Westminster Annotations, 2 Samuel (2 Kings) · Chapter 17
CHAP. XVII.
Vers. 2. WEak-handed] See Chap. 4. 1.
afraid] That is, I shall strike terrour into him and his followers, coming upon them suddenly and unexpected.
V. 3. the man] That is, David being slain, all the people will peaceably submit themselves unto thy government.
V. 4. the saying] That is, Ahith…phels wicked counsell to have his father slain by a suddain surprise.
pleased Absalom] Heb. was right in the eyes of, &c.
V. 5. what he saith] Heb. what is in his mouth.
V. 6. saying] Heb. word.
V. 7. given] Heb. counselled.
at this time] That is, though he be a very prudent man, and commonly giveth wise and good counsell, yet now in this one particular he much faileth.
V. 8. be chased in their minde… ] Heb. bitter of soul; That is, are bitterly en…aged with this affront, forcing them to flee, and leave their wives, children and habitations.
with the people] Because among many friends, there may be some enemies and traytors in so great a number, that will watch to betray and do him a mischief.
V. 9. other place] That is, some secret cave, well known unto him, ever since he used to hide himself, when Saul pursued him.
of them] That is, some of the twelve thousand of thy men that are sent to pursue David.
overthrown] Hebr. fallen.
V. 10. valiant] Hebr. sons of valour.
a lion] Chap. 1. 23.
melt] Hebr. melting melt; That is, shalt faint, and be without courage. See Josh. 2. 11.
V. 11. from Dan] That is, from the utmost limits of the land north and south. See Judg. 20. 1.
that thou go to battell in thine own person] Hebr. that thy face, or presence go, &c.
V. 12. as the dew] This his speech is full of glorious expressions, fit to take and humour a vain and ambitious man.
V. 13. bring ropes] An hyperbolicall and glorious expression used by souldiers boasting of their own strength. See 1 King. 20. 10.
stone found there] That is, we shall utterly destroy it, Psal. 83. 14.
V. 14. appointed] Heb. commanded: That is, ordained by his wise providence, Hushai's counsell, as a means to defeat Ahithophels.
good counsell] It was wicked in it self, but good, that is, wise and effectuall, for the attaining of Absaloms end, to wit, the ruine of his father, if he had presently pursued him, and given him no time to raise and gather an army, 1 Cor. 1. 20. and 3. 19.
V. 16. passe over] That is, Jordan, lest Absalom, upon better consideration, should have again enclined to embrace and put in practice the counsell of Ahithophel.
V. 17. stayed] To wit, by their fathers appointment, that they might hear all the news, and bring it to David, Chap. 15. 27.
En-rogel] In the borders of Judah and Benjamin, neer Jerusalem, Josh. 15. 7. and 18. 16. to which well the maid might go without suspition, to wash clothes, or fetch water.
V. 19. the woman] That is, the mans wife, and mistris of the house.
V. 21. the water] That is, Jordan.
counselled] To wit, to pursue thee with all haste.
V. 22. morning light] They travelled all night, and by morning had all their company passed over.
V. 23. followed] Hebr. done.
his city] Giloh, Chap. 15. 12.
put his houshold in order] Heb. gave charge concerning his house.
in order] That is, disposed and setled his estate, and the affairs of his family, 2 King. 20. 1.
hanged] As despairing of Absaloms good successe, disdaining that Hushai's counsell was preferred before his, and expecting nothing but extremity if David prevailed.
V. 24. Mahanaim] See Chap. 2. 8.
V. 25. Ithra] Called Jether, 1 Chron. 2. 17.
an Israelite] That is, a proselyte, and so an Israelite in respect of religion, profession and life; but by nation and birth an Ishmaelite, 1 Chron. 2. 17. Others think that he was an Israelite by birth, but called an Ishmaelite, because he had dwelled among them.
went in] That is, companied with her.
Abigail] Davids sister, as also Zeruiah.
Nahash] Whom some think to have been the wife of Jesse Davids father, and others Jesse himself, called here by another name.
V. 26. of Gilead] In which also Mahanaim was situate, either to environ David, or to provoke him to battell.
V. 27: Shobi] Who was, as some think, brother to Hanun, whom David deposed or killed, and made this Shobiking in his stead; who, in token of thankfulnesse, sheweth this kindnesse to David in supplying his wants, Chap. 10. 1. and 12. 30, 31.
Machir] With whom Mephibosheth dwelt, before he was called to the court, Chap. 9. 4.
Lo-debar] See Chap. 9. 4.
Barzillai] Of whom, see Chap. 19, 31. 1 King. 2. 7.
V. 28. basins] Or, cups. That is, all manner of furniture and houshold-stuff fit for Davids present use.
V. 29. they said] They thought with themselves that Davids company wanted these necessaries, by reason of their sudden flight from Jerusalem, and hastie passage thorow the desert.