaughter of the Amalekites, that David him. 12 And they mourned and wept and
stayed two days in Ziklag. 2 On the third day fasted until evening, for Saul and for his
it happened that a man appeared who had son Jonathan and for the LORD’s people
come from the camp of Saul with his clothes and for the house of Israel, because they
torn and dust on his head. And it was like had fallen by the sword.
this: when he came to David, he dropped to 13 And David said to the young man who

the ground and prostrated himself. told him, “From where are you?” And he
3 And David said to him, “From where are answered, “I am the son of a foreigner, an
you coming?” And he said to him, “I have Amalekite”.
escaped from the camp of Israel”. 14 And David said to him, “Why were you
4 And David said to him, “How did things not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy
go? Please tell me”. And he answered, “The the LORD’s anointed?”
people fled from the battle, and also many of 15 And David called one of the young men

the people fell and are dead, and also Saul and said, “Go near and attack him”. And he
and his son Jonathan are dead”. struck him so that he died. 16 And David said
5 And David said to the young man who to him, “Your blood be on your own head,
told him, “How do you know that Saul and for your mouth has testified against you,
his son Jonathan are dead?” saying, ‘I have killed the LORD’s anointed.’ ”
6 And the young man who told him said, 17 And David mourned with this lamentation

“By chance I happened to be on Mount over Saul and over his son Jonathan 18 (also
Gilboa, and saw Saul leaning on his spear. he instructed them to teach the children
And, lo and behold, the chariots and of Judah this song of the bow. Look, it is
horsemen followed him closely. 7 And when written in the book of Jasher):
he looked behind him, he saw me and called 19 “The beauty of Israel is slain on

to me. And I answered, ‘Here I am.’ your high places.

8 “And he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ “And How the mighty have fallen!
I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 20 “Tell it not in Gath!
9 “And he said to me, ‘Please stand over Proclaim it not in the streets
me and kill me, for agony has seized me, of Ashkelon!
because my life is still wholly in me.’ Lest the daughters of the Philistines
10 “So I stood over him and killed him, rejoice,
because I was sure that he could not live lest the daughters of the
after he had fallen. And I took the crown uncircumcised triumph.
that was on his head and the bracelet that 21 “You mountains of Gilboa,

was on his arm, and I have brought them may there be no dew or rain
here to my lord”. on you,
1:1 “Death of Saul”– 1 Sam 31:6. 1:14 1 Sam 24:6; 26:9,11,16. To David the office
“Ziklag”– 1 Sam 30:1,26. of king in Israel was a sacred appointment from
1:2 13:19; 15:32; 1 Sam 4:12. God, and only God should remove the king He
1:6-10 This man fabricated this story, hoping, had appointed.
it seems, to gain David’s favor. He thought 1:16 “On your own head”– Lev 20:9; Deut 22:30;
David would reward him if he presented himself Josh 2:19; 1 Kings 2:37; Ezek 18:13; 33:4-5;
as Saul’s executioner. Compare 1 Sam 31:1-7; Matt 27:24-25; Acts 18:6; 20:26.
1 Chron 10:1-12. 1:17 “Lamentation”– Jer 7:29; Ezek 19:1,14; 26:17;
1:10 “Crown”– he thought, no doubt, David would 27:2,32; 28:12; 32:2. God has no pleasure in the
be exceptionally pleased with this. death of the wicked, or in disasters which He
1:11 3:31; 13:30-31; Gen 37:34; Job 2:12. must justly send, and He sometimes inspired
1:12 David did not gloat at his enemy’s death. His servants to lament. See notes at Gen 6:6-7;
Compare Prov 24:17-18. The sincerity of his grief Jer 4:19-26; 48:36-39; Luke 19:41-44.
can be seen in the poetical lament which follows 1:18 “Jasher”– Josh 10:13.
(vs 19-27). Saul’s death freed David from his 1:19 “Beauty”– this refers to God’s appointed
troubles, but David well knew that there are far leaders of Israel.
more important matters than being freed from 1:20 1 Sam 31:8-10. David is here concerned with
personal difficulties and dangers. the glory of the true God.
2 Samuel 1:22 420

or fields yielding offerings; go up to any of the cities of Judah?”

for there the shield of the mighty And the LORD said to him, “Go up”.
was defiled, And David said,
the shield of Saul, not anointed “Where shall I go up?”
with oil. And he said, “To Hebron”.
22 From the blood of the slain, 2 So David went up there, and his two wives

from the fat of the mighty, also, Ahinoam from Jezreel and Abigail,
the bow of Jonathan did not Nabal’s wife, from Carmel. 3 And David
turn back, took along his men who were with him,
and the sword of Saul did not each man with his household; and they lived
return empty. in the towns of Hebron. 4 And the men of
23 Saul and Jonathan were loved Judah came and there they anointed David
and pleasant in their lives, king over the house of Judah. And they told
and in their death they were not David, saying that the men of Jabesh-Gilead
divided. were the ones who buried Saul.
They were swifter than eagles; 5 And David sent messengers to the men of

they were stronger than lions. Jabesh-Gilead and said to them, “May you
24 “You daughters of Israel, be blessed by the LORD, because you have
weep over Saul, showed this kindness to your lord, to Saul,
who clothed you in scarlet, and have buried him. 6 And now the LORD
with fine things, show kindness and faithfulness to you. And I
who put ornaments of gold too will repay you for this kindness, because
on your apparel. you have done this thing. 7 Therefore now
25 “How the mighty have fallen let your hands be strong and be valiant, for
in the midst of the battle! your master Saul is dead, and also the house
O Jonathan, you were slain on of Judah has anointed me king over them”.
your high places. 8 But Abner the son of Ner, the commander
26 “I am distressed for you, of Saul’s army, took Ish-bosheth, the son of
my brother Jonathan! Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim,
Very pleasant have you been 9 and made him king over Gilead and over the

to me. Ashurites and over Jezreel and over Ephraim

Your love to me was wonderful, and over Benjamin and over all Israel.
surpassing the love of women. 10 Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years
27 “How the mighty have fallen, old when he began to reign over Israel, and
and the weapons of war he reigned two years. But the house of Judah
perished!” followed David. 11 And the time that David
was king in Hebron over the house of Judah

2 And it came about after this that David

inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I
was seven years and six months.
12 And Abner the son of Ner, and the

1:22 1 Sam 18:7. 2:4 “King”– 1 Sam 16:13.

1:23 “Pleasant”– true in full measure of Jonathan, “Jabesh-Gilead”– 1 Sam 31:11-13.
in some measure of Saul. Saul’s behavior toward 2:5-7 David was trying to unite the whole country
his own people would not have been the same behind him, beginning with the people of Jabesh
as it was toward David whom he considered his who had been strong supporters of Saul.
chief rival. 2:8-9 Abner was Saul’s close relative –
1:26 1 Sam 18:1-4. Jonathan’s pure and holy 1 Sam 14:50-51. We are not told here that Abner
friendship for David caused him to exalt David sought God’s will in this. David was God’s man
and deny himself the opportunity to be king to be king of all Israel and Abner knew it – 3:9-10.
(23:15-18). This is what struck David as being It seems Abner was playing power-politics, and
so exceptional, so wonderful. putting family connections ahead of God’s
2:1 “Inquired”– this was always David’s practice – will. This caused trouble then, and it will cause
1 Sam 23:2,4,9-12; Ps 5:8; 25:4-5; 27:11; 31:3. This trouble now.
is one principal reason he met with such success. 2:11 5:5.
“Hebron”– an important city about 30 kilometers 2:12 Mahanaim was east of the Jordan River,
south of Jerusalem. Gibeon was west of the river in the territory of
2:3 1 Sam 27:2-3. Benjamin.
421 2 Samuel 2:32

servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went butt end of the spear, so that the spear came
out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. 13 And Joab out at his back. And he fell down there and
the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David died in the same place. And it came about
went out, and they all met by the pool of that everyone who came to the place where
Gibeon. And they sat down, the one group Asahel fell and died stood still.
on the one side of the pool, and the other 24 Joab and Abishai also pursued Abner,

on the other side of the pool. and the sun went down when they came to
14 And Abner said to Joab, “Let the the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by
young men now get up and have a contest the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. 25 And
in front of us”. And Joab said, “Let them the children of Benjamin gathered together
get up”. behind Abner and became one band and
15 Then they got up and went over by count, stood on the top of a hill.
twelve from Benjamin, which belonged to 26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said,

Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve “Will the sword devour forever? Don’t you
of the servants of David. 16 And each of know that it will result in bitterness in the
them took hold of his opponent’s head, end? How long will it be then, before you
and thrust his sword into his opponent’s order the people to return from following
side. So they fell down together. Therefore their brethren?”
that place was called Helkath Hazzurim. 27 And Joab said, “As God lives, unless

It is in Gibeon. you had spoken, surely then in the morning

17 And there was a very severe battle that each one of the people would have gone up
day, and Abner and the men of Israel were from following his brother”.
defeated by the servants of David. 28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the
18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah people stood still and did not pursue Israel
there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And any more or fight any more.
Asahel was as light on his feet as a wild 29 And Abner and his men walked all

gazelle. 19 And Asahel pursued Abner, and that night through the plain, and crossed
did not turn to the right or to the left from the Jordan and went through the whole of
following Abner. 20 Then Abner looked Bithron and came to Mahanaim.
behind him, and said, “Are you Asahel?” 30 And Joab returned from following

And he answered, “I am”. Abner. And when he had gathered all the
21 And Abner said to him, “Turn aside to people together, nineteen men of David’s
your right or to your left, and seize one of the servants and Asahel were missing. 31 But
young men and take his armour”. But Asahel the servants of David had struck down
would not turn aside from following him. many of Benjamin, and of Abner’s men,
22 And once more Abner said to Asahel, so that three hundred and seventy men
“Turn aside from following me. Why should died. 32 And they took up Asahel and buried
I strike you to the ground? Then how could him in the tomb of his father, which was
I hold up my face to your brother Joab?” in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men
23 However he refused to turn aside, so went all night, and came to Hebron at
Abner struck him in the stomach with the break of day.
2:13 Joab was David’s nephew (1 Chron 2:13-16). 2:21-23 Abner knew that further trouble would
He was a very capable general of David’s army, result if he killed Asahel. In fact it resulted in
but a hard and bloodthirsty man (3:27; 18:14; Abner’s own death (3:27).
20:9-10). 2:26 Abner was trying to avert civil war between
2:14 This suggestion perhaps meant they the tribes. He was a more peaceable man than
should try to settle their differences by letting Joab. It was he who suggested the representative
representatives of each side fight. Compare combat to settle their differences (v 14), and he
1 Sam 17:8-10. who later made overtures of peace to David
2:15-16 The fight between these representatives (3:12). But his action in vs 8,9 was the real source
resulted in the death of all of them, and so nothing of this trouble.
was settled between the two factions. 2:29 “The plain”– here means the Jordan valley,
2:16 “Helkath Hazzurim”– this means “Field of the Arabah.
daggers” or “Field of hostilities”. “Bithron”– the meaning of this Hebrew word
2:17 “Battle”– between the two armies. is uncertain. It may possibly mean “morning”
2:18 “Zeruiah”– she was an older sister of David. or “ravine”.
2 Samuel 3:1 422

3 Now there was a long war between the

house of Saul and the house of David,
but David became stronger and stronger,
make your treaty with me, and see that my
hand will be with you, to bring all Israel
over to you”.
and the house of Saul became weaker and 13 And David said, “Good! I will make a

weaker. treaty with you. But one thing I require of

2 And sons were born to David in Hebron, you, that is, you will not see my face unless
and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam you first bring Saul’s daughter Michal, when
from Jezreel; 3 and his second, Kileab, of you come to see my face”. 14 And David sent
Abigail the wife of Nabal, from Carmel; and messengers to Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, saying,
the third, Absalom, the son of Maacah the “Deliver my wife Michal to me, whom I
daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 4 and the betrothed to myself for a hundred foreskins
fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and of the Philistines”.
the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and 15 And Ish-bosheth sent men and took her

the sixth, Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. from her husband, from Phaltiel the son of
These were born to David in Hebron. Laish. 16 And her husband went along with
6 And it came about, while there was war her, weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then
between the house of Saul and the house Abner said to him, “Go, return”. And he
of David, that Abner was making himself returned.
strong in the house of Saul. 7 And Saul had 17 And Abner spoke with the elders of Israel,

a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the saying, “In times past you were seeking
daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said for David to be king over you. 18 Now then
to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my do it. For the LORD has spoken of David,
father’s concubine?” saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David
8 Then Abner was very angry at the words I will save my people Israel from the hand
of Ish-bosheth, and said, “Am I a dog’s head, of the Philistines, and from the hand of all
who against Judah am showing kindness their enemies.’ ”
today to the house of your father Saul, to 19 And Abner also spoke in the ears of the

his brethren and to his friends, and have not people of Benjamin, and Abner also went
delivered you into the hand of David, that to Hebron to speak in the ears of David all
you charge me today with a fault concerning that seemed good to Israel and that seemed
this woman? 9 So may God do harm to Abner, good to the whole house of Benjamin. 20 So
and more also, unless I do for David just as Abner came to David at Hebron, and twenty
the LORD has sworn to him, 10 to transfer men came with him. And David made a
the kingdom from the house of Saul and to feast for Abner and the men who were with
establish the throne of David over Israel and him. 21 And Abner said to David, “I will arise
over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba”. 11 And and go and gather all Israel to my lord the
he could not answer Abner another word, king, so that they may make a treaty with
because he was afraid of him. you, and that you may reign over all that
12 And Abner sent messengers on his behalf your heart desires”. And David sent Abner
to David, saying, “Whose land is this? I say away, and he went in peace.
3:1 This was a sad and unnecessary war brought 3:9-10 1 Sam 15:28; 23:16-17. Since Abner knew
about by personal rivalries and a desire to cling this he had no business making Ish-Bosheth king
to power on the part of the family of Saul. (2:8-9). Ish-Bosheth was a weak man, Abner the
3:2-5 Polygamy is not God’s instructions for real power behind him.
men. See note at Gen 30:1. Of David’s six 3:10 “Dan to Beersheba”– the most northern town
sons born in Hebron, none was outstanding, in the land to the most southern town.
and three at least, Amnon, Absalom and 3:12 Did Abner think the land belonged to the
Adonijah, were self-seeking, scheming men two of them? Where did this leave God in Abner’s
who died in sad circumstances (chapters 13–18; thinking? But see Lev 25:23; Ex 19:5; Ps 24:1.
1 Kings chapters 1 and 2). 3:13-14 1 Sam 18:20,25,27; 25:44.
3:7 Abner denied this accusation in the next 3:17 Ish-Bosheth had little support in Israel
verse, but it could have been true. Taking a except for the tribe of Benjamin and the people
king’s concubine was, in the eyes of the people, of Gilead.
practically the equivalent of taking his throne 3:19 Abner knew that the tribe of Benjamin could
(16:20-22; 1 Kings 2:22). And Abner had been be the greatest stumbling-block to an agreement
strengthening his own position (v 6). with David.
423 2 Samuel 4:2
22 And just then the servants of David front of Abner”. And King David himself
and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and followed the bier. 32 And they buried Abner
brought in great plunder with them. But in Hebron, and the king raised his voice
Abner was not with David in Hebron, for and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the
he had sent him away, and he had gone in people wept.
peace. 23 When Joab and all the army that 33 And the king lamented over Abner

was with him had come, they told Joab, and said,
saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the “Should Abner have died as a fool dies?
king, and he has sent him away, and he has 34 Your hands were not bound,

gone in peace”. nor your feet put into fetters.

24 Then Joab came to the king and said, You fell as a man falls before wicked
“What have you done? See, Abner came to men”.
you! Why have you sent him away? And he And again all the people wept over
is already gone! 25 You know Abner the son him.
of Ner. He came to deceive you and to find 35 And when all the people came to have

out your going out and your coming in, and David eat food while it was still day, David
to learn all that you are doing”. took an oath, saying, “May God do harm
26 And when Joab came away from David, to me, and more also, if I taste bread or
he sent messengers after Abner, who brought anything else until the sun sets”.
him back from the well of Sirah. But David 36 And all the people took note of it, and it

did not know this. 27 And when Abner pleased them, just as whatever the king did
returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside pleased all the people. 37 For all the people
in the gate to speak with him quietly and and all Israel understood that day that it
stabbed him there in the stomach, so that was not the idea of the king to kill Abner
he died, because of the blood of his brother the son of Ner.
Asahel. 38 And the king said to his servants, “Do
28 And afterwards, when David heard you not know that a prince and a great man
this, he said, “Before the LORD I and my has fallen today in Israel? 39 And today I am
kingdom are forever innocent of the blood weak, even though the anointed king, and
of Abner the son of Ner. 29 May it rest on the these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too hard
head of Joab, and on all his father’s house, for me. The LORD will repay the evildoer
and may the house of Joab never fail to have in accordance with his wickedness”.
someone who has a discharge or who is a
leper or who leans on a cane or who falls
by the sword or who lacks bread”.
30 So Joab and Abishai his brother killed
4 And when Saul’s son heard that Abner
was dead in Hebron, his hands became
weak, and all the Israelites were troubled.
Abner, because he had killed their brother 2 And Saul’s son had two men who were

Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. captains of bands. The name of one was
31 And David said to Joab and to all the Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab.
people who were with him, “Tear your They were the sons of Rimmon, a Beerothite,
clothes, and tie on sackcloth and mourn in of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also
3:22 All went smoothly and peaceably until 3:33 1:17.
Joab arrived. 3:37 One reason for David’s public display of
3:25 This was a completely false charge. sorrow was to convince them of this.
3:27 2:23; 20:9-10; 1 Kings 2:5. Joab had no 3:39 “Too hard”– David admits his weakness
right whatever to take personal vengeance to deal with Joab and Abishai as he should
(Lev 19:18; Num 31:2). Compare Prov 20:22; have done. David should have judged Joab’s
24:29; Rom 12:17,19. crime and removed him from any position
3:28 David did not know what Joab intended of leadership, difficult as that might have
to do (v 26). been to accomplish. Because he did not
3:29 1 Kings 2:31-33. do so, others later lost their lives at Joab’s
“A leper”– see note at Lev 13:2. murderous hand.
3:31 1:11. “Repay”– v 29. David, feeling his weakness,
3:32 In spite of living in violent times and left it to God to deal with Joab.
frequently engaging in warfare, David had a 4:1 “Troubled”– they had lost Abner, their one
tender heart, like God’s (1 Sam 13:14; Ps 35:11-14). strong leader.
2 Samuel 4:3 424

was reckoned part of Benjamin. 3 And the have killed a righteous person in his own
Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and have been house on his bed, shall I not much more
staying there until this day). certainly now require his blood from your
4 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who hand and take you away from the earth?”
was lame in his feet. He was five years old 12 And David gave an order to his young

when the news came from Jezreel about men, and they killed them and cut off their
Saul and Jonathan, and his nurse picked hands and their feet, and hung them up over
him up and fled; and it so happened that as the pool in Hebron. But they took the head
she hurried to get away, he fell and became of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the tomb of
lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. Abner in Hebron.
5 And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite,

Rechab and Baanah, went and in the heat of

the day arrived at the house of Ish-bosheth,
who lay on a bed at noon. 6 And they came
5 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David
at Hebron and spoke, saying, “Look, we
are your bone and your flesh. 2 Also in time
there into the middle of the house, as if past, when Saul was king over us, you were
to get wheat, and they stabbed him in the the one who led Israel out and brought them
stomach. Then Rechab and his brother in. And the LORD said to you, ‘You will
Baanah escaped. 7 For when they came shepherd my people Israel and you will be
into the house, he lay on his bed in his a ruler over Israel.’ ”
bedroom, and they struck him and killed 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king

him and beheaded him, and took his head at Hebron, and King David made a covenant
and travelled through the plain all night. with them in Hebron before the LORD, and
8 And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth they anointed David king over Israel.
to David at Hebron and said to the king, 4 David was thirty years old when he began

“See the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5 In
your enemy who sought your life. And the Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years
LORD has taken vengeance on Saul and on and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned
his offspring, for my lord the king”. thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.
9 And David answered Rechab and his 6 And the king and his men went to

brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Jerusalem to the Jebusites, the inhabitants
Beerothite, and said to them, “As the LORD of the land. They spoke to David, saying,
lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all “You will not come in here, for the blind
adversity, 10 when someone told me, saying, and the lame will turn you away”, thinking,
‘Look, Saul is dead’, thinking he had brought “David cannot get in here”. 7 Nevertheless
good news, I took hold of him and killed him David took the stronghold of Zion, that is,
in Ziklag. He thought that I would give him the city of David.
a reward for his news. 11 When wicked men 8 And David said on that day, “Anyone

4:4 Mephibosheth was next in line in the house (Ps 78:70-72; Isa 44:28; Jer 2:8; Ezek 34:1-4).
of Saul for the throne of Israel. David later dealt 5:3 2:4; 1 Sam 16:13.
very kindly with him (9:1-13). 5:4 “Thirty”– Gen 41:46; Luke 3:23. All of
4:8 They actually thought David would be David’s previous life with its trials, troubles,
pleased with their murder of Ish-Bosheth, and and tribulations, its victories and successes, was
reward them. They claimed God’s approval upon God’s preparation for the throne.
their deed, though they were not concerned for 5:6-10 1 Chron 11:4-9.
God’s interests. Some people who pursue their 5:6 Jerusalem was more centrally located in the
own ends still like to make a show of piety by land than Hebron, and on the border between
bringing God’s name into their talk. Judah and Benjamin, and so was the ideal place
4:9-10 1:2-16. for David’s capital city (v 9). It was an ancient
4:11-12 Treachery and murder received their city (Gen 14:16) that had been briefly taken
just reward. at the time of Joshua, but Israel had not been
5:1 “The tribes”– that is, leaders who represented able to keep it in their possession (Jud 1:8,21;
all the tribes (v 3). Josh 15:63). Jerusalem was easy to defend
5:2 1 Sam 13:13-14; 16:1,13; 18:5,13,16,30; 23:17; because it was on high ground surrounded on
25:26-31. In Old Testament times the term three sides by deep valleys. So the Jebusites
“shepherd” was applied not only to religious thought they could taunt David.
leaders, but frequently to civil rulers, the kings 5:8 1 Chron 11:6.
425 2 Samuel 6:3

who would strike down the Jebusites, and to David, “Go up, for I will certainly deliver
those ‘lame’ and the ‘blind’, whom David’s the Philistines into your hands”.
soul loathes, should go up by the water 20 And David came to Baal-Perazim and

channel”. Therefore they said, “The blind David defeated them there, and said, “The
and the lame shall not come into the house”. LORD has broken out against my enemies
9 So David lived in the fortress, and called it before me, like waters break out”. Therefore
the city of David. And David built all around he called the name of that place Baal-
from Millo and inward. 10 And David went Perazim. 21 And they left their idols there,
on to become great, and the LORD God of and David and his men burned them.
hosts was with him. 22 And the Philistines came up again and
11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers spread out in the valley of Rephaim. 23 And
to David, and cedar trees and carpenters when David inquired of the LORD, he said,
and masons; and they built David a house. “You shall not go up, but circle around
12 And David perceived that the LORD had behind them, and come on them opposite
established him king over Israel, and that the mulberry trees. 24 And it is to be like
he had exalted his kingdom for his people this: when you hear the sound of marching
Israel’s sake. in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you
13 And David took for himself more must move quickly, for then the LORD
concubines and wives from Jerusalem, will go out before you to strike the army
after he had come from Hebron, and more of the Philistines”. 25 And David did just as
sons and daughters were born to David. the LORD commanded him, and struck
14 And these are the names of those who down the Philistines from Geba until you
were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammuah come to Gazer.
and Shobab and Nathan and Solomon 15 and
Ibhar and Elishua and Nepheg and Japhia
16 and Elishama and Eliada and Eliphalet.
17 But when the Philistines heard that they
6 David again gathered together all the
chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand,
2 and David arose and went with all the people

had anointed David king over Israel, all the who were with him from Baalah of Judah to
Philistines came up to search for David. And bring up from there the ark of God, the name
David heard of it, and went down to the of which is called by the name of the LORD
stronghold. 18 And the Philistines came and of hosts that dwells between the cherubim.
spread out in the valley of Rephaim. 19 And 3 And they set the ark of God on a new cart

David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall and brought it from the house of Abinadab
I go up to the Philistines? Will you deliver that was in Gibeah. And Uzzah and Ahio,
them into my hands?” And the LORD said the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new
5:10 “LORD God of hosts”– note at 1 Sam 1:3. 5:19 2:1; 1 Sam 23:2,6.
“With him”– 3:1; 7:9; Gen 37:2,21,23; Josh 1:5; 5:20 Baal-Perazim means “The Lord who
Ps 18:39; 46:7,11; Matt 1:23. breaks out”.
5:11-25 1 Chron 14:1-16. 5:21 They burned these idols which the Philistines
“Hiram”– 1 Kings 5:1-18; 2 Chron 2:1-12. Tyre had carried into battle – 1 Chron 14:12.
was a city on the Mediterranean coast north of 5:23 “Inquired”– a believer should make no plans
Israel. without this.
5:12 David recognized that God had established 5:24 “Marching”– angelic forces going with David.
him as king, not for his personal benefit, but for Compare Ex 23:23; 33:2; Ps 34:7; 35:5; 68:17; 91:11;
the benefit of the people whom he was to shepherd. Isa 37:36; 63:9; Matt 26:53; Heb 1:14.
Happy are those people who have such a leader, 5:25 A distance of nearly 30 kilometers.
civil or religious. Compare Mark 9:35; 10:44-45; 6:1-11 1 Chron 13:1-14.
1 Cor 10:33; 2 Cor 4:5. Alas, that so many in 6:2 “Baalah of Judah”– another name for Kiriath-
Christian circles seek position and power for Jearim (Josh 15:9). The ark had been left there
their own sake, and have no regard for the people during Saul’s reign (1 Sam 7:1).
whom they should serve. “Ark of God”– note at Ex 25:10-16.
5:13 No doubt this was the custom of kings in 6:3 God had given instructions as to how the
those days, but it was forbidden in God’s law – ark was to be carried (Num 4:4-6,15; 7:9). David
Deut 17:14-17. Note at 3:2-5. used the same method used by the Philistines
5:17 The “stronghold” possibly refers to some (1 Sam 6:7-8). The result was disastrous. God’s
place in the desert area of southern Judah where work must be done in God’s way to obtain God’s
he had found refuge from Saul (1 Sam 22:4; 23:14). blessing.
2 Samuel 6:4 426

cart. 4 And they brought it out of the house house of Obed-Edom into the city of David.
of Abinadab which was at Gibeah with the 13 And it was like this: when those who were

ark of God, and Ahio was walking in front carrying the ark of the LORD had gone
of the ark. 5 And David and all the house six paces, he sacrificed an ox and another
of Israel played before the LORD on all fat animal, 14 and David danced before the
kinds of instruments made of fir wood and LORD with all his might; and David was
on harps and on lyres and on tambourines wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David, and all
and on castanets and on cymbals. the house of Israel, brought up the ark of the
6 And when they came to Nachon’s LORD with shouting and with the sound
threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to of the trumpet.
the ark of God and took hold of it, because 16 And as the ark of the LORD came into

the oxen were shaking it. 7 And the anger of the city of David, Saul’s daughter Michal
the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God looked through a window and saw King
struck him there for his error; and there he David leaping and dancing in the presence
died by the ark of God. of the LORD, and she despised him in her
8 And David was displeased, because the heart.
LORD broke out against Uzzah, and he 17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD

called the name of the place Perez Uzzah, and set it in its place, in the middle of the
its name to this day. tent that David had pitched for it. And David
9 And David was afraid of the LORD that offered burnt offerings and peace offerings
day, and said, “How will the ark of the LORD before the LORD. 18 And as soon as David
come to me?” 10 So David would not move had finished offering burnt offerings and
the ark of the LORD to him in the city of peace offerings, he blessed the people in the
David, but David carried it aside into the name of the LORD of hosts. 19 And he gave
house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 11 And out to each one among all the people, among
the ark of the LORD stayed in the house the whole multitude of Israel, to the women
of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, as well as to the men, a cake of bread and a
and the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all good piece of meat and a raisin cake So all
his household. the people departed, each one to his house.
12 And it was told King David, saying, 20 Then David returned to bless his

“The LORD has blessed the house of Obed- household. And Michal the daughter of
Edom and all that belongs to him, because Saul came out to meet David and said,
of the ark of God”. So David went and “How glorious was the king of Israel
joyfully brought up the ark of God from the today, who uncovered himself today in
6:5 Compare Ps 150. only way God will accept. Perez Uzzah means
“Playing before the LORD on all kinds of instruments “breaking out against Uzzah”.
made of fir wood”– or it could be translated 6:9-12 David was afraid that wherever the ark
“celebrating with all their might before the LORD, went there would be danger and trouble. God’s
with songs” (see note on Hebrew at Ps 14:7). blessing the household of Obed-Edom showed
6:6 “Took hold of”– this was plainly forbidden by him this was not so. So David went and got the
God in Num 4:15,19,20. ark. He had now realized his error in method
6:7 “God struck him”– 1 Sam 6:19. It may seem to and used God’s way. See 1 Chron 15:1-2,11-15.
some people that Uzzah’s punishment was too 6:12 “City of David”– 5:7.
severe, but God is the one who must determine 6:14-15 Obedience to God’s instruction brought
such matters. He sometimes has to use stern restored joy.
measures to emphasize the importance of 6:16 “Michal”– the carnal and worldly cannot
holiness and obedience to His instructions. stand to see others zealous for God. Note at
Compare Lev 10:1-3; Num 15:30-36; Josh 7:25-26; Ps 69:9.
Acts 5:1-11. Notes on God’s anger at Num 25:3; 6:17“Offerings”– notes at Leviticus chapters 1 and
Ps 90:7-11. 3.
6:8 David was angry and perplexed at God’s 6:18 1 Kings 8:14-15.
dealings (this temptation comes to all of us at 6:20 “Uncovered”– David had not worn his royal
times). Joy (v 5) was turned to gloom. He had robes (v 14), only ordinary clothing, and Michal
wanted to honor God but he had not done it in thought he had been very undignified in the
God’s way. He later admitted that he had not expression of his joy and zeal for God. She little
inquired of the Lord about it (1 Chron 15:13). realized there are things more important than
The way of obedience may be harder, but it is the human dignity.
427 2 Samuel 7:12

the eyes of his servants’ maids, as one of brought up the children of Israel out of
the worthless fellows shamelessly uncovers Egypt to this day, but have moved about
himself!” with a tent and with a tabernacle. 7 In any
21 And David said to Michal, “It was in place I have travelled with all the children
the presence of the LORD, who chose me of Israel did I speak a word with any of
instead of your father and instead of all his the leaders of the tribes of Israel, whom
household, to appoint me ruler over the I commanded to shepherd my people
people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore Israel, saying, Why do you not build me
I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 And I a house of cedar?’
will be still more insignificant than this and 8 “Now therefore you shall say this to

will be lowered in my own eyes, but I will my servant David: ‘Thus says the LORD
be held in honour by the maidservants of of hosts, I took you from the pasture,
whom you have spoken”. from following the sheep, to be ruler
23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul over my people, over Israel, 9 and I have
had no child to the day of her death. been with you wherever you went, and
have cut off all your enemies from your

7 And it came about, when the king

lived in his house and the LORD had
given him rest all around from all his
sight, and have made you a great name,
like the name of the great men who are
in the earth. 10 Moreover I will provide a
enemies, 2 that the king said to Nathan place for my people Israel, and will plant
the prophet, “See now, I live in a house them, so that they can live in a place of
of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within their own and move no more. Nor will
tent curtains”. the children of wickedness afflict them
3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do any more, as before, 11 even from the time
all that is in your heart, for the LORD is that I commanded judges to be over my
with you”. people Israel, for I have caused you to rest
4 But it happened that night that the word from all your enemies. “‘Also the LORD
of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, tells you that he will make a house for
5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus you. 12 And when your days are fulfilled,
says the LORD: Will you build me a and you sleep with your ancestors, after
house for me to live in? 6 For I have not you I will appoint your offspring, who
lived in any house since the time that I comes forth from your body, and I will
6:21 “The LORD”– David was thinking only of His people) was a pilgrim on earth (v 6. Think
God, not what people might think of him. The of it!). The tent was an adequate symbol of His
dignity of his office did not appeal to him as did presence with Israel. He had not desired a temple,
lowly, humble rejoicing in God. had not asked for one.
7:1-29 1 Chron 17:1-27. 7:4-11 God preferred to do something for
7:2 “Nathan – 12:1; 1 Kings 1:8,22; 1 Chron 29:29; David, rather than have David build a temple
2 Chron 9:29. for Him (vs 9,11). He had already done great
“Tent”– note at Ex 25:8. David recognized things for David (vs 8,9). Now He would do
God as the heavenly king of Israel (Ps 10:16; still greater things for him and for Israel
24:7-8). The ark which symbolized God’s (vs 9-11).
presence was in a tent (6:17), while David the 7:10 “Afflict”– refers to the oppression Israel
earthly king lived in a fine palace. A person as experienced in Egypt and later in their own land
concerned with God’s glory as David could not during the times of the Judges.
but think this was unfitting. He wanted to build 7:11 “Judges”– or “leaders” – the Hebrew word
a magnificent temple for God (1 Chron 22:1-5; means both.
28:2). This desire was good, but David was not “You”– David wanted to build a material
permitted to build the temple (1 Kings 8:17-19; house for God. God would build a “house”
2 Chron 22:7-8). Each of God’s servants has his for David – a royal dynasty. This promise
own work which God has given and will not to David was not based on conditions and
be able to do the work committed to someone it finds its final fulfilment in the Lord Jesus
else. Christ, the Son of David and the inheritor
7:3 Nathan said this without getting God’s of David’s throne (Ps 89:27-29; Matt 1:1;
thoughts about it. Even great prophets may Luke 1:32-33,69; Acts 2:30; 13:23; Rom 1:2-3;
speak rashly. Rev 3:7; 22:16).
7:4-7 God was satisfied with His tent. He (with 7:12 “Offspring”– Solomon (1 Kings 1:29-40).
2 Samuel 7:13 428

establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a for there is no one like you, nor is there any
house for my name, and I will establish God besides you, according to all that we
the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will have heard with our ears. 23 And what one
be his father, and he will be my son. If nation in the earth is like your people, like
he commits iniquity, I will discipline him Israel, whom God went to redeem as a people
with the rod of men and with the blows for himself and to make a name for himself,
of the children of men, 15 but my mercy and to do great and awe-inspiring things for
will not depart from him, as I took it yourself, for your land, before your people,
from Saul, whom I put away before you. whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt,
16 And your house and your kingdom will from the nations and their gods? 24 For you
be established forever before you; your have established for yourself your people
throne will be established forever.’” Israel to be your people forever, and you,
17 Nathan spoke to David in accordance LORD, have become their God.
with all these words and in accordance with 25 “And now, O LORD God, establish

this whole vision. forever the word that you have spoken
18 Then King David went in and sat before concerning your servant and concerning
the LORD, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord his house, and do as you have said. 26 And
God? And what is my house, that you have let your name be magnified for ever, saying,
brought me this far? 19 And even this was ‘The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel’;
a small thing in your sight, O Lord God, and let the house of your servant David be
but you have also spoken of your servant’s established before you.
house for a great time to come. And is this 27 “For you, O LORD of hosts, God of

the custom of man, O Lord God? Israel, have made a revelation to your
20 “And what more can David say to you? servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’
For you, Lord God, know your servant. Therefore your servant has found it in his
21 For your word’s sake, and in accordance heart to pray this prayer to you. 28 And
with your own heart, you have done all now, O Lord God, you are God, and your
these great things, to make your servant words are true, and you have promised this
know them. goodness to your servant. 29 Therefore now
22 “Therefore you are great, O LORD God, let it please you to bless the house of your
7:13 See 1 Kings chapter 6. God here gives His writer of these notes thinks so. See also notes
approval for the building of a temple. He had at Isa 2:1-4; Rev 20:4-6.
not asked men to build one for Him, but He 7:14 “Discipline”– Deut 8:5; Prov 3:11-12;
would permit it and use the temple as a picture Heb 12:5-11; Rev 3:19.
to set forth certain aspects of the spiritual work “The rod of men”– God uses other men to chastise
of Christ (Eph 2:19-22). See note on something His people. See Ps 66:10-12. Later He chastised
similar at 1 Sam 8:5-22. Solomon in this way – 1 Kings 11:9,14,23,26.
“Throne of his kingdom”– Solomon’s kingdom 7:15 “Saul”– 1 Sam 15:23,28; 16:14.
was the nation of Israel. He had no other. 7:18 “Who am I”– Ex 3:11; Jud 6:15; Jer 1:6;
“Forever”– v 16; 2 Sam 22:51; 1 Kings 2:4,45; John 1:27; Eph 3:8; Luke 17:10; Matt 23:12.
Isa 9:7; Jer 17:25; 33:14-18; Luke 1:33. Is it 7:20 1 Sam 16:7; Ps 139:1-4; John 2:24-25.
necessary that Christ reign on earth over 7:21 “Your word’s sake”– probably means here all
the nation Israel to fulfil this promise? Bible the promises God had made concerning Israel.
commentators are divided about this. Some 7:22 “LORD God”– in Hebrew, Jehovah Elohim.
think that this promise and others such as Isa 9:7; “No one like you”– a truth emphasized
11:1-9; 32:1-5 have only a spiritual fulfilment in everywhere in the Bible – Ex 15:11; Deut 3:24;
the Church. Others think there will be some 1 Sam 2:2; Ps 86:10; Isa 44:6,8; 45:18,22;
kind of literal fulfilment, that the nation of 1 Cor 8:4-6; 1 Tim 6:15-16.
Israel, brought back to God, will occupy the 7:23 Deut 4:7,32-38; 10:21; 15:15; Josh 21:43-45.
central position during a thousand-year reign 7:24 Gen 17:7; Ex 6:7; 19:6; Deut 10:15; 26:18;
of Christ on earth. Certainly it seems both 32:6; Isa 43:21. Observe that the nation Israel
David and Solomon thought that God was is God’s people forever. Compare Jer 31:35-40;
referring to a literal kingdom on earth (vs 24-26; 33:17-26.
2 Chron 6:16-17). And it seems that Christ’s 7:27 Effective prayer will be based on God’s
disciples, after receiving instruction by Christ revelation of His will. Compare 1 John 5:14-15.
Himself for forty days about the kingdom of 7:28 “True”– or “trustworthy” – Ex 34:6; Deut 7:9;
God, also thought so (Acts 1:3,6). Certainly the Ps 36:5; Titus 1:2; Rev 1:5; 19:11.
429 2 Samuel 8:18

servant, that it may continue forever before David brought a great amount of bronze
you, for you, O Lord God, have said it. And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of
let the house of your servant be blessed with Hadadezer.
your blessing forever”. 9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that

David had defeated the whole army of

8 And after this it came about that David

defeated the Philistines and subdued
them, and David took Methegammah out
Hadadezer, 10 then Toi sent his son Joram to
King David to greet him and to bless him,
because he had fought against Hadadezer
of the hands of the Philistines. and defeated him, for Hadadezer had waged
2 And he defeated Moab, and measured wars with Toi. And Joram brought with
them with a cord, making them lie down on him silver articles and gold articles and
the ground. He measured those to be put to bronze articles.
death with two cord lengths, and those to be 11 And these King David dedicated to the

kept alive with one full cord length. And so LORD, with the silver and gold that he
the Moabites became subject to David and had dedicated from all the nations which
brought tribute. he subdued, 12 from Syria and from Moab
3 David also defeated Hadadezer, the son and from the children of Ammon and from
of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to the Philistines and from Amalek and from
recover his border at the river Euphrates. the plunder from Hadadezer, son of Rehob,
4 And David took from him a thousand king of Zobah.
chariots and seven hundred horsemen 13 And David got a name for himself when

and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he returned from striking down eighteen
David hamstrung all the chariot horses, thousand of the Syrians in the Valley of Salt.
except what he kept of them for a hundred 14 And he put garrisons in Edom. He put

chariots. these garrisons throughout the whole of

5 And when the Syrians of Damascus Edom and all the Edomites became subject
came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, to David. And the LORD preserved David
David killed twenty-two thousand of the wherever he went.
Syrian men. 6 Then David put garrisons 15 And David reigned over all Israel, and

in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians David executed judgment and justice to all
became subject to David and brought his people. 16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah
tribute. And the LORD preserved David was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the
wherever he went. son of Ahilud was recorder, 17 and Zadok
7 And David took the shields of gold that the son of Ahitub and Ahime-lech the son
were on the servants of Hadadezer, and of Abiathar were the priests, and Seraiah
brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And King was the scribe, 18 and Benaiah the son of
7:29 “Blessing”– notes at Gen 12:2-3; 24:35; of the temple (1 Kings 7:51). Observe that
Num 6:22-27; Deut 28:1-2; Ps 1:1-2. David did not enrich himself by his position
8:1-14 1 Chron 18:1-13. and his victories. He gave to God what he
8:2 “Moab”– Gen 19:37. David’s great- could have kept for himself. How different
grandmother was a Moabite (Ruth 1:4; 4:13,21,22), from many today who keep for themselves
and previously David had a friendly relationship what they should give to God, or even steal
with Moab (1 Sam 22:3-4). from funds given to God’s work to enrich
8:3 1 Sam 14:47. themselves.
“Zobah”– a kingdom on Israel’s northern 8:13 “A name”– 7:9.
border. “Valley of Salt”– Probably just south of the
“Euphrates river”– God’s promise to Abraham Dead Sea.
was of a land that extended as far as the 8:14 The Edomites were descended from Esau,
Euphrates (Gen 15:18-21; Deut 1:7; 11:24; son of Isaac (Gen 25:21-26).
Josh 1:4). 8:15 In Psalm 101 David records his principles of
8:4 “Hamstrung”– Josh 11:9. just administration in the kingdom of Israel. Ps 15
8:5 “Damascus”– capital of Syria and later a gives some of his inspired views on personal
continual enemy of Israel. conduct. David did more than make resolutions
8:6 3:18; 5:10. or write about justice; he practiced what he
8:9 “Hamath”– a kingdom north of Zobah. preached.
8:11 These were later used in the construction 8:16 “Joab”– 2:13. Note at 3:39.
2 Samuel 9:1 430

Jehoiada was over both the Kerethites and you will eat bread at my table permanently”.
the Pelethites, and David’s sons were chief 8 And he bowed down and said, “What is

ministers. your servant, that you should look on such

a dead dog as I?”

9 And David said, “Is there still anyone 9 Then the king called for Ziba, Saul’s

left of the house of Saul, that I may show servant, and said to him, “I have given all that
him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” belonged to Saul and to his whole household
2 And in the household of Saul there was to your master’s grandson. 10 You, therefore,
a servant whose name was Ziba. And when and your sons and your servants, shall till
they had called him to David, the king said the land for him and bring in the harvests,
to him, “Are you Ziba?” so that your master’s grandson may have
And he said, “Your servant”. food to eat. However Mephibosheth, your
3 And the king said, “Is no one of the master’s grandson, will always eat food at
house of Saul still left, that I may show the my table”. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and
kindness of God to him?” twenty servants.
And Ziba said to the king, “Jonathan still 11 Then Ziba said to the king, “Your servant

has a son, who is lame in his feet”. will act in accordance with all that my lord
4 And the king said to him, “Where is he?” the king has commanded his servant to do”.
And Ziba said to the king, “See, he is in The king said, “As for Mephibosheth, he
the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, will eat at my table, like one of the king’s
in Lodebar”. sons”.
5 Then King David sent men and had him 12 And Mephibosheth had a young son,

brought from the house of Machir, the son whose name was Micha. And all who
of Ammiel, from Lodebar. 6 Now when lived in the house of Ziba were servants of
Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son Mephibosheth.
of Saul, came to David, he went down on 13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem,

his face and prostrated himself. for he regularly ate at the king’s table. And
And David said, “Mephibosheth!” he was lame in both of his feet.
And he answered, “See your servant!”

10
7 And David said to him, “Do not be afraid, And it came about after this that the
for I will certainly show you kindness for your king of the children of Ammon died
father Jonathan’s sake, and will restore to and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.
you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and 2 Then David said, “I will show kindness

8:18 “Kerethites”– 1 Sam 30:14. They lived in the “Lo-Debar”– a town east of the Jordan River
south of the land of Canaan near the Philistines. and deep into Gilead.
Nothing is known for certain about the origins 9:7 “Afraid”– he had probably heard that kings
of this people. often exterminated any in the family of the
“Pelethites”– possibly (but not certainly) comes previous monarch who could be a rival for the
from the word “Philistine”. Men from these alien throne.
nations composed a private army or bodyguard “Kindness for...Jonathan’s sake”– here is a
for King David. beautiful picture which suggests how God shows
9:1 “Jonathan’s sake”– 1 Sam 20:14-17,42. grace to fallen and sinful men. Compare Eph 4:32;
9:2 “Ziba”– 16:1-4; 19:17,29. 1 John 2:12.
9:3 “Lame”– 4:4. Mephibosheth was five years 9:8 The name Mephibosheth means “destroyer of
old when Saul and Jonathan were killed, and shame”. He was not ashamed to accept the grace
now he was a young man with a son of his own and kindness of a king. Nor should sinful men be
(v 12). Many years elapsed before David fulfilled ashamed to accept the grace of the heavenly king
his obligation to Jonathan. Mephibosheth was (Rom 1:16; 2 Tim 1:8). But because of pride many
in a distant place (v 4), and David had been busy cannot endure the thought of being completely
establishing his kingdom and warring with his cast on the mercy and grace of God for salvation.
enemies. 9:11 “Like one of the king’s sons”– 1 John 3:1;
9:4 “Machir”– he seems to have been a kind- Rev 3:20.
hearted and God-fearing man. He befriended 10:1-19 1 Chron 19:1-19.
the dead Jonathan’s crippled son who had fallen 10:2 We have no record of the kindness Nahash
on hard times. Later he helped David when he showed David. But this reveals a very good
fled from Absalom (17:27-29). quality in David – gratitude.
431 2 Samuel 11:1

to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father children of Ammon. 11 And he said, “If the
showed kindness to me”. And David sent to Syrians are too strong for me, then you help
comfort him through his servants about his me, but if the children of Ammon are too
father. And David’s servants came into the strong for you, then I will come and help
land of the children of Ammon. you. 12 Be courageous, and let us be strong
3 And the leaders of the children of for our people and for the cities of our God.
Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “Do And may the LORD do what seems good
you think that David is honouring your to him”.
father, because he has sent comforters 13 And Joab and the people who were

to you? Has not David sent his servants with him drew near to the battle against the
to you to explore the city, and to spy it Syrians, and they fled before him. 14 And
out and to overthrow it?” 4 Wherefore when the children of Ammon saw that
Hanun took David’s servants and shaved the Syrians had fled, then they also fled
off one half of their beards and cut off before Abishai and entered the city. So Joab
their cloaks in the middle at their hips, returned from the children of Ammon and
and sent them away. came to Jerusalem.
5 When they told it to David, he sent 15 And when the Syrians saw that they

someone to meet them, because the men were defeated before Israel, they gathered
were greatly ashamed. And the king said, themselves together. 16 And Hadarezer sent
“Stay at Jericho until your beards are grown, men and brought the Syrians who were
and then return”. beyond the river. And they came to Helam,
6 And when the children of Ammon saw and Shobach the captain of the host of
that they had become odious to David, Hadarezer was leading them.
the children of Ammon sent agents and 17 And when it was told David, he gathered

hired the Syrians of Beth-Rehob and all Israel together and crossed over the
the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand Jordan and came to Helam. And the Syrians
foot soldiers, and a thousand men from set themselves in array against David and
king Maacah, and twelve thousand men fought with him. 18 And the Syrians fled
from Ishtob. before Israel, and David killed seven hundred
7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab charioteers of the Syrians and forty thousand
and all the army of the mighty men. 8 And horsemen, and struck down Shobach,
the children of Ammon came out and drew the captain of their host, who died there.
up battle lines at the entrance of the gate, 19 And when all the kings who were subject

and the Syrians of Zoba and of Rehob and to Hadarezer saw that they were defeated
Ishtob and Maacah were by themselves in before Israel, they made peace with Israel
the field. and became subject to them. So the Syrians
9 When Joab saw that there were two battle were afraid to help the children of Ammon
fronts against him, in the front and in the any more.
rear, he selected some of all the choice men
of Israel and put them in array against the
Syrians, 10 and the rest of the people he put
into the hands of his brother Abishai, so
11 And this happened at the turn of the
year, at the time when kings go forth to
battle: David sent out Joab and his servants
that he could put them in array against the with him and all Israel. And they destroyed
10:6 “Odious” – Gen 34:30; 1 Sam 13:4; no printing presses in those days or any sort
27:12. of duplicating machines. Manuscripts had
10:12 “May the LORD”– though Joab was a hard, to be laboriously copied by hand. Although
bloodthirsty man, he was brave and made some great care, really amazing care, was taken to
acknowledgment of God. copy accurately, minor copying errors were
10:13 1 Kings 20:13-21. sometimes made. It was particularly easy to
10:16 “The river”– Euphrates (8:3). make mistakes in copying numbers. There is
10:18 In the parallel account in 1 Chron 19:18 no doctrine of the Bible the least affected by
the number of charioteers is recorded as seven any such mistakes in copying, and we can only
thousand. This is one example of several marvel at the accuracy of the manuscripts as
differences in numbers between the books of a whole which were transmitted over many
Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. There were centuries and copied again and again.
2 Samuel 11:2 432

the children of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. followed him. 9 But Uriah slept at the door
But David still stayed at Jerusalem. of the king’s house with all the servants of
2 And it so happened one evening that his lord, and did not go down to his house.
David arose from his bed and walked on the 10 And when they told David, saying,

roof of the king’s house, and from the roof “Uriah did not go down to his house”, David
he saw a woman bathing. And the woman said to Uriah, “Did you not come from your
was very beautiful in appearance. 3 And journey? Why then did you not go down to
David sent and inquired about the woman. your house?”
And someone said, “Is not this Bathsheba, 11 And Uriah said to David, “The ark and

the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and
the Hittite?” 4 And David sent messengers, my lord Joab and the servants of my lord
and took her; and she came in to him, and are camped in the open fields. Shall I then
he lay with her, for she was purified from go to my house to eat and to drink, and to
her uncleanness. Then she returned to her lie with my wife? As you live, and as your
house. 5 And the woman conceived, and sent soul lives, I will not do this thing”.
and told David and said, “I am pregnant”. 12 And David said to Uriah, “Wait here
6 And David sent word to Joab, saying, today also, and tomorrow I will let you
“Send me Uriah the Hittite”. And Joab sent depart”. So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that
Uriah to David. 7 And when Uriah came to day, and the next day. 13 And when David
him, David asked him how Joab did and how called him, he ate and drank before him, and
the people did and how the war prospered. David made him drunk. And at evening he
8 Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to went out to lie on his bed with the servants of
your house and wash your feet”. And Uriah his lord, but he did not go down to his house.
left the king’s house, and a gift from the king 14 And it came about in the morning that

11:1 “Stayed at Jerusalem”– because David did against the Ammonites (vs 6,7).
not go with the army he fell into temptation 11:4 Ancient heathen kings had their harems
and great sin. We see in this chapter once again and brought anyone they wanted into them.
that the Bible does not try to hide the sins and But God’s standards for His people are different
failures of God’s people, but tells things just as (Lev 18:1-4), and David knew this. Under God’s
they were. Compare Gen 9:21; 12:13; 27:18-26; law David’s (and Bathsheba’s) sin was worthy of
Ex 32:2-4; Num 20:12; Judges chapter 16. From death (Lev 20:10). In the New Testament such
this account of David’s sin we can learn that sins are seen to be worthy of eternal damnation
even the greatest men of faith may fall to a – 1 Cor 6:9-10; Rev 21:8.
very low level. From the next chapter we can “Uncleanness”– Lev 15:19-30.
learn that God forgives the worst of sins if there 11:5 Her sin would soon be evident to Uriah.
is genuine repentance. We should remember Bathsheba leaves the solution of this problem
that bad example is put in the Bible, not that to David.
we should follow it, but that we might avoid it. 11:11 Observe Uriah’s devotion to duty. It is
See 1 Cor 10:1-13. in glaring contrast to David’s behavior. He
11:2 “He saw”– see Job 31:1. Compare David’s did not want to enjoy himself while his fellow
behavior with Joseph’s (Gen 39:7-12). Later soldiers were experiencing rough conditions
David rightly accepted the blame for the sin and in danger.
recorded in this chapter (see Ps 51), but this does 11:13 David thought drunkenness would overcome
not excuse Bathsheba. She must have realized Uriah’s sense of responsibility and loyalty to his
that the courtyard of her house was in full view fellow soldiers. But it did not.
of the roof of David’s palace. Bathsheba is not 11:14-15 David sent by Uriah the orders for
explicitly accused of trying to tempt David, but Uriah’s own murder. For murder it certainly
she did not resist the sin of adultery with him was (12:9). This incident throws further light
(v 4), and was willing to marry him as soon on the character of Joab. Apparently David was
as possible (v 27). Surely she was not entirely confident that Joab would have no scruples
without guilt in all this. about being involved in another murder. We
11:3 “Wife”– when David found out that Bathsheba can learn from all this how one sin leads
was another man’s wife, his one business should to another and may involve more and more
have been to forget her. Even the lust he felt for people. Trying to cover one sin usually results
her was sin (Ex 20:17). in lies and deception, and sometimes more
“Uriah”– this man was not an unknown soldier, violent sin. Altogether David broke three
but one of the 37 greatest heroes in David’s army of God’s most important commandments
(23:39). At that very moment he was in the battle (Ex 20:13-14,17).
433 2 Samuel 12:5

David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by and some of the king’s servants are dead, and
the hand of Uriah. 15 And he wrote in the your servant Uriah the Hittite also is dead”.
letter, saying, “Set Uriah in the forefront of 25 Then David said to the messenger, “This

the hottest battle and draw back from him, is what you are to say to Joab: ‘Do not let this
so that he may be struck down and die”. thing distress you, for the sword consumes
16 And it came about, when Joab looked one as well as another. Strengthen your
the city over, that he assigned Uriah to a battle against the city, and overthrow it’,
place where he knew that valiant men were. and encourage him”.
17 And the men of the city came out and 26 And when the wife of Uriah heard that

fought with Joab, and some of the people Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned
of the servants of David fell. And Uriah the for her husband. 27 And when the mourning
Hittite also died. was past, David sent and had her brought
18 Then Joab sent a man to tell David to his house, and she became his wife, and
everything concerning the war, 19 and ordered bore him a son. But the thing that David
the messenger, saying, “When you have had done displeased the LORD.
finished telling the matters of the war to
the king, 20 then if it so happens that the
king’s anger is aroused and he says to you,
‘Why did you approach so near to the
12 And the LORD sent Nathan to David.
And he came to him and said to him,
“There were two men in one city, the one
city while you were fighting? Did you not rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had
know that they would shoot from the wall? a great many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor
21 Who struck down Abimelech the son of man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb,
Jerubbesheth? Did not a woman hurl a piece which he had bought and nourished. And it
of a millstone on him from the wall, so that grew up with him and with his children. It
he died in Thebez? Why did you go near the ate from his own food and drank from his
wall?’ Then you say, ‘Your servant Uriah own cup and lay in his bosom, and was like
the Hittite also is dead.’ ” a daughter to him.
22 So the messenger went, and came and 4 “And a traveller came to the rich man,

told David all that Joab had sent by him. and he spared his own flock and his own
23 And the messenger said to David, “The herd, refusing to take from them to prepare
men certainly prevailed against us, and came for the traveller who had come to him, but
out to us in the field, but we pressed them took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it
even to the entrance of the gate. 24 And the for the man who had come to him”.
archers shot from the wall at your servants; 5 And David’s anger burned greatly against

11:17 David’s way of getting rid of Uriah meant but seeks to bring them to repentance. This visit
that he was responsible for the killing of others of Nathan took place a considerable time after
in his own army. Oh where does sin end once David’s sin with Bathsheba. A child had already
it has begun? been born to them. David still had not repented.
11:21 “Jerubbesheth”– Gideon. He was also called “Nathan”– once Nathan had come from the
Jerubbaal. Lord with a message of great blessing (7:4-17).
“Thebez”– Jud 9:50-54. Now his message is of judgment and disaster.
“Uriah”– Joab was sure that any anger David God’s messengers must be ready to speak forth
might feel over the loss of men would evaporate whatever God gives them to speak. Nathan was
at the news of Uriah’s death. Verse 25 shows a truly spiritual man who was willing to declare
that Joab’s confidence in this matter was well to the king his sin. We all need someone like
founded. Nathan who will fearlessly point out what may
11:27 The haste with which the marriage was be wrong in our lives.
arranged would indicate that the mourning was 12:2-4 Parables and stories can sometimes point
little more than a show. to truths in a gripping way that catches those who
“Displeased the LORD”– 12:9. When a man does listen before they realize they are the persons in the
as he pleases we may be sure that it displeases parable. The Lord Jesus often used this method.
God and that there will eventually be sad 12:5 How easy it is to see faults in others and
consequences. God had appointed David to to ignore the same faults in ourselves. And how
shepherd the people (5:2; 7:8), not to steal their quick men are to condemn others and excuse
wives, or murder them. themselves (Rom 2:1,21-24). David had a keen
12:1 “The LORD sent”– it is a great mercy that sense of justice (8:15; 1 Sam 24:11-15), but it had
God does not quickly abandon men in their sin been asleep until Nathan aroused it with this story.
2 Samuel 12:6 434

the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.
LORD lives, the man who has done this 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this

thing shall surely die! 6 And he shall restore thing before all Israel, and before the sun.’ ”
the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, 13 And David said to Nathan, “I have

and because he had no pity”. sinned against the LORD”.

7 And Nathan said to David, “You are the And Nathan said to David, “The LORD
man. Thus says the LORD God of Israel: has also put away your sin. You will not
‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I die. 14 However, because by this deed you
delivered you out of the hands of Saul, 8 and have given great occasion to the enemies
I gave you your master’s house, and your of the LORD to blaspheme, the child who
master’s wives into your bosom, and gave has been born to you will also surely die”.
you the house of Israel and of Judah. And 15 And Nathan departed to his house. And

as if that was too little, in addition I would the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife
have given to you other such things. 9 Why bore to David, and it was very sick. 16 So
have you despised the commandment of David begged God for the child, and David
the LORD, to do evil in his sight? You have fasted and went in and lay all night on the
killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and ground. 17 And the elders of his house arose
have taken his wife to be your wife, having and went to him to raise him up from the
killed him with the sword of the children ground, but he was not willing, and did not
of Ammon. 10 Now therefore the sword will eat food with them.
never depart from your house, because you 18 And it happened on the seventh day

have despised me, and have taken the wife that the child died. And the servants of
of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ David were afraid to tell him that the child
11 “Thus says the LORD: ‘See, I will raise was dead; for they said, “Look, while the
up evil against you from your own house, child was still alive, we spoke to him, and
and before your eyes I will take your wives he would not listen to our voice. How will
and give them to your neighbour, and he will we tell him the child is dead? Then he may
12:6 Ex 22:1. David insisted on the penalty of not belong to Him (Heb 12:6-8).
the law for others. “House”– David’s sin was against a household,
12:7 “You are the man”– since David did not see trouble would come to him from his own
himself in the parable, Nathan fearlessly and household.
faithfully made the application. 12:12 Fulfilled by Absalom. See 16:20-22.
12:8 “Master’s wives”– suggests Saul’s concubines 12:13 “I have sinned”– note on confession at
may have been brought into David’s household. 1 Sam 26:21. David accepted the truth about
David had seven wives before he took Bathsheba himself and repented. The genuineness of his
(3:2-5; 1 Sam 19:11). This did not keep him from repentance is clear from Psalm 51 which he
wanting others. Polygamy is no barrier to lust wrote at this time. David did not count Nathan
and, in fact, may be just the opposite. an enemy because he told him the truth. See also
“Judah”– 2:4; 5:2-3. Ps 141:5. He knew that it is very beneficial to have
12:9 David’s sin had been against the God who someone who will speak the truth without fear or
had shown him continual grace (vs 7,8). favor. Contrast all this with the attitude of Ahab
“Despised the commandment”– Isa 5:24; toward Elijah and Micaiah (1 Kings 21:20; 22:8).
Ezek 20:13; Amos 2:4; Mal 1:6. By his actions See also Gal 4:16.
David showed this attitude toward God’s Word “You will not die”– because of God’s mercy
(compare Num 15:31). If David had been asked David was forgiven and would not suffer the
he would have said, no doubt, that he loved just penalty of the law for his sin.
God’s Word, and usually he did love it, but he 12:14 “To blaspheme”– this is one of the sad results
had slipped away from this love. of the sins of God’s people (Ezek 36:22; Rom 2:24).
“You have killed”– Uriah fell in battle, but See also 1 Tim 5:14; 6:1; Titus 2:5,8; 1 Pet 2:12.
David ordered his death, and this was the same “Die”– though David was forgiven and the
as killing him with his own hand (11:14-17). full penalty of the law was not carried out, there
12:10 “The sword”– later on three of David’s sons were still consequences of his sin which he had
were killed (13:28; 8:14-15; 1 Kings 2:25). All this to endure. See also vs 10,11. We cannot do as we
is another example of men (even God’s people) please and then expect God to shield us from any
reaping what they sow (Gal 6:7). trouble that may result.
12:11 “Evil”– or “disaster”. Sin has consequences 12:15 1 Sam 25:38.
which cannot be averted in this life. If God does 12:16-17 David hoped God would change His
not chastise us for our sins it only shows we do mind (v 22).
435 2 Samuel 13:6

harm himself”. together and went to Rabbah, and fought

19 But when David saw that his servants against it and took it. 30 And he took their
were whispering, David understood that the king’s crown from his head. Its weight was
child was dead. Therefore David said to his a talent of gold with the precious stones;
servants, “Is the child dead?” and it was placed on David’s head. And
And they said, “He is dead”. he brought plunder out of the city in great
20 Then David arose from the ground, and abundance. 31 And he brought out the people
washed and anointed himself and changed who were in it, and put them to work with
his clothes, and came into the house of the saws and with iron instruments and with
LORD and worshipped. Then he came to iron axes, and made them go into the brick
his own house, and when he asked, they set kiln. And this he did to all the cities of the
food before him, and he ate. children of Ammon. So David and all the
21 Then his servants said to him, “What is people returned to Jerusalem.
this that you have done? You fasted and wept
for the child while it was alive, but when the
child was dead, you got up and ate food”.
22 And he said, “While the child was still
13 And this is what happened after that:
David’s son Absalom had a beautiful
sister, whose name was Tamar; and David’s
alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, Who can son Amnon loved her.
tell whether God will be gracious to me, so 2 And Amnon was so distressed that he

that the child may live? 23 But now that he felt sick for his sister Tamar, for she was a
is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him virgin, and Amnon thought it hard for him
back again? I will go to him, but he will not to do anything to her.
return to me”. 3 But Amnon had a friend whose name
24 And David comforted his wife Bathsheba, was Jonadab, the son of David’s brother
and went in to her and lay with her; and she Shimeah. And Jonadab was a very shrewd
bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. man. 4 And he said to him, “Why are you,
And the LORD loved him. 25 And he sent a son of the king, so haggard from day to
word by the hand of Nathan the prophet, day? Will you not tell me?”
and he called his name Jedidiah, because And Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar,
of the LORD. my brother Absalom’s sister”.
26 And Joab fought against Rabbah, 5 And Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on

belonging to the children of Ammon, your bed and pretend to be sick, and when
and took the royal city. 27 And Joab sent your father comes to see you, say to him,
messengers to David and said, “I have fought ‘Please let my sister Tamar come and give
against Rabbah, and have taken the City of me food, and prepare the food in my sight, so
Waters. 28 Now therefore gather the rest of that I may see it and eat it from her hand.’ ”
the people together and camp against the 6 So Amnon lay down and pretended to

city and take it. Otherwise, if I take the city, be sick, and when the king came to see him,
it will be called after my name”. Amnon said to the king, “Please let my sister
29 And David gathered all the people Tamar come and make me a couple of cakes
12:20 David humbly accepted God’s campaign mentioned in chapter 11. It probably
punishment. took place between the time of David’s adultery
12:22 Isa 38:1-3; Joel 2:14; Jonah 3:9. and his exposure by Nathan.
12:23 “He will not return to me”– David meant 12:30 “Talent”– about 34 kilograms.
he too would some day go into the realm of “Head”– placing the crown on David’s head
the dead, but that the child would not come was a symbolic way of saying that henceforth he
back from there. Gen 37:35; 1 Sam 28:19; would be ruler of that land.
Job 7:8-10. 13:1 “David”– in this chapter the prophecy
12:24 “Solomon”– 1 Chron 22:9-10. No reason of 12:10 begins to be fulfilled. Amnon was
is given here why God had a special affection the son of David’s second wife Ahinoam.
for this one of David’s many sons. Compare Absalom and Tamar were born to his wife
Deut 7:7-8; Rom 9:10-13. Maacah and so Amnon was their half brother.
12:25 Jedidiah means “one the LORD loves”. See 3:2-5.
The name Solomon probably comes from the 13:5 “Jonadab said”– Ps 1:1. Jonadab’s evil counsel
Hebrew word for peace. resulted in rape, murder, and rebellion, and great
12:26-31 These verses describe the end of the trouble and sorrow for David.
2 Samuel 13:7 436

in my sight, so that I may eat from her hand”. this woman out from me, and bolt the door
7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, after her”.
“Go now to your brother Amnon’s house and 18 And she had on a multi-coloured robe;

prepare him food”. 8 So Tamar went to her for the king’s daughters who were virgins
brother Amnon’s house; and he was lying wore such robes. Then his servant took her
down. And she took flour and kneaded it out and bolted the door after her. 19 And
and made cakes in his sight, and baked the Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore her
cakes. 9 And she took a pan and served them multi-coloured robe that she was wearing,
to him, but he refused to eat. and put her hand on her head, and walked
And Amnon said, “Have everyone go out away, crying as she went.
from me”. And every one of them went out 20 And her brother Absalom said to her,

from him. 10 And Amnon said to Tamar, “Has your brother Amnon been with you?
“Bring the food into the room, so that I But now keep quiet, my sister. He is your
may eat from your hand”. And Tamar took brother. Do not take this thing to heart”.
the cakes which she had made, and brought So Tamar remained desolate in her brother
them into the room to Amnon her brother. Absalom’s house.
11 And when she had brought them to him 21 But when King David heard of all these

to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, things, he was very angry. 22 And Absalom
“Come lie with me, my sister”. did not speak to his brother Amnon anything,
12 And she answered him, “No, my brother, good or bad, for Absalom hated Amnon,
do not force me; for no such thing should be because he had forced his sister Tamar.
done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful 23 And it came about two full years later

thing. 13 And I, where would I get rid of my that Absalom had sheep shearers in Baal-
shame? And as for you, you would be like one Hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom
of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please invited all the king’s sons. 24 And Absalom
speak to the king, for he will not withhold came to the king and said, “Look, now your
me from you”. 14 However he would not listen servant has sheep shearers. Please, will the
to her voice, and, being stronger than she, king and his servants go with your servant?”
forced her and lay with her. 25 And the king said to Absalom, “No,
15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, my son, let us not all go now, or we will
so that the hatred with which he hated her be a burden to you”. And he pressed him.
was greater than the love with which he had However he would not go, but blessed him.
loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get 26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my

up! Be gone!” brother Amnon go with us”. And the king

16 And she said to him, “No! because this said to him, “Why should he go with you?”
evil in sending me away is greater than the 27 But Absalom pressed him, so that he let

other that you did to me”. But he would not Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.
listen to her. 17 Then he called his servant 28 Now Absalom had commanded his

who attended on him and said, “Now put servants, saying, “You observe now when

13:7 David, completely unsuspecting, becomes It is possible that David’s remembrance of his
an instrument in his son’s hand to accomplish own sexual sin made him too lenient to Amnon.
his evil purpose. He well knew the bad example he had set. Or it
13:12 “She answered him”– Tamar’s words were may be that David had always been reluctant
based on God’s laws for Israel which were public to discipline his children – see 1 Kings 1:6. If
knowledge (Lev 18:9-11; Deut 27:22). so, this could account for the sad way some of
13:14 His “love” was only lust which turned to them turned out. See Prov 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14.
disgust when satisfied. David’s inaction at this time may well have
13:16 Amnon is a type of the utterly selfish been the cause of the death of both Amnon and
person who does not care what wrong he does Absalom later on.
to someone he says he loves. 13:22 “Hated”– Lev 19:17-18; Matt 18:15-16;
13:19 “Tore”– a sign of great sorrow – Gen 37:29; Luke 17:3; 1 John 3:15.
1 Sam 4:12; Esther 4:1 – here a symbol of the loss 13:28 Though Amnon’s sin was worthy of death,
of her virginity. Absalom had no right to take personal vengeance.
13:21 David was angry but evidently did nothing Note at Ex 21:23-25; Lev 19:18; Num 31:2. If
to punish Amnon. According to the law of God, others sin against us, that does not give us the
Amnon’s sin was worthy of death (Lev 20:17). right to sin against them.
437 2 Samuel 14:9

Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when David longed to go to Absalom, for he was
I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon’, then kill him. comforted concerning Amnon, since he
Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded was dead.
you? Be courageous and be valiant”. 29 And
the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as
Absalom had commanded. Then all the
king’s sons arose, and each man got himself
14 Now Joab, the son of Zeruiah,
perceived that the king’s heart was
toward Absalom. 2 And Joab sent to Tekoah
onto his mule and fled. and brought a wise woman from there, and
30 And it came about, while they were on said to her, “Please pretend to be a mourner
the way, that news came to David, saying, and put on mourning clothes now, and do
“Absalom has killed all the king’s sons, and not anoint yourself with oil, but be like a
not one of them is left”. 31 Then the king woman who has been mourning for the
arose and tore his clothes and lay on the dead for a long time, 3 and go to the king
ground, and all his servants stood by with and speak like this to him” (then Joab put
their clothes torn. the words in her mouth).
32 And Jonadab, the son of David’s brother 4 And when the woman of Tekoah spoke

Shimeah, answered and said, “Let not my to the king, she bowed down and prostrated
lord suppose that they have killed all the herself on the ground and did obeisance,
young men, the king’s sons; for only Amnon and said, “Help, O king”.
is dead. For this has been determined in 5 And the king said to her, “What is

Absalom’s mind from the day that he forced troubling you?”

his sister Tamar. 33 Now therefore my lord And she answered, “I am indeed a widow
the king should not take the thing to his woman, for my husband is dead. 6 And your
heart, to think that all the king’s sons are maid servant had two sons, and the two of
dead, for only Amnon is dead”. them fought together in the field, and there
34 And Absalom fled. And the young man was no one to part them, and the one struck
who was on watch raised his eyes and looked, the other and killed him. 7 And, see, the
and saw many people coming by the way of whole family has risen up against your maid
the hillside behind him. servant, and said, ‘Hand over the one who
35 And Jonadab said to the king, “Look, struck his brother, so that we can kill him,
the king’s sons are coming. It’s just like your for the life of his brother whom he killed;
servant said”. and we will destroy the heir also.’ And so
36 And it came about, as soon as he finished they would put out the burning coal that I
speaking, that there were the king’s sons have left, and not leave to my husband either
coming and raising their voices and weeping. name or survivor on the earth”.
And the king also and all his servants wept 8 And the king said to the woman, “Go

very bitterly. to your house, and I will give a command

37 But Absalom fled and went to Talmai, concerning you”.
the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And 9 And the woman of Tekoah said to the

David mourned for his son every day. king, “My lord, O king, may the guilt be on
38 So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, me, and on my father’s house, and may the
and was there three years. 39 And King king and his throne be innocent”.

13:34 The last sentence of this verse is found in 13:39 Once again David does nothing to make
the Septuagint, but not in the Hebrew manuscripts the wrong situation right. He longed to go to
now available. Absalom, but he did not. Nor did he ask Absalom
13:35 “Like your servant said”– it seems the evil to return. Memory of one’s own sins sometimes
Jonadab (v 5) was trying to pass himself off as tends to paralyze proper action.
a wise counselor and comforter. 14:1 “Joab”– 2:13. His motives here are unclear.
13:37 “Talmai”– Absalom’s maternal grandfather It may be only that he saw David grieving for
(3:3). He fled there because as a murderer there Absalom and wanted him to be happy.
was no refuge for him in Israel. Cities of refuge 14:7 “Hand over”– see Num 35:16-25;
were only for those who had killed someone Deut 19:11-13.
unintentionally – Num 35:9-26,31. 14:8 Once more David speaks without realizing
“Mourned”– David was paying dearly for his he is involving himself. See 12:5-6.
own sins of adultery and murder. 14:9 Gen 43:9; 1 Sam 25:24; 1 Kings 1:52.
2 Samuel 14:10 438
10 And the king said, “Whoever says your soul lives, my lord the king, no one
anything to you, bring him to me, and he can turn to the right or to the left from
will not touch you any more”. anything that my lord the king has spoken;
11 Then she said, “Please, let the king for it was your servant Joab who gave me
remember the LORD your God, so that you orders and put all these words in the mouth
do not allow the avengers of blood to destroy of your maid servant. 20 Your servant Joab
any more, so they will not destroy my son”. has done this to change the appearance of
And he said, “As the LORD lives, not one things. And my lord is wise, with wisdom
hair of your son will fall to the ground”. like an angel of God, to know all things that
12 Then the woman said, “Please let your are in the earth”.
maid servant speak one word to my lord 21 And the king said to Joab, “Look now,

the king”. I will do this thing. So go bring the young

And he said, “Speak”. man Absalom back”.
13 And the woman said, “Why then have 22 And Joab bowed down and prostrated

you thought such a thing against the people himself on the ground, and thanked the king,
of God? For the king speaks this like someone and Joab said, “Today your servant knows
who is at fault, because the king does not that I have found favour in your sight, my
bring his banished one back home. 14 For we lord, O king, because the king has fulfilled
must die, and are like water spilled on the the request of his servant”.
ground, which cannot be gathered up again. 23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur and

And God does not show favoritism, but he brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 And the
devises ways so that his banished ones are king said, “Let him return to his own house,
not exiled from him. 15 Now the reason that but do not let him see my face”. So Absalom
I have come to speak of this thing to my lord returned to his own house, but did not see
the king is because the people have made the king’s face.
me afraid, and your maid servant said, I 25 But in all Israel no one was so highly

will now speak to the king; it may be that praised for his handsome appearance as
the king will perform the request of his Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the
maidservant. 16 For the king will listen and crown of his head there was no blemish in
deliver his maidservant out of the hands of him. 26 And when he cut the hair of his head
the man who would destroy me and my son (for he cut it at the end of each year; he cut
together from God’s inheritance. 17Then your it because the hair was heavy on him), he
maid servant said, The word of my lord the weighed the hair of his head at two hundred
king will now be comforting, for my lord the shekels by the king’s weights.
king is like an angel of God in discerning 27 And three sons were born to Absalom,

good and bad. Therefore the LORD your and one daughter, whose name was Tamar.
God will be with you”. She was a woman of beautiful appearance.
18 Then the king answered and said to the 28 So Absalom lived two full years in

woman, “Please do not hide from me what Jerusalem, and did not see the king’s face.
I am going to ask you”. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab to send

And the woman said, “May my lord the him to the king, but he would not come to
king now speak”. him. And when he sent again the second
19 And the king said, “Is not the hand of time, he would not come. 30 Therefore he
Joab with you in all this?” said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is near
And the woman answered and said, “As mine, and he has barley there. Go and set
14:11 “Avengers of blood”– Num 35:12; Deut 19:4-10. she was wrong when she said God does not take
Absalom had fled probably because he feared an away life (Gen 6:7; 9:5-6).
avenger would seek him. 14:17 Unfortunately this was not true. But she
14:13 12:7. thought a little flattery might help.
“His banished one”– she argues that if David is 14:22 Joab’s part in all this is mysterious – vs 2,29.
willing to pardon and protect the son of a strange 14:23 “Geshur”– 13:37.
woman, how much more his own son. 14:24 This was neither proper punishment nor
14:14 The woman emphasizes the mercy and proper pardon. And it resulted in further trouble.
grace of God rather than God’s justice, in order 14:25 1 Sam 16:7.
to move the king to behave in the same way. But 14:26 “Two hundred shekels”– about 2.3 kilograms.
439 2 Samuel 15:14

it on fire”. And Absalom’s servants set the I could administer justice for him!”
field on fire. 5 And it happened that when any man came
31 Then Joab arose and came to Absalom near him to bow down to him, he would put
at his house, and said to him, “Why have out his hand and take hold of him and kiss
your servants set my field on fire?” him. 6 And this is the way Absalom acted
32 And Absalom answered Joab, “Look, to every Israelite who came to the king for
I sent word to you, saying, Come here so I judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of
can send you to the king to say, ‘Why have the men of Israel.
I come from Geshur? It would be good for 7 And this took place after forty years:

me to be there still.’ Now therefore let me Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go
see the king’s face. And if I am guilty of and pay my vow in Hebron, which I have
anything, let him kill me”. made to the LORD. 8 For your servant made
33 So Joab came to the king and told him. a vow while I was staying at Geshur in Syria,
And when he called for Absalom, he came saying, If the LORD indeed brings me back
to the king, and bowed down with his face to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD”.
to the ground before the king, and the king 9 And the king said to him, “Go in peace”.

kissed Absalom. So he arose and went to Hebron.

10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all

15 And it came about after this that

Absalom prepared chariots and horses
for himself, and fifty men to run before him.
the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you
hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall
say, ‘Absalom is reigning in Hebron!’ ” 11 And
2 And Absalom would rise early and stand two hundred men from Jerusalem, who were
beside the gate road, and it happened that invited, went with Absalom, and they went
when any man who had a controversy came in their innocence and knew nothing of the
to the king for judgment, then Absalom plot. 12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel
would call to him and say, “From which the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his
city are you?” And he would say, “Your city, from Giloh, when he was offering
servant is from one of the tribes of Israel”. sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong,
3 And Absalom would say to him, “See, your for the number of people with Absalom
claims are good and right, but there is no increased continually.
representative of the king to listen to you”. 13 And a messenger came to David, saying,
4 And Absalom would say, “Oh that I were “The hearts of the men of Israel are after
made judge in the land, so that whoever Absalom”.
has any suit or case might come to me, and 14 And David said to all his servants who

14:32 “If I am guilty”– probably Absalom persuaded 15:7 “Forty”– this could possibly mean after
himself that he was completely justified in killing Absalom’s fortieth year. Some versions have
Amnon. He wanted David to restore him to full “four” here. That would mean four years after
favor. It is not uncommon for men to justify Absalom’s return to Jerusalem.
themselves after committing the worst sorts of 15:8 Often when men are bent on evil they
crimes against God’s law. make a show of piety and religion. Compare
14:33 “Kissed”– reconciliation seems complete, Isa 1:10-17. They want to think God is on their
but there has been no repentance on Absalom’s side. “In Hebron” is in the Septuagint, but not
part and his sin has not been dealt with. The in the available Hebrew manuscripts.
next chapter reveals the further progress of sin 15:9 Apparently David was ignorant of what
in his heart. had been going on.
15:1 As far as the record goes, no leader in Israel 15:10 1 Kings 1:34; 2 Kings 9:13.
had ever used a chariot before. Absalom was 15:12 Verse 31; 1 Chron 27:33; Ps 3:1.
now trying to make something big of himself. “Ahitophel”– he was the grandfather of
15:3 He was suggesting to the people that King Bathsheba (11:3; 23:34). We are not told why he
David cared nothing for their troubles and joined Absalom’s rebellion. For all we know he
complaints, but that he himself did. may have harbored resentment against David
15:4 If Absalom aspired to be a judge he should for David’s sin against Bathsheba (chapter 11).
first have judged himself for the murder of his Ahitophel’s treachery was probably the cause of
brother Amnon (13:28). Often those who seek David’s complaint in Ps 41:9; 55:12-14.
a high position are least fit to hold it. Actually, 15:13 Verse 6.
Absalom wanted a higher office than judge (v 10). 15:14 12:11; 13:28. David knew Absalom would
15:6 Compare Rom 16:18. not hesitate to kill.
2 Samuel 15:15 440

were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let the covenant of God. And they set down the
us flee; for otherwise we will not escape from ark of God, and Abiathar went up until all
Absalom. Leave quickly, or he will come on the people had passed out of the city.
us suddenly and bring disaster on us, and 25 And the king said to Zadok, “Carry the

strike the city with the edge of the sword”. ark of God back into the city. If I find favour
15 And the king’s servants said to the king, in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me
“See, your servants are ready to do whatever again, and show both it and his dwelling
my lord the king chooses”. place to me. 26 But if he says, ‘I have no
16 And the king went out, and all his delight in you’, see, here I am. Let him do
household after him. And the king left ten to me as seems good to him”.
women, who were concubines, to keep the 27 The king also said to Zadok the priest,

house. 17 And the king went out, and all the “Are you not a seer? Return to the city
people after him, and stopped in a place that in peace, and your two sons with you,
was at a distance. 18 And all his servants your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar’s son
passed on beside him; and all the Kerethites Jonathan. 28 See, I will wait in the plain
and all the Pelethites and all the Gittites, six of the wilderness, until word comes from
hundred men who followed him from Gath, you to inform me”. 29 Therefore Zadok and
passed on before the king. Abiathar carried the ark of God back to
19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, Jerusalem and waited there.
“Why are you also going with us? Return to 30 And David went up by the ascent of

your place, and stay with the king; for you Mount Olivet, and wept as he went up; and
are a foreigner and also an exile. 20 You came he had his head covered, and went barefoot.
only yesterday, and shall I today make you And each man among all the people who
go up and down with us while I go where were with him covered his head, and they
I am going? Return, and take back your went up, weeping as they went. 31 And
brethren. May mercy and truth be with you”. someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel
21 And Ittai answered the king and said, is among the conspirators with Absalom”.
“As the LORD lives, and as my lord the And David said, “O LORD, I pray you, turn
king lives, wherever my lord the king may the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness”.
be, whether for death or life, surely there 32 And it came about that when David

your servant will also be”. arrived at the top of the mountain, where
22 And David said to Ittai, “Go and pass God was worshipped, Hushai the Archite
by”. And Ittai the Gittite and all his men, appeared, coming to meet him with his coat
and all the little ones who were with him, torn and dust on his head. 33 David said to
passed by. him, “If you go on with me, then you will
23 And the whole country wept with a loud be a burden to me. 34 But if you return to
voice. And all the people passed by, and the the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your
king himself crossed over the brook Kidron, servant, O king. Just as I have been your
and all the people crossed over, on toward father’s servant before this, so now I will
the wilderness. be your servant also’, then you can defeat
24 And Zadok also appeared, and all the the counsel of Ahithophel. 35 And have you
Levites were with him, carrying the ark of not there with you Zadok and Abiathar the
15:16 “Concubines”– 5:13. was. Compare this with Israel’s superstition in
15:18 “Pelethites”– note at 8:18. 1 Sam 4:3.
15:19 “Ittai”– 18:2. He was a Philistine, but 15:26 David also knew that the only important
showed more loyalty to David than many from factor was God’s favor, and that he was unworthy
Israel showed (v 21). When we are in trouble we of that favor.
find out who our real friends are. Prov 18:24. 15:27 “Seer”– note at 1 Sam 9:9.
15:21 Ruth 1:17; Prov 17:17. 15:31 This prayer God answered – 17:14,23.
15:23 “Kidron”– a valley just outside the southeast 15:32 “Hushai”– v 37; 1 Chron 27:33.
wall of Jerusalem. 15:34 God would have answered David’s prayer
15:24 “Zadok”– 8:17. without David urging Hushai to be deceitful
“Ark”– note at Ex 25:10-16. to Absalom. See notes at Gen 12:13; 27:18-26;
15:25 David knew that the ark was only a symbol Josh 2:5; 1 Sam 27:10. God is always perfectly
of God’s presence and that God’s presence able to work His will among men altogether
could go with him regardless of where the ark without man’s tricks.
441 2 Samuel 16:16

priests? Therefore let it be that whatever 7 And as Shimei cursed he said, “Get out!
word you hear from the king’s house, tell Get out! You man of blood, you wicked
it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 See, scoundrel! 8 The LORD has brought back
they have there with them their two sons, onto you all the blood of the house of Saul,
Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son in whose stead you have reigned, and the
Jonathan. And everything you hear you LORD has handed over the kingdom to the
must send to me by them”. hands of your son Absalom. And, see, you
37 So David’s friend Hushai came into the are caught in your wickedness, because you
city as Absalom was arriving at Jerusalem. are a man of blood”.
9 Then Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, said to

16 And when David had passed a little

beyond the top of the mount, Ziba,
the servant of Mephibosheth, appeared,
the king, “Why should this dead dog curse
my lord the king? Please let me go over and
take off his head”.
meeting him with a couple of donkeys. On 10 And the king said, “What have I to do

them were two hundred loaves of bread and with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him
a hundred clusters of raisins and a hundred curse, because the LORD has said to him,
summer fruits and a wineskin of wine. ‘Curse David.’ Who then will say, ‘Why
2 And the king said to Ziba, “What do have you done so?’ ”
you mean by these?” And Ziba said, “The 11 And David said to Abishai, and to all

donkeys are for the king’s household to ride his servants, “Look, my son, who came out
on, and the bread and summer fruit for the of my body, is seeking my life. How much
young men to eat, and the wine for those more now may this Benjamite do it? Leave
who become faint in the wilderness to drink”. him alone and let him curse, for the LORD
3 And the king said, “And where is your has told him to do it. 12 It may be that the
master’s son?” LORD will look on my suffering, and that
And Ziba said to the king, “See, he is the LORD will repay me with good for his
staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the cursing this day”.
house of Israel will restore the kingdom of 13 And as David and his men proceeded on

my father to me’”. the road, Shimei went along on the hillside

4 Then the king said to Ziba, “See, all that opposite him and uttered curses as he went,
belonged to Mephibosheth is yours”. and hurled stones at him and threw dust.
And Ziba said, “I humbly bow. May I 14 And the king, and all the people who were

find grace in your sight, my lord, O king”. with him, arrived at their stopping place
5 And when King David came to Bahurim, exhausted, and they refreshed themselves
suddenly a man of the family of the house of there.
Saul came out, whose name was Shimei, the 15 And Absalom, and all the people, the men

son of Gera. He came out, uttering curses of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel
as he came. 6 And he hurled stones at David, was with him. 16 And this happened when
and at all the servants of King David. And Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to
all the people and all the mighty men were Absalom: Hushai said to Absalom, “God
at his right hand and at his left. save the king! God save the king!”
16:1 “Ziba”– 9:2-13. the events of 21:1-9, which probably took place
16:3 “Master’s son”– Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth. before the events in this chapter.
In Hebrew son indicated a wider range of 16:9 19:21; 1 Sam 26:8.
relationships than in English. When David 16:10 3:39; 19:22.
returned, Mephibosheth gave him an altogether 16:11 David knew that though he was innocent
different explanation than Ziba’s (19:25-28). in the matter of Saul’s household, he had shed
Which man told David the truth? The Bible does the innocent blood of others (11:14-17; 12:9-10).
not say and David himself did not know (19:29). 16:12 Deut 23:5; Neh 13:2; Prov 20:22;
16:4 David was too quick to believe Ziba, Heb 12:10-11.
and later changed this decision (19:16-23; 16:14 Sometime during his flight from Absalom,
1 Kings 2:8-9,44-46; Ex 22:28). perhaps here, David wrote Psalm 3 and (probably)
16:5-8 Evidently Shimei thought David was Psalm 63. Both psalms show David’s great
finished forever and wanted to give him a kick confidence in God in a time of danger.
while he was down. 16:15 15:12.
16:8 “Saul”– Shimei perhaps was referring to 16:16 15:32-33,37.
2 Samuel 16:17 442
17 And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this suggestion? If not, you speak out”.
your kindness to your friend? Why did you 7 And Hushai said to Absalom, “The

not go with your friend?” counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good
18 And Hushai said to Absalom, “No; but at this time. 8 For”, said Hushai, “you know
I will belong to the one whom the LORD your father and his men, that they are mighty
and this people and all the men of Israel men, and their minds are embittered. They
choose, and I will stay with him. 19 And are like a bear robbed of its cubs in the field.
besides, whom should I serve? Should I not And your father is a warrior, and will not
serve in the presence of his son? As I have spend the night with the people. 9 Look, he
served in your father’s presence, so I will be is hidden now in some cave or in some other
in your presence”. place. And when some of your men fall at
20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give the first attack, it will happen that whoever
your counsel. What shall we do?” hears it will say, ‘There is a slaughter among
21 And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 And even
in to your father’s concubines, whom he the one who is valiant, whose heart is like
left to keep the house, and all Israel will the heart of a lion, will melt away. For all
hear that you are abhorrent to your father. Israel knows that your father is a mighty
Then the hands of all who are with you will man and that those who are with him are
be strengthened”. 22 So they spread a tent valiant men.
for Absalom on the roof of the house, and 11 “Therefore, I counsel that all Israel

Absalom went in to his father’s concubines should be gathered to you, from Dan to
in the sight of all Israel. Beersheba, in number like the sand that is
23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which by the sea, and that you personally go to the
he gave in those days, was as if a man had battle. 12 So we can come on him in some
inquired of the word of God. All the counsel place, wherever he is to be found, and we
of Ahithophel both with David and with will fall on him like dew falls on the ground;
Absalom was like that. and neither he nor all the men who are with
him, not one, will be left. 13 Moreover, if he

17 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom,

“Let me now choose twelve thousand
men, and I will arise and pursue David
has gone into a city, then all Israel can bring
ropes to that city, and we will draw it into
the river until not even a small stone will
tonight. 2 And I will come on him while he be found there”.
is weary and his hands weak, and I will put 14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel

fear into him. And all the people who are said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite
with him will flee, and I will strike down is better than the counsel of Ahithophel”.
only the king. 3 And I will bring all the For the LORD had ordained that the good
people back to you. When all return, except counsel of Ahithophel be defeated, to the
the man you are seeking, all the people will intent that the LORD might bring disaster
be in peace”. 4 And the suggestion pleased on Absalom.
Absalom and all the elders of Israel. 15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to
5 Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai Abiathar the priests, “This is the counsel
the Archite too, and let us hear what he says Ahithophel gave to Absalom and the elders
also”. 6 And when Hushai came to Absalom, of Israel, and this is what I counselled.
Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel 16 Now therefore send quickly and tell David,

has spoken like this. Shall we follow his saying, ‘Do not spend tonight in the plains
16:17-19 Did Absalom suspect that Hushai’s succeeded.
heart was with David? Hushai’s answer evidently 17:5-13 Hushai shows his knowledge of Absalom’s
deceived him and put his mind at rest (15:34). character and state of mind, and how to use them
16:21 “Concubines”– 12:11-12. This was a symbolic to help David. Absalom was in doubt what to do,
act showing that Absalom was claiming the was afraid of his father’s skill in battle, wanted
throne. Note on 3:7. to be thought a great man, and liked a big show
17:1 Both David and Absalom recognized the (15:1; 18:18).
wisdom of Ahitophel (16:23). 17:5 “Absalom said”– 15:32-34. God was beginning
17:4 From a military point of view his advice to answer David’s prayer of 15:31.
was shrewd and, if followed, might well have 17:14-17 15:27-36.
443 2 Samuel 18:9

of the wilderness, but quickly cross over the of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and
Jordan, so that the king and all the people Machir, the son of Ammiel of Lo-debar, and
who are with him will not be destroyed.’ ” Barzillai, the Gileadite of Rogelim, 28 brought
17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were beds and basins and clay pots and wheat
staying at Enrogel, for they could not be seen and barley and flour and roasted grain and
entering the city. And a servant girl went and beans and lentils and parched pulse, 29 and
reported to them, and they went and told honey and butter and sheep and cheese from
King David. 18 However a lad saw them and cows’ milk, for David and for the people who
told Absalom. But both of them went away were with him to eat, for they said, “The
quickly, and at Bahurim came to a man’s people are hungry and weary and thirsty
house who had a well in his compound, and in the wilderness”.
they went down into it. 19 And the woman
took a covering and spread it over the well’s
mouth, and scattered crushed grain on it;
and the matter was not known.
18 And David counted the people who
were with him, and appointed captains
of thousands and captains of hundreds over
20 And when Absalom’s servants came to them. 2 And David sent out a third of the
the woman at the house, they said, “Where people under the hand of Joab, and a third
are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the part under the hand of Abishai the son of
woman said to them, “They have gone over Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part
the water brook”. And when they had looked under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And
and could not find them, they returned to the king said to the people, “I myself will
Jerusalem. certainly go out with you also”.
21 And it came about, after they had left, 3 But the people answered, “You should

that they came up out of the well, and went not go out. For if we flee, they will not be
and told King David and said to David, concerned about us. Even if half of us die,
“Arise and quickly cross over the water, for they will not be concerned about us. But
this is what Ahithophel counselled against now you are worth ten thousand of us.
you”. 22 Then David and all the people who Therefore it is better now that you help us
were with him arose and crossed the Jordan. from the city”.
At the morning light there was not a one of 4 And the king said to them, “I will do what

them who had not gone over the Jordan. seems best to you”. And the king stood at
23 And when Ahithophel saw that his the side of the gate, and all the people came
counsel was not followed, he saddled his out by hundreds and by thousands. 5 And the
donkey and got up and went to his house king gave a command to Joab and Abishai
in his city, put his household in order, and and Ittai, saying, “For my sake deal gently
hanged himself and died. And he was buried with the young man, with Absalom”. And
in the tomb of his father. all the people heard the king giving all the
24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And officers this order concerning Absalom.
Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the 6 So the people went out into the field

men of Israel with him. 25 And Absalom made against Israel, and the battle was in the
Amasa commander of the army instead of forest of Ephraim. 7 There the people of Israel
Joab. This Amasa was the son of a man were defeated before the servants of David,
whose name was Ithra, an Israelite who went and that day there was a great slaughter of
in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, the twenty thousand men. 8 For the battle there
sister of Joab’s mother Zeruiah. 26 So Israel scattered over the whole countryside, and
and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. the forest devoured more people that day
27 And this is what happened when David than the sword devoured.
came to Mahanaim: Shobi, the son of Nahash 9 And Absalom met the servants of David.

17:19-20 Josh 2:4-6. Note at 15:34. “wise” man to end up in suicide.

17:23 “Hanged himself”– he realized that if Hushai’s 17:24 2:8-9; 19:32; Gen 32:2.
advice was followed rather than his own, probably 17:25 Amasa was David’s nephew.
David would be victorious. Ahitophel is an 17:27-28 God can provide for His own, no matter
example of the uselessness of human wisdom where they may have to flee.
without the fear of the Lord (Ps 34:11-14; 111:10; 18:5 Absalom’s rebellion did not destroy David’s
Prov 1:7; 1 Cor 1:19-20). He was not the last love for him (13:37-38; 19:29,33).
2 Samuel 18:10 444

And Absalom was riding on a mule, and another day. But today you shall not take
the mule went under the thick branches of any news, because the king’s son is dead”.
a great oak, and his head was caught in the 21 Then said Joab to Cushi, “Go tell the

oak, and he was taken up between heaven king what you have seen”. And Cushi bowed
and earth, and the mule that had been under to Joab and ran off.
him went away. 22 Then Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, said
10 And a certain man saw it and told Joab to Joab once again, “However that may be,
and said, “Look, I saw Absalom hanging please let me also run after Cushi”.
in an oak”. And Joab said, “Why will you run, my
11 And Joab said to the man who told him, son, since you have no news ready?”
“And, lo and behold, you saw him! And why 23 “However that may be”, he said, “let

didn’t you strike him there to the ground? me run”.

And I would have given you ten shekels of And he said to him, “Run”. Then Ahimaaz
silver and a belt”. ran by the road through the plain, and
12 And the man said to Joab, “Even if I outran Cushi.
got a thousand shekels of silver in my hand, 24 And David was sitting between the two

I still would not put out my hand against gates. And the watchman went up to the
the king’s son, for in our hearing the king roof over the gate by the wall, and raised
ordered you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, his eyes and looked, and saw a man running
‘Beware that no one touches the young man alone. 25 And the watchman shouted and
Absalom.’ 13 Even if I had acted deceitfully, told the king.
endangering my own life (for nothing is And the king said, “If he is alone, there is
hidden from the king), you would have kept news in his mouth”. And he kept on coming
yourself away from me”. and drew near.
14 Then said Joab, “I can’t wait around 26 And the watchman saw another man

like this with you”. And he took three sharp running, and the watchman called out to
stakes in his hand, and thrust them into the the gatekeeper, and said, “Look! Another
heart of Absalom, while he was still alive man running alone”.
in the middle of the oak. 15 And ten young And the king said, “He also brings news”.
men who carried Joab’s armour surrounded 27 And the watchman said, “I think the

Absalom, and struck and killed him. running of the one in front is like the way
16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the Zadok’s son Ahimaaz runs”.
people returned from pursuing Israel, And the king said, “He is a good man,
because Joab was restraining the people. and comes with good news”.
17 And they took Absalom and threw him 28 And Ahimaaz called out and said to the

into a large pit in the forest and laid a very king, “All is well”. And he prostrated himself
great heap of stones on him. And all Israel on his face on the ground before the king
fled, each one to his tent. and said, “Blessed be the LORD your God,
18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken who has handed over the men who lifted up
a pillar and set it up for himself in the king’s their hand against my lord the king”.
valley, for he said, “I have no son to keep my 29 And the king said, “Is the young man

name in remembrance”. And he called the Absalom safe?”

pillar after his own name, and to this day And Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab
it is called Absalom’s Monument. sent the king’s servant, and me your servant,
19 Then Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, said I saw a great tumult, but I did not know
“Let me run now, and take to the king the what it was”.
news of how the LORD has avenged him, 30 And the king said to him, “Turn aside,

delivering him from his enemies”. and stand here”. And he turned aside and
20 And Joab said to him, “You shall not stood still.
take the news today, but you can take news 31 And just then Cushi arrived, and Cushi

18:11 “Strike him”– Joab’s murderous character others, alas, will do almost anything for money,
is revealed once more – v 14. Note at 2:13. even small amounts of money.
“Ten shekels”– about 115 grams. 18:15 12:10.
18:12 “A thousand shekels”– about 11 kilograms. 18:18 Absalom’s three sons (14:27) must have
Some people are not for sale at any price, but died before he erected this pillar.
445 2 Samuel 19:15

said, “News, my lord the king! For today the For I swear by the LORD, if you do not go
LORD has avenged you on all those who out, not one will stay with you tonight. And
rose up against you”. that will be worse for you than all the bad
32 And the king said to Cushi, “Is the young things that have happened to you from your
man Absalom safe?” youth until now”.
And Cushi answered, “May the enemies 8 Then the king arose and sat in the gate.

of my lord the king, and all who rise against And they told all the people, saying, “Look,
you to harm you, be as that young man is”. the king is sitting in the gate”. And all the
33 And the king was very moved, and went people came before the king, for Israel had
up to the room over the gate, and wept. And fled, each man to his tent.
as he went, he was saying this: “O my son 9 And all the people, throughout all the

Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! Would tribes of Israel, were quarreling, saying,
to God I had died for you! O Absalom, my “The king saved us from the hands of our
son, my son!” enemies, and delivered us from the hands of
the Philistines, and now he has fled from the

19 And it was told Joab, “See, the king is

weeping and mourning for Absalom”.
2 And the victory that day was turned into
land, because of Absalom. 10 And Absalom,
whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle.
Now therefore why do you not speak a word
mourning, for all the people. For the people about bringing the king back?”
heard it told that day how the king was 11 And King David sent to Zadok and to

grieved for his son. 3 And that day the people Abiathar the priests, saying, “Speak to the
came by stealth into the city, like people elders of Judah and say, ‘Why are you the
steal away ashamed when they flee in battle. last to bring the king back to his house,
4 And the king covered his face, and the since the words of all Israel have come to the
king cried out with a loud voice, “O my son king, to his house? 12 You are my brethren,
Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” you are my bones and my flesh. Why then
5 And Joab came into the house to the king are you the last to bring back the king?’
and said, “Today you have brought shame 13 And you are to say to Amasa, ‘Are you

to the faces of all your servants, who saved not of my bone and of my flesh? God do
your life today, and the lives of your sons harm to me, and more also, if you do not
and of your daughters and the lives of your become commander of the army before me
wives and the lives of your concubines, 6 by continually in place of Joab.’ ”
loving your enemies and hating your friends. 14 And he turned the hearts of all the men of

For today you have shown that you have no Judah as one man so that they sent this word
concern for leaders or servants. For today I to the king: “Return and all your servants”.
understand that if Absalom had lived, and 15 So the king came back and arrived at the

all of us had died today, then it would have Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, going
pleased you well. 7 Now therefore get up! Go to meet the king to conduct the king over
out and speak to the hearts of your servants. the Jordan.
18:33 In David’s pathetic sorrow over his son 19:9 The people remembered, too late to avert a
there was the guilty knowledge that his own sin tragedy, what David had done for them.
had a part in all that had happened (12:9-12). 19:10 They confess that the rebellion was far
19:5 “Joab...said”– Joab’s blunt rebuke of David more than the one man Absalom and a few of
was justified and saved the situation. David was his friends usurping power.
so taken up with his own grief that he expressed 19:12 David is signifying that he will not seek
no appreciation to those who had fought for him. vengeance on those who followed Absalom.
One of David’s fine qualities was that he could 19:13 “Amasa”– 17:25. Joab, as commander of
receive criticism in the right spirit, and face up the army, had fought faithfully in David’s best
to his own failings. interests. But David could no longer endure his
19:9-15 David did not immediately march back murderous ways, since they had now touched
to Jerusalem at the head of his victorious army. his own family.
Absalom’s revolt had produced disunity among 19:14 “Turned the hearts”– David’s attitude
the people of Israel, and David wanted to win to those who had rebelled against him
their loyalty and approval before he returned. was gentle. He did not try to use force to
In particular he appealed to Judah where the regain his place of authority. He waited
rebellion had started. to be asked.
2 Samuel 19:16 446
16 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, said, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself so
who was from Bahurim, hurried and came that I may ride on it, and go to the king’,
down with the men of Judah to meet King because your servant is lame. 27 And he has
David. 17 And there were a thousand men of slandered your servant to my lord the king.
Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of But my lord the king is like an angel of God.
the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and So do whatever is good in your eyes. 28 For
his twenty servants with him. And they all of my father’s house were but dead men
went over the Jordan before the king. 18 And before my lord the king. Yet you placed your
they went over to ferry the king’s household servant among those who eat at your own
across, and to do whatever he thought good. table. What right, therefore, do I have to
And Shimei, the son of Gera, fell down cry any more to the king?”
before the king when he had crossed the 29 And the king said to him, “Why speak

Jordan, 19 and said to the king, “Let not my any more of your matters? I have said, ‘You
lord hold me guilty, and do not remember and Ziba shall divide the land.’ ”
what your servant did perversely the day 30 And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let

that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, him even take all of it, since my lord the king
so that the king should take it to his heart. has come back in peace to his own house”.
20 For your servant knows that I have sinned. 31 And Barzillai, the Gileadite, came down

Therefore, see, today I have come the first from Rogelim and crossed the Jordan with
of all the house of Joseph to come down to the king, to conduct him over the Jordan.
meet my lord the king”. 32 Now Barzillai was a very old man, eighty
21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered years of age; and he had provided for the king
and said, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for while he was staying at Mahanaim, for he
this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?” was a very great man. 33 And the king said
22 And David said, “What is there between to Barzillai, “You come over with me, and I
me and you, you sons of Zeruiah, that today will provide for you with me in Jerusalem”.
you should be my adversaries? Should any 34 And Barzillai said to the king, “How long

man be put to death today in Israel? For do I do I have to live, that I should go up with
not know today that I am king over Israel?” the king to Jerusalem? 35 Today I am eighty
23 Therefore the king said to Shimei, “You years old, and can I discern between good
will not die”. And the king swore to him. and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat
24 And Mephibosheth, the grandson of or what I drink? Can I any longer hear the
Saul, came down to meet the king, and he voice of singing men and singing women?
had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his Why then should your servant be a burden
beard or washed his clothes from the day the to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will go
king departed until the day he came back in a little way over the Jordan with the king,
peace. 25 And it came about, when he came but why should the king repay me with such
to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king a reward? 37 Please let your servant turn back
said to him, “Why did you not come with again, so that I may die in my own city and
me, Mephibosheth?” be buried by the grave of my father and my
26 And he answered, “My lord the king, mother. But see your servant Kimham. Let
my servant deceived me. For your servant him go over with my lord the king, and do
19:17 “Ziba”– 3:19-21; 9:2-10; 16:1-4. 19:23 David did not trust Shimei, but he kept
19:18-20 Shimei admits his sin (16:5-8). Such this oath as long as he lived. See 1 Kings 2:8-9.
people will do anything to save their unworthy 19:24 9:6-10.
necks. 19:26 “He answered”– there is a ring of truth in
19:20 “House of Joseph”– the tribes of Ephraim Mephibosheth’s words and behavior, but we
and Manasseh here signify all the northern cannot be certain whether it was he or Ziba who
tribes of Israel. was telling the truth (16:3-4).
19:21 The law did not demand death for the sin 19:29 David himself did not know whom to
of cursing a ruler (Ex 22:28). Abishai was the believe. Often leaders of God’s people, hearing
same sort of man as his brother Joab. David conflicting stories, find themselves in a similar
lumps them together more than once (3:39; 16:10). position.
19:22 It was time to show mercy to enemies and 19:31 17:27-29; 1 Kings 2:7.
David knew it. 19:37 Kimham may have been Barzillai’s son.
447 2 Samuel 20:9

for him whatever seems good to you”. part in David, nor do we have an inheritance
38 And the king answered, “Kimham in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tents,
shall go over with me, and I will do for him O Israel!”
whatever seems good to you. And I will do 2 So every man of Israel went away from

for you whatever you ask me”. David and followed Sheba, the son of Bichri.
39 And all the people crossed the Jordan. But the men of Judah stayed with their king,
And when the king had crossed, the king from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
kissed Barzillai and blessed him; and he 3 And David came to his house at Jerusalem,

returned to his own place. and the king took the ten women, his
40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and concubines whom he had left to keep the
Kimham went on with him, and all the house, and put them under guard and
people of Judah and also half the people of provided for them, but he did not go in to
Israel conducted the king. them. So they were confined to the day of
41 And then all the men of Israel came their death, living as widows.
to the king and said to the king, “Why 4 Then the king said to Amasa, “Assemble

have our brethren the men of Judah stolen the men of Judah for me within three days,
you away and brought the king and his and you be present here”. 5 So Amasa went
household and all David’s men with him, to assemble the men of Judah, but he stayed
over the Jordan?” away longer than the set time which David
42 And all the men of Judah answered had fixed for him.
the men of Israel, “Because the king is a 6 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba,

close relative of ours. Why then are you the son of Bichri, will do us more harm than
angry about this matter? Have we eaten at Absalom did. Take your lord’s servants and
all at the king’s expense? Or has he given pursue him, so that he does not get away into
us any gift?” fortified cities and escape us”. 7 And Joab’s
43 And the men of Israel answered the men and the Kerethites and the Pelethites
men of Judah and said, “We have ten parts and all the mighty men went out after him,
in the king, so we also have more right to and they left Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the
David than you. Why then did you despise son of Bichri.
us? Was it not our advice first to bring back 8 When they were at the great stone which

our king?” And the words of the men of is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them.
Judah were fiercer than the words of the And Joab was dressed in his military tunic,
men of Israel. and over it was a belt with a sword fastened
to his waist in its scabbard. And as he went

20 And there happened to be a wicked

man there, whose name was Sheba.
He was the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. And
on it fell out.
9 And Joab said to Amasa, “Are you in

good health, my brother?” And Joab took

he blew a trumpet and said, “We have no Amasa by the beard with the right hand to
19:38 David showed the fine quality of gratitude of these northern tribes insisted they had
for help received. ten shares in David. Now they say they
19:40 Verses 9-14. have none. The affection of the masses
19:41-43 The men of the northern tribes of Israel is a fickle thing (Num 14:10; 1 Sam 30:6;
had spoken before the men of Judah of bringing Matt 27:20-26).
David back (v 11), but Judah performed the 20:3 15:16; 16:21-22.
ceremony of bringing him over Jordan. In the 20:4 “Amasa”– David did what he said he would
argument which resulted, Israel claimed their do in 19:13. He ignored Joab.
right on the ground of numbers (v 43), Judah 20:5 “The set time”– no reason is given for this.
claimed theirs on the ground of relationship (v Perhaps the men of Judah were hesitant about
42). What should have been a time of united following a new commander. They showed their
rejoicing became an occasion for jealousy and loyalty to Joab in vs 11,13,15.
dissension. 20:6 David turned for help again to one of the
20:1 “Wicked man”– Prov 15:18; 16:28; 17:14,19; sons of Zeruiah who were “too much” for him,
20:3; 28:25. There will always be someone ready whom he had called “adversaries” (19:21-22).
to promote dissension among God’s people, for Indeed they were adversaries of everything
his own ends. gentle, humble, and spiritual.
20:2 A brief time before (19:43) the men 20:7 “Pelethites”– 8:18.
2 Samuel 20:10 448

kiss him. 10 But Amasa paid no attention you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?”
to the sword that was in Joab’s hand, so he 20 And Joab answered and said, “Far be

struck him with it in the stomach, and spilled it, far be it from me, that I should swallow
out his bowels onto the ground and did not up or destroy. 21 The case is not like that;
strike him again. And he died. Then Joab but a man from Mount Ephraim, Sheba by
and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba, the name, the son of Bichri, has raised his hand
son of Bichri. against the king, against David. Only hand
11 And one of Joab’s men stood near him him over, and I will depart from the city”.
and said, “Whoever favours Joab and And the woman said to Joab, “Look, his
whoever is for David, let him go after Joab”. head will be thrown to you over the wall”.
12 And Amasa was wallowing in blood in the 22 Then the woman went to all the people in

middle of the highway. And when the man her wisdom. And they cut off the head of
saw that all the people stood still, he moved Sheba, the son of Bichri, and threw it out
Amasa out of the highway into the field and to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they
threw a cloth over him, seeing that everyone withdrew from the city, each man to his tent.
who came near him stood still. 13 When he And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
had been moved out of the highway, all the 23 Now Joab was over all the army of

people went on after Joab to pursue Sheba Israel, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was
the son of Bichri. over the Kerethites and over the Pelethites,
14 And he went through all the tribes of 24 and Adoram was over the tribute, and

Israel to Abel, and to Beth-Maachah and all Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder,
the Berites, and they were gathered together 25 and Sheva was scribe, and Zadok and

and also went after him. 15 And they came Abiathar were the priests, 26 and Ira the
and besieged him in Abel of Beth-Maachah, Jairite also was a minister under David.
and they threw up a mound against the city,
and it stood by the wall; and all the people
who were with Joab battered the wall to
bring it down. 16 Then a wise woman cried
21 Then there was a famine in the days of
David for three years, year after year,
and David inquired of the LORD. And the
out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please LORD answered, “It is on account of Saul
say to Joab, ‘Come near here, so that I may and on account of his house of bloodshed,
speak with you.’ ” 17 And when he had come because he killed the Gibeonites”.
near her, the woman said, “Are you Joab?” 2 And the king called the Gibeonites and

And he answered, “I am”. spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were

Then she said to him, “Listen to the words not a part of the children of Israel, but
of your maid servant”. of the remnant of the Amorites. And the
And he answered, “I am listening”. children of Israel had sworn to spare them,
18 Then she spoke, saying, “In olden times but Saul sought to strike them down in his
they used to speak, saying, ‘They will surely zeal for the children of Israel and Judah.
ask counsel at Abel’ and so they ended any 3 Therefore David said to the Gibeonites,

dispute. 19 I am one of the peaceable and “What shall I do for you? And how shall I
faithful in Israel. You are seeking to destroy make atonement, so that you may bless the
a city and a mother in Israel. Why would inheritance of the LORD?”
20:9 “Kiss him”– the hypocrite’s way (Matt 26:49). 21:1 “Famine”– observe that God sent a famine
20:10 2:23; 3:27; 18:14; 1 Kings 2:5. because of the nation’s sin. Putting the Gibeonites
20:14 “Maachah”– in the far north of the land. to death violated the promise Joshua made to
20:19 “Mother”– in the Bible towns and cities are them (Josh 9:3-21). The sin was Saul’s, but the
sometimes spoken of using the female gender trouble came to all. Compare Josh 7:1,11. God
(Ps 137:8; Isa 1:8; 23:10,12; Jer 50:12; Gal 4:26; dealt with the nation as a unit. And the nation
Rev 17:5,18). had not confessed and dealt with this sin.
20:22 “Jerusalem”– and the king accepted Joab 21:2 “Gibeonites”– Josh 9:15,18-26.
again as commander of the army (v 23). Joab 21:3 “Atonement”– when wrong has been done
was not the kind of person one could shunt aside. it has to be put right. Otherwise God’s blessing
David had tried and failed. should not be expected (Ex 22:1-15; Lev 6:4-5;
20:23-25 8:15-18; 1 Chron 18:14-17. 24:18,21; 1 Sam 12:3; 2 Sam 12:6; Luke 19:8).
20:24 “Adoram” – a variant of Adoniram. “Inheritance”– the land of Israel.
449 2 Samuel 21:21
4 And the Gibeonites said to him, “For us stolen them from the street of Beth-Shan,
it is not a matter of silver or gold with Saul where the Philistines had hanged them after
or with his house; nor should any man in the Philistines had killed Saul in Gilboa.
Israel be put to death for us”. 13 And David brought the bones of Saul and

And he said, “I will do for you whatever the bones of Jonathan his son up from there;
you say”. and they gathered the bones of those who
5 And they answered the king, “As for the had been hanged.
man who consumed us, and who planned 14 And they buried the bones of Saul and

that we should be ruined with no place his son Jonathan in the country of Benjamin
remaining for us in any of the territories of in Zela, in the tomb of his father Kish, and
Israel, 6 let seven men among his offspring they did all that the king commanded. And
be handed over to us, and we will hang them after that God heard prayer for the land.
up before the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, the 15 Once again the Philistines were at war

chosen of the LORD”. with Israel, and David went down, and his
And the king said, “I will hand them over”. servants with him, and fought against the
7 But the king spared Mephibosheth, the Philistines, and David became exhausted.
son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of 16 And Ishbi-benob, who was one of the

the LORD’s oath that was between them, descendants of a giant, and the weight of
between David and Jonathan, the son of whose spear was three hundred bronze
Saul. 8 But the king took the two sons of shekels in weight, and who was girded with
Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah, whom she a new sword, said he would kill David. 17 But
bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth, Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, helped him, and
and the five sons of Michal the daughter struck the Philistine and killed him. Then
of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel, David’s men swore to him, saying, “You
the son of Barzillai, the Meholathite, 9 and shall no longer go out with us to battle, so
he delivered them into the hands of the that you do not extinguish the light of Israel”.
Gibeonites. And they hanged them on the 18 And it happened after this, that again

hill before the LORD. And all seven of them there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob.
fell together, and were put to death during Then Sibbechai, the Hushathite, killed Saph,
the first days of harvest, in the beginning who was one of the descendants of a giant.
of the barley harvest. 19 And again there was a battle in Gob
10 And Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah, took with the Philistines, where Elhanan, the
sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock son of Jaare-oregim, a Bethlehemite, killed
there, from the beginning of harvest until the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft
rain fell on them from the sky, and did not of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
let either the birds of the air come on them 20 And there was another battle in Gath,

by day or the beasts of the field by night. where there was a man of great stature,
11 And it was told David what Rizpah the who had six fingers on each hand, and six
daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, toes on each foot, twenty-four in number,
had done. 12 And David went and took the and he too had been born to a giant. 21 And
bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his when he defied Israel, Jonathan, the son of
son from the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had Shimeah the brother of David, killed him.
21:5-6 Gen 9:5-6; Num 25:4; 35:31. Saul himself the case of Achan. Also, for all we know, it may
was dead, so retribution was made on his be that Saul’s descendants had guilty knowledge
descendants. Many more than seven Gibeonites of Saul’s wicked deed, were one with him in it,
had been killed, but they were willing to accept were wicked people themselves.
the death of seven of Saul’s descendants as a just 21:7 1 Sam 18:3; 20:12-17; 23:18; 2 Sam 4:4; 9:10.
retribution. Was it right for Saul’s descendants to 21:10 “Rain”– God sent rain in answer to prayer
pay the penalty of sin committed by Saul? In this (v 14), because just retribution had been made.
case it was right, for God accepted it and stopped 21:12 1 Sam 31:8-13.
the famine (v 14), and certainly we may say that 21:14 “After that God heard prayer”– 24:25; Josh 7:26;
God would not have done so if the action by David 2 Chron 7:13-14.
had not been right. At first sight this all seems 21:16 “Three hundred shekels”– about 3.5 kilograms.
contrary to God’s word in Ezekiel chapter 18. But 21:17 “Light”– 18:3; 1 Kings 11:36. David was
there sin is regarded as a personal matter; in Saul’s like a light to Israel only because God was a
case God regarded it as a national matter, as in light to him (22:29).
2 Samuel 21:22 450
22 These four were born to a giant in Gath, 11 And he rode on a cherub and flew,
and fell by the hand of David and by the and he was seen on the wings
hand of his servants. of the wind.
12 And he made darkness canopies

22 And David spoke to the LORD the

words of this song on the day that the
LORD delivered him out of the hands of all
around him, dark waters,
and thick clouds
of the skies.
his enemies and out of the hands of Saul, 13 Through the brightness
2 And he said, before him coals
“The LORD is my rock, of fire were kindled.
and my fortress, 14 The LORD thundered

and my deliverer, from heaven,

3 My God, my rock. and the Most High uttered
In him I will trust. his voice.
He is my shield, 15 And he sent out arrows,

and the horn of my salvation, and scattered them;

my high tower, lightning, and routed them.
and my refuge, my saviour. 16 And the channels of the sea

You save me from violence. appeared,

4 I will call on the LORD, the foundations of the earth
who is worthy to be praised, were uncovered,
and I will be saved from at the rebuke of the LORD,
my enemies. at the blast of the breath
5 “When the waves of death of his nostrils.
came around me, 17 “He sent from above;

the floods of ungodly men he took me;

made me afraid. he drew me out of many waters.
6 The sorrows of hell came 18 He delivered me from

all around me; my strong enemy,

the snares of death were before me. and from those who hated me,
7 In my distress I called for they were too strong for me.
to the LORD, 19 They confronted me

and cried out to my God; in the day of my calamity,

and he heard my voice from but the LORD was my support.
his temple, 20 And he brought me out

and my cry came into a spacious place.

into his ears. He delivered me because
8 “Then the earth shook and trembled; he delighted in me.
the foundations of heaven 21 “The LORD has rewarded me

moved and shook, in accordance with

because he was angry. my righteousness;
9 There went up a smoke in accordance with the cleanness
out of his nostrils, of my hands he has repaid me.
and devouring fire out 22 For I have kept the ways

of his mouth. of the LORD,

Coals were kindled by it. and have not wickedly departed
10 And he bowed the heavens from my God.
and came down, 23 For all his judgments were

and darkness was under before me;

his feet. and as for his statutes,
22:1 Ex 15:1; Jud 5:1; Rev 15:2-4. Bathsheba. Chapters 21-23 of this book (for the
22:2-51 Apart from a few slight changes this most part) refer to events before those recorded
song is the same as Ps 18:2-50. See notes in chapter 20.
there. It was written just after the victories 22:6 “Hell”– in Hebrew “Sheol” – note at
recorded in 2 Sam 8:1-14, before David’s sin with Gen 37:35.
451 2 Samuel 22:50

I did not depart from them. and destroyed them,

24 And I was blameless and did not turn back until
before him, I had made an end of them.
and have kept myself from 39 And I made an end of them,

my iniquity. and crushed them,

25 Therefore the LORD has repaid me so that they could not rise;
in accordance with yes, they fell under my feet.
my righteousness, 40 For you have clothed me

in accordance with my cleanness with strength for battle.

in his eyes. You have subdued under me
26 “With the merciful you show those who rose up against me.
yourself merciful, 41 You have also given me

and with the blameless man the necks of my enemies,

you show yourself to be blameless. so that I could destroy those
27 With the pure you show who hate me.
yourself pure, 42 They looked, but there was

and with the twisters you no one to save;

show yourself able to twist. even to the LORD,
28 “And you will save the afflicted but he did not answer them.
people; 43 Then I beat them as small as

but your eyes are on the dust of the earth.

the haughty, I stamped them like the mire
whom you will bring down. of the street,
29 For you are my lamp, and scattered them around.
O LORD, and the LORD 44 “You have also delivered me

will light upmy darkness. from the strivings of

30 For by you I have run my people.
through a troop. You have kept me as head
By my God I have leaped of the nations.
over a wall. A people that I did not know
31 “As for God, serve me.
his way is perfect. 45 Foreigners submit themselves

The word of the LORD is tested. to me.

He is a shield to all those As soon as they hear,
who trust in him. they become obedient to me.
32 For who is God, 46 Foreigners lose heart and

except the LORD? are afraid from their strongholds.

And who is a rock, 47 “The LORD lives; and blessed be

except our God? my rock,

33 “God is my strength and power, and exalted be the God of the rock
and he makes my way perfect. of my salvation.
34 He makes my feet like 48 It is God who avenges me

the feet of a deer, and who brings down the people

and sets me on my high places. under me,
35 He teaches my hands to war, 49 And who brings me out

so that a bow of bronze is broken from my enemies.

by my arms. And you have lifted me up on high
36 You have also given me above those who rose up
the shield of your salvation; against me.
and your gentleness has You have delivered me from
made me great. the violent man.
37 You have enlarged the place of 50 Therefore I will give thanks to you,

my steps under me; O LORD, among the nations,

and my feet did not slip. and I will sing praises
38 “I pursued my enemies, to your name.
2 Samuel 22:51 452
51 He is the tower of salvation must be armed with iron and
for his king, the shaft of a spear;
and shows mercy to his anointed, and they will be utterly burned with
to David and to his seed forever”. fire in the same place”.
8 These are the names of the mighty men

23 Now these are the last words of David.

David the son of Jesse said,
and the man who was raised up on high,
whom David had: The Tachmonite who sat
in the seat, chief among the captains; he was
called Adino the Eznite. He lifted up his
the anointed of the God of Jacob, spear against eight hundred, whom he killed
and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, at one time. 9 And after him was Eleazar, the
2 “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three
me, mighty men with David when they defied
and his word was in my tongue. the Philistines who were gathered together
3 The God of Israel spoke, there to battle, and the men of Israel had
the Rock of Israel said to me, drawn back. 10 He arose and struck down
‘He who rules over men must be just, the Philistines until his hand was weary,
ruling in the fear of God. and his hand stuck to the sword. And the
4 And he will be like the light of the LORD accomplished a great victory that
morning, day; and the people returned after him only
when the sun rises, to plunder.
a morning without clouds; 11 And after him was Shammah, the son

like the tender grass springing of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines
out of the earth by clear were gathered together in a band where
shining after rain.’ there was a piece of ground full of lentils.
5 Although my house is not And the people fled from the Philistines,
so with God; 12 but he stood in the middle of the ground

still he has made an everlasting and defended it and killed the Philistines;
covenant with me, and the LORD accomplished a great
ordered in all things, and sure. victory.
As for all my salvation 13 And at harvest time three of the thirty

and all my desire, chief men went down and came to David at
will he not make it grow? the cave of Adullam; and the Philistine troops
6 But wicked men, all of them, were camping in the valley of Rephaim.
will be like thorns thrown 14 And David was then in a stronghold,

aside because they cannot be and the garrison of the Philistines was then
taken by hand, in Bethlehem. 15 And David felt a longing
7 and the man who touches them and said, “Oh that someone would give
23:1 “Last words”– the first seven verses of this 23:5 “Covenant”– 7:12; Ps 89:29; Isa 55:3.
chapter were words David spoke by inspiration “Desire”– Ps 37:4.
(the Hebrew means this) toward the end of his 23:6 Isa 9:18; 10:17; Micah 7:4; Nahum 1:10;
life. From v 8 the narrative returns to events Mal 4:1; Matt 13:41-42; Heb 6:8; Rev 21:8.
much earlier in his life. 23:8 “Mighty men”– 1 Chron 11:10-41. David’s
“Anointed”– 1 Sam 16:12-13. day was a time of much warfare. Here his most
“Sweet psalmist”– seventy-three of the Psalms notable warriors are singled out for honor. It is
are attributed to David, and he probably wrote not unlikely there will be something similar at
several more of them. Christ’s return, for those who have fought in His
23:2 Matt 22:43; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:21. When spiritual battles. See 2 Tim 4:7-8.
David declared the Word of God he was conscious 23:9 “Three”– refers to two groups of three and
of the inspiration of God’s Spirit. one group of thirty (vs 8-12,13-23,23-39).
23:3 “Rock”– note at Deut 32:4. 23:12 If those engaged in spiritual warfare would
“Just”– this was always David’s aim. See show this courage and determination there would
Ps 101. be more victories.
“Fear of God”– notes at Gen 20:11; Ps 34:11-14; 23:13 “Three”– a different three from those in vs
111:10; Prov 1:7. 8-12. Of these three, only Abishai and Benaiah
23:4 “Light”– 21:17; Prov 4:18. An unjust ruler are named.
is all black clouds and darkness, without rain. 23:14 1 Sam 22:4-5.
453 2 Samuel 24:2

me a drink of the water from the well at level of the first three. And David appointed
Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” 16 And him over his guard.
the three mighty men broke through the 24 Asahel, the brother of Joab, was one

army of the Philistines, and drew water of the thirty; as were Elhanan, the son
from the well at Bethlehem that was by the of Dodo of Bethlehem, 25 Shammah the
gate, and took it and brought it to David. Harodite, Elika the Harodite, 26 Helez the
However he would not drink it, but poured Paltite, Ira, the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,
it out to the LORD. 27 Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the
17 And he said, “Far be it from me, O Hushathite, 28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai
LORD, that I should do this! Is not this the the Netophathite, 29 Heleb the son of Baanah,
blood of the men who went in jeopardy of a Netophathite, Ittai, the son of Ribai
their lives?” So he would not drink it. These from Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
things these three mighty men did. 30 Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai, from the
18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the brooks of Gaash, 31 Abi-Albon the Arbathite,
son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And Azmaveth the Barhumite, 32 Eliahba the
he lifted up his spear against three hundred Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,
and killed them, and had a name among the 33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam, the son

three. 19 Was he not the most honoured of of Sharar the Hararite, 34 Eliphelet, the son
the three? Therefore he was their captain. of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite,
However he did not attain to the level of Eliam, the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
the first three. 35 Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,
20 And there was Benaiah, the son of 36 Igal, the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the

Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Gadite, 37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the
Kabzeel, who did many deeds. He killed two Beerothite, armour bearer to Joab, the son of
lion-like men of Moab. He also went down Zeruiah, 38 Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,
and killed a lion in the middle of a pit in a 39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.

time of snow. 21 And he killed an Egyptian,

an impressive man; and the Egyptian had a
spear in his hand, but Benaiah went down
to him with a staff and pulled the spear out
24 And again the anger of the LORD
burned against Israel, and he moved
David against them to say, “Go, count Israel
of the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with and Judah”.
his own spear. 22 These things Benaiah the 2 For the king said to Joab the commander

son of Jehoiada did, and had a name among of the army, who was with him, “Go now
three mighty men. 23 He was more honoured through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to
than the thirty, but he did not attain to the Beersheba, and count the people, so that I
23:16-17 In David’s eyes their action was like a the root cause, Satan’s work in David’s mind
sacrifice of their lives. And the blood of sacrifices was the immediate cause. Behind the act of
was to be poured out or sprinkled around the Satan stood the purpose of God in judgment.
altar – Ex 29:12; Lev 1:5; 4:7; 17:10. When God determines to test someone, or
23:18 2:18; 10:10; 8:2; 19:21; 1 Sam 26:6. send punishment, or work His will in anything,
23:20 8:18; 20:23. He may use any instrument He chooses. See
23:23 “First three”– the three mentioned in vs 8-12. 1 Kings 22:19-23; Job 1:6-12; 2:6; Isa 10:5-6;
23:24 “Asahel”– 2:18. Jer 51:20-23; Hab 1:6; Acts 2:23; 4:28; Rev 17:17.
23:34 “Eliam”– the father of Bathsheba. God is the sovereign ruler of the universe and
23:39 “Uriah”– the husband of Bathsheba whom rules justly and righteously over the nations
David later had killed (11:14-15; 12:9). (Ps 22:28; 47:2; 93:1; 97:1). God does not tempt
“Thirty-seven”– the names of replacements for any man to do wrong (Jam 1:13-14), and taking
those who died are probably included in this list. a census itself was not wrong (in Num 1:1-3 God
Notice that Uriah appears in this list but Joab Himself ordered a census to be taken). But God,
does not. in accordance with His wise will, permits Satan
24:1-25 1 Chron 21:1-27. to tempt men, and taking a census from wrong
24:1 “Anger”– notes at Num 25:3; Ps 90:7-11. The motives was wrong. And the verses which follow
specific reason for God’s anger here is not given, make it clear that David demanded a census from
but we may be sure there was a good reason for wrong motives.
it. God is never angry without good reason. 24:2 “From Dan to Beersheba”– an expression
“Moved”– 1 Chron 21:1 says that Satan moved meaning from one end of the country to the other.
David to take a census of Israel. God’s will was Like saying from “Kashmir to Cape Comorin”.
2 Samuel 24:3 454

may know the number of the people”. for I have acted very foolishly”.
3 And Joab said to the king, “Now may the 11 And when David was up in the morning,

LORD your God add a hundredfold to the the word of the LORD came to the prophet
people, however many they may be, so that the Gad, David’s seer, saying, 12 “Go and tell
eyes of my lord the king may see it. But why David, ‘Thus says the LORD: I offer you
does my lord the king delight in this thing?” three things. Choose one of them, so that I
4 However the king’s word prevailed against may do it to you.’ ”
Joab, and against the officers of the army. 13 So Gad came to David and told him and

And Joab and the officers of the army went said to him, “Shall seven years of famine
out from the presence of the king, to count come to you in your land? Or will you flee
the people of Israel. three months before your enemies, while
5 And they crossed the Jordan and camped they pursue you? Or shall there be three
in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lies days’ of plague in your land? Now find out
in the middle of the river valley of Gad, and and see what answer I should take back to
toward Jazer. 6 Then they came to Gilead, the one who sent me”.
and to the land of Tahtim-Hodshi, and they 14 And David said to Gad, “I am in great

came to Dan-Jaan, and around to Sidon, distress. Let us fall now into the hands of
7 and came to the stronghold of Tyre, and the LORD, for his mercies are great. But
to all the cities of the Hivites and of the do not let me fall into the hands of man”.
Canaanites. And they went out to the south 15 So the LORD sent a plague on Israel

of Judah, to Beersheba. from morning to the time appointed, and

8 So when they had gone through all the seventy thousand men of the people, from
land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of Dan even to Beersheba, died. 16 And when the
nine months and twenty days. angel stretched out his hand over Jerusalem
9 And Joab handed over to the king the sum to destroy it, the LORD relented concerning
of the number of the people. And there were the disaster, and said to the angel who was
in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men destroying the people, “It is enough. Now
who drew the sword, and the men of Judah hold back your hand”. And the angel of
were five hundred thousand men. the LORD was by the threshing place of
10 And David was struck to the heart after Araunah the Jebusite.
he had counted the people. And David said 17 And David spoke to the LORD when he

to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what saw the angel that struck down the people,
I have done. And now, I beg you, O LORD, and said, “Look, I have sinned, and I have
take away the wickedness of your servant, done wickedly. But these sheep, what have
“That I may know”– this suggests David wanted “Seer”– note at 1 Sam 9:9.
to take pride in the number of his fighting men, or 24:12-13 Compare 12:9-14. Confession and
that for success he had begun to depend on them forgiveness do not mean that God’s chastisement
instead of on God. It seems that he forgot, for the will not come. Famine, defeat by enemies, and
time, that the power and security of Israel were not plague were three of the means God threatened to
in arms and soldiers, but in God. He was acting use to punish a disobedient people (Deut 28:15-25;
contrary to the mind he himself had shown more Jer 14:12; Ezek 14:21). David chose to have God
than once – 22:2-4,47-51; 1 Sam 17:26,37,45-47; deal directly with him and the people rather than
Ps 33:16-20. indirectly through famine or enemies.
24:3 Even Joab, unspiritual man that he was, 24:14 “Mercies”– Ex 34:6; Ps 103:8-13.
recognized the folly of David’s action. 24:15 “Seventy thousand”– remember that God’s
24:4 David does not give a reason for wanting a anger burned against the whole nation (v 1).
census. Did he realize himself that his motives 24:16 “Relented”– David’s choice to put himself
were wrong? In any case, he stubbornly rejected and the people in God’s hand was a good one.
Joab’s criticism, and insisted on having his own It once again brought out God’s compassion.
way. God’s servants should learn to weigh humbly “Angel”– Ex 12:23; 33:2; 2 Kings 19:35;
and carefully any criticism of their actions. It Ps 35:5-6; 78:49.
could save them much trouble. 24:17 “Sheep”– David may not have been aware
24:10 “Sinned”– now David fully realized that that God was angry with the whole nation. In
his motives in making a census were sinful. He any case, he is willing to take the whole blame
repented, and no doubt was forgiven. But there for the disaster if only the people could be spared.
were serious consequences of his sinning. Though he had sinned he was still a true shepherd
24:11 “Gad”– 1 Sam 9:9; 22:5. (Ps 78:71-72).
455 2 Samuel 24:25

they done? I pray you, let your hand be lord the king take and offer up whatever
against me and against my father’s house”. seems good to him. Look, here are oxen for
18 And Gad came to David that day and burnt sacrifice, and threshing sledges and
said to him, “Go up, erect an altar to the the yokes of the oxen for wood. 23 O king,
LORD in the threshing floor of Araunah all these things Araunah gives to the king”.
the Jebusite”. 19 And David, in accordance And Araunah said to the king, “The LORD
with the word of Gad, went up as the LORD your God accept you”.
commanded. 20 And Araunah looked and 24 And the king said to Araunah, “No,

saw the king and his servants coming on but I must buy it from you at a price, for I
toward him, and Araunah went out and will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD
prostrated himself before the king with his my God from what costs me nothing”. So
face on the ground. David bought the threshing floor and the
21 And Araunah said, “Why has my lord oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
the king come to his servant?” And David 25 And David built an altar there to the

said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, LORD, and offered burnt offerings and
to build an altar to the LORD, so that the peace offerings. So the LORD heard prayer
plague may be held back from the people”. for the land, and the plague was held back
22 And Araunah said to David, “May my from Israel.
24:18 “Gad”– the angel of the Lord sent him. at 2 Cor 9:15.
See 1 Chron 21:18. “Fifty shekels”– about 0.6 kilogram. David
“Altar”– for the purpose of offering sacrifices paid 50 shekels of silver for the threshing floor
which God had appointed (v 25). and oxen. He paid 600 shekels of gold for
“Jebusite”– 5:6. the area which contained the threshing floor
24:21 “Held back”– compare Num 16:44-50. For (1 Chron 21:25; 22:1).
the significance of sacrifices under the law see 24:25 These offerings spoke of dedication to
notes at Lev 1:2. God and reconciliation after sinning against
24:24 Alas, that many of God’s people are Him. See notes at Leviticus chapters 1 and 3.
willing to give their worst to God, or that which After the events of this chapter, the people
costs them the least (Mal 1:13-14). In this way might well have prayed the prayer of Moses
they show that their love for Him is very small (Psalm 90). It is a fitting commentary on
or non-existent. Note and references on giving this chapter.