Westminster Annotations, 2 Samuel (2 Kings) · Chapter 16
CHAP. XVI.
Vers. 1. THe hill] That is, the mount of Olives, Ch. 15. 30.
V. 3. masters son?] Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan.
for he said] This was a shamelesse and improbable slander, both because of this poor criples unfitnesse, and because all the peoples hearts were set upon Absalom; and yet David out of a kingly jealousie, doth over credulously beleeve it, and passeth a rash censure upon it, without further enquiry.
my father] That is, my grandfather Saul.
V. 4. I humbly] Heb. I do obeisance.
finde grace] As if he should say, I do not so much desire to be inriched with my masters goods, as to deserve the continuance of thy favour.
V. 5. Bahurim] A town situate upon an hill, in the borders of Benjamin, towards Jordan, an hours journey beyond B… thanie. See Chap. 3. 16.
he came forth, and cursed] Or, he still came forth and cursed. To wit, David, with a grievous curse, 1 King. 2. 9.
V. 7. bloudy man] Heb. man of bloud; So he calls him, as imputing unto him the death of Ish-bosheth and Abner, that he might get the kingdom, for no other blood had been yet spilt of the house of Saul.
man of Belial] See Judg. 19. 22.
V. 8. behold, thou art taken in thy mischief] Heb. behold thee in thy evil; That is, by Gods judgement punished for all thy wickednesse.
V. 9. dead dog] This base and contemptible wretch. See 1 Sam. 24. 14. and Chap. 9. 8.
V. 10. What have I] That is, meddle not with my matters which belong not to thee, for I care not for thy service in this way of revenge.
the Lord hath said] Not by his word, but by a command of providence, so ordering and disposing of Shemei his malice, that it may be as a rod of correction, to chastise David for his sins, and for the time to come be a cause of his own ruine. So 1 Kin. 22. 21, 22. 1 Chro. 21. 1. compared with 2 Sam. 24. 1. and Chap. 12. 11, 12.
then say] Namely, to the LORD, because he hereby justly corrected David for his sins, Chap. 12. 10, 11. Though Shemel hainously sinned in cursing and reviling the LORDS ano…nted, and was afterwards by God justly punished for it, 1 King. 2. 9, 44, 46,
V. 11. bidden him] That is, hath so disposed of it by his providence, that he should out of his own malice thus curse and rail, to correct me for my sins.
V. 12. affliction] Heb. eye. Or, tears.
requite me good] That is, turn his curses into blessings, when by his fatherly chastisement he hath humbled me, and fitted me for them.
V. 13. cast dust] Heb. dusted him with dust.
V. 14. there] That is, in Bahurim.
V. 16. God save the king] Heb. I et the king live. Hushai deludes Absalom with doubtfull speeches, which might be applyed to David, as well as unto him, as here, God save the king, that is, David, and so in the rest.
V. 17. Is this] As if he had said, If thou art no more faithfull to my father thy friend, who hath done thee so many favours, how should I expect fidelity from thee?
V. 18. whom the Lord] And that was none but David, and Solomon after him.
V. 21. art abhorred] That is, that thou hast made thy self odious, and unreconcileable to thy father by this act.
be strong] That is, they will with all resolution go on in their rebellion, when as they are assured that you cannot make your peace with your father, and leave them in danger to be punished for rising against him.
V. 22. top of the house] That is, the slat roof or terrace of the kings palace. See Chap. 11. 2. Deut. 22. 8.
in the sight] Wherein though Absalom committed abominable wickednesse, yet was his sin so ordered and over-ruled by Gods providence, that thereby his righteous judgement was executed, denounced against David, Chap. 12. 11, 12.
V. 23. was as] That is, was highly esteemed and applauded, as if his counsels had been of divine authority and truth.
oracle] Heb. word.