BibleWare/BibWare.bin/bibref/mhc.exe/2SA.TXT

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** This book is the history of the reign of king David. It
relates his victories, the growth of the prosperity of Israel,
and his reformation of the state of religion. With these events
are recorded the grievous sins he committed, and the family as
well as public troubles with which he was punished. We here meet
with many things worthy of imitation, and many that are written
for our warning. The history of king David is given in Scripture
with much faithfulness, and from it he appears, to those who
fairly balance his many virtues and excellent qualities against
his faults, to have been a great and good man.

* Tidings brought to David of the death of Saul. (1-10) The
Amalekite is put to death. (11-16) David's lamentation for Saul
and Jonathan. (17-27)

#1-10 The blow which opened David's way to the throne was given
about the time he had been sorely distressed. Those who commit
their concerns to the Lord, will quietly abide his will. It
shows that he desired not Saul's death, and he was not impatient
to come to the throne.

#11-16 David was sincere in his mourning for Saul; and all with
him humbled themselves under the hand of God, laid so heavily
upon Israel by this defeat. The man who brought the tidings,
David put to death, as a murderer of his prince. David herein
did not do unjustly; the Amalekite confessed the crime. If he
did as he said, he deserved to die for treason; and his lying to
David, if indeed it were a lie, proved, as sooner or later that
sin will prove, lying against himself. Hereby David showed
himself zealous for public justice, without regard to his own
private interest.

#17-27 Kasheth, or "the bow," probably was the title of this
mournful, funeral song. David does not commend Saul for what he
was not; and says nothing of his piety or goodness. Jonathan was
a dutiful son, Saul an affectionate father, therefore dear to
each other. David had reason to say, that Jonathan's love to him
was wonderful. Next to the love between Christ and his people,
that affection which springs form it, produces the strongest
friendship. The trouble of the Lord's people, and triumphs of
his enemies, will always grieve true believers, whatever
advantages they may obtain by them.
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* David made king in Hebron. (1-7) Abner makes Ishbosheth king
Battle between Abner's men and those of Joab. (8-17) Asahel
slain by Abner: 25-32. Both parties retreat. (18-24)

#1-7. After the death of Saul, many went to David at Ziklag,
#1Ch 12:22|, but he trusted in God who promised him the kingdom,
to give it in his own time and manner. Yet assurance of hope in
God's promise, will quicken pious endeavours. If I be chosen to
the crown of life, it does not follow, Then I will do nothing;
but, Then I will do all that God directs me. This good use David
made of his election, and so will all whom God has chosen. In
all our journeys and removes, it is comfortable to see God going
before us; and we may do so, if by faith and prayer we set Him
before us. God, according to the promise, directed David's path.
David rose gradually: thus the kingdom of the Messiah, the Son
of David, is set up by degrees; he is Lord of all, but we see
not yet all things put under him.

#8-17. The nation in general refused David. By this the Lord
trained up his servant for future honour and usefulness; and the
tendency of true godliness was shown in his behaviour while
passing through various difficulties. David was herein a type of
Christ, whom Israel would not submit to, though anointed of the
Father to be a Prince and a Saviour to them. Abner meant, Let
the young men fight before us, when he said, Let them play
before us: fools thus make a mock at sin. But he is unworthy the
name of a man, that can thus trifle with human blood.

#18-24 Death often comes by ways we least suspect. We are often
betrayed by the accomplishments we are proud of! Asahel's
swiftness, which he presumed so much upon, did him no service,
but hastened his end.

#25-32 Abner appeals to Joab concerning the miserable
consequences of a civil war. Those who make light of such
unnatural contests, will find that they are bitterness to all
concerned. How easy it is for men to use reason, when it makes
for them, who would not use it, if it made against them! See how
the issue of things alter men's minds! The same thing which
looked pleasant in the morning, at night looked dismal. Those
who are most forward to enter into contention, will repent
before they have done with it, and had better leave it off
before it be meddled with, as Solomon advises. This is true of
every sin, oh that men would consider it in time, that it will
be bitterness in the latter end! Asahel's funeral is here
mentioned. Distinctions are made between the dust of some and
that of others; but in the resurrection no difference will be
made, but between the godly and ungodly, which will remain for
ever.
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* David's power increases His family. (1-6) Abner revolts to
David. (7-21) Joab kills Abner David mourns for him. (22-39)

#1-6 The length of this war tried the faith and patience of
David, and made his settlement at last the more welcome. The
contest between grace and corruption in the hearts of believers,
may fitly be compared to this warfare. There is a long war
between them, the flesh lusting against the spirit, and the
spirit against the flesh; but as the work of holiness is carried
on, corruption, like the house of Saul, grows weaker and weaker;
while grace, like the house of David, grows stronger and
stronger.

#7-21 Many, like Abner, are not above committing base crimes,
who are too proud to bear reproof, or even the suspicion of
being guilty. While men go on in sin, and apparently without
concern, they are often conscious that they are fighting against
God. Many mean to serve their own purposes; and will betray
those who trust them, when they can get any advantage. Yet the
Lord serves his own designs, even by those who are thus actuated
by revenge, ambition, or lust; but as they intend not to honour
him, in the end they will be thrown aside with contempt. There
was real generosity both to Michal and to the memory of Saul, in
David's receiving the former, remembering probably how once he
owed his life to her affection, and knowing that she was
separated from him partly by her father's authority. Let no man
set his heart on that which he is not entitled to. If any
disagreement has separated husband and wife, as they expect the
blessing of God, let them be reconciled, and live together in
love.

#22-39 Judgments are prepared for such scorners as Abner; but
Joab, in what he did, acted wickedly. David laid Abner's murder
deeply to heart, and in many ways expressed his detestation of
it. The guilt of blood brings a curse upon families: if men do
not avenge it, God will. It is a sad thing to die like a fool,
as they do that any way shorten their own days, and those who
make no provision for another world. Who would be fond of power,
when a man may have the name of it, and must be accountable for
it, yet is hampered in the use of it? David ought to have done
his duty, and then trusted God with the issue. Carnal policy
spared Joab. The Son of David may long delay, but never fails to
punish impenitent sinners. He who now reigns upon the throne of
David, has a kingdom of a nobler kind. Whatever He doeth, is
noticed by all his willing people, and is pleasing to them.
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* Ishbosheth murdered. (1-7) David puts to death the murderers.
(8-12)

#1-7 See how Ishbosheth was murdered! When those difficulties
dispirit us, which should sharpen our endeavours, we betray both
our heavenly crowns and our earthly lives. Love not sleep, lest
thou come to poverty and ruin. The idle soul is an easy prey to
the destroyer. We know not when and where death will meet us.
When we lie down to sleep, we are not sure that we may not sleep
the sleep of death before we awake; nor do we know from what
hand the death-blow may come.

#8-12 A person may be glad to obtain his jus