2 Samuel 3

NOw there was long war For five Years longer: for it is probable that Ishbosheth was made King presently upon Saul's death, to give them countenance for their Rebellion against David; and the other Tribes did not submit to David before seven Years were expired. between the house of Saul, and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

¶ And unto David were sons born in Hebron: And his first-born was Ammon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess:

And his second, Chileab Called also Daniel, 1 Chron. 3. 1., of Abigail wife of Nabal the Carmelite: and the third, Absalom, the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur A part of Syria, Northward from the Land of Israel, Deut. 3. 1.... Ios. 12. 5. See 2 Sam. 13. 37. and 14. 13. and 15. 8. Her he Married, as it may seem, in policy, that he might have a powerful Friend and Ally to assist him against Ishbosheth's party in the North, whilst himself opposed him in the Southern parts. But he paid dear for making Piety give place to Policy herein, as the History of Absalom shows. There were other Geshurites Southward from Canaan, whom David invaded, 1 Sam. 27. 8. and it is not impossible but they were a Colony of those in the North.:

And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggath: and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital:

And the sixth, Ithream by Eglah Davids wife This is added, either because she was of obscure Parentage, and was known by no other title but her relation to David: or, to distinguish her from some other person of that name, who possibly might be of no goood fame: or, because this was his first and most proper Wife, best known by her other name of Michal, who, though she had no Child by David after she scoffed at him for Dancing before the Ark, chap. 6. 23. yet might have one before that time. And she might be named the last of these here, because she was given away from David, and Married to another man, when David took the other Wives, and therefore though she had been first, yet now she was become the last of them. Or, this Title, being put in the last place, may belong to all the rest of the Women above-mentioned, by a Figure called Ze... gma, to distinguish them from his Concubines, 2 Sam. 5. 13. 1 Chron. 3. 9.: these were born to David in Hebron.

¶ And it came to pass while there was war between the house of Saul, and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul He used all his endeavours to support Saul's House. Which is mentioned, to show the reason of his deep resentment of the following aspersion. Or, he strengthned himself in the House of Saul, i. e. he so managed all Affairs, as to get all the riches and power into his own hands: which made Ishbosheth suspect that he aimed at the Kingdom, and sought to Marry the Kings Concubine in order to it, as the manner was. See 2 Sam. 12. 8. and 16. 21. and 1 King. 1. 17..

And Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my fathers concubine Either, First, To satisfy thy own Lust. Or rather, Secondly, By that pretence to take away my Crown first. For this was that which stirred up his Jealousie and Rage, and caused him to speak that to Abner which otherwise he neither would nor durst. But whether Abner were guilty or no, it is not evident from the following words: for if it were true, great men cannot endure to be told of their faults, though they be true and great..

Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ish-bosheth, and said, Am I a dogs head i. e. A vile and contemptible creature, as a Dog was. See Deut. 23. 18. 1 Sam. 24. 14. 2 Sam. 9. 8. and 16. 9. Iob 30. 1. Eccles. 9. 4. And a Dogs head is put for a Dog by a Synecdoche, usual both in the Hebrew and in other Languages, as the Head is oft put for the whole Man in the Latin Tongue., which against So the Particle Lamed is well rendred, as el, which among the Hebrews is confessedly of the same nature and use, is used Eccles. 9. 14. Ier. 34. 7. Ezek. 13. 9, 20. Amos 7. 15. Judah do show kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David Which I could oft and easily have done., that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman Either that thou accusest me falsly concerning this matter: or, that thou canst not wink at so small a fault (for so he esteemed it) as conversation with this Woman, who, whatsoever she formerly was, is now so impotent and inconsiderable, that she can do thee no service, as I have done.?

So do God to Abner, and more also, except as the LORD has sworn to David Whence it appears that this wicked wretch did all this while fight against his own knowledge and conscience, and against God himself., even so I do to him:

To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel, and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.

And he could not answer Abner a word again Because he durst not provoke Abner further, lest he should really execute what he supposed as yet he only threatned., because he feared him As having a greater interest in, and power with both the Army and the rest of the people, than himself had..

¶ And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf Who in his name and stead might treat with David concerning his Reconciliation with him. Thus God overrules the Lusts and Passions of wicked Men, to accomplish his own Wise and Holy purposes. And who then dare contend with that God who makes even his Enemies to do his work, and destroy themselves?, saying, Whose is the land To whom does this whole Land belong, but to thee? Is it not thine by Divine right? Saul's Son is but an Usurper, thou only art the rightful owner.? saying also, Make thy league with me That thou wiltst pardon all past offences to me, and to all Israel, and thou wiltst receive me into thy grace and favour., and behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.

¶ And he said, Well, I will make a league with thee To wit, upon thy terms: which, all circumstances considered, seems to be lawful, to prevent the great effusion of Israelitish Blood, which otherwise would certainly have been spilt. And although the principle of this action of Abner's was base and wicked, yet the action it self was Lawful and Commendable, and no more than his Duty to God and David obliged him to; and therefore David might well persuade and induce him to it.: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Sauls daughter, when thou comest to see my face.

And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth Sauls son Whose consent was necessary, both to take her away from her present Husband, and to persuade her to return to David. Hereby also David opened to him also a door of hope for his Reconciliation, lest being desperate he should hinder Abner in his present design., saying, Deliver me my wife Michal Who, though she was taken from me by force, and constrained to marry another, 1 Sam. 25. 44. yet is indeed my rightful Wife. Her David demands, partly, for the affection he formerly had, and still retained to her: partly, to deliver her from the sin and reproach of Adultery with another Man, who was not in truth and justice her Husband, though he was so called and accounted: and partly, upon a politick consideration, that she might strengthen his Right and Title to the Kingdom., which I espoused to me for an hundred fore-skins of the Philistines.

And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband For, being forsaken by Abner, he durst not deny David, into whose power he saw he must unavoidably come: and besides, he supposed that she might be an effectual instrument to make his peace with David., even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.

And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim A City of Benjamin, upon the Borders of Iudah. See 2 Sam. 19. 16. 1 King. 2. 8.: then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.

¶ And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you Even in Saul's time you highly honoured him, and prized his conduct, and wished that the power were in his hands; and great numbers of you went to him, when he was in the Hold, 1 Chron. 12. And after Saul's death you would gladly have advanced him to the Crown, if your respect to Saul's Family, together with my Authority and Influence, had not diverted you..

Now then do it You shall have my free consent and utmost assistance in procuring it.; for the LORD has spoken of David He wickedly pretends Religion, when he intended nothing but the satisfaction of his own pride, and malice, and fury, against Ishbosheth., saying, By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies It is very probable God spake these words, but undoubtedly he spake the same sense by Samuel, though it be not expressed before..

And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin To these he particularly applies himself, because they might be thought most kind to Saul and his House, and most loth to let the Kingdom go out of their own Tribe; and therefore it was necessary that he should use all his art and power with them, to persuade them to a compliance with his design; and besides, they were a Valiant Tribe, and bordering upon Iudah, and situate between them and the other Tribes; and therefore the winning of them, would be of mighty concernment to bring in all the rest.: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron, all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him: and David made Abner, and the men that were with him, a feast Which in those times was customary when Persons entred into Covenant. See Gen. 26. 30. and 31. 44, 46..

And Abner said unto David, I will arise, and go, and will gather all Israel i. e. The Elders and Chieftains of all Israel, Representing and Ruling all the rest. unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thy heart desireth. And David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

¶ And behold, the servants of David, and Joab, came from pursuing a troop Of Robbers, either Philistines, or Edomites, or some others, who taking advantage of the discord between the Houses of Saul and David, made inroads into Iudah, as they had occasion., and brought in a great spoil with them: (but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace).

When Joab and all the host that was with him, were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he is gone in peace.

Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done Thou hast committed a great oversight, to dismiss so dangerous and mischievous a Person, when he was in thy hands.? behold, Abner came unto thee: why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?

Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out, and thy coming in To search out thy counsels and secret designs, and to make use of them against thee., and to know all that thou dost.

And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner In the Kings name, and upon pretence of some further communication with him., which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate In the entrance into the City before he came to the King; and in the place where conferences used to be., to speak with him quietly With appearance of great civility and kindness. Or, secretly, as having some matter of great importance to utter, which none but himself must hear.: and smote him there under the fifth rib As he did Asahel, chap. 2. 23., that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother To revenge the death of Asahel; and withal (though that be not here mentioned to secure his own standing, and rid his hands of so great and powerful a Competitor. And this was Ioab's design; but God had other designs in it, both to punish Abner's manifold wickedness, and particularly his rebellion against David, and against God and his own Conscience therein: and that David might not owe his Kingdom to Abner, and to his revenge and treachery, but wholly to Gods Wise and Powerful Providence..

¶ And afterward when David heard it, he said Publickly before his Courtiers and People; and seriously as in Gods presence., I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD I call the Lord to Witness, that this was not done by my Instigation or Authority, or by any publick Counsel, but only by Ioab's malice; and therefore I trust that God will not punish me nor my Kingdom, but Ioab only. for ever, from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

Let it i. e. This Blood, the guilt and punishment of it. rest on the head of Joab, and on all his fathers house But Children were not to suffer for their Parents sin, Deut. 24. 16. And therefore either this was only a Prediction; or, if it were an Imprecation, David may seem to have transgressed his bounds, and mingled his Passion with his Zeal, that so he might express his utter detestation of this horrid Murder, and how far he was from having any hand in it., and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that has an issue Which was not only a troublesome and shameful Diseases, but also infectious, both to him that had it, and to all that touched him: so that, whilst it was upon a man, he was cut off in a great part from converse either with God or men., or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff Through craziness, or feebleness, or lameness, whereby he he is rendred unfit for action and publick service., or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.

So Joab and Abishai For though Ioab only committed the Murder, yet Abishai was guilty of it, because it was done with his consent, and counsel, and help, and approbation: for by these and such like actions men are involved in the guilt of other mens sins, at least in Gods judgment. his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battel Which he did in the fury of Battel, and for his own necessary defence; and therefore it was no justification of this unnecessary and treacherous Murder in a time of peace..

¶ And David said to Joab Him he especially obliged to it; partly, to bring him to Repentance for his sin: partly, to expose him to publick shame, and to the contempt and hatred of all the people, with whom he had too great an interest, which hereby David designed to diminish., and to all the people that were with him, Rent your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner i. e. Attending upon his Corps, and paying him that respect and honour which was due to his quality.. And king David himself followed the bier Which was against the usage of Kings, and might seem below David's Dignity; but it was now expedient to vindicate himself from all suspition of contrivance or concurrence in this action..

And they buried Abner in Hebron, and the king list up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the pleople wept.

And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as † a fool dieth? b i. e. As a wicked man, for such are oft called Fools in Scripture. Was he cut off by the hands of Justice for his crimes? Nothing less; but by Ioab's malice and treachery. Or, did he die by his own folly, because he had not Wisdom or courage to defend himself? Ah no. The words may be thus rendred: shall or should Abner die like a Fool, or a vile contemptible Person? i. e. unregarded, unpitied, unrevenged; as Fools or vile Persons die, for whose death none are concerned. Or, How is Abner dead like a Fool! pitying his mischance. It being honourable for a great Man and a Soldier to fight, if met with an Enemy, and not (having his Arms at liberty) stand still like a Fool to be killed, without making any resistance or defence; which, by this treachery of Ioab, happened to be his case.

Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into setters Thou didst not tamely yield up thy self to Ioab, as his Prisoner, to be bound hand and foot at his pleasure. Ioab did not overcome thee generously and honourably in an equal Combat, nor durst he attempt thee in that way, as a General or Soldier of any worth would have done.: as a man falleth before wicked men Or, before, i. e. in the presence, or by the hands of froward, or perverse, or crooked men, by Hypocrisie and Perfidiousness, whereby the vilest Coward may kill the most Valiant person. Thus he reproached Ioab to his very face, before all the people: which was a great Evidence of his own Innocency herein; because otherwise Ioab, being so powerful, and proud, and petulant to his Sovereign, would never have taken the shame and blame of it wholly to himself, as he did., so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.

And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat i. e. Till evening, for then Fasting Days ended of course., while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down i. e. Till evening, for then Fasting Days ended of course.. d To refresh and chear up his depressed Spirits; as they used to do at Funerals See Ier. 16. 5. Ezek. 24. 17.

And all the people too notice of it, and it pleased them They were satisfied concerning David's Integrity, and the method he used here for his own just vindication.: as whatsoever the king did Either in this matter: or rather, in all things following this Action. The meaning is, By his carriage herein he gained so great an Interest in the hearts of his People, that they judged most favourably of, and put the best construction upon all his words and actions; as, on the contrary, when people have a prejudice against, or an ill will towards their Prince, they are apt to judge most harshly of all his Counsels and Doings. pleased all the people. f Observed what the King said and did.

For all the people, and all Israel understood that day, that it was not of the King Not done by his design or good will. to slay Abner the son of Ner.

And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince, and a great man Both for his Illustrious Quality, and for his high Courage and wise Conduct; and especially, now for his great usefulness and serviceableness to me in giving me the intire and peaceable Possession of all Israel. But still observe David's Prudence and Piety, that he does not commend him for his Virtues and Graces, as men of vendible Consciences and Tongues use to do upon Funeral-occasions; but only for that kind of worth which was really in him. Compare 2 Sam. 1. 23. fallen this day in Israel?

And I am this day weak Or, tender, in the Infancy of my Kingdom, not well rooted and settled in it. The Metaphor is taken from a young and tender Child or Plant., though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah Ioab and Abishai, the Sons of my Sister Zeruiah. be too hard for me i. e. Too powerful. They have so great a command over all the Soldiers, and so great favour with the People, that I cannot Punish them without apparent hazard to my Person, and Kingdom; especially, now when all the Tribes, except Iudah, are yet in a state of Opposition against me. But this, although it might give some colour to the delay of their Punishment for a season, yet it may seem to have been one of David's infirmities, that he did not do it within some reasonable time, both because this Indulgence proceeded from a distrust of Gods Power and Faithfulness; as if God could not, or would not make good his Promise of the Kingdom to him, without, and against Ioab and all his Confederates; and because it was contrary to Gods Law, which severely requires the Punishment of Wilful Murderers, Gen. 9. 6. Exod. 21. 14. Numb. 35. 21. which David had no power to dispence with. And David might, and should have remembred, how dear Saul pay'd for this very thing, that he dispensed with Gods Command, and spared those whom God commanded him to slay, 1 Sam. 15. And it seems David's Conscience oft smote him for this: which made him watch for a fit opportunity to remove, and then punish him, and having neglected it till Death, he declareth his sorrow for that neglect, by giving Solomon a charge to execute it after his Death, 1 King. 2. 5, 6, 34.: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.