Comments on the Second Book of Samuel-L M Grant

8/9/2019 Comments on the Second Book of Samuel-L M Grant

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David wanted clear evidence especially as to the death of !aul and #onathan 5v.76, and the

young "an told hi" that he had happened by chance to be on 8t. Gilboa and found !aul

leaning on his spear, while horses and chariots were pursuing. 1e clai"ed that !aul hadcalled hi", asking who he was 5v.96. Then he revealed the fact that he was an 3"alekite,

apparently not actually engaged in the battle at all, but happening to be in the vicinity. 1e

further said that !aul entreated hi" to kill hi" because he was in great pain and he haddone so because he was sure that !aul could not live, also taking !auls crown and

bracelet to bring to David. 't see"s strange that !aul had worn his crown in battle.

!ince we have been told in !a"uel ;:<=7 that !aul had fallen on his own sword, and

his ar"our bearer saw that !aul was dead, then it appears that the 3"alekite was lying.!aul had first been wounded, and after falling on his sword, if he was not actually dead,

as the ar"our bearer thought, he would hardly be standing, leaning on his spear. -ikely

the 3"alekite thought that David would reward hi" for this reported >"ercy=killing,>specially since it would clear the way for David to reign. The "an was an opportunist.

?ne wonders if he had gone to the scene of battle looking for a possibility of this kind,

and therefore was ready to take advantage of it. 'f he had found !aul dead and told thetruth about it, his end "ight have been different, but his lie incri"inated hi".

1owever, before we read of Davids taking action against hi" it is good to see the way

David and his "en were affected by the death of !aul and #onathan. Tearing their clothes,

they "ourned and wept, not eating for the rest of the day. Though it would be a relief toDavid to know that !aul would not pursue hi" again, yet his sorrow for !auls death was

very real. ?f course also they "ourned for the large nu"ber of people who died in battle,

and for 'srael because of her crushing defeat. This sorrow of David and his "en stands in

refreshing contrast to the heartless re&oicing of the +hilistines over the slaughter of !auland his sons.

David now confir"s fro" the "essenger who brought news of !aul and #onathans death

the fact that he was an 3"alekite, the son of a stranger, and asked hi", >1ow is it youwere not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy the -ords anointed@> David would by

no "eans agree to a so=called >"ercy killing.> This was not actual "ercy, but a "anifest

lack of faith in God who is the Giver and !ustainer of life. David therefore instructs one

of his young soldiers to kill the 3"alekite, which he does 5v.76. David well knew that afriend of this kind would be no friend at all: he could &ust as easily betray David if a case

arose whereby he could profit by it. hether the "an had lied or not as to his killing

!aul, yet by the words of his own "outh he was conde"ned 5v.A.6

David was not so anxious to atte"pt to take the throne of 'srael as to neglect thechastening of his own soul before God in view of the sadness of the death of !aul and

#onathan. 1e genuinely la"ented over the" with a la"entation recorded fro" verse to

$. But verse 9 first "entions that David gave orders that 'sraels warriors should betaught the use of the bow. 't was through archery that !aul was wounded, and this was

possibly the deciding factor in the victory of the +hilistines 5fro" a hu"an point of view6.

'srael now "ust learn this long=range warfare.>The beauty of 'srael is slain on you high places: how the "ighty have fallen> 5v.6.



(ro" a natural point of view !aul and #onathan presented an attractive appearance. 'n

this 'srael was certainly not behind any other nation. Cet the >high places> were those in

which they fell. The desire of !aul for a place of high honor was increased by his havingthe throne, but his fall was that "uch greater.

Though David expressed the desire that the sad news should not be told in the chief citiesof the +hilistines 5Gath and 3skelon6, we have heard already that it was published in the

land of the +hilistines 5 !a".;:6: the daughters of the uncircu"cised were alreadyre&oicing in triu"ph. 3s to verse , we do not know if Davids words were fulfilled,

though they "ay have been for a ti"e at least. 1e felt that the "ountains of Gilboa

should be deprived of dew or rain, because !aul had fallen there as though he had not been anointed by God as king.

'n verse David credits #onathan first with success in battle, but !aul also in his

"easure. Genuine love always desires to give every co""endation it possibly can

honorably, though in this case David cannot co""end as "uch in !aul as he "ight desire

to do. !till, he speaks of these as >lovely and pleasant in their lives,> and in their death asnot being divided. 1e does not "ention that they had been divided as regards their

attitude toward David, for David did not retain any selfish resent"ent over this. Their being >swifter than eagles and stronger than lions> of course refers to their prowess in

war.

David even calls upon the daughters of 'srael to weep over !aul 5v.<6, for his

govern"ent evidently had so"e beneficial effects in providing a good standard of livingfor the nation.

>1ow are the "ighty fallen in the "idst of the battle,> David la"ents, and adds, >0

#onathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.> David felt this, that #onathan had nottaken the place of lowly re&ection with David, but in choosing the place of exaltation briefly with !aul, he was hu"bled fro" it in a way he had not anticipated 5 !a".;:$=

96.

But David has "ore to say approvingly of #onathan than he could of !aul. 1e was

specially distressed at #onathans death, for #onathan had been true, devoted friend inspite of his fathers opposition. David speaks here as directly to #onathan hi"self 5v.A6,

appreciating #onathans love toward hi" that passed the love of wo"en.

1e co"pletes his la"entation with the painful words, >1ow are the "ighty fallen and the

weapons of war perished> This is the expression of the sad end of the best that "an inthe flesh can offer. 1is greatness is brought down to nothing and his ability for con*uest

totally destroyed. ?nly )hrist will re"ain: 1e alone will have the honor of subduing all

things under 1i".

CH"PT! $



David was by no "eans in a hurry to take advantage of the situation that had been

brought about by !auls death. Though he had not en*uired of the -ord as to going down

to king 3chish at Gath 5 !a".$::6, he does en*uire now as to leaving 4iklag andreturning to #udah. The -ord tell hi" to do so. Cet in a spirit of felt dependence, he

further in*uires as to what city. Gods answer, >1ebron> is not "erely intended to indicate

a favorable location. 'ts na"e "eans >co""union,> which would be a strong re"inder toDavid that if he is to reign as king, he will need the place of constant co""union with

God.

'n co"ing to 1ebron Davids circu"stances are co"pletely changed. 1is two wives

acco"pany hi" and all his "en with their households. These were dispersed throughoutthe towns surrounding 5v.;6. David being of the tribe of #udah, and having before

attracted the approval of the people through his faithfulness and ability, it is not

surprising that the "en of #udah ca"e to hi" to anoint hi" king 5v.<6. The rest of 'sraelwas however not ready to accept hi" in this way at the ti"e.

hen David heard the news that it was the "en of #abesh=Gilead who had buried !aul,he sent "essengers to the" to express his appreciation of this expression of their regard

for the throne of 'srael established by God. 1e shows the confidence that the -ord would bless the" for this kindness, while pro"ising that he also would reward the" with

kindness 5vs.7=A6. 1e encourages the" also to be strengthened and valiant, though !aul

had died, and infor"s the" that the tribe of #udah had anointed hi" king over the". ?fcourse #abesh=Gilead was far north of #udah and had not acknowledged Davids rule, but

David "ade no issue of this: he si"ply infor"ed the" of #udahs action.

3bner, the captain of !auls ar"y, could only understand natural succession. 1e did not

seek the will of God, but decided to elevate 'sh=bosheth, !auls son, to the throne of 'srael

5vs.9=6. 1ow "any since hi" have thought that the "ilitary has the right of suchdecisions But this is Gods prerogative, and 1e had already anointed David as king of

'srael 5not only of #udah6. 3bner "ade 8ahanai" the head*uarters of 'sh=boshethskingdo". 8ahanai" "eans >two ca"ps,> therefore e"phasiEing the fact that 'srael was

divided. God would not allow this to continue, but 'sh=bosheth did reign over 'srael for

two years, during which ti"e there was >long war> between #udah and 'srael. David

reigned in 1ebron seven and a half years 5v.6. 't see"s that, after his being recogniEedas king by 'srael 5ch.7:=;6, he "ust have re"ained for a ti"e in 1ebron before going up

to #erusale" to reign there.

This history illustrates the necessity of the -ord #esus first subduing 1is own people

under 1i" before subduing 1is ene"ies. 3bner was the strong "an in 'srael: 'sh=boshethwas of no significance. 3bner of course wanted to see #udah sub&ect to hi" too, and

desired to initiate a test of strength. 1e ca"e to Gibeon with so"e of his "en 5v.6.

#oab, the captain of Davids ar"y, was fully willing for the test, and went out with his"en, they sitting down on one side of the pool of Gibeon with 3bner and his "en on the

other side. But the occasion is not to be a discussion of their differences. 3bner asks that

the young "en should hold a contest 5v.<6 and #oab readily responds. Twelve "en fro"each side then "eet in deadly co"bat.



2erse 7 see"s to indicate that all these "en, on both sides, were prepared to catch each

other by the head, each one si"ultaneously piercing the other with his sword, so that they

fell down together. They did not stop to consider that they were all 'sraelites, andtherefore brethren. But since that ti"e the people of God have too often used the sword of

the word of God cruelly against others of Gods people when they "ight have used it for

the positive good of others.

The contest decided nothing, but was only the beginning of a battle that involved bothar"ies, so that "any "ore were dead before it was over. For did the battle "ake any real

difference in the situation, though it was won by #udah. ?nly Gods work can bring about

unity a"ong 1is people.

#udah pursues 'srael in the battle, and 3sahel, the brother of #oab and 3bishai, picks out

3bner to pursue hi". Being very swift of foot, he could easily keep up with 3bner. 'f

#oab had been in his place, he would not have hesitated to kill 3bner, but 3sahel was

evidently not a practiced "an of war, and only wanted to be sure that 3bner did not

escape. 3bner suspected it was 3sahel who followed hi", and when he was assured of it,he told hi" to leave hi" and follow so"eone else 5v.6. 3bner did not want to fight it

out with 3sahel and kill hi", because he was afraid that if he did so, he "ight incur thespecial ani"osity of #oab.

3sahel, however, after a second warning fro" 3bner, refused to listen to hi". 1e

continued to follow very close behind hi", and was not prepared for 3bners cunning

expertise in war. 3bner suddenly pushed his spear backward, causing its butt end to pierce 3bner under the fifth rib. 1e fell down and died. 3sahel did not lack Eeal, but did

lack knowledge and wisdo" as to warfare. The pursuers following 3sahel were so

shocked at finding hi" dead that they stopped their pursuit of 'srael. They considered that

'srael had been totally defeated, and to find that they had struck back in killing 3sahelevidently gave the" second thoughts.

#oab and 3bishai continued their pursuit, both of the" being capable warriors 5v.<6.

1owever, 3bner was able to regroup as the Ben&a"ites ca"e to hi", and all ascended tothe top of a hill. (ro" there 3bner calls to #oab, desiring a cessation of hostilities. 1e

does not offer to surrender, but asks, >!hall the sword devour forever@ do you not know

that it will be bitter in the end@> This was true, for continued fighting would not resolvethe issue as to who should be king. Cet 3bner conveniently forgot that it was he who had

initiated the battle. !till, #oab knew it would be wise to cease fro" battle, and tells 3bner

that if he had not spoken the battle would have ended by the next "orning anyway 5v.$6.

3s if happened, however, 3bners speaking was an ad"ission of defeat, though not in so"any words.

#oab blew a tru"pet to cause all his "en to no longer pursue 'srael. 3bner and his "en

travelled all that night to return across the #ordan to 8ahahai"

eturning fro" the war, #oab found that twenty "en of #udah 5including 3sahel6 had diedin this sad conflict, but of 3bners "en ;A0 were killed. Cet this had no decisive



conse*uences, though it indicated a gradual weakening of 'sraels opposition, which will

be true also at the ti"e of the Tribulation, when 'sraels rebellion against the -ord #esus

will be worn down until an occasion of great public significance breaks the" utterly inrepentance and faith.

3sahel received an honorable burial, and #oab and his "en returned by night to 1ebron.This is significant in telling us that #udah "ust re"ain in >co""union> with the -ord, to

await 1is clear leading as to re=uniting the nation.

CH"PT! %

Though !aul had died, yet there continues long war between his house and the house of

David. e have seen that !aul stands for the energy of the flesh, which does not easily

give up though it is doo"ed. The house of David waxes stronger and stronger, but theflesh cannot but expose its own weakness when it is given ti"e.

e are told now of Davids having six sons, each by a different wife 5vs.=76. Fever wasit Gods intention that a "an should have "ore than one wife. 3t the beginning 1e had

said, >Therefore shall a "an leave his father and his "other and shall cleave unto hiswife> == not >his wives.> Cet under law God bore with biga"y and polyga"y because of

the hardness of "ens hearts 5cf.8t.:96. 3lso, far above "ens natural thoughts, God

used this occasion to illustrate various distinct characteristics of the -ord #esus in 1isco"ing kingdo". Those who are interested to check this in detail will find the Fu"erical

Bible 5 !a"uel, pages <07=<0$6 "ost enlightening. This enforces the striking truth that

God can overrule "ans failure in order to serve the greater purpose of highly exalting1is beloved son, and re"inds us that there will be certain precious fruits showing

the"selves in the -ord #esus in >co""union> 51ebron6 before 1e reigns in glory.

The co"bination of 3bner with 'sh=bosheth see"s to indicate the opposition of anti=christ

in the Tribulation period, 3bner showing his strength and 'sh=bosheth his weakness 5v.A6.(or the anti=christ will put on a show of strength that will in the end prove to be

weakness, so that he will have an igno"inious fall, as did both 3bner and 'sh=bosheth.

2erse $ shows the beginning of the fall of 'sraels govern"ent. 1ow "any since 3bner

have ruined the"selves by si"ilar "oral infractions hen 'sh=bosheth "ade an issue of3bners having taken one of !auls concubines, 3bner was furious that the *uestion was

even raised 5v.96. 1e has no defense, but attacks 'sh=bosheth as being ungrateful for

3bners having elevated hi" to the place of king. 1e thinks 'sh=bosheth should ignore his

"oral evil since he had backed up 'sh=bosheth. 3ctually it was not really kindness to 'sh= bosheth that had "oved 3bner, but &ealousy for his own position of power.

Therefore his kindness *uickly turns to bitter ani"osity. 1e will show 'sh=bosheth who is

in authority by &ust as *uickly deposing hi" as he had exalted hi". 1e would translatethe kingdo" fro" the house of !aul to the house of David, and thereby fulfil the word

that God had sworn to David, that David would be king of all 'srael 5vs.=06. 3bner had

known Gods expressed oath as this "atter, but until this ti"e had braEenly defied it.



Hven now he was not changing because of any real regard for the word of God, but

because 'sh=bosheth had *uestioned his character. 'n changing he was of course counting

on Davids favor toward hi".

This withering outburst was too "uch for 'sh=bosheth: he was totally silenced fro" fear

of 3bner 5v.6. 'f he had been a wise "an he would have before refused to listen to3bner, to take any part in ruling 'srael, for he knew he was not *ualified for it. 1e loses

everything.

But 3bner does not intend to lose out. 1e i""ediately contacts David by 8essenger,

urging hi" to "ake a league with 3bner, who would on his part bring all 'srael into

sub&ection to David 5v.6. David responded also by "essengers who told 3bner that aleague could be for"ed, but only on condition that 8ichal, !auls daughter should be

returned to David as his wife. David confir"ed this to 'sh=bosheth by insisting that

8ichal, who" he had purchased by his slaughter of 00 +hilistines, should be given back

to hi" 5v.<, Though the -ord does not co""ent on whether David should have done

this, yet the subse*uent history 5ch.A:A=;6 shows that their relationship was far fro"satisfactory. 'n fact, 8ichal had shown no fidelity to David in !a"uel :$, when she

told her father that David had threatened to kill her if she did not let hi" escape fro"!aul. hy should he want her returned when she had proven undependable@ as it only

his own rights he was thinking of@ 1e could have reasoned too that since he had not

taken the initiative, in putting her away, the Deuterono"y <:=< would not apply. Butthat passage does say that the first husband was not to take his wife back after she had

been defiled by "arrying another "an 5v.<6. 'f David had sought wisdo" fro" God, this

scripture "ight have been a protection for hi".

3t 'sh=bosheths order 8ichal was taken fro" her husband, +haltiel 5v.76. Though she

was not his in the first place the wrong was only co"pounded by her being taken fro"hi" and given again to David. hen +haltiel follows her weeping, 3bner su""arily tell

hi" to return ho"e. !aul had given 8ichal to +haltiel but 3bner does not have to reckonwith a living !aul any longer. 1e wants Davids patronage.

2erse $ tells us that 3bner had already spoken with the elders of 'srael, re"inding the"

that before this they had desired David as king. 1e knew this, yet he had tried to overrule

it by exalting 'sh=bosheth. hen this did not work out, then he can easily ignore his"istake and ignore 'sh=bosheth by telling the elders of 'srael to now accept David as

king. 'n this he appeals to what God had already said: >By the hand of "y servant David '

will save "y people 'srael fro" the hand of the +hilistines and fro" the hand of all their

ene"ies> 5v.96.

'n verse we are told that 3bner boldly took the "essage of his decision to turn the

kingdo" over to David, to the tribe of Ben&a"in. These of course would likely be slow to

accept David, since !aul 5and of course 'sh=bosheth6 were Ben&a"ites. Being a stronglyinfluential "an 5in contrast to 'sh=bosheth6, 3bner was able to persuade the", so that he

could go to David as representing 'srael and the whole house of the Ben&a"ites. 1e

therefore "ade an agree"ent with David that he would gather 'srael in order that they



"ight "ake a covenant with David. David approvingly sent hi" away with this

understanding 5v.6.

#oab knew nothing of this until he returned fro" a raid in which he and his "en had beensuccessful in gaining >"uch spoil.> 1owever, when he heard of Davids favorable

reception of 3bner, he sensed danger, == not actually danger to David, but danger asregards his own position in Davids govern"ent. 1e would see 3bner as a threat to his

pro"inence. '""ediately he went in to David and re"onstrated strongly with hi" 5v.<6.1e "ade it clear that he thought David ought to have killed 3bner when he had the

opportunity, or to have at least i"prisoned hi". 1e clai"s that 3bner ca"e as a spy to

deceive David and learn of Davids activities in order to take advantage of hi". ?f coursethis was not true, but #oab wanted an excuse for getting rid of 3bner. Fothing is said of

how David responded to #oabs accusation.

#oab saw his opportunity to act *uickly. ithout Davids knowledge, he sent "essengers

after 3bner to bring hi" back. 3bner, fully unsuspecting, ca"e back willingly. #oab was

ready to "eet hi" at the gate of the city, and there took hi" aside as though to speak privately to hi", and i""ediately plunged hi" through with his weapon >under the fifth

rib,> as 3bner had done to 3sahel 5ch.:;6, killing hi" instantly with this blow to theheart 5v.$6.

#oab no doubt considered that he was >the avenger of blood> on behalf of 3sahel, his

brother, and was able to kill 3bner &ust outside 1ebron, the city of refuge 5#osh.0:$=6.

'nside the city 3bner would have been safe. #oab ignored the fact that 3sahel had beenkilled in battle, and he killed 3bner when showing hi"self outwardly on friendly ter"s

with hi". #oab had reproved David for being deceived by 3bner, but he practiced far

"ore cunning deception hi"self in dealing with 3bner.

David was deeply affected by this news, and disavowed on behalf of hi"self and hiskingdo" all responsibility for the death of 3bner. 1e does virtually ask for the

intervention of God in discipline to #oab and to his fa"ily, that they "ight suffer as a

conse*uence of this. But did David forget that he was king, and responsible to carry outso"e &udg"ent against #oab@ #oab had actually been guilty of cold=blooded, pre"editated

"urder, and for this he deserved the death penalty. David very soon after ordered the

death of the two "en who "urdered 'sh=bosheth 5ch.<:0=6. The "urder of 3bner was &ust as serious, but evidently because #oab was captain of his ar"y, David "ade a

difference. There is no word of David even speaking directly to #oab about this, let alone

exercising "ore serious discipline. 'n this the weakness of Davids kingdo" is evident

fro" the beginning.

2erse ;0 also involves 3bishai in the death of 3bner, though we are not told exactly what

part he had. e are re"inded again that they killed 3bner in reprisal for 3bners killing

3sahel >in the battle,> a far different "atter than deception in a ti"e of peace.

David does tell #oab and all the people to rend their clothes and put on sackcloth in"ourning for 3bner. !o far as #oab and 3bishai were concerned, this would only be a



false show, for they had no regrets for the death of 3bner. But David, following the

coffin, wept at the grave of 3bner, and the people followed his exa"ple. 1is la"entation

would no doubt "ake #oab feel unco"fortable: >Died 3bner as a fool dieth@ Thy handswere not bound, nor thy feet put in fetters: as a "an falleth before wicked "en, so fellest

thou> 5v.;<6. 'f 3bner had been on guard, he would have been sure to at least get inside

the city of refuge before "eeting #oab, for he had before anticipated that he would incur#oabs anger by his killing 3sahel 5ch.:6. wisdo" deserted hi" at that ti"e, and he fell

as >before wicked "en.> But his wisdo" deserted hi" at that ti"e, and he fell as >before

wicked "en.>

The genuineness of Davids "ourning was further proven by his refusal to eat until thesun was down 5v.;76. The people were i"pressed by this and fully realiEed that David did

not approve the killing of 3bner. 1e said that 3bner was >a prince and a great "an> in

'srael, and his fall was not an asset to Davids kingdo", but rather weakened David,though he was anointed king. 1e tells the people also that the sons of 4eruiah 5#oab and

3bishai6 were too hard for hi", and that the -ord would &ustly reward their acts of

wickedness.

CH"PT! &

3bners death left 'sh=bosheth helpless, and all 'srael in a state of troubled perplexity5v.6. Two "en, however, who were captains of bands in 'sh=bosheths ar"y, saw an

attractive opportunity at this ti"e. They could plainly see that David would gain the

ascendancy, and they thought they could gain Davids favor by killing 'sh=bosheth. Butthey acted on the false assu"ption that David was as wicked as they were. They were

brothers, and of the tribe of Ben&a"in.

'n verse < a note is inserted to tell of !aul having another son, 8ephibosheth, who had beco"e la"e on both feet when his nurse had dropped hi" in her haste to escape whenshe heard of the death of !aul and #onathan. The boy was five years old at this ti"e. e

shall hear of Davids kindness to hi" a little later 5ch.6.

The two brothers, echab and Baanah, ca"e at noon to the house of 'sh=bosheth, who

was lying on a bed. +retending to be co"ing for wheat, they had easy access to the house.They pierced 'sh=bosheth through >under the fifth rib> 5the third person to who" this was

done within a short ti"e6, then beheaded hi" and escaped, carrying his head with the"

5vs.7=$6. 't was a long trip when fro" 8ahanai" to 1ebron, taking the rest of the day andall night. +erhaps they thought it was worth it, but things did not work out as they had

planned.

Bringing 'sh=bosheths head to David, they told hi" this was the head of the son of !aul,

Davids ene"y, who sought to kill David. Thy cunningly bring the -ords na"e into the"atter also, saying that the -ord had taken vengeance on the house of !aul. Cet they had

re"ained servants to 'sh=bosheth for two years after the death of !aul



David i""ediately discerned their callous deceit and greed. 1e had no roo" for this kind

of friends 1e knew that they could &ust as easily turn against hi" as they had turned

against 'sh=bosheth, if the occasion arose. 1e told the" that it was the living -ord whohad redee"ed his soul out of all adversity 5not "ans deceitful wickedness6. Then he told

the" of the "an who had brought news of !auls death to David, considering that David

would think of this as good news and expecting that David would reward hi" for it, butthat instead David had put hi" to death 5ch.:=76.

>1ow "uch "ore,> he adds, >when wicked "en have slain a righteous person in his own

house upon his bed> Their guilt was worse than that of the other. 1e would therefore

righteously re*uire the blood of 'sh=bosheth fro" the" by taking their life fro" the earth.'n this case, not only did the young "en kill the", but cut off their hands and feet and

hung the" up over the pool in 1ebron. Their hands had been swift to shed blood and

their feet had been swift to cul"inate this evil in boldly bringing their "asters head toDavid. They were hung up likely as a declaration of Davids abhorrence of their evil act

and as a warning to any who "ight be inclined to resort to tactics such as theirs. 'sh=

bosheths head was buried in 3bners grave.

CH"PT! '

Cet the sovereign wisdo" of God has been over all these "atters, and Davids way beco"es clear without his fighting for it. Gods ti"e had now co"e for the voluntary

sub"ission of the other tribes to Davids do"inion. They ca"e to hi" at 1ebron,

presenting three reasons for their recogniEing hi" as king 5v.6. (irst, they were related tohi" as 'sraelites secondly, thy knew his reputation, even while !aul was king, that it was

David who was really the leader of 'sraels forces and thirdly, they knew that the -ord

had pro"ised the kingdo" to David. The last of these three was conclusive, though they

had been slow to recogniEe it in their allowing 3bner to do"inate the".

David willingly "ade a league with the", and they anointed David king there in 1ebron.

This is the third ti"e we read of his being anointed first by !a"uel in !a"uel A:;

secondly in 1ebron by #udah 5 !a".:<6 and in this case by all 'srael. This is a pictureof Gods having first anointed the -ord #esus at the river #ordan when 1e was baptiEed by

#ohn 58t. ;:A6, then of 1is eventually being recogniEed by #udah as Iing 54ech.:$=

06, and afterwards by the rest of the tribes 5HEekiel ;$:=6 when they will be &oinedtogether with #udah after centuries of separation.

The years of Davids preparation for reigning were not lost. 1e took the throne at the age

of ;0, the sa"e age as the -ord #esus was when 1e began 1is public "inistry 5-uke

;:;6. 't "ay see" that those ;0 years of *uiet obscurity are out of proportion to the short; % years of the public "inistry of the -ord #esus. But Gods ways are not ours. +rivate

life is far "ore i"portant than we often think. Cet David reigned for forty years

altogether, dying at $0 years of age. 'n 1ebron he reigned $ % years, then ;; years in#erusale".



Though 'srael had anointed David king, when he went to #erusale" the inhabitants

5#ebusites6 were *uite haughty in refusing hi" entry into the city. They told hi" that the

blind and the la"e would have sufficient power to drive the" away 5v.A6. There is alesson here typical of the future establishing of the kingdo" of the -ord #esus. The

spiritual blindness and la"eness of "any in 'srael will see" to be in for"idable

opposition to the blessed -ord of glory. ill it be so great that the true Iing of 'sraelcannot overco"e it@ hen 1e ca"e in grace to 'srael, 1e showed 1is living power in

healing the blind and the la"e. ill 1e be any less capable when 1e co"es in great

power and glory@ #erusale"s opposition was nothing to David. 1e took the city and fro"that day it has been called >the city of David> 5v.$6.

'n the F.3.!.B. verse 9 is translated >3nd David said on that day, hoever would strike

the #ebusites, let hi" reach the la"e and the blind, who are hated of Davids soul, through

the water tunnel.> hen the gates were barred, the watercourse was a way of entering thecity that the #ebusites overlooked. 1ow true is this typically also. The fresh water supply

is typical of the living word of God. 'f we attack evil in the vital power of Gods word, it

cannot withstand us. The blindness of 'srael to the truth of God, and their la"eness as towalking in the paths of righteousness have been great obstacle to the blessing of the

nation. 'f the blind and the la"e of 'srael will not bow to the authority of the -ord #esus

in order to be healed, then the opposers, re"aining blind and la"e will be >hated of his

soul,> and bear their well deserved &udg"ent. >Therefore they say, The blind or the la"eshall not co"e into the house.> hile "any in 'srael will be saved in the co"ing day of

the -ords glory, yet two thirds, re"aining in unbelief, >will be cut off and die>

54ech.;:96. They will never know the blessing of the house of God.

David then dwelt in #erusale", called >the stronghold> and >the city of David,> and builtup the city, evidently to strengthen its defenses. >The 8illo> is "entioned here, which

was evidently a citadel or tower in the city which was of significant i"portance. (ro"this ti"e Davids greatness increased 5v.06, only a faint type of the kingdo" of the -ord#esus, of who" we read >There will be no end to the increase of 1is govern"ent or of

peace> 5'sa.:$6.

2erse tells of 1ira", Iing of Tyre, sending "essengers to David and supplying cedar

trees, carpenters and "asons in order to build David a house. Tyre was fa"ous as a"erchant city, always on the alert for profitable business.

By this ti"e David recogniEed that the -ord had established his kingdo", all 'srael being

sub&ect to hi" 5v.6. 'n fact, his rule was for the sake of Gods people 'srael: they were

blessed by having such a king. The nations surrounding 'srael were not yet subdued, asthey would be eventually, but the unity of 'srael under David was a vitally i"portant

prere*uisite to this end.

1owever, David could not rightly bear the greatness of the glory given to hi". 1e tookadvantage of his greatness to take "ore wives and concubines, though he already had

seven wives 5ch.;:=7 ;=A6. (ro" the very first of 'sraels history of the kings, we see

this sad fact, that neither !aul nor David, nor any kings that followed, could rightly bear



the glory that co"es with exalted authority. There is only ?ne, the -ord #esus )hrist, who

will be able to properly bear the great dignity of ruling over "en. >1e shall build the

te"ple of the -ord and 1e shall bear the glory> 54ech.A:;6.

3dded to Davids six sons born in 1ebron are the eleven born in #erusale" 5vs.<=A6.

There were daughters also born to hi", but we are not told how "any. !o"e of his sonscaused hi" great sorrow, however, and he had to confess how great was the contrast of

his own house to that of the pro"ised 8essiah: >8y house is not so with God> 5!a".;:76.

3s soon as he was anointed king over 'srael, the ani"osity of the +hilistines was freshly

awakened. These were their closest neighbors, and their "ost constant ene"ies. Theirna"e "eans >wallow,> and they are typical of those who "erely >wallow> in )hristianity,

those who have the for"s and language of the )hristian >religion,> but not the vital,

personal knowledge of the -ord #esus. (or this reason i"ages and idols are pro"inent

a"ong the", as we know is true of various co"panies one of the "ost persistent ene"ies

of true )hristianity, and &ust as David found it necessary to be continually on guardagainst the attacks of the +hilistines, so such for"alistic religion calls for our constant

watchfulness and spiritual energy in withstanding this persistent ene"y of our -ord.

hen David heard of the +hilistine advance, he >went down to the hold,> evidently goingtoward the +hilistines rather than re"aining in #erusale", which was also called >the

hold,> but it was not >down.> 't is an interesting expression, that the +hilistines >spread

the"selves> in the valley of ephai". They like at least a show of taking possession ButDavid sought the face of the -ord as regards guidance. !hould he go and "eet the

+hilistines@ ould God give hi" the victory over the"@ The answer fro" God is

positive. 1e is to go with thorough confidence that God would deliver the ene"y into his

hand. The exercise of waiting in dependence on God will always bring an answer fro"God that will give confidence in acting on it.

Davids victory is there co"plete 5v.06. 1e give the -ord the credit for breaking forth

upon his ene"ies as the breach of waters, as though a da" was breached and the floodwaters overwhel"ed the ene"y. 1e therefore na"ed the place >Baal=GeraEi",> "eaning

>-ord of the breaches.> The +hilistines had brought their i"ages with the" even into

battle. But the i"ages were no help, and in their haste to retreat they left the" behind.David and his "en did not take the", nor the "aterials of which they were "ade, but

burned the" 5v.6.

1owever, religious Eeal does not easily die out of "ans heart. The +hilistines later

returned to the sa"e location and with the sa"e display of strength 5v.6. 't is good toobserve that David did not rely on his past experience in "eeting this fresh attack. The

sa"e circu"stances do not always call for the sa"e "ethod of "eeting the". 'n every

case we "ust depend on the -ord 1i"self. David again in*uired of 1i", and receiveddifferent instruction. This ti"e they are not to attack as before fro" the front, but to circle

around behind the ene"y near to a group of baca trees. Then they would hear the sound

of "arching in the tops of the baca trees, which would be the signal for the" to attack the



+hilistines, for the -ord would go before the" to acco"plish the victory 5v.<6. hatever

spiritual significance there is in the baca trees, at least we are to learn that when we

discern the evidence of the -ords leading we "ay go forth in confidence. the details ofthe victory are not necessary to be told us, except the distance they pursued the +hilistines

in defeating the", fro" Gibeon to GaEer, about 0 "iles.

CH"PT! (

Davids kingdo" having been established, he is rightly concerned that God should have1is true place as in highest authority over 'srael. The ark was the sy"bol of the throne of

God, yet had been in the obscurity of the house of 3binidab in Baale 5or Iir&ath=#eari" ==

#oshua 7:6. Thus, through the history of !aul, Gods authority was obscured, but Davidwants this in the place of highest pro"inence. 1e therefore gathers thirty thousand

chosen "en of 'srael in view of his co""endable purpose. But he "ade the tragic

"istake of not in*uiring fro" the -ord about this first. !ince, as he knew, God was in

authority, how inconsistent it was for hi" not to consult that authority on the "atter of

bringing the ark up to #erusale". )ertainly that was where it should be, but David hadforgotten Gods appointed "eans of transporting the ark, and evidently the priests, who

should have known this well, were not concerned to infor" hi".

They set the ark on a new cart 5v.;6, apparently thinking this was giving it due honor.ere they "erely following the exa"ple of the +hilistines when they returned the ark to

'srael after having captured it and suffered for doing so 5 !a".A:$=6@ Gods "ethod was

only for the -evites of the fa"ily of Iohath to carry the ark by "eans of the staves5Hx.7:;=< Fu".;:$=;6, though na"ed >priests> in #oshua <:A=$. +hilistines

"ight ignore this, but 'srael "ust not. 'n fact, the +hilistines gave "ore credit to God than

did the 'sraelites on these occasions, for the +hilistines left the cart without drivers and

without a "an going before it. They decided to let God direct the oxen, and there was nodifficulty. The 'sraelites had two drivers as well as the "an before. Fo doubt they thought

they should take every hu"an precaution to see that the ark was well conducted. This wasnot faith.

ith great &oy David and "any "instrels played nu"bers of instru"ents to celebrate the

co"ing of the ark to #erusale". But this was suddenly and shockingly interrupted when

JEEah, a driver, reached out to steady the ark when it was shaken by the oxen. Godi""ediately struck hi" dead 5vs.A=$6. JEEah was the son of 3binidab in whose house the

ark had re"ained for "any years 5 !a".$:6, but neither JEEah nor anyone else in that

house had touched the ark before, or they would have been killed. Fo doubt what he did

was on the spur of the "o"ent and with concern that the ark should not fall, but thethrone of God does not need the steadying of "ens hand.

Though JEEah, in reaching for the ark to steady it, acted without pre"editation, yet his

effort was an actual insult to Gods authority, and he died. This was a lesson needed byDavid and all 'srael. The responsibility for bearing witness to Gods sovereign authority

5as sy"boliEed in the ark6 is not to be placed upon oxen and a cart, but upon the

shoulders of the -evites, the sons of Iohath 5Fu".;:$=;6. Today every believer too, as



the -evite Iohathites were, is responsible to bear )hrist upon his shoulders as the ?ne

who sustains the throne of Gods glory. They actually did not touch the ark, but bore it

with staves. This witness is not to be left to any organiEation that "an devises, a new cartwith its i"personal >oxen> to energiEe it. Too often Gods people leave their

responsibility to their >deno"ination> and bear no personal witness to )hrist in 1is place

of gracious sovereign authority. -et us carry the ark by its staves on our own shoulders,while having ut"ost respect in not daring to touch it, that is, to give )hrist 1is place of

highest sanctification, altogether above the need of our defending or protecting 1i".

David was not only subdued before God that day, but displeased 5v.96. ere his "otives

not right in ringing the ark to #erusale"@ 'f so, why should God kill JEEah for doing avery natural thing@ But right "otives alone do not secure Gods approval. They "ust be

acco"panied by obedience to Gods ord. David did not yet realiEe that the ark should

be carried by the Iohathites, and it is "ore sad still that the priests did not discern thereason for this tragedy. David feels that the -ord is telling hi" that he ought not to bring

the ark to #erusale". hy did he forget to consult the -ord at this ti"e at least@ (or this

failure he deprived hi"self of the privilege of having the ark at #erusale" for three"onths. 1e decided to have it placed in the house of ?bed=edo" a Gittite 5vs.0=6

't appears evident that ?bed=edo" treated the ark with beco"ing respect while it was in

his house, and during its three "onths there God signally blessed hi" and his household.

The news soon reached David that because the ark was in ?bed=edo"s house the -ordhad specially blessed hi", so that David now decided that he would have the ark brought

to #erusale", which was done with gladness 5v.6.

't is not reported here that David had realiEed his "istake at this ti"e, But )hronicles

7:=; shows this plainly, that the -ord had "ade a breach because >we sought 1i"

not after the due order.> This ti"e, therefore, we read of those who >bore the ark> 5v.;6and that they had only begun to walk when David offered sacrifices to the -ord. This

indicates a "ore beco"ing attitude than previously, for it involves the putting down ofthe flesh in order that )hrist "ay be exalted. ?ur only real relationship to God is on the

basis of the sacrifice of )hrist. David acco"panied this with his own personal dancing

before the -ord, not with his kingly gar"ents, as though he was of any i"portance in

co"parison to what the ark signified but being clothed with a linen ephod 5or tunic6.This speaks si"ply of practical righteousness, a far "ore i"portant thing than "ans

dignified outward position of honor. Davids whole heart was "anifestly in what he was

doing.

3s the procession ca"e into the city with the shouting of the people and acco"panied byat least one tru"pet, 8ichal, the daughter of !aul, was only interested enough to look

through a window. !he had not the concern of a godly 'sraelite to be present to take part

in giving God 1is place in the kingdo". The whole "atter "eant nothing to her, andwhen she saw David taking a lowly place at this ti"e, she despised hi" in her heart. This

is "erely the unholy pride of the flesh. 1er father !aul would never have done what

David did: he was too interested in "aintaining his own royal dignity.



The -ord having given grace to David to subdue the nations surrounding 'srael, it is

understandable that Davids thoughts turned to a serious consideration of what is due the

God of 'srael. hy should David en&oy a house of cedar while the ark of God was housedin a tent 5v.6@ This is a case si"ilar to the previous chapter, where Davids godliness

deceived hi". ?f course his godliness was co""endable, but it is not to be depended on

for guidance. 3 godly "an, out of genuine desire for the glory of God, "ay do the wrongthing, &ust because he has not first sought Gods direction. e "ust be constantly

re"inded that Gods ord alone can be trusted. David had forgotten this in the way in

which he first sought to bring up the ark to #erusale": now he forgets it in reference tohaving a per"anent building prepared for the ark.

Fathan was no "ore careful than David in this "atter, however. 1e told David to do all

that was in his heart because the -ord was with hi" 5v.;6. Fathan too was depending too

"uch on Davids reputation for godliness. 'n general it was true that the -ord was withDavid. But Fathan ought to have advised hi" to seek Gods special guidance for a "atter

so special as the building of a te"ple. 'ndeed, we needed this not only for large "atters,

but for those s"aller too

That night God spoke decisively to Fathan to tell hi" to co"pletely change his "essageto David. 1e "ust tell David, >ould you built a house for 8e to dwell in@> 5v.76 Then

1e re"inds hi" that ever since God brought up the children of 'srael out of Hgypt a

tabernacle had been 1is dwelling 5v.A6. God had been virtually a !o&ourner on earth. Did1e not also expect 1is people to realiEe that earth is no lasting place of rest@ 1ad 1e ever

suggested to any one of all the leaders of 'srael that they should build 1i" a per"anent

house 5v.$6@ 'f God had expressed 1i"self in this way, then certainly David would have

been right to do it. But he had no word fro" God on which to act.

3s to David personally, God has to re"ind hi" that it had been Gods own work to bringDavid fro" his lowly shepherd e"ploy"ent and "ake hi" ruler over 1is people 'srael

5v.96. David had no initiative in this whatever. 8ore than this, God had been with hi"through all this. God had cut off his ene"ies and had given David a great na"e to

co"pete with any other great "en of the earth. -et David learn in all this that it is Gods

sovereign will alone that is to be trusted.

>8oreover,> God adds, >' will appoint a place for "y people 'srael and will plant the",that they "ay dwell in a place of their own and "ove no "ore nor shall the sons of

wickedness oppress the" any "ore> 5v.06. 1ere is a pro"ise of re"arkable blessing for

'srael such as they have never seen to this day, and yet which will be fulfilled in absolute

perfection in Gods ti"e.

hen David wanted to do so"ething for the -ord, he had to be re"inded that God

1i"self had done things for hi" and for 'srael and would do great things for the" in the

future. >3lso,> 1e says to David, >the -ord tells you that 1e will "ake you a house>5v.6. 3lthough David personally was not worthy of this, as he ad"its in !a"uel ;:7,

yet this pro"ise of the -ord is absolute. The reason for it is that God chose David to be a

type of )hrist, and to be the king fro" whose line )hrist would co"e, according to the



flesh 5o"ans :;6. thus, the virgin 8ary and her husband #oseph were of the house of

David 5-uke :$6 and 8ary was told that the -ord God would give to her child #esus the

throne of 1is father David 5-uke :;6.

2erse then shows that after Davids death God would set up Davids seed who would

co"e fro" his body, and would establish his kingdo". This speaks directly of !olo"on,Davids son who reigned after hi" in greater splendor than any other ruler. But this was

si"ply as another type of the -ord #esus, not as a sufferer, but as 1e will be in 1is futureexaltation in "illennial glory.

!olo"on would also build a house for Gods na"e 5v.;6. God had decreed this. David

was not to be per"itted to build the house because he was a "an of war and had shed"uch blood 5' )hron. :96. 'n this way he had been a type of )hrist in subduing all 1is

ene"ies. The building of the house "ust not be connected with war and bloodshed, but

with peace established after con*uest, a character in which !olo"on was a type of the

-ord #esus.

>3nd ' will establish the throne of 1is kingdo" forever.> ?f course this did not refer to

!olo"on personally, but only as a type of )hrist. for !olo"ons kingdo" was torn in two

al"ost i""ediately after his death, and to this day there has been no recovery fro" the

resulting ruin. But our verse speaks of the future kingdo" of the -ord #esus, which willstand forever.

>' will be 1is (ather and 1e shall be 8y son.> This is *uoted in 1ebrews :7 as referring

to the -ord #esus, which is of course the "ost i"portant "atter. 'n a secondary way itwas true of !olo"on, but not in the vital, eternal way that it is true of )hrist. >'f he

co""its ini*uity, ' will chastise hi" with the rod of "en, and with the blows of the sons

of "en.> This cannot refer to the -ord #esus as it does to !olo"on, who did co""itini*uity in having "any wives and even worshiping their idols 5 Iings :96. 1esuffered for this under the governing hand of God 5 Iings :=<6.

'n spite of !olo"ons grievous failure, Gods "ercy did not depart fro" hi" as it did fro"

!aul, whose kingdo" abruptly ended with his death 5v.76. !olo"ons kingdo" continued

through his descendants, and 8atthew :A=$ shows hi" in the lineage of the 8essiah,though this was only officially, not actually, for #oseph was not the actual father of the

-ord #esus, but only officially so, as 8atthew :A says, >#oseph the husband of 8ary, of

who" was born #esus who is called )hrist.>

'n this way Davids house and Davids throne should be established forever 5v A6. 1owgreat an honor this was for David Fo other line of all "ankind could have this signal

dignity. But it was dependent altogether upon the grace and counsels of God, not on

Davids faithfulness or work.

hen Fathan had given this "essage of God to David, David was deeply subdued and

went in to sit before the -ord 5v.96. 1is sitting would i"ply that he had no work to do,

but he is rather cal"ly considering the work of God. 1e beco"es a worshiper rather than



a doer. (irst, he takes his own place of being fully unworthy of all that God has done for

hi" and of all that 1e would yet do. >ho a" ', 0 -ord God@ and what is "y house, that

Cou have brought "e this far@> hy had David been chosen to be taken fro" the lowlywork of sheep herding, to co"e through experiences that are "ost unusual and to be

exalted to the place of ruling a nation who" God had chosen as 1is own people@ 't was

certainly only right that he should re"ain little in his own sight.

Cet he realiEes 5v.6 that this was co"paratively only a s"all thing in Gods sight, forGod had spoken of 1is purposes as to Davids house >for a great while to co"e> == far

beyond all the days of Davids life, reaching to a >"anner of "an> who" David realiEes

to be far greater than he. This Iing == Gods choice of 8essiah for 'srael == would be ofDavids house, yet infinitely greater than David. 'ndeed, as the -ord #esus pointed out to

the +harisees, David in writing of the 8essiah, called 1i" >-ord> 58t.:<=<76, *uoting

fro" +sal" 0:. Though 1e is Davids son, yet 1e is Davids -ord.

3fter hearing such great things fro" God, David 5in verse 06 shows hi"self to be at a

loss for words by which to respond to the -ord, yet takes co"fort in the fact that Godknew 1is servant well. 1e sees too 5v.6 that God was not doing all these things "erely

for Davids blessing, but for 1is words sake and according to 1is own heart. The glory of God is the highest consideration in this "atter Gods ord is to be absolutely fulfilled in

accordance with the counsels of 1is own heart. ?f course, when the na"e of God is

supre"ely honored, there will be "arvelous blessing for 1is creatures too. But 1is gloryis first. David also deeply appreciates the fact that God has kindly ac*uainted 1is servant

with 1is wonderful counsels of grace.

!ince God has spoken to David concerning his house >for a great while to co"e> 5v.6

and has >done all these great things> 5v.6, Davids fitting response is, >Therefore Thou

art great, 0 -ord God> 5v.6. 1e gives God personally the place of supre"e greatness,none being like 1i" or none even in a little lesser place beside 1i". 3bsolute, solitary

dignity and grandeur are 1is.

Cet this great God has seen fit to bless one nation in an outstanding way. Fo other nationwas like 'srael who" God had taken the great pains to redee" fro" the bondage of Hgypt

in order to "ake the" 1is own people 5v.;6. By this unusual work 1e had acco"plished

a na"e of high honor for 1i"self as well as doing great and aweso"e deeds for the sakeof 1is land, in the sight of 1is people who" 1e had redee"ed out of Hgypt == in fact

fro" the nations and their gods. 1e had clearly separated 'srael fro" all the nations and

fro" their widespread idolatry.

'n all this work of God 1e had "ade 'srael 1is very own people forever. 'n spite ofcenturies of failure and disobedience on their part since that ti"e, this purpose of God has

not failed. They will be restored to greater blessing that they have ever known in the past,

and will re&oice with unspeakable &oy in the knowledge that the -ord is their God.

'n verse 7 David shows the faith that receives and sub"its to the ord of God with theexpressed desire that it should be acco"plished si"ply as God had said, both concerning



also taken fro" two of the cities of 1adadeEer 5v.96. This speaks of the holiness of God.

!o"e religions clai" to be the possessors of holiness, but again it is the proper

possession of only the -ord #esus, as 1e will prove when 1e takes 1is great power toreign. 8ere hu"an religion never uses holiness rightly, but abuses it.

Toi, king of 1a"ath 5v.6 is typical of those Gentiles who will willingly sub"it to theauthority of the -ord #esus when 1e is "anifested in glory. 1earing of Davids con*uest

of 1adadeEer, Toi sent his son to greet and congratulate David, and sent with hi" gifts ofsilver, gold and bronEe. 't was not necessary for David to take these things through

warfare, for they were willingly given to hi". 'saiah A0:; addresses the -ord #esus in

regard to the day of "anifestation: >Gentiles shall co"e to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.> David dedicated all these gifts to the -ord along with the silver

and gold he had taken fro" other nations which he had subdued.

Davids victories were "any in his subduing the surrounding nations. 2erse ; speaks of

his killing 9,000 !yrians in the valley of salt, which evidently enhanced his reputation.

Then we are told that he put garrisons throughout all of Hdo". Hdo" 5which is only3da" with the vowels changed6 is a picture of the flesh. hile we are on earth the flesh

will not leave us, but garrisons are necessary to restrain it fro" acting as it pleases. Theauthority of the -ord #esus over 1is own involves 1is restraining hand to keep the flesh

under control. 'n the "illennial kingdo" righteousness will not d,ell 5 +eter ;:;6, but

>a Iing will reign in righteousness> 5'sa.;:6: nations will be subdued and under thecontrol of the -ord #esus.

2erses 7=9 gives a su""ary of the ad"inistration of David in its righteousness and

&ustice for all the people. )o"paratively speaking, his reign was far "ore e*uitable than

is co""on a"ong nations. Cet David was guilty of sad failure too, so that he is only a

faulty type of the -ord #esus, who will reign in perfect righteousness. #oab was Davidsco""ander in chief of ar"y, a typical soldier, hard and deter"ined, not the kind of

servant the -ord #esus would choose. #ehoshaphat was recorder, a responsible position,re*uiring strict honesty in "aintaining records. 4adok and 3hi"elech were priests. 4adok

is given a little "ore place in the history of David, yet the work of these priests does not

see" to be given "uch significance. !eraiah was appointed as the scribe 5or secretary6,

another i"portant 5though not pro"inent function. Benaiah 5a trustworthy servant6 was incharge of the )herethites and +elethites, Davids bodyguard. Davids sons too were given

places of so"e pro"inence in govern"ent, as >chief "inisters,> though so"e of the"

were not *ualified for such positions. !a"uels sons did not walk in !a"uels ways 5!a".9:;6, and 3bsalo" certainly did not walk in Davids ways 5 !a".;:9=6. 'n the

kingdo" of the -ord #esus there will be no favoritis" shown: all will be perfect &ustice

and truth.

CH"PT! -

hen Davids kingdo" was established, he was not infatuated with his self=i"portance,

as "any "en would be. !o"e would be inclined to get rid of every possible challenger of

his position, particularly those of the house of !aul, who had reigned before hi".



'n contrast to this, David desired to show kindness to so"eone of the house of !aul who

re"ained living 5v.6. 1e proposed this >for #onathans sake,> whose attach"ent to David

was not to be forgotten. This history is a beautiful picture of the gospel of the grace ofGod, and re"inds us of Gods showing kindness to sinners >for #esus sake.> 3 servant of

!auls house is found, na"ed 4iba 5v.6, who" David asks if there is one left of !auls

fa"ily to who" he "ay show the kindness of God.

4iba knew of one son of #onathan, la"e on both his feet 5v.;6. e have read of hi" before in !a"uel <:<, which tells us that he was crippled through a fall. This is

spiritually true of all "ankind. Because of 3da"s fall, all his children have inherited his

crippled, sinful condition. The "an, 8ephibosheth, was living at -o Debar 5"eaning >no pasture>6 5v.<6, in other words, a place of desolation with typically no food for the soul.

e have all been at one ti"e in this place, needing the grace of God.

The "eaning of 8ephibosheths na"e is >sha"e out of the "outh.> hen the gospel of

grace is preached, it is this >sha"e out of the "outh> that people usually strongly resist.

They &ustify the"selves rather than confessing the sha"e of their sinful condition. Theirunsee"ly pride beco"es the great hindrance to their being sinful condition. Their

unsee"ly pride beco"es the great hindrance to their being saved. hen 8ephiboshethwas brought before David he did not act with the bold defiance of hu"an pride, but fell

before hi" prostrate 5v.A6. This is the only beco"ing attitude for anyone to assu"e before

the face of the -ord #esus )hrist, the !on of God. David addressed the cripple "an byna"e, and he answered, >1ere is your servant.> Fo doubt he was afraid, when su""oned

into the kings presence, that he "ight even be put to death. !i"ilarly, when we who

know we are sinners are called to face our )reator, we are fearful of the eternal

conse*uences. #ust as 8ephibosheth did not know the heart of David at first, so a guiltysinner does not at first realiEe how great is the love of God in )hrist #esus.

David i""ediately sets hi" at ease, telling hi" not to fear, and adding, >' will surely

show you kindness for #onathan your fathers sake, and will restore to you all the land of!aul your grandfather and you shall eat bread at "y table continually> 5v.$6. hat a

lesson for us is this, that God is not only "erciful in forgiving our sins, but in over

abounding grace 1e enriches every believer with far "ore than he could ever i"agine he

would receive 1e >has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in)hrist> 5Hph.:;6

hen David announces to 8ephibosheth the "any kindnesses he would show hi", the

response of 8ephibosheth is &ust what is to be expected fro" everyone who co"es to the

-ord #esus for salvation. Do we fully echo the words of 8ephibosheth, >hat is yourservant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as @> 3 dog is unclean: being dead it

is corrupt. Both things are true of us in our natural sinful condition.

The "an who was virtually destitute is given abundant riches. David instructs 4iba,!auls servant, to care for the land that 8ephibosheth is given as an inheritance 5v.6.

4iba in fact had 0 servants of his own, so that all would be well cared for, with the fruit

of the land rendered to 8ephibosheth in its due ti"e. But not only were his needs to be



"et: he was to have the privilege of eating continually at Davids table. The -ord #esus

does not only supply what is necessary for us: 1e desires our co"pany in fellowship with

1i". 1e is not only kind to us: 1e loves us. 8ephibosheth ate at the kings table >like oneof the kings sons> 5v.6.

2erse infor"s us that 8ephibosheth had a young son na"ed 8icha, and that all wholived in the house of 4iba were servants to 8ephibosheth. Then verse ; re"inds us

again that 8ephibosheth ate at the kings table continually, indicating that this isso"ething that should engage our special attention. 3gain also it is "entioned that he was

la"e in both feet. Though the grace of God blesses us with innu"erable blessings, this

does not "ean that all our health proble"s will disappear, as +aul was re"inded when he prayed for relief fro" his >thorn in the flesh> 5 )or.:$=6 when the -ord answered

hi", >8y grace is sufficient for you, for 8y strength is "ade perfect in weakness.> The

la"e feet also illustrates the fact that the flesh re"ains in us while we live on earth.1owever, so"e one has well observed that when 8ephibosheth ate at Davids table, his

feet would be hidden fro" view under the table. !o long as we are honestly en&oying

co""union with the -ord #esus, the flesh will not show itself.

CH"PT! #

The 3""onites were of the fa"ily of -ot 5Gen.:;A=;96. e have seen in !a"uel : that in !auls day their king was called >Fahash,> which "eans >serpent.> 't is thought

likely that this was a flattering title given to 3""onite kings because the serpent was

considered to be the sy"bol of wisdo". ?f course the wisdo" of the world is >devilish>5#a"es ;:76: this is not true wisdo", but subtlety. 3""on is the picture of satanically

false religion. 'ts wicked cruelty was rewarded by a crushing defeat by !aul in !a"uel

:. if the >Fahash> then ruling was killed in that battle, then Fahash, the father of

1anun was likely his son. Cet it "ay be the sa"e Fahash, who could be cunning enoughto outwardly show kindness to David because of Davids separation fro" !aul. 3t any

rate, the kindness of an 3""onite is always deceitful, and David was not wise to seek toencourage friendship with this ene"y of God.

David therefore erred in his too gracious desire to return this kindness by sending "en

with a "essage of sy"pathy concerning the death of the father of 1anun 5v.6. The

princes of 3""on were suspicious, &ust as people of false religions are suspicious of thegrace of the -ord #esus )hrist. (alse doctrines never give honest credit to the grace of

God, but e"phasiEe the legal principle of "ans self=righteousness. 'ts "otives are

selfish, therefore it suspects the sa"e selfish "otives in others. These princes decide that

Davids "en were "erely sent as spies 5v.;6.

They therefore resort to the gross folly of treating Davids "en with insulting conte"pt,

shaving off half of their beards and cutting off their gar"ents in the "iddle as far as their

hips, sending the" away deeply hu"iliated 5v.<6. hen David heard this he first gave the"en a vacation at #ericho until their beards grew. Fothing is said of how David hi"self

responded to this offensive insult that was leveled at hi" and at 'srael, nor are we told of



any "ove that David "ade with a view to attacking 3""on before 3""on began

preparations for battle.

The 3""onites knew perfectly well that David and 'srael would greatly resent thisinsult, and decided to prepare to take the offensive rather than to wait to defend

the"selves. They were not confident of their own power to defeat 'srael, so that they sentto the !yrians to hire a total of ;;,000 soldiers to help the". 't "ay be that the !yrians

wanted an opportunity to revenge their for"er defeat by 'srael. These ar"ies gatheredtogether against 'srael before we read of Davids taking any action. The 3""onites ca"e

to >the entrance of the gate,> but we are not told what city this was. The !yrians were in

the field. Thus 'srael was faced with a two=front for"idable array.

hen #oab went out to "eet the 3""onites and !yrians, he evidently considered the

!yrians a greater threat than the 3""onites, for he chose choice "en to go with hi"

against !yria while the re"aining soldiers he sent with 3bishai to engage the 3""onites

5vs.=06. They each agreed to help the other if the need arose 5v.6. Though it see"s

doubtful that #oab was a born again "an, his words. here 5v.6 are good. 1e knew it wasi"portant to give God 1is place in the battle, and that God would work 1is own will.

3pplying this in a personal way is a different "atter.

hen #oab and his "en attacked, the !yrians were *uickly put to flight 5v.;6. e are nottold at this ti"e how "any were killed, but the 3""onites, seeing the !yrians flee, were

the"selves taken with fear and turned to flee into the city, which appears to be an

3""onite city 5v.<6. The victory was gained with apparently not too "uch bloodshed,and #oab and his ar"y returned to #erusale".

1owever, !yria was still not willing to ad"it total defeat. 1adadeEer, the !yrian king of

4obah, of who" we have read in )hapter 9:;=9 as being soundly defeated by David, wasevidently thirsting for revenge and "ustered a larger ar"y, enlisting !yrians fro" east ofthe Huphrates iver to supple"ent his own large co"pany 5v.A6.

hen David received infor"ation of this asse"blage, he did not wait for the !yrians to

cross the #ordan to attack 'srael, but gathered all 'srael to cross the #ordan going

eastward, to "eet the ene"y before they ca"e near #erusale" 5v.$6. This gave the" noti"e to plot any special strategy. The battle was evidently not very prolonged. The

!yrians again fled and Davids "en killed $00 charioteers and <0,000 horse"en, an

enor"ous deci"ation of an ar"y that had not previously boasted that total nu"ber 5v.A6.The !yrian co""ander, !hobach, was a"ong those killed. The 3""onites had evidently

faded into the background: they are not even "entioned in this battle, though they had

started the whole thing.

1adadeEer and the kings under hi" could do nothing but accept defeat: they "ade peacewith 'srael and sub"itted to their authority, having been taught a serious lesson not to

help the 3""onites 5v.6.

CH"PT! ##



The account with 3""on had by no "eans been settled, and in the !pring David sent

#oab and the ar"ies of 'srael to battle the 3""onites and to besiege their capital city, of

abbah. e are told specifically that this was the ti"e when kings go out to battle, butDavid re"ained at ho"e. lt is possible his servants advised this so that their king would

not be exposed to danger 5ch.9:;6, but Davids energy of faith had waned so that he was

exposed to greater danger by re"aining at ho"e.

Hvident idleness led to his sha"eful fall, for he rose fro" his bed in the evening while itwas still light enough for hi" to see fro" his rooftop a wo"an bathing herself 5v.6.

1onest self=&udg"ent should have turned his eyes and his thoughts away i""ediately,

but he was allured by her beauty. 'n*uiring about her, he found she was another "answife. hy did this fact not stop hi"@ 1e already had seven wives. 1e knew the law of

God, that an adulterer should be put to death 5Deut.:;=<6, but took advantage of his

own position as king to break over the law of God. The wo"ans husband, Jriah, was asoldier in #oabs ar"y, therefore away fro" ho"e, and David sent "essengers to bring

her to hi". 3fter their sha"eful guilt of adultery, she returned to her own ho"e 5v.<6.

David "ay have hoped that this was the end of the "atter, but God intervened in 1is

righteous govern"ent. Bathsheba sent word to David that she had beco"e pregnant 5v.76.3lar"ed at this, David conceived a subtle plan to keep his sin fro" being discovered. 1e

sent orders to #oab to send Jriah back to #erusale". Jriah "ay have wondered what

reason David had for bringing hi" back, for David only in*uired how the battle wasgoing, then told Jriah to go to his house and wash his feet, for a soldiers feet need

special care. hen Jriah left, David sent a present after hi" 5v.96. hether Jriah

received it did not go there, but stayed overnight with others of Davids servants in the

servants *uarters.

?n hearing this, David *uestioned Jriah as to why he did not go to his house when hehad opportunity after so"e ti"e of being away fro" ho"e 5v.06. Jriahs reply "ust have

been a pointed lesson to David as to self restraint. 1e had decided that, since the ark and'srael were in te"porary shelters, and that #oab and the ar"y were ca"ping in the open,

engaged in serious co"bat for the sake of 'srael, he was not going to relax and en&oy

hi"self at ho"e as though he was not a part of 'srael defense: he would virtually re"ain

>on guard.>

hen David failed to get Jriah to go to his ho"e the first night, then he tried another

tactic, telling Jriah to stay in #erusale" for two "ore days, but having hi" eat and drink

with hi" till Jriah beca"e drunk, David thinking in this way to te"pt Jriah to go to his

ho"e. But this plan failed too: Jriah again slept with the servants.

Davids desperation then gave birth to the awful thought of plotting to have Jriah killed.

Jriah was given a letter to carry to #oab that was intended to seal his own doo". This

was the reward of his devotedness to the cause of 'srael David did not even try to veil hisintentions concerning Jriah: he told #oab to place hi" in the front line of the fiercest

battle, then have all others withdraw, so that Jriah would be left as the only target for the

ene"y, and thus be killed 5v.76. Fot only would David "ake hi"self guilty of the



experience continued until God finally sent Fathan to hi" with a very pointed parable.

David did not know it was a parable concerning hi" until he was told it was.

The great difference between the rich "an and the poor "an is e"phasiEed. The rich "anhad everything: the poor "an had nothing but a little la"b which he had cared for

tenderly, so that it was like a daughter to hi". But when the rich "an wanted a la"b to prepare a "eal for a visitor, he stole the poor "ans la"b in spite of having flocks of his

own. 'n the parable there was &ust enough in the way of difference fro" Davids case as tonot "ake it too apparent. Cet the parable greatly understated the fact that David hi"self

"ust be called upon to face, for the case of this rich "an was not nearly so serious as that

of David, who was guilty, not only of stealing, but of adultery and "urder.

hen David heard Fathans parable he was indignant at hearing of the selfish greed of

the rich "an, and i""ediately passed &udg"ent that the rich "an !hould be put to death

for this, and that the poor "an should be given a fourfold restoration 5vs.7=A6. David little

realiEed that he was sentencing hi"self to death 1ow stern and decisive we can be as to

the faults of others, while forgetting our own

But Fathan delivers Gods verdict with shocking force, >Cou are the "an> (aithfully he

declares what God has to say to David. !ix verses are occupied with the su""ary of

evidence and of the sole"n sentence of &udg"ent that was to shake, not only David, butall his house. (irst God re"inds David that 1e had in pure grace anointed hi" as king of

'srael, delivering hi" fro" Iing !auls efforts to kill hi" 8ore than that, God had given

!auls house and his wives into Davids keeping, and had also brought both #udah and all'srael into sub&ection to David 'n fact, 1e would have given David yet "ore if David felt

he did not have enough 5vs.$=96. 3ll of this was to re"ind David how totally dependent

he was on the great grace of God

But despite this abundant incentive to be fully sub&ect to the authority of the -ord, Davidhad despised the positive co""and"ent of the -ord. 1e is told, >Cou have killed Jriah

the 1ittite with the sword: you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed hi"

with the sword of the people of 3""on> 5v.6. The -ords verdict is clear and positive:David is guilty. 1e could not dare to "ake the slightest excuse for hi"self.

For would he escape the terrible conse*uences of his cri"e. God would raise up serious

trouble against hi" fro" within his own house. 1e had grossly violated the sanctity of

another "ans house. hat a shock it "ust have been to David to be told that a neighborof his would co""it adultery with Davids wives, not secretly, but with braEen conte"pt

for David and with the full knowledge of the people. 1ow "uch "ore shocking it would

have been if at this ti"e the -ord had told hi" that the neighbor would be his own son5ch.A:=6 David had sinned secretly, wanting to keep his actions fro" the people,

but God would reco"pense hi" publicly before all the people 5v.6. hen the -ord

#esus warned his disciples against hypocrisy, 1e told the" >There is nothing covered thatwill not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known> 5-uke :6. 1ow deeply

hu"iliating a principle But the light of God "ust reveal everything as it really is. e do

well to take this seriously to heart.



hat could David say@ )ould he offer any excuse@ )ould he suggest that so"eone else

"ight be partly to bla"e for his sin@ )ould he plead circu"stances that aggravated the

te"ptation to do evil, as is the general case with "any cri"inals today@ Fo 1e stoodexposed before God, and could only respond, >' have sinned against the -ord> 5v.;6.

This is no easy place for anyone to take, and specially for a king of a large nation. Butsi"ple honesty "ust acknowledge ones personal guilt, and plead no extenuating

circu"stances, no excuses whatever. This is one i"portant reason that David is called a"an after Gods heart. Two psal"s of David 5; and 76 show us so"ething of the depth

of his repentance, and that he took ti"e in the -ords presence alone to thoroughly &udge

the wickedness of what he had done. 1e was a totally broken "an. This was "uchdifferent than !auls confession, >' have sinned yet honor "e now, please, before the

elders of "y people and before 'srael> 5 !a".7:;06. !aul did not actually feel the

dishonor he had done to God, but used a confession with the ob&ect of getting his ownway.

Fathan knew that Davids confession was real. 1e i""ediately assured David that the-ord had put away his sin, and he would not die, as &ustice would de"and. Cet, while

forgiveness is full and free, this did not absolve David fro" suffering the govern"entalresults of his sin. 3s well as the ensuing trouble in his own house, he was told by Fathan

that because his sin gave occasion to the ene"ies of the -ord to blasphe"e, the child that

had been born to Bathsheba would die. Fathan, as a true prophet, has delivered only the"essage fro" God, then he leaves David alone with God.

TH! /!"TH OF B"THSH!B"0S SO1

God, in 1is faithful govern"ent, did not take the child away i""ediately, but inflicted

hi" with serious illness. This deepened the soul=exercise of David, keeping hi" in prayer and fasting for the seven days of his sons illness. Hvidently he thought that theearnestness of his prayer "ight change Gods "ind. 1is servants did everything they

could to divert hi" fro" the intensity of his prostrate distress. But he would not listen

until he heard the" whispering together, and *uestioning the", found that the child haddied.

hen David know that his child had died, he changed his attitude co"pletely, rose and

washed, anointed hi"self and changed his clothes, went to the house of God and

worshiped. Then he returned to his own house and ate 5v.06 1is servants were puEEled by this, for they had the usual i"pression that death would call for far "ore distress and

sorrow than sickness would. To their *uestions David replied that while the child was

alive there was so"e hope that he "ight recover, and to this end he had prayed andfasted. But now that death had taken place, prayer and fasting could never bring the child

back again. 1e adds, >' shall go to hi", but he shall not return to "e.> 3ctually, he "ight

have realiEed that all his prayers and fasting would not result in the healing of his son, for God had positively told hi" through Fathan that the child would die.



1owever, though it was by "eans of wickedness that David obtained Bathsheba, yet the

grace of God transcended this in Davids later having a son by her, who" we are told >the

-ord loved.> 'n fact, !olo"on was destined to succeed David as king of 'srael, and fro"this line the official genealogy of )hrist the 8essiah is traced down to #oseph the

husband of 8ary, who as a virgin, gave birth to the -ord #esus. 3gainst all the darkness

of "ans sin, how beautifully the grace of God shines out

2erse A brings us back to consider the con*uest of the 3""onites, a "atter that !houldhave engaged Davids energies at the ti"e he had been idle at ho"e, which led to his sad

fall. #oab and the ar"y continued their fight and took possession of abbah, the royal city

of 3""on. 't see"s his triu"ph was only partial at the ti"e, however, evidently gainingan entrance into the city, but with >"opping up> operations still necessary to be carried

out. #oab therefore sent to David, asking hi" to bring the rest of his ar"y and finish the

taking of the city. 1e tells David that if he 5#oab6 took the city it "ight be called after hisown na"e 5v.96. it is not likely that #oab was averse to such honor, but he evidently

wanted to stir up David to a sense of his own responsibility.

David accepted the ad"onition 5perhaps because the *uestion of his own honor was

involved6, and went to battle, having evidently no difficulty in subduing the city. 'f hehad gone with #oab in the first place, the victory "ay have been won "ore *uickly, for

David was a capable "an of war. Typically, this was a victory over satanic doctrine, and

God intended the entire ar"y to be engaged in this, for it is no light "atter to 1i". "ll the people of God are to be fully united in such a con*uest

The crown of the king of 3""on, weighing one talent of gold set with precious stones,

was taken fro" his head and placed on Davids head 5v.;06. !"iths Bible dictionary

reckons a golden talent to weigh al"ost 00 pounds, though Davids Dictionary lowers

this to ; pounds. 't see"s incredible that this would be sustained on a "ans head, but perhaps it is what we call >an exceeding weight of glory> e "ight well wonder at

Davids being so desirous of honor as to wear so"ething like this.

The people of the city were taken ?ut and given "anual e"ploy"ent with saws, sharpi"ple"ents of iron 5such as harrows, or possibly picks and axes6, and in the "anufacture

of bricks. This was appropriate, for the 3""onites picture those who are high="inded

and intellectual, priding the"selves on their religious superiority. !uch people need good, practical work to bring the" down to a proper level. David did the sa"e with the people

of all the 3""onite )ities. This work being acco"plished, he returned to #erusale" with

the ar"y.

CH"PT! #%

23C4!/1!SS 315"/31G /"53/0S F"M3L6

David did not have to wait long to see the sad govern"ental results of his sin begin to be

"anifest in his own fa"ily 1is son 3""on was so attracted by the beauty of his half

sister Ta"ar that he beca"e sick in entertaining thoughts of her, though he knew well thathis lust was i"proper.



hen a friend of his, #onadab, en*uired about the cause of his indisposition, he confided

in hi" about his lustful thoughts. #onadab had no sense of "oral decency, and was so

crafty as to suggest a deceitful "eans of 3""ons getting his sister alone into his bedroo" and forcing her. 3""on foolishly followed his advice, not thinking of the

probable conse*uences. The deceit he used re"inds us of the deceit of David in trying to

cover his own sin. in spite of the earnest pleading of Ta"ar not to force her, her warninghi" that this would bring disgrace upon his own head as well as covering with sha"e the

one he thought he loved, he went through with his evil intentions. This too re"inds us of

Davids virtually forcing Bathsheba, for he brought her to his own house and since he wasking she no doubt thought she could not withstand hi".

3""on having been guilty of the cruel rape of Ta"ar, his professed love for her was

proven utterly false, for he turned against her with vicious hatred. This is what will often

occur when one is led by infatuation. 1e knew he had done evil, and the one he hadwronged is the one who beco"es the ob&ect of his worst hatred. (ro" then on, every ti"e

he saw her, his conscience would burn. (or this reason he wanted her out of his sight, &ust

as so"e "en are hateful enough to "urder a wo"an after they have raped her.

Ta"ar realiEed and told 3""on that his hateful action in wanting to get rid of her wasworse than his first evil 5v.A6. But he called his servant and told hi" to >put this wo"an

out,> and to bolt the door behind her. Then he was left to hi"self to face the bitter trau"a

of an accusing conscience.

But the anguish and sha"e of what Ta"ar had borne gave her grief and sorrow. !he hadto tear her beautiful robe with which the kings virgin daughters were clothed, put ashes

on her head in token of hu"iliation and "ourning, and went away crying bitterly. 1ow

tragically sad is the fact of the great nu"ber of young wo"en who have been si"ilarly

hu"iliated by the cruelty of wicked "en

3bsalo", her full brother, discerned i""ediately what had happened 5v.06. 1e did not

apparently show any anger. 1is character was "ore cold and calculating. 1e tried to *uiet

Ta"ar by telling her to forget it. But he hi"self did not intend to forget it, but toreco"pense 3""on in his own way.

David heard of the incident and was very angry 5v.6. ?ught it not rather to have deeply

hu"bled hi" before God in brokenness of heart and feeling the guilt as though it had

been his own@ !urely he had not so *uickly forgotten his own dreadful sin. 1e didnothing. 'n fact, 3bsalo" also did nothing at the ti"e, but nursed a bitter hatred toward

3""on 5v.6 that would wait opportunity to do the worst.

Two full years did not serve to change 3bsalo"s hatred toward 3""on. 3t this ti"e he

plotted to get 3""on on to his own property, and he invited David and all his brothers ata ti"e when he was having his sheep sheared and would be realiEing large profits. David

considered this too "uch for 3bsalo" to handle and declined the invitation. But at

3bsalo"s insistence that 3""on and his other brothers be per"itted to go, Davidconsented 5v.$6. Fo doubt both David and 3""on were off guard by now, for they



would expect nothing after two years had elapsed. But they little knew 3bsalo"s

character.

!heep shearing was a ti"e of celebration, and 3""on &oined in the wine drinkingwithout suspicion. 3bsalo" did not hi"self co""it the "urder, but had his servants do

this at the opportune ti"e 5vs.9=6, when the wine had dulled 3""ons senses. Foticetwo things here that re"ind us of Davids sin. 1e had used wine to try to influence Jriah

5ch.:;6, and he had killed Jriah by the hands of other "en 5ch.:6. Davids housewas indeed suffering because of Davids sin, and this was by no "eans the end.

The "urder of 3""on was a shock to the other sons of David, who i""ediately fled

fro" the scene of the cri"e 5v.6, perhaps to re"ove the"selves fro" any stig"a of being linked with the "urder, for their own lives were not threatened. But the report

*uickly reached David that 3bsalo" had killed all the kings sons, not one being left.

!uch exaggerations are co""on when evil is reported. This news prostrated David with

utter grief, as he tore his gar"ents in token of hu"iliation and self=&udg"ent before God

5v.;6. 1is servants followed hi" in tearing their gar"ents, but re"ained standing.

Then #onadab, Davids nephew, the sa"e young "an who had given 3""on the deadly

advice 5v.;76, told David that not all the kings sons were dead, but only 3""on, and that

this "urder had been deter"ined by 3bsalo" fro" the ti"e that 3""on had forced hissister Ta"ar. #onadab evidently showed no regret that he had influenced 3""on, and

showed little sorrow at losing one who was his friend. !ince he apparently knew of

3bsalo"s intention, why did he not warn his friend 3""on@

8eanwhile, either 3bsalo"s conscience or his fear of conse*uences drove hi" away

fro" his own ho"e. 1is father had not punished 3""ons wickedness: now 3bsalo"

had sinned in taking the law into his own hands, with the result that David did nothingabout this either. 1is other sons return, all weeping, and David weeps with the".3bsalo" beco"es a voluntary exile, going to Geshur, "eaning >proud beholder> 5v.;$6.

This inti"ates the pride of observing others and conde"ning the", while seeing no

wrong in self. 'n contrast to David, there is no indication that 3bsalo" ever repented ofhis cri"e. 1e re"ained at Geshur for three years, during which ti"e David longed after

his son.

CH"PT! #&

Davids concern for 3bsalo" beca"e known to #oab. #oab was a "an not too concerned

about truth and &ustice, but rather about the outward prosperity of the kingdo" of 'srael,for he knew that his own position depended on this. 1e considered that if 3bsalo" could

be brought back, the kingdo" would have a better appearance of unity under David. But

he did not know what danger he was inviting when he e"ployed a wise wo"an to speakto David by "eans of a parabolic for" of speech that was cunningly conceived.

1e asks the wo"an to act before David as though she was a "ourner, having "ourned for

a long ti"e for a dead relative. 1e told her what to say, and she was the kind of wo"an



who could play the part well. hen he ca"e to David she appeared to be in deep distress,

prostrating herself before hi" and entreating his help. 'n response to his *uestion she

answered that she was a widow having had two sons, and that the two had foughttogether in the field where no=one was present to intervene, and one had struck the other

fatally.

?f course #oab "eant this to apply to the case of 3bsalo"s killing of 3""on. But the

cases were not parallel. (irst, David had "ore than two sons. !econdly, they did not fighttogether: one had deliberately planned to kill the other and did so in cold blood, the other

being totally off guard.

!he says her whole fa"ily was deter"ined that her re"aining son should be put to deathand this would leave her alone and with no heir. Davids fa"ily had not de"anded death

for 3bsalo": in fact three years had elapsed, and people generally would not be thinking

any "ore about the "atter. Fo doubt 3bsalo"s fear had kept hi" away all this ti"e, and

also Davids own conscience 5not his relatives6 told hi" that it would not be right to

receive 3bsalo" back as though he was not guilty Cet neither David nor anyone else wasde"anding that 3bsalo" should die.

David wisely told the wo"an to return to her ho"e and wait for Davids consideration of

her case 5v.96. but the wo"an wanted an answer i""ediately. !he knew she could notafford to have David en*uire of others about her case. Therefore she tells hi", in effect,

that she and her fathers house would accept the bla"e for anything that "ight result fro"

Davids "aking a decision i""ediately, and he and his throne would be guiltless 5v.6.1ow well she know how to influence Davids feelings Cet he ought to have known well

that he could not depend only upon the witness of one wo"an who was "anifestly partial

to her own cause. !till, he went half way on her behalf, telling her that anyone who

pressed her with this "atter she should bring to David, and he would see that she was not pressured again.

1aving gained this "uch ground, being assured that David would protect her, she would

not desist until she had his assurance as to her son also. !he pleads with hi", appealing tohis regard for the -ord, his God, that he would not per"it the avenger of blood to destroy

her son. ?f course it was 3bsalo" she had in "ind, but no=one was urging that he should

be destroyed. 1owever, David, without any in*uiry as to the full truth of the case, "ade adecision and gave her his word, binding it with an oath by Gods na"e, that her son

would not be har"ed.

1er hardest task of getting this co""ittal fro" David had been acco"plished. Fow she

respectfully asks his per"ission to speak a further word and takes advantage of this toapply Davids co""ittal to his relationship with 3bsalo". !he asks hi" why he had

planned such a thing against the people of God. This was bold language, and not an

accurate representation of the facts, for David was not planning to kill 3bsalo". But shei"plied that people "ight think so because David had not brought 3bsalo" back again.

!he refers to 3bsalo" as >his 5Davids6 banished.> !he speaks of the king as being

>faulty> because his own pronounce"ent as to her son was not carried out with his own



!on. But David should have seen that her whole co"parison was incorrect: the cases

were by no "eans parallel.

!he uses truth in her argu"ent, for in verse < she says, >we shall surely die and beco"elike water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again.> !he is really

asking, is there to be no recovery before the inevitable end of our lives in death@ Goddoes not take away a life, she says, but devises "eans by which 1is banished "ight not

be expelled fro" 1i". !he seeks to express the truth of +eter ;:, that >God is notwilling that any should perish,> but she does not include with it >but that all should co"e

to repentance.> 't is true also that God has, in the cross of )hrist, devised a wonderful

"eans of restoring banished, sinful souls. But even this does not apply to those who willnot repent. This was the one fatal flaw in applying these things to 3bsalo". Hven David

knew perfectly well that 3bsalo" had not shown any sign of repentance.

The wise wo"an continues to speak 5in verses 7=$6 as though she had accurately

portrayed her own case, telling David that the people had "ade her afraid and this "oved

her to co"e to David, feeling she could possibly count on hi" to protect her and her son.(urther than this, in verse$ she says she had told herself that she could have confidence

in the word of the king to give her co"fort in his discerning of good and evil. This wasflattery in order to gain her point with David. !he was really telling hi" that he was wise

enough to discern that her argu"ent was good, and to back this up she adds, >"ay the

-ord your God be with you.> !he was the kind of wo"an who knew how to >wrap peoplearound her finger.>

1er persistence in transferring the whole "atter to 3bsalo"s case could not but raise

Davids suspicions that #oab was involved in this, for he knew that #oab wanted 3bsalo"

brought back to #erusale". 'n answer to his *uestion about this, she now has to ad"it that

the whole thing was planned by #oab, though she flatters David by telling hi" that he wasas wise as an angel of God in his discerning of this.

But again David was not so wise in his acting before sober consideration of this "atter

before God. isdo" would have discerned the serious discrepancies in #oabsillustration, and have left 3bsalo" where he was until there was so"e evidence of

repentance on his part. but David allowed his feelings for 3bsalo" to take precedence,

and told #oab to bring 3bsalo" back to #erusale".

#oab was highly pleased that David had listened to his advice and even prostrated hi"self in thanksgiving before hi" 5v.6. 1ow "istaken he was in thinking that such action

would consolidate the unity of the kingdo" ?utwardly it "ight see" so, but 3bsalo"s

haughty pride was a grave danger to the kingdo", and #oab was totally blind to this.David however still had a very serious reserve, telling #oab to send 3bsalo" to his own

ho"e, but refusing to see 3bsalo" hi"self 5v.<6. 1ow could he rightly express any

fellowship with 3bsalo" when the young "an was still hardened in self=righteousness@

e are told now 3bsalo"s attractive physical appearance, so outstanding that he drewthe attention of all the people. >(ro" the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there



was no ble"ish in hi".> +hysically this was true, but 3bsalo" ought to have known that

spiritually >fro" the sole of the feet even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but

wounds and bruises and putrifying sores> 5'sa.:A6. 1e was evidently proud of the growthof his hair also, for he let it grow for a year before cutting it. -ong hair is a glory to a

wo"an, but a sha"e to a "an 5 )or.:<=76. 't is intended to signify sub&ection, but

this was only hypocrisy on 3bsalo"s part. !o proud was he of its luxuriant growth thathe weighed his hair when he cut it its weight was the e*uivalent of 7 % pounds

+hilippians ;: speaks of such people as those >whose glory is in their sha"e.> it is

added also that 3bsalo" had three sons and a beautiful daughter who" he na"ed afterhis sister Ta"ar 5v.$6.

Two "ore years passed, which "ade five years in which David had been waiting for

so"e sign of repentance on 3bsalo"s part. 3bsalo" knew perfectly well why his father

did not want to see hi", but he apparently counted on ti"e healing the rupture withouthis acknowledging any wrong.

(inally 3bsalo" took the initiative, sending for #oab to act as an inter"ediary. But #oabwould not co"e. Twice he refused to co"e to 3bsalo". But 3bsalo" was a deter"ined

young "an, and his purposes would not be served until he was restored fully into thefavor of the king == at least outwardly before the people. 1e told his servants to set fire to

a field of ripened barley belonging to #oab 5v.;06. This brought #oab to 3bsalo" in

protest, though we do not read of 3bsalo" s ever paying #oab for his loss.

3bsalo" however insists to #oab that he should be per"itted to see Davids face. 1e saysit would be better for hi" to be still in Geshur if this is not to be allowed. But his attitude

was still defiant and self=righteous. 1e "akes not the slightest ad"ission of wrong on his

part, but says that if there was any ini*uity in hi", the king could execute hi". The king,

being infor"ed by #oab of 3bsalo"s de"and, yielded to this pressure, though we "ay besure it "ust have been with uneasy thoughts. #oab called for 3bsalo" to co"e to David,

and >the king kissed 3bsalo"> 5v.;;6. This is all that is said. There is no "ention of any pleasant conversation between the". 1ow different the case of the prodigal son when he

returned in genuine repentance. 1is father >ran and fell on his neck and kissed hi">

5-uke 7:06. But David sought to show love while co"pro"ising righteousness. This

could not possibly bring good results, as the following history proves.

CH"PT! #'

3bsalo" knew how to take full advantage of his outward acceptance by his father Fow

there was no difficulty in beginning to exalt hi"self in the eyes of 'srael. 1is chariots and

horses and fifty "en to run before hi" 5v.6 were all intended as a show of hisi"portance. 'f David was troubled by this, we read nothing of it.

8ore than this, 3bsalo" was adept in influencing the people personally. ?thers ought to

have seen through his activities, and to have warned David, but he got away with his

intercepting of people who ca"e early in the "orning to the gate of the city to look for &udg"ent in cases of personal proble"s. 1e would be "ost friendly, beginning by asking



where their ho"e was. Then whatever grievance they had, he told the" their case was

right, but added that there was no=one appointed by the king to handle these "atters. 'f

this was true, 3bsalo" should have suggested to the king that he should appoint so"eoneto this work, but his ob&ect was to plant in the people seeds of discontent and distrust

toward David and to wor" his way into the affections of the people. 1e succeeded in this

without David apparently suspecting anything 5v.A6.

'n verse $ it is said that after <0 years 3bsalo" approached the king. 't is considered thatthis "ay be an error in copying fro" the earliest "anuscripts, and that four years see"s

"ore likely. Though he had only treachery in his heart, 3bsalo" was able to speak in

such a pious way as to deceive David. 1e said he had vowed a vow to the -ord in Geshur to the effect that he would serve the -ord if the -ord brought hi" back to #erusale".

Fow he wanted to go to 1ebron to fulfil the vow. David still does not suspect his

hypocrisy, and does not even *uestion as to why he was choosing 1ebron as a place toserve the -ord.

But 3bsalo" was "aking the "ost solid plans he knew how to. 1ebron was the first place in which David reigned, and 3bsalo" was "aking an appearance of returning to

the original principles of the kingdo". 3lso, the place would be enshrined in peoplesaffections because of its close association with 3braha"s history. 1e went to 1ebron and

sent spies throughout all 'srael to infor" the" that, when the tru"pet sounded, 3bsalo"

would be reigning in 1ebron. hen he left #erusale" he also brought 00 "en with hi"who had no idea what he had in "ind, but followed hi" apparently because they like hi"

5v.6.

1ow great are the "ultitudes today who are "erely followers of "en They have no

serious exercise as to the principles of the truth of God, but are influenced by what

appeals to their own co"fort or convenience. 'n "any cases their choice is not onlyunwise but links the" with what is absolute wickedness in opposition to God, as was true

of these followers of 3bsalo".

3bsalo" then sent for 3hithophel, who was Davids counsellor, and who willingly ca"e. Fo doubt he had strong feelings against David that had been suppressed until now, for his

later advice to 3bsalo" was to braEenly use Davids concubines, then to concentrate only

on killing David 5ch.A:= $:=;6. The reason for this strong en"ity was likely that3hithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba 5cf.ch.;:; and ;:;<6. 'n this God was

again "aking David feel the results of his great sin. 3bsalo"s conspiracy was well

planned, and it grew strong with "any people carried by the current.

1aving been unaware of all this, David was finally awakened by a "essenger who toldhi" that the hearts of the "en of 'srael had been led to follow 3bsalo" in revolt. ?f

course David realiEed that an attack on the city of #erusale" was i""inent. But he was

not prepared to defend the city, nor to send an ar"y to "eet an attacking co"pany. 1isonly recourse was to flee the city. David did have servants who were not so easily "oved

by 3bsalo"s popularity, and the king left with his household, though leaving ten

concubines to take care of the house 5v.A6. ?n the outskirts of the city David took ti"e



to review all the people who were with hi". 1is servants who had re"ained loyal to hi"

are "entioned as passing before hi", then the )herethites and the +elethites who had

been chosen as Davids bodyguard. 3fter these ca"e A00 "en fro" Gath, led by 'ttai5v.96.

?f course Gath was a pro"inent +hilistine city, and it would be an unusual thing for+hilistines to stand true to 'srael at a ti"e like this. Fot "any +alestinians today would be

devoted to 'srael David therefore *uestions 'ttai as to why he was going with hi", sincehe was a foreigner and had only recently identified hi"self with David. David gave hi"

fullest opportunity to return with his brethren and be identified with whatever king

reigned in #erusale" 5which appeared to be 3bsalo" at this ti"e.6.

1owever, 'ttai shows convincing evidence that the -ord had worked within his heart to

give hi" a genuine love for David 5v.6. 1e speaks with fir" decision that, as the -ord

lives and David lives, he chooses to be in the place where David is, whether this should

"ean life or death.

'n this present day of grace it is so"eti"es refreshing to witness cases si"ilar to that of

'ttai. !o"e who have had an outwardly near position in the testi"ony of God for so"e

years, have, when troubles ca"e, given up any such testi"ony, while others who have

newly co"e in fresh, vital affection toward the -ord, are not "oved by difficulties, but prove their stedfast devotion by whole heartedly continuing with the -ord. David

therefore welco"es the help of lttai and his "en 5v.6.

There was deep distress and weeping as the people and the king hi"self crossed over the brook Iidron. 4adok and 3biathar the priests and all the -evites with the" had also

co"e, bearing the ark of God. but David realiEed that he had no right to have the ark

acco"pany hi". 1e knew he was under the chastening hand of God and should bow tothis rather than giving the people the i"pression that the ark should leave its proper placein #erusale" &ust because David was in exile. 1e tells 4adok and 3biathar to return with

the ark, and that God could si"ply restore David to #erusale" if it was 1is will, while if

1e did not do so, 1is will was still to be accepted 1e also told the" to keep their twosons with the" and use the" to send David any useful infor"ation 5vs.$=96

'n all of this David was no doubt showing a proper spirit of sub"ission and faith, and in

verse ;0 we are told that he showed signs of penitence, having his head covered in

hu"iliation and his feet bare, an ad"ission of weakness and dependence before God, not preparing for battle. hen he heard that 3hithophel had &oined 3bsalo"s conspiracy he

was no doubt alar"ed, for he knew 3hithophel to be a shrewd and capable counsellor. 1e

prayed i""ediately that God would turn 3hithophels counsel into foolishness 5v.;6.

1owever, instead of leaving this "atter entirely with God, David saw an opportunity,when 1ushai ca"e to hi", of planting his own secret agent in 3bsalo"s court. 1ushai

was also a counsellor, and though he was willing to suffer re&ection along with David,

David told hi" he has no need of hi", but that if he returns to the city and professesallegiance to 3bsalo", he "ight defeat the counsel of 3hithophel 5v.;<6. This was not



faith on Davids part, for he told 1ushai to lie to 3bsalo" in declaring that he would be

3bsalo"s servant &ust as he had been Davids servant. 3ctually, the "atter did work out

as David hoped, but he "ight have seen God work in a "ore "iraculous way if he hadsi"ply trusted 1i".

David had already arranged that 3hi"aaE and #onathan could bring secret intelligencefro" the priests, so he tells 1ushai to use the" in order to give David infor"ation.

Faturally speaking, David was able to "ake well grounded plans in the very short ti"ehe had. 1ushai then returned to #erusale", and in a short ti"e 3bsalo" with all his

retinue walked in to take possession of the city without any resistance.

CH"PT! #(

+assing over the "ountain, David was "et by 4iba the servant of 8ephibosheth, who hadwith hi" two donkeys carrying a large provision of bread, raisins and su""er fruits, as

well as a skin of wine. Kuestioned by David 4iba told hi" that these things were for

Davids "en. David was puEEled that 8ephibosheths servant should co"e with thesethings that evidently belonged to 8ephibosheth yet 8ephibosheth was not there. 4iba

then reported that 8ephibosheth had chosen to re"ain in #erusale" with the expectation

that the kingdo" of 'srael would be handed over to hi" 5v.;6.

David ought to have i""ediately suspected that there was so"ething *uestionable in4ibas words. 4iba was evidently not bringing these things with 8ephibosheths

per"ission. But "ore than this, 8ephibosheths attitude toward David had before proven

ad"irable. ould he change so drastically@ 3lso, how would he ever expect to have thekingdo" when he was crippled on both feet and 3bsalo" was an attractive, popular "an

who had gained the ad"iration of the people@ 'n fact, later it was proven that 4ibas

accusation was totally false 5ch.:<=;06. 1e had taken advantage of 8ephiboshethsla"eness to see that he had no way of co"ing to David. But 8ephibosheth had been insuch "ourning for Davids absence that he had not tri""ed his beard nor cared for his

feet nor even washed his clothes all the ti"e David was away. David had not fully

appreciated 8ephibosheths attach"ent to hi", as he ought to have.

1owever, David was so deceived by 4ibas false words that he &udged the "atter withoutin*uiry. 1e told 4iba that now all 8ephibosheths property was to belong to 4iba. This

was an un&ust &udg"ent si"ply in the fact that he was taking away fro" 8ephibosheth all

that rightly belonged to hi" and giving it to a servant who had no right to it at all. ?fcourse it was worse than this, as the subse*uent history proved. The fawning reply of

4iba was only hypocrisy, >' hu"bly bow before you, that ' "ay find favor in your sight,

"y lord, 0 king.> 'n this "atter, Davids wisdo" failed hi" greatly.

ln contrast to Davids sad failure of wisdo" in the case of 4ibas deception, in thesucceeding incident David shows a wisdo" and self=&udg"ent that is "ost co""endable.

3 "an na"ed !hi"ei, of the house of !aul, ca"e out fro" Bahuri" cursing David and

throwing stones at hi" and his servants 5v.A6. 1is words too were insulting and bitter,calling David a >bloodthirsty "an> and > a "an of Belial> 5worthlessness6, and declaring



that the -ord was now bringing &udg"ent on David because David reigning in place of

!aul. 1e was inferring that David was guilty of the deaths of the "en of !auls house, and

now God was punishing hi" for this.

hat he was saying was not actually true, but David discerned that there was so"e

underlying truth " the fact of Davids having shed blood without proper cause. 3bishaiwas anxious to i""ediately cut off !hi"eis head, and urged David to let hi" do it 5v.6.

But Davids response is one that every believer should take deeply to heart. 1e refuses thevery suggestion, for he sees beyond !hi"ei, to realiEe that God had told hi" to curse

David. ?f course !hi"eis bitter attitude did not have Gods approval, but God had not

hindered hi" fro" cursing, and David knew that he deserved cursing, even though!hi"ei was going beyond what was even true. 1ow "uch better then for David to learn

fro" God in this "atter rather than to silence !hi"ei by killing hi". 'n fact, he says that

his own son 3bsalo" was doing far worse than !hi"ei, seeking Davids life 5v.6. 1e hadalready been "ourning before God in recogniEing Gods serious dealings with hi" in this

painful experience. 'f he was to bow to Gods governing hand in 3bsalo"s case, then

surely he was to do the sa"e in the case of !hi"ei.

hat he says therefore in verse was true. 'f one bows to the govern"ent of God, toleave "atters in the hand of God in such cases is the way of true blessing in the end.

David proved it in experience.

Davids attitude therefore stands in sharp contrast to that of !hi"ei, who had reason to be

surprised that David did not lower hi"self to the sa"e offensive bitterness in defendinghi"self. Cet !hi"ei continued his cursing, throwing stones and kicking up dust for so"e

ti"e. !hi"ei was evidently very certain that David would never regain the throne and

therefore did not hesitate to abuse hi" when he was down. hen David did return,

!hi"ei found hi"self hu"iliated to the pont of having to recant and apologiEe to David5ch.:9=06.

3fter the long days trip the king and all the people with hi" beca"e weary and took ti"e

while still on the road to refresh the"selves.

'n the "eanti"e 3bsalo" , 3hithophel and the "any conspirators had taken possession of #erusale". 3bsalo" was surprised by the presence of 1ushai, who greeted hi"

enthusiastically, >-ong live the king -ong live the king> ?f course we know that 1ushai

really "eant Iing David, but he knew 3bsalo" would not see through this. Cet 3bsalo"knew that 1ushai was a close friend of David. and asks the pointed *uestion, >is this your

loyalty to your friend@ hy did you not go with your friend@> 5v.$6. 1ushais answer,

not at all being a lie, was yet a "asterpiece of deception. 1e knew 3bsalo"s pride andtook advantage of this in his speaking. >Fo,> he says, >but who" the -ord and this people

and all the "an of 'srael choose, his will ' be, and with hi" ' will re"ain.> ?f course

3bsalo" thought this applied hi". 1ushai had confidence that really applied to David.8ore than this, he adds >ho" should ' serve@ !hould ' not serve in the presence of his

son@ 3s ' have served in your fathers presence, so will ' be in your presence.> This was

so worded that 3bsalo" thought 1ushai would serve in devotion to 3bsalo", but 1ushai



Then he uses his "ost convincing argu"ent so far as 3bsalo" was concerned, giving his

counsel that 3bsalo" should take ti"e to have all 'srael gathered in sub&ection to hi", the

whole country fro" Dan to Beersheba being persuaded that 3bsalo" was the best choicefor king 5v.6. Then when the kingdo" was in this way established, they would have no

difficulty in eventually apprehending David 5vs.=;6. 1ushai e"bellishes this with

so"e details of how they would co"plete the "atter, since by then 3bsalo" would be inundisputed authority over the country.

1ushai knew perfectly well that this ti"e delay would benefit David rather than 3bsalo".

But he also knew that 3bsalo" was proud enough to think that all 'srael would gladly

welco"e hi" as king when they had considered the "atter. Thus 3bsalo"s pride was hisdownfall. 1e and all his "en accepted the counsel of 1ushai. The self=confidence of

3bsalo" and his followers stands in sharp contrast to Davids hu"ble confidence in God.

it is added also the -ord had purposed to defeat the wise counsel of 3hithophel in orderthat 3bsalo" "ight be brought down to ruin.

1ushai then gave infor"ation to 4adok and 3biathar as to the counsel of 3hithophel andhis contrary counsel, so that David would be urged to put as "uch distance as he could

between his co"pany and 3bsalo", rather than hiding in a nearby proxi"ity. The"essage then was to be relayed to #onathan and 3hi"aaE by a girl. Fo doubt this was

considered safer than using a "an. #onathan and 3hi"aaE had re"ained outside the city

to avoid any kind of suspicion 5v.$6. 1owever, a boy saw the" as they started on theirway to "eet David, and he told 3bsalo".

They apparently knew they had been seen, and when they ca"e to Bahuri" considered it

necessary to hide. 3 wo"an was friendly, and had the" go down a well, which she

covered over, spreading grain on top of the covering. This of course was very effective,

so that when 3bsalo"s servants ca"e, it was plain to the" that the young "en were notthere. hen they asked, the wo"an told the" they had gone over the water brook. ?f

course their search was fruitless, so they returned to #erusale".

hen all was clear, #onathan and 3hi"aaE ca"e up out of the well and "ade their way toDavid, who by this ti"e had descended to the #ordan valley. They urged hi" to cross over

the #ordan, for 3hithophel had counselled i""ediate pursuit and the killing of David. But

1ushais counsel had delayed this, therefore there was ti"e for David to cross over if3bsalo" and his "en had i""ediately pursued, they "ight have caught the" as they

were crossing the river and therefore would be unable to conceal the"selves. They took

advantage of the respite therefore, and all had crossed over the river by daylight of the

following "orning.

3hithophel was clear thinking enough to realiEe that, since his counsel had been refused,

the cause of 3bsalo" was totally lost. 1e knew that 3bsalo" could succeed only if David

were killed, and Davids having ti"e to regroup would be fatal to 3bsalo"s cause, forthe people generally would not be persuaded to follow 3bsalo" in preference to David,

in spite of the pride of 3bsalo" in expecting this. Therefore 3hithophel returned to his



ho"e, put his affairs in order and co""itted suicide by hanging hi"self 5v.96. Tragic

end for an intellectual "an

David went on north to 8ahanai". Fo doubt so"e ti"e had elapsed before 3bsalo" andhis ar"y crossed the #ordan also and enca"ped in the area of Gilead, not far fro" David.

2erse 7 tells us that 3bsalo" "ade 3"asa captain of his ar"y, a "an who had a certainrelationship with #oab.

(ro" areas east of the #ordan there was ti"e given for three friends of David to bringsupplies to hi". !hobi was of the people of 3""on, the nation David had subdued with

"uch slaughter. They "ust have had servants with the", for they brought beds, basis,

earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds,honey, curds, sheep and cheese 5vs.$=6. This consideration of the needs of Davids

"en was "ost co""endable and "ust have been deeply appreciated by David.

CH"PT! #+

David had taken full advantage of the delay that 1ushai had counselled to 3bsalo", with

large nu"bers of the people being gathered to David. Fow the ti"e co"es for war with3bsalo", who has considered hi"self strong with support of "any of 'srael also. David

divides his "en into three bands, well organiEed and ready for battle. #oab is in charge of

one band, 3bishai his brother in charge of a second, and 'ttai over the third.

Davids purpose to go out to battle also was however strongly opposed by his "en, whoknew that 3bsalo" was "ost anxious that David should be killed 5v.;6. 'f his "en should

have to flee, David would be "ore likely to be caught and killed. 3t their insistence he

agrees to re"ain behind 5v.<6. 1owever, he urged all three leaders to deal gently with

3bsalo". Hvidently he was confident that they would gain the victory, but was alsoconcerned about his son who only wanted to kill his father. 't is an instance where

personal feelings were stronger than his sense of &ustice. 1is orders were heard by the people also 5v.76.

The battle took place in the woods of Hphrai", so that evidently both opposing ar"ies

crossed back over the #ordan before the engage"ent took place 5v.A6.

The victory of Davids "en was swift and decisive, with 0,000 of 3bsalo"s ar"y killed

in one day. The battle was scattered over the whole countryside, and rather than thewoods being a protection for those who fled, we are told the woods devoured "ore than

were killed by the sword. )learly, it was Gods intervention that caused this. 'f otherswere riding on ani"als, as 3bsalo" was, the frightened ani"als "ight well have done thesa"e as 3bsalo"s "ule, with riders striking their heads on branches etc., and being

killed.

Gods sole"n &udg"ent is clearly seen in the case of 3bsalo", whose "ule, running

under a terebinth tree, left hi" hanging by his head in the branches 5v.6. Hvidently aforked branch caught hi" around the neck. hat shock and in&ury he had sustained



would leave hi" too weak to extricate hi"self. Thus God saw fit to bring down the

headstrong pride of the would=be king

?ne of #oabs "en infor"ed hi" of his seeing 3bsalo" caught in this way. #oabi""ediately censored the "an for not killing 3bsalo", in fact telling hi" he would have

give hi" ten shekels of silver and a belt if he had done so. The "an strongly resisted this,saying he would not kill 3bsalo" for 000 shekels of silver, since David had plainly

co""anded #oab, 3bishai and 'ttai in the hearing of all the people not to touch 3bsalo".The "an positively tells #oab also that #oab hi"self would take sides against hi" if he

had killed 3bsalo". The "an evidently knew so"ething of #oabs character

#oab i"patiently set the "an aside, and took three spears and thrust the" into 3bsalo"sheart in the tree. Then #oabs ten="an bodyguard "ade sure of co"pleting the death of

3bsalo". ?f course, #oab and all his "en knew that 3bsalo" was the one cause of this

conspiracy against David, and that it was virtually i"perative that 3bsalo" should be

killed if David was to be preserved.

!ince 3bsalo" was dead there was no longer need to pursue his followers. #oab blew a

tru"pet to signal a cessation of warfare. 3bsalo" was given no honor whatever in his

burial 5v.A6. The soldiers threw his body into a large pit in the woods and covered it with

a very large heap of stones. +erhaps 3bsalo" had expected that others would give hi" nohonor in his death, for he had earlier set up a pillar with the ob&ect of perpetuating his

na"e, since he had no son 5v.96. 1e sought his own honor, as thousands of others have

done both before and after hi", and his "onu"ent was really only a re"inder of hishaughty, proud character and of his igno"inious death. hat an exa"ple he was of the

-ords warning words, >hosoever exalteth hi"self shall be abased> 5-uke <:6. 'n

contrast, let us follow the exa"ple of the -ord #esus, of who" it was pree"inently true,

>1e that hu"bleth hi"self shall be exalted.>

Fews of the battle against 3bsalo" "ust be sent to David. 3hi"aaE the son of 4adok the

priest was eager to bear the "essage, but #oab knew hi" to be a tender=hearted "an, and

that he would not want to tell David of the death of 3bsalo". Therefore #oab choseanother "an, the )ushite, to do so. 1e i""ediately began his long run. But 3hi"aaE was

anxious to give good news to David, and urged #oab to also let hi" run. 0 course this was

not necessary, but at the persistence of 3hiu"aaE, #oab gave hi" per"ission 5v.;6.3pparently the )ushite had taken a "ountain trail, which would be rugged, though

possibly shorter than by way of the plain, which 3hi"aaE chose. This would at least be

easier running, and the speed of 3hi"aaE was such as to out=distance the )ushite.

David was waiting anxiously for news, sitting between the gates of the city. 3s thewatch"an saw a "an running alone, David knew that he was bringing news. 3s he ca"e

nearer the watch"an saw another following. Then the watch"an discerned the first to be

3hi"aaE, and David knowing the "an, expected hi" to bring good news.

'ndeed, 3hi"aaE was so anxious to set the kings "ind at rest that he called out >3ll iswell.> Then he gives God the honor for having delivered up the "an who had raised



allegiance of all his people that very night. #oab swore by the -ord in declaring this 5v.$6,

though he was exaggerating, in which case we should never dare to use the -ords na"e

!till, David was shaken enough to do as #oab de"anded, and went to sit in the gate. Thisdrew the people back fro" their tents to co"e to listen to what the king "ight have to

say, but his words are not recorded. ?f course David was still in so"e town east of the

#ordan iver. 3pparently scripture does not consider the na"e of the town i"portantenough to "ention it.

The victory over 3bsalo"s rebellion being acco"plished, there was still the necessity of

so"e work in the hearts of the people who had sided with 3bsalo" before David would

be welco"ed back as king. There was disputing, but God "oved in such a way as toexercise the" to realiEe they had no other leader 5now that 3bsalo" was dead6 except the

king who had before saved the" fro" their ene"ies. 8any were asking why David was

not therefore brought back to #erusale".

David, hearing of this "ove"ent a"ong the people, sent to 4adok and 3biathar, asking

the" to speak to the elders of #udah, to ask the" as to why they were so slow in bringingthe king back when the co""on people were urging it. 1e presses the fact too that #udah

was Davids own tribe, virtually his bone and his flesh. hy when the delay@ 1e alsouses a further influencing tool, by declaring that 3"asa should be appointed co""ander

of his ar"y in place of #oab. This was rather a bold step on Davids part, for 3"asa had

sided with 3bsalo" in his conspiracy, and it "ight be a serious *uestion as to whether hecould he trusted as co""ander of Davids ar"y. But David wanted to show a conciliatory

spirit toward those who had &oined 3bsalo", and he also considered that #oab had proven

hi"self too hard a "an to rightly represent the king as co""ander of his ar"y. 1e had

spoken of #oabs hardness before 5 !a"uel ;:9= ;9=;6 and at this ti"e his thoughtswere no doubt further aggravated by his knowledge that #oab had killed 3bsalo" in spite

of Davids charge to hi".

The hearts of the people were swayed by this "essage, and though previously ready tore&ect David, they send word to hi" to return to #erusale" with his servants 5v.<6. The

"essage to hi" is followed by a gesture of good will by the "en of #udah in co"ing to

"eet hi", even crossing the #ordan in order to escort hi" back.

3s to individuals, !hi"ei is first "entioned as co"ing to "eet the king, but with hi"000 "en of Ben&a"in, all acco"panying the "en of #udah. Then 4iba is spoken of, with

his sons and servants. 1e had before co"e to the king when he fled, now apparently went

over #ordan before David. The kings household was brought across the #ordan by

ferryboat.

!hi"ei, who had cursed David when he was in deep distress, co"es to "eet hi" with a

totally different attitude. ?f course, he was afraid that he "ight suffer so"e &ust

conse*uences of his wickedness now that David had regained his throne. 1e falls down before the king and confesses his wrong in the way he had insulted hi", asking hi" not

to i"pute this ini*uity to hi" or re"e"ber against hi" the wrong he had done. 1e says

he knows that he had sinned, therefore he is the first of all the house of #oseph to co"e



this he would be deeply asha"ed of the irritable way in which he had spoken to

8ephibosheth.

David was "uch "ore king in his treat"ent of BarEillai, whose devotedness brought hi"to show his thankfulness for Davids return, and acco"pany hi" over the #ordan 5v.;6.

1is riches had enabled hi" to furnish David with supplies during his exile fro"#erusale", and now David wants to return his kindness by providing for BarEillai at

#erusale". But BarEillai wisely declines this. 3t his advanced age of 90 years there wasno good reason for his leaving his accusto"ed ho"e to seek to en&oy the pleasures of

royal living. 1e would go across the #ordan in order to en&oy the kings co"pany for this

brief ti"e, but desired to return to his own ho"e 5vs.;A=;$6. 1owever, he asks that hisservant )hi"ha" should be given the favor of the kings kindness in this way. The

younger "an would no doubt have opportunity of advance"ent when brought to the

kings court. BarEillai re*uests that David do for hi" as David saw fit. But David answersthat he would do for )hi"ha" whatever BarEillai desired, and anything "ore that he

"ight re*uest. -eaving David after crossing the #ordan, he would of course have to return

back over the #ordan to his ho"e in Gilead 5v.;6.

Traveling south the king follows the river to Gilgal, being escorted by the "en of #udahand >half the people of 'srael.> 'ronically, it is at Gilgal that the fleshly *uarrel breaks out

between the 'sraelites and the "en of #udah 5vs.<=<;6. Gilgal was the place of &udg"ent

of the flesh == its cutting off by circu"cision, == and yet there the selfishness of the fleshon both sides is seen in its "ost repulsive character. 'srael accuses #udah of stealing away

the king because #udah had co"e to escort hi" to #erusale".

But the "en of #udah had no regard for the truth that >a soft answer turneth away wrath,>

and they respond that they have a right to precedence over the "en of 'srael because

David was fro" #udah The "en of 'srael answer this by clai"ing that they have tenshares in the king, since they were ten tribes while #udah and Ben&a"in were only two,

and also insist that they were the first to advise the return of David. 3ll of this is "erelychildish arguing over a "atter of no conse*uence, but si"ilar folly has too often caused

sad ruptures in fa"ilies, a"ong friends, and even in the asse"bly of God. hy did David

not pour oil on the troubled waters@ )ould he not have called the leaders on either side to

sit down with hi" and to iron this "atter out in a spirit of true concern for the welfare ofall@ But the "en of #udah beca"e "ore fierce in their words than the "en of 'srael.

$nd S"M7!L 8 CH"PT! $

!atan is always ready to take advantage of such occasions a"ong Gods people, and he

had a "an there of worthless, a"bitious character, !heba, the son of Bichri was actually aBen&a"ite, not fro" any of the other ten tribes, but he saw an opportunity to exalt

hi"self. Blowing a tru"pet, he "ade the bold declaration, >e have no part in David,

nor do we have inheritance in the son of #esse every "an to his tents, 0 'srael>

!ince the 'sraelites were already incensed against #udah, !hebas loud voice andconfident tone swayed all 'srael to follow hi" without any consideration of the character



!heba had apparently been unable to organiEe any ar"y whatever, and had travelled as

far north as he could in 'srael, taking refuge in the city of 3bel in Beth=8aachah. e are

not even told how "ay followers were with hi". but #oab and his "en had no difficultyin finding where he was. The gates of the city were barred, an evidence to #oab that the

city was protecting !heba. Jnder the protection of a siege "ound #oab and his "en

attacked the city wall, intending to break through it.

1owever, there was one wise wo"an in the city who called out to re*uest in interviewwith #oab. 1e willingly listened. !he then tells hi" that in for"er ti"es the city of 3bel

had a reputation for settling disputes, and indicated that there were still considerate

people in the city, including herself, she being one who was peaceable and faithful in'srael. Fow she says #oab is seeking to destroy a city and a "other in 'srael. hy should

he bring the inheritance of the -ord down to ruins@

#oab replies that he has no such intention, but that one "an, !heba, is harbored in the city,

and since he has raised insurrection against David, if he is delivered up to #oab, then the

city will be spared. The wo"an is *uite confident of the outco"e, and tells #oab that!hebas head will be thrown over the wall. !he therefore si"ply told the citiEens, either

have the city destroyed in order that !heba should be killed, or else give up !heba aloneto death and save the city. ?f course it would have been only folly to protect the rebel, so

they cut off his head and threw it over the wail to #oab.

Thus #oab was successful in *uelling that revolt of !heba without any warfare, and he

and his "en returned to David at #erusale". hat was David to do@ 1e had de"oted#oab in raising 3"asa to take his position. 3"asa proved inefficient in his first

co""ission. Then #oab "urdered 3"asa in cold blood, and #oab without Davids

instruction, took up 3"asas co""ission and carried it out *uickly and efficiently,

relieving David of the threat of a broken kingdo". (ro" a practical viewpoint #oab haddone well for Davids kingdo", but it was the prosperity of the kingdo" for which he

was Eealous, not for the honor of God. David had refused to have !aul killed by his "en, but #oab had not hesitated to kill 3bner, 3bsalo" and 3"asa.

David could certainly not approve of this, yet at this ti"e he did nothing about it. #oab

took his place again as general over all the ar"y 5v.;6. Cet later David gave orders to

!olo"on that #oab "ust suffer death for his cri"es 5 Iings :7=A6. #oab hi"self provided the occasion for this when he followed 3doni&ah in his atte"pt to take Davids

throne 5 Iings :7 :9=;<6.

Benaiah 5v.;6 was a different character than #oab, a trusted "an who was over Davids

bodyguard, the )herethites and the +elethites. The na"es of others also are given us inverses <=A as those in place of ad"inistration in Davids kingdo". The list here is

si"ilar to that in )hapter 9:A=9, yet there are so"e differences. That in )hapter 9 is

given in connection with the highest point of Davids honor in his kingdo" while this isgiven after serious failure and sin had left its blot on that kingdo". 'n these later years,

instead of Davids kingdo" being consistently a type of that of the -ord #esus, "uch of

the history is a sad contrast to the pure truth and dignity of the co"ing kingdo" of our



-ord. Fotice for one thing that in )hapter 9 Davids sons are listed as chief "inisters, but

now only >'ra the #airite> is "entioned as >chief "inister under David.> The principle of

natural succession has only brought "iserable failure. 3ll of this teaches us sole"nly thatgovern"ent given into the hands of "en 5even the best of "en6 can never succeed. ?nly

the -ord #esus can be trusted with this high honor. hat a relief it will be to the whole

creation when 1e takes 1is great power and reigns

CH"PT! $#

e cannot say with certainty when the events of this chapter occurred, for they are not

necessarily chronological, but spoken of as having taken place >in the days of David.>

God sent a fa"ine in the land for three successive years before David finally in*uired ofthe -ord for the reason of this. 1ow insensitive even a believer "ay be to the reasons for

Gods dealing with hi", == in fact insensitive to the fact that his deeply felt trials are the

dealings of God

God answers David that the fa"ine was 1is own govern"ental &udg"ent because of !auland his bloodthirsty house having killed so"e of the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites had been

allowed by #oshua and the elders of 'srael to live in the land, though they were 3"orites.

They had deceived #oshua into thinking they were fro" another territory, and #oshua

swore by the -ord in "aking a league with the" 5#oshua 6. ?nce this was done, it couldnot be changed, but !aul was Eealous for 'srael and #udah, and decided he could kill off

these people who were not 'sraelites. This was not Eeal for God, for it involved breaking

an oath of God, and though God delayed punish"ent for this, 'srael had to feel theresponsibility for it in the infliction of fa"ine.

David then called the Gibeonites to in*uire of the" what ought to be done to "ake

a"ends for this wrong treat"ent. it is "ost regrettable that David did not instead in*uireof God as to this serious "atter. 3 victi" of a cri"e cannot be depended ?n to decidewhat punish"ent the cri"inal should suffer. This should certainly have been referred to

the righteous #udge. This is another case of failure on Davids part, of which there are too

"any in this later history of his kingdo".

3t least the Gibeonites were not greedy of gain, like "any present day lawyers who suefor "illions of dollars over "atters like this, but neither did they ask for the death of

those who had actually killed the "en of Gibeon. David pro"ised to do whatever they

asked before he knew what it would be. They ask that seven "en of the descendants of!aul !hould be given to the" in order that they "ight hang the", as they say, >before the

-ord.> They consider this righteous retribution on the house of !aul, and David

i""ediately agrees.

as this right@ David did not stop to think of two "atters that should have stopped hi"cold. (irst, Deuterono"y <: A plainly declared that the children were not to be put to

death for the sins of their fathers. !econdly, David hi"self had sworn to !aul that he

would not cut off !auls descendants 5 !a"uel <:=6. 1ad he co"pletely forgotten



this@ 1e did spare 8ephibosheth because of his oath to #onathan, but was his oath to !aul

not &ust as binding@

1owever, David chose two sons of !aul borne to hi" by iEpah, !auls concubine, andfive grandsons, borne to !auls daughter 8erab when she had been give to 3driel, though

the children had been brought up by 8ichal for David. 8erab "ust have died before shewas able to bring her children up. ?ne "ay wonder, if 8ichal had borne sons to David,

would he have been so willing to have the" put to death@ The seven "en were howeverdelivered to the Gibeonites, who hanged the" as they had desired. But all this was si"ply

to ingratiate the Gibeonites on account of their hurt pride. 'f David had sought the

guidance of God there would certainly had been a different solution.

David see"s to have had little regard for the utter heartbreak of iEpah. 1er husband had

been killed not long before, now her two sons are taken and executed with no proper

reason. !he took sackcloth 5the sign of "ourning6 and spread it on a rock, rather than

wearing it herself. !he evidently intended to keep it there until the drought should be over

the rain ca"e.

'n spreading sackcloth on a rock, iEpah continued to keep the birds of prey and ani"als

fro" resting on it, intending to do so until the rain ca"e again. as this intended in so"e

way to speak to Davids conscience@ 3t least scripture tells us that David was told of it.

'f there had been true "ourning before God and self &udg"ent on the part of David and

'srael, continued until the drought was over, would this not have been a "ore appropriate

solution than the public execution of !auls sons@ The birds of prey sy"boliEe !atansefforts to thwart true self &udg"ent, by "eans of such drastic action as devouring the prey

5as in the death of !auls sons6 and the wild ani"als would speak of "en who act like

beasts in defeating the purpose of self &udg"ent, also by violent action. ispahs keepingthe" away tells us that we should not allow ourselves to be diverted fro" true self &udg"ent until Gods govern"ent has achieved its purpose.

hen David heard of ispahs action he went and brought the bones of !aul and of

#onathan fro" #abesh Gilead, then gathered the bones of the seven "en who had been

hanged. They then buried the bones of !aul and #onathan in 4elah of Ben&a"in, in theto"b of !auls father Iish. 'n this way David publicly identified hi"self with !aul and

his house, acknowledging that his kingdo" was really an extension of !auls kingdo"

and therefore taking responsibility for !auls previous wrong actions. This would nodoubt ease so"e of iEpahs distress, but "ore than that, it caused God to answer prayer

in ending the drought. The slaughter of the seven "en had not only been useless, but was

disobedience to Gods word. This following action of David was of "ore real value in theeyes of God.

ar again takes place after this, and now the "en of Davids kingdo" prove stronger

than David. This is a great reversal fro" Davids bold faith in going against Goliath when

no=one else would think of it. ?f course physical strength had waned with age, and he"ust learn his li"itations while others beco"e stronger. 1e had beco"e faint, not able to



"ove *uickly and effectively, so that lshbi=Benob, son of the giant, was ready to kill hi",

and no doubt would have done so if 3bishai had not been near to co"e to his rescue.

3bishai was vigorous enough to kill the giant

This experience was sufficient to persuade Davids "en that David "ust not be allowed

to go to battle again. 'n spite of this, Davids "en were able to acco"plish significantvictories over various giants. The faith of David in the first place in going against Goliath

had no doubt had a lasting effect in encouraging his "en to face these giants boldly.hen we too see the -ord #esus going fearlessly against the power of 1is ene"ies

5during 1is life on earth and in all the circu"stances surrounding the cross6, does this not

sti"ulate our courage of faith to "eet ene"ies boldly@

The four giants we read of fro" verse 9 to are all related, evidently all the sons of

one "an. 3 giant is really a "onstrosity, not nor"al, but indicating the pride that exalts

itself above the rank and file of "ankind. They are +hilistines, who typify the for"al

traditional religion that is deter"ined to glorify itself in the eyes of the world. Those who

have a lowly character of true devotion to the -ord #esus are looked down upon by suchhigh="inded, self=i"portant cha"pions of "ere religion. They give to "en honors and

dignities that belong only to God, calling the" by flattering religious titles, thus "akingthe" ob&ects of virtual worship. They introduce doctrines that add to the word of God,

but in result only subtract fro" the plain truth of that word. Their great, i"posing

buildings and their "agnificent cere"onies all co"bine to persuade people how greatthey are.

Fo doubt each one of these giants pictures so"e particular aspect of this ritualistic

religion, which is probably indicate in the "eanings of their na"es. ?n the other hand,

the four courageous "en who defeated the" typify various principles of truth by which

faith overco"es the for"idable opposition of unbelief. 3bishai 5v.$6 "eaning >father ofgift> re"inds us that God is the source of every good gift, not "ens >ordination.> The

"eaning of !ibbechai 5v.96 is *uestionable, so that we cannot speak with certainty aboutthis. Hlhanan 5v.6 "eans >God is a gracious giver,> a great contrast to the way in which

for"al religion represents God as dealing with "en on a legal, bargaining basis. #onathan

5v.6 was a nephew of David, and his na"e is si"ilar in "eaning to Hlhanan, >#ehovah

is giver.> Therefore, whether we think of God as the great ?riginator of all things, orwhether we look at 1i" as #ehovah, in relation to 1is dealings with "ankind, 1e is

always a giver, not a "erchant seeking gain fro" others. -et us in faith stand fir"ly for

this truth, and withstand the strong opposition of "en who so boldly "isrepresent theGod of glory.

David had before killed Goliath. Davids na"e "eans >beloved.> hen God has given us

the assurance of 1is perfect love toward us 5 #ohn <:96, this casts ?ut fear and gives

boldness of true faith in standing for 1i". Davids victory then was the first of fivevictories over the gigantic evils that threaten the people of God.

CH"PT! $$



This chapter presents Davids song of triu"ph after God had subdued all his ene"ies

under hi". 't is al"ost identical to +sal" 9, though with so"e variations. ?f course

faith realiEes that God has a wise reason for the differences, though we "ay findourselves unable to explain the".

3ppropriately David begins his song with a nu"ber of the wonderful aspects of Godsnature and character. #ehovah is his rock, the sy"bol of unchanging stability.

)orinthians 0:< tells us >That ock was )hrist, for 1e is God over all, blessed forever.>>8y fortress> speaks of the place of i"pregnable defense. David, in his ti"e of exile,

learned how valuable a fortress was. 3dded to this is >"y deliverer.> hen endangered

on "ore than one occasion, when it see"ed the ene"y was on the verge of capturing orkilling hi", God intervened to deliver hi" fro" har". 1e was also >the God of "y

strength.> 3t ti"es when weakness beca"e overpowering, it was God who renewed his

strength. 'f we are to prove this in experience we "ust learn to >wait upon the -ord>5'sa.<0:;6, and the renewal of strength will appear to be virtually "iraculous. >8y

shield> speaks of Gods protection when face to face with the ene"y, while >the horn of

"y salvation> speaks of the power of God in saving hi" fro" ene"ies and fro"adversity.

God being his >stronghold and refuge> involves kindred thoughts, the stronghold

speaking of 1is protecting power, the refuge e"phasiEing the grace of that protection.

(inally David calls God >"y savior,> a lovely ter" that finds a fuller "eaning in the newTesta"ent when we consider the great work of the -ord #esus in suffering at )alvary to

provide eternal salvation for the lost. God had saved David fro" violence on various

occasions when he was in i""inent danger of death. But the -ord #esus saves fro" the

greater violence of eternal &udg"ent by virtue of 1is sacrifice.

2erse ; has told us, >in 1i" will ' trust,> and verse < adds, >' will call upon the -ord,who is worthy to be praised.> Therefore, with cal" assured confidence he "ay affir", >so

shall ' be saved fro" "ine ene"ies.> !a"uel :<. There is no uncertainty about this.

Beginning with verse 7 the language goes beyond what was true of David. hile he "ayhave felt deeply the sorrows of which he speaks, yet only the -ord #esus can speak these

words as being fully true of 1is own sufferings and sorrows. >hen the waves of death

enco"passed 8e, the floods of ungodliness "ade "e afraid. The sorrows of !heolsurrounded 8e, the snares of death confronted 8e.> 'n the case of the -ord #esus >the

waves of death> were infinitely worse than David or we have ever experienced, for this

went far beyond the sufferings with which ungodly "en abused 1i". 1e >endured the

cross, despising the sha"e> 51eb.:6. 8ens conte"pt was nothing to 1i" co"pared tothe agony of 1is being forsaken by God on account of our sins.

2erse $, in the case of the -ord #esus, preceded verse 7. 1e called upon God in 1is deep

distress in the garden of Gethse"ane, before 1is suffering. Inowing well all that 1ewould have to bear, >having offered up both supplications and entreaties to 1i" who was

able to save 1i" out of death, with strong crying and tears 5and having been heard for



1is piety6> 51eb.7:$6. 1e was not saved fro" dying, but was saved >out of death>

because God had heard 1i" even before 1e suffered and died.

2erses 9 to A show Gods answer to the value of the death of the -ord #esus. Thesethings will have their co"plete fulfil"ent in Gods &udg"ent of the world at the ti"e of

the great tribulation, but there were portents of it at the very ti"e of the resurrection of)hrist. 8en "ay dis"iss any thought of the seriousness of 1is death, but God has not

forgotten, and will yet bring the whole world to give account of their crucifixion of 1is!on. 1e will &udge the world in righteousness.

>The earth shook and tre"bled: the foundations of heaven "oved and shook.> Then the

-ord died there was and earth*uake 58t.$:76 and again when 1e rose fro" the grave58t.9:6. Cet the greatest of all earth*uakes is foretold in evelation A:9. 'n each case

God shakes the earth because of 1is anger against "en for having re&ected and crucified

1is !on. !"oke and devouring fire are particularly connected with the &udg"ent, but the

resurrection of )hrist is itself a warning of co"ing &udg"ent 5#ohn A:=6.

>1e bowed the heavens also and ca"e down.> Bowing the heavens speaks of the great

voluntary hu"bling of the -ord of glory in 1is first co"ing to earth in lowly grace, but

also of 1is co"ing in sole"n &udg"ent at the end of the tribulation. >Darkness was under

1is feet> involves the character of 1is &udg"ent as being undiscerned by the eyes of theungodly. 2erse indicates the swiftness of his &udg"ent, the )herub signifying the

principle of pure &ustice in 1is govern"ent. >The wings of the wind> speak of the swift,

irrestible power of the !pirit of God 5#ohn ;:96.

>1e "ade darkness canopies around 1i"> 5v.6 Though God is "anifestly working

behind the scenes, yet 1e 1i"self is not seen, so that people who have not faith are

blinded by the darkness. But the >dark waters and thick clouds> are still witnesses to thefact that it is the God of creation who is speaking. 'n fact there is brightness as well as thedarkness, &ust as in a violent stor" there "ay be flashes of bring shining between the

clouds, or brilliant lightning "ay flash suddenly, often kindling >coals of fire.>

2erses < to A, speaking of the -ord thundering fro" heaven, tells of 1is clear

intervention after "an has done his ut"ost in crucifying Gods !on. Gods !ole"nresponse to this will be seen in all its terror in >the day of the -ord,> but by faith we

recogniEe 1is response when we see it in the resurrection of )hrist. The angel rolling

away the stone at the grave was like the arrows to scatter the guards and van*uish the".The +harisees and !adducees were panic stricken at hearing the news of the -ords

resurrection. 't was like lightning bolts to their hardened consciences.

The channels of the sea were seen. >+sal" $$: tells us, >Thy way is in the sea, and thy

path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.> The great waters speak of thedepths and "ystery of suffering, and specially of the sufferings of the -ord #esus. Fow

the channels of the sea being seen indicates the wondrous divine design to bring blessing

by "eans of the deepest suffering, so that we are privileged to see so"ething of Gods



great wisdo" in the anguish of the cross, though it is only >the channels> we see: the

depths are still beyond our vision of co"prehension.

>The foundations of the world were uncovered.> 3ll the worlds basic en"ity against the(ather and the !on has been laid bare in its ugliest light in the death and resurrection of

)hrist. Fo wonder ungodly "en, in their atte"pt to defend the world, have strenuouslyfought against the truth of the resurrection, for that truth exposes the very foundations of

the world, its basis character of proud defiance against God. (or the resurrection of )hristis a rebuke fro" God to a world that has crucified 1is !on. ?nly the breath of 1is

nostrils is a blast that strikes terror into "ens hearts.

>1e sent fro" above, 1e took "e, 1e drew "e out of "any water.> The "any waters donot speak of the -ords suffering fro" "en, but of the dark depths of anguish suffered

fro" God on account of our sin. The great work of atone"ent being finished, God

intervened to raise 1is !on fro" a"ong the dead. Fever"ore will 1e suffer the deep

waters of &udg"ent. Besides this, >1e delivered "e fro" "y strong ene"y, fro" those

who hated "e.> !atan did all he could against the -ord #esus, but in his apparent victoryhe was defeated. (or God delivered 1is !on, not fro" dying, but fro" death, therefore

both fro" !atan and fro" all who followed hi" in the abuse of the blessed )hrist of God.>(or they were too strong for "e.> The -ord in lowly grace was >crucified through

weakness.> ?utwardly 1is ene"ies were too strong for 1i", but how co"pletely were

the tables turned They confronted 1i" in the day of 1is cala"ity, but #ehovah was 1issupport.

>1e also brought "e ?ut into a broad place.> 1e was >straitened> 5or confined6 until 1is

great work was finished. But in resurrection 1e has the place of the 1ead of a new

creation, a sphere of infinitely great blessing in which all of 1is own have part. >1e

delivered "e because 1e delighted in "e.> Hverything about 1i" == 1is character, 1iswords, 1is work, drew the fullest approbation of the (ather. 1is raising )hrist fro"

a"ong the dead is the clear proof of this. 1e is rewarded according to 1is righteousnessand reco"pensed according to the cleanness of 1is hands. This was true of David only in

a very li"ited way, and of course not true of hi" at all in reference to the *uestion of

resurrection. 3ll saints will of course be raised eventually, but not as a reward for

righteousness: it will be pure grace that raises the" to en&oy eternal glory with )hrist.

?nly ?ne has fully >kept the ways of the -ord> and has not in any detail wickedly

departed fro" God. 1e always kept all the &udg"ents of God in view, never in any way

departing fro" 1is statutes, but bla"eless before 1i". The expression >' kept "yself

fro" "y ini*uity> i"plies that if 1e had succu"bed to it, this would have been ini*uityon 1is part, but 1e kept hi"self fully fro" it. Therefore the -ord reco"pensed 1i"

because of 1is perfect righteousness and cleanness in the eyes of God.

2erses A and $ indicate the absolute &ustice of Gods ways. 1e has &ustly reco"pensedthe -ord #esus, who 1i"self has been "erciful and gracious, upright and pure. God has

shown 1i"self si"ilarly toward 1is !on. ?n the other hand, if one shows hi"self

perverse, then God will show 1i"self >contrary> 5#.F.D.trans.6, reco"pensing the



perverter in &ust &udg"ent. >Cou will save the hu"ble people.> Fot only does the -ord

#esus speak of 1i"self here, but of others also who beco"e identified with 1i" by virtue

of 1is death and resurrection. They take the hu"ble place with 1i", in contrast to thosewho haughtily exalt the"selves.

'n the "idst of a world darkened by sin, the -ord #esus depends on #ehovah as 1is la"p,who illu"ines all 1is path 5v.6. By the power of God 1e had run through a troop, the

power of the ene"y being virtually paralyEed. 1e had leaped over a wall also, theobstacle in the way being reduced to nothing by Gods power. 1e had chosen only Gods

way and proclai"s it as being >perfect.> -inked with Gods way is the word of the -ord

which has proven totally dependable when tried. Thus God beco"es a shield of protection for all who trust 1i".

>(or who is God save #ehovah@> Hli&ah proved this to all 'srael 5 Iings 9:;A=;6 when

he was opposed by 970 false prophets. 3ll the people then acknowledged, >The -ord, 1e

is God.> >3nd who is a ock save our God@> The rock is the sy"bol of solid stability.

)orinthians 0:< tells us, >that ock was )hrist,> a clear testi"ony that )hrist is God.>God is "y strong fortress,> the place of 1is defense. #ust as Gods way is perfect, so >1e

"akes "y way perfect,> the -ord #esus can say. Believers "ay say this too, but only in ali"ited "easure.

>1e "akes "y feet like hinds feet,> able to scale precipitous heights with ease and

agility. This is the energy of faith that rises above the level of earthly circu"stances, no

"atter how difficult they see". The high places for 1i" now are the courts of the(athers house, and believers are identified with 1i", >seated in heavenly places in

)hrist> 5Hph.:A6. True warfare also is connected with heavenly places 5Hph.A:0=6. ?n

this level our hands are taught to "ake war, with strength to bend a bow of bronEe. The

shield of Gods salvation is also given 1i". 3gainst this nothing can prevail. 8anchooses proud, arrogant aggression to force his way to greatness, but God reduces all of

this kind of thing to nothing, and showing 1i"self gentle in the lowly history of the -ord#esus, has "ade this to issue in the greatness of 1is present exaltation above all heavens.

Though the way has before see"ed narrow and confined, each step 1e takes finds the

way enlarged and 1e does not slip.

ln verse ;9, taking the offensive, 1e pursues and destroys 1is ene"ies. This will be fullyacco"plished when 1e co"es again in sovereign power. The devastation will be

co"plete: the ene"y crushed never to rise again, falling under the feet of the "ighty

)on*ueror. 1e gives God the honor for having girded 1i" with strength for the battle

and for subduing under 1i" all who rose against 1i". (or it is as !on of 8an 1e speaks,fully dependent upon 1is God and acco"plishing Gods will. God "ade 1is ene"ies to

turn their backs in defeat. (or their hatred 1e no longer shows kindness and patience, but

brings the destruction they have "ore than deserved. herever they looked, they foundno one to help. They even sought #ehovah, as desperate "en will even after having

treated 1i" with conte"pt.



shine out in beautiful "agnificence when 1e takes 1is throne over all creation. 3s 8an

1e will rule in the fear of God, in perfect consistency with the character of the God of

'srael and of the universe.

>1e shall be like the light of the "orning when the sun rises, a "orning without clouds,

like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain. This advent ofthe -ord #esus at the beginning of the "illenniu" is also depicted in 8alachi <: as >the

!un of ighteousness> arising >with healing in 1is wings.> 'n a very real sense the sunreigns over the earth: without it everything would be left in a total deep=freeEe at absolute

Eero, and in darkness. The rule of the sun is by no "eans si"ply the rule of authority, but

provides welco"e light and war"th, as well as living che"ical action that producesgrowth in vegetation.

'f there were no rain, no "oisture at all, of course the suns heat could beco"e

unbearable, with everything dried up and desolate. The rain is typical of the refreshing

showers of the word of God, without which our own souls would be dried up and

parched. But when once the rain has co"e, followed by the clear shining of the sun, howgood it is to see the fresh green grass springing up fro" the earth. Thus, the co"ing of the

-ord #esus in glory will be like such a day, with 'srael springing forth in spiritual prosperity, the word of God being precious to the", and the co"ing of their 8essiah a

"arvellous &oy.

!adly, in verse 7 David has to acknowledge that his house is not so with God: he could

not in any way *uality as this &ust person ruling in the fear of God. Cet in spite of this,God had "ade with David an everlasting covenant, ordered in perfection, and absolutely

sure. 'n this David saw all his salvation and his every desire, and asks the *uestion, >ill

1e not indeed "ake it grow@> 5F3!B6. (or what is of God will grow, while "ens works

will co"e to nothing, as verses A and $ indicate. The sons of Belial 5>worthlessness>6 areas unwelco"e thorns, discarded because they cannot be handled with hu"an hands.

)ontact with such "en re*uires a heavy defensive ar"our, with a spear also to take theoffensive. But such har"ful influences will not be tolerated in Gods kingdo": they will

be burned with fire.

/"53/0S M3GHT6 M!1

Fearing the end of Davids history, it is appropriate that this chapter provides a picture of

the &udg"ent seat of )hrist, at which every work for 1i" will be rewarded. Theco""endations of these "ighty "en of David teach us that what victories we "ay

acco"plish for the -ord will receive full recognition at 1is &udg"ent seat. Their weapons

were of course carnal, or fleshly, and their victories were not spiritually profitable, asours should be. The ar"our of the )hristian is seen in Hphesians A:0=9, and this

involves the self=discipline that keeps the flesh fro" exerting itself, but allows the !pirit

of God liberty to produce proper spiritual fruit in our lives. 3ll the details here will not befound easy to interpret, though there is no doubt that they are significant of what is

co""endable in the way in which a believer "eets his conflicts. ?ne "an stands out in

the first place, 3dino, the HEnite. 1e is called >The Tac"onite who sat in the seat.> hen



we consider that in Hphesians A: our warfare is seen to be >in the heavenlies,> then the

connection with Hphesians :A is "ost striking. 1ere we are told that believers are >raised

up together> and "ade to >sit together in the heavenlies in )hrist #esus.> This is our place>in )hrist.> 3ll believers have this, and yet all believers do not en&oy it and act

consistently with it. 'f so, we should experience far "ore real triu"ph over evil in our

lives. -et us be like 3dino in a practical way, sitting in the seat of our heavenly position,thus overco"ing the world and its seductions.

HleaEar is seen in the second place of honor 5vs.=06, a "an who did not retreat when

the rest of 'srael retreated, but boldly carried on the battle with the +hilistines alone, and

for so long that his hand struck to the sword he was using. By his energy of faith the -ordacco"plished a great victory, for the -ord honors the faith of one who will not be

inti"idated by the ene"y even when no one else stands with hi". The people afterward

returned after hi" to reap the benefits of his faith.

The third one of the "ost outstanding three was !ha""ah 5vs.=6. The +hilistines

attacked with the ob&ect of either taking for the"selves a field of lentils or destroying it.!ha""ah took his stand in the "iddle of the field and killed the attackers, thereby giving

the -ord the victory. This illustrates the faithfulness of a believer in fighting to keep thefood of the word of God fro" being stolen fro" Gods people. 8ay we stand fir"ly and

decidedly against anything that will deprive the saints of God of the food of 1is word that

is so necessary for their sustenance.

Three other "en are now spoken of 5vs.;=A6 who show their devotedness to Davidhi"self in an unusual way. The garrison of the +hilistines had taken possession of

Bethlehe" while David was in exile in the cave of 3dulla". !aul did not have the energy

to expel the +hilistines fro" Bethlehe" 5the house of bread6, and David expressed the

longing for a drink of water fro" the well of Bethlehe". Fo doubt there was no thoughtin his "ind of expecting anyone to take this seriously enough as to risk their lives in

order to secure a drink of water for hi", and he certainly gave no co""and as to this. Cetthese three "ighty "en, purely out of devotedness to David, were willing to venture their

lives in breaking through the ar"y of the +hilistines with the ob&ect of drawing water

fro" the well of Bethlehe". They did so successfully and brought the water to David.

This is a refreshing picture of the faith that delights to please the -ord in a spirit ofwilling self=sacrifice. David however appreciated their devotion "ore than he desired the

water. 1e considered that he was not worthy of so great devotion, and he poured the

water out as a drink offering to God, who alone is worthy of such sacrifices 5vs.A=$6.

3bishai, the brother of #oab, has a significant place as chief of these three "en. !adly,#oab hi"self is not "entioned as being given any honor at all in this final su""ation of

Davids "ighty "en. 1e was a capable warrior who gained "any victories, but his one

fatal flaw was the fact that his "otives were proven to be selfish. 't was not Gods honorthat he sought, but his own. David knew this, and advised !olo"on that #oab "ust be put

to death 5 Iings :7=A6. #oabs treachery could not be ignored because of his "any

victories.



Benaiah is another one of the second three, a "an who showed unusual courage whether

in fighting "en or beasts. )ertainly the exploits of both of these are typical of spiritual

victories, little as we "ay be able to interpret their significance. e are not told the na"eof the third "an of this group, but we are re"inded in verse ; that the first three are

accorded higher honor than the second three or all that follow the". These are "entioned

by na"e only, and any spiritual lessons to be learned fro" the" can be gleaned only fro"the "eanings of their na"es.

CH"PT! $&

The reason for Gods anger burning against 'srael 5v.6 is not told us: if there is no public

occasion for it, then it "ust be due to the "oral and spiritual condition of the nation. 2erylikely that condition was represented in the pride that led David to desire to have 'srael

nu"bered. The nation had grown fro" a s"all people of no significance in the worlds

eyes into a strong e"pire. 1ad this hu"bled the people in thankfulness for the grace of

God in so blessing the"@ 3pparently not. e too easily glory in nu"bers, as though our

increase in nu"bers "akes us "ore distinguished than others. God allowed David tofollow his natural inclinations of pride in being the king of so great a nation. Fo doubt

'srael had the sa"e proud thoughts, and God saw that this needed so"e serious hu"bling.hen David gave instructions to #oab to nu"ber the people. Hven #oab, self=centered

"an as he was, realiEed that Davids desire ste""ed only fro" pride, and protested that,

while it would be good to see 'srael increased one hundred fold, yet to take delight in thenu"ber of the people appeared unsee"ly in his eyes. 't is often true that an unbeliever

can see through the inconsistent ways of a believer.

David insisted on his having the people nu"bered, though the co""ander of the ar"y as

well as #oab did not agree. 't was they who were re*uired to do the &ob, and they travelled

through all the country, taking nine "onths and twenty days to co"plete their task 5v.96.Cet )hronicles :A tells us that #oab did not count Ben&a"in and -evi because of

being disgusted with Davids order. The nu"ber given, however, is not that of all the people, but only of their "ilitary strength, 900,000 soldiers in 'srael and 700,000 in

#udah. #udahs population was proportionately "uch higher than that of the other nine

tribes.

3fter he is told the nu"ber, Davids conscience finally wakens to cause hi" sharp pain inreflecting on the seriousness of what he now calls sin and foolishness. 't is at least good

to see that he confesses this candidly to God and asks 1i" to take away this ini*uity.

)ertainly God hears his prayer, but there "ust be so"e govern"ental results fro" the

wrong=doing of "an of authority. God therefore sends the prophet Gad to David to askhi" to choose one of three alternatives, either seven years of fa"ine in the land, or three

"onths of 'sraels retreating before their ene"ies, or three days of a deadly plague in the

land.

3ny one of these prospects was greatly disturbing to David, but he chose to fall in thehand of God, and accept the three days of plague, because Gods "ercies are great in



contrast to the cruelty of "en. The &udg"ent falls with terrible severity throughout the

whole land, and $0,000 die in the plague. The destroying angel co"es to #erusale", ready

to inflict &udg"ent there, and God 1i"self intervenes in "ercy, saying, >'t is enough.>David had rightly depended on 1is "ercy.

Fevertheless, when David had seen the angel and the destruction, his heart was deeply broken up in confession and self=&udg"ent before the -ord. >!urely ' have sinned, and '

have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done@> 1e realiEes that he ought to personally suffer the conse*uences. But this is a lesson for anyone who has a pro"inent

place a"ong Gods people. The people will suffer for the failure of the leaders.

There is wonderful instruction for us, however, in the plague being arrested at thethreshing floor of 3raunah the #ebusite. The &udg"ent of God only goes as far as the

threshing floor. 'n other words, when God &udges, it is with the ob&ect of bringing out the

grain fro" the chaff. The process "ay be deeply painful, but the resulting blessing for

genuine believers is unspeakably precious. The #ebusites had been true to their na"e,

>treaders down> of the city God had declared to be 1is own center, that is, #erusale". But3raunah is one whose character has been changed by the grace of God, a prodigal of the

Gentiles, spared when the &udg"ent was i"pending over his head. 'ndeed, he is a pictureof all Gentiles who are saved by the grace of God.

The prophet Gad is sent to David to instruct hi" to build an altar to the -ord in the

threshing floor of 3raunah. hen 3raunah sees the king and his servants co"ing, he

willingly takes the lowly place of bowing before the king to ask the reason for his co"ingto a "an so insignificant. hen David desires to buy the threshing floor, 3raunah offers

it to hi" without charge, as well as oxen for sacrifice and wood for its burning.

The picture here beco"es "ost beautiful as we co"e to the end of this book. 'srael has been spared by the grace of God, the Gentile drawn to God in such a way that his heart isopened with desire to give up his own possessions. The king, on the other hand, insists on

full pay"ent to 3raunah for that which he desires to offer to God. ith a full heart the

king offers burnt offerings and peace offerings, a re"inder of the great value of thesacrifice of )hrist, both as perfectly glorifying God 5the burnt offering6 and as

acco"plishing peace between God and "an 5the peace offering6. The burnt offering

co"es first, for it speaks of that aspect of the sacrifice of )hrist in which all goes up infire to God, that is, Gods glory is the first and fore"ost ob&ect of that sacrifice. hen this

is observed, then the place of the peace offering is appropriate, for this offering the priest

and the offerer were each given part, while another part was for God

5-ev.$:7:7,A,;,;6.

onderful will be that day when 'srael turns to the -ord to acknowledge the value of the

sacrifice of )hrist so long ago offered. (or centuries the plague of Gods disapproval has

been upon that nation, because of their pride in the"selves and their re&ection of their true8essiah and 1is one perfect sacrifice. 't is that sacrifice alone that can re"ove the plague

fro" 'srael, &ust as, at the present ti"e, this perfect sacrifice alone re"oves the guilt of



our "any sins, bringing peace and rest and &oy. 'srael will re&oice in that co"ing day, and

we shall re&oice with the".

Comments on the Second Book of Samuel-L M Grant

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