Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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2 Samuel
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 19
Overview:
Joab causes
David to cease mourning.
(1-8) David returns to
Jordan.
(9-15) He pardons
Shimei.
(16-23) Mephibosheth excused.
(24-30) David's parting with
Barzillai.
(31-39) Israel quarrels
with
Judah.
(40-43)
1-8 To continue to lament for
So bad a son as
Absalom, was very
unwise, and very unworthy.
Joab censures
David, but not with
proper respect and deference to his sovereign. A
Plain case may
be fairly pleaded with those above us, and they may be reproved
for what they do amiss, but it must not be with rudeness and
insolence. Yet
David took the reproof and the counsel, prudently
and mildly. Timely giving way, usually prevents the ill effects
of mistaken measures.
9-15 God's
Providence,
By the priests' persuasions and
Amasa's
interest, brought the people to resolve the recall of the
King.
David stirred not till he received this invitation. Our
Lord
Jesus will rule in those that invite him to the
Throne in their
hearts, and not till he is invited. He first bows the
Heart, and
makes it willing in the
Day of his power, then rules in the
midst of his enemies, Ps 110:2,3.
16-23 Those who now slight and abuse the Son of
David, would be
glad to make their peace when he shall come in his
Glory; but it
will be too late.
Shimei lost
No time. His abuse had been
personal, and with the usual right feeling of good men,
David
could more easily forgive it.
24-30 David recalls the forfeiture of
Mephibosheth's estate;
and he expressed joy for the
King's return. A good
Man
contentedly bears his own losses, while he sees
Israel in peace,
and the Son of
David exalted.
31-39 Barzillai thought he had done himself honour in doing the
King any service. Thus, when the saints shall be called to
inherit the kingdom, they will be amazed at the recompence being
So very far
Beyond the service, Mt 25:37. A good
Man would not
go any where to be burdensome; or, will rather be
So to his own
House than to another's. It is good for all, but especially
becomes old people, to think and speak much of dying. The
Grave
is ready for me, let me go and get ready for it.
40-43 The men of
Israel thought themselves despised, and the
fiercer words of the men of
Judah produced very bad effects.
Much evil might be avoided, if men would watch against pride,
and remember that a soft answer turneth away wrath. Though we
have right and reason
On our side, if we speak it with
fierceness,
God is displeased.