Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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2 Samuel
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 20
Overview:
Sheba's rebellion.
(1-3) Amasa slain
By Joab.
(4-13) Sheba
takes
Refuge in
Abel.
(14-22) David's officers.
(23-26)
1-3 One trial arises after another for our good, till we reach
the place where
Sin and sorrow are for ever done away. Angry
disputers misunderstand or misconstrue one another's words;
proud men will have every thing their own way, or wholly refuse
their assistance. The favour of the many is not to be depended
upon; and what have others to expect, when
Hosanna to the Son of
David was soon changed to Crucify him, crucify him?
4-13 Joab barbarously murdered
Amasa. The more plot there is in
a
Sin, the worse it is.
Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest
both of the
King and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But
one would wonder with what
Face a murderer could pursue a
traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to
enter upon danger: his
Conscience was seared.
14-22 Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a
traitor; nor will the
Heart fare better which indulges
rebellious lusts, that will not have
Christ to reign over them.
A discreet
Woman,
By her prudent management, satisfied
Joab, and
yet saved the
City.
Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it
consists not in
Deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act
as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits
secured. A great
Deal of mischief would be prevented, if
contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides
be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender
of the traitor. It is
So in
God's dealing with the soul, when
besieged
By conviction and distress;
Sin is the traitor; the
beloved
Lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the
transgression, and all shall be
Well. There is
No peace
On any
other terms.
23-26 Here is the state of
David's
Court, after his
restoration. It is
Well when able men are appointed to discharge
public duties; let all seek to perform those duties, as
Faithful
servants to the Son of
David.