Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · 2 Samuel
II. Samuel.
THis Book contains an History of fourty years; from the death of King Saul, to the death of King David, or the time immediately preceding it, 2 Sam. V. 4, 5. The time, and story of Davids reign.
Crown that was upon his head] Likely not so worne by him in the day of battel, chapter I verse 10 1 King. XXII. 30. But carried with him, or before him, by his armour-bearer, verse 18 or some others, as an Ensigne of his Kingly honour.
bowe] That they might be skilful in the right use of their armes and weapons against their enemies in this time of need. Of the Bowe in warre, see ver. 22. And the Annotations on Hos. I. 5. and on Zech. X. 4.
How are the mighty fallen?] Repeated, verse 19 ver. 25. and 27. as the foot of this sad song and Elegie.
Tell it not in Gath] This impossible not to be told there: But this shews Davids desire, verse 20 if it had been possible. A Pathetical expression: not much unlike, is that, ver. 21.
Unto Hebron] Of this place, chapter II verse 1 thus, once for all: Hebron was a City in the Tribe, and Mountain of Judah, Josh. XV. 54. Called also Mamre, and Kiriath-arba, the City of Arba, the father of Anak, where Anak lived, his sonnes, and the Anakims, a race of Giants. Here formerly dwelt the children of Heth; and Hittites. And Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, sojourned here: And they; and Sarah, and Rebekah, and Leah were buried here in the Cave of Machpelah, before Mamre, the same is Hebron, Gen. XIII. 18. and XXIII. 19. and XLIX. 31. Hence Joseph was sent to see the welfare of his brethren. Hither the Spies came that were sent from Kadesh-barnea in the Wildernesse of Paran to search the Land. Hoham the King of Hebron, was one of the five Kings mured up by Joshuah in a Cave; and after slaine and hanged up. And soone after the City taken; and another King thereof seems then to be slaine by him. And he and Caleb slew the Anakims that dwelled here. This City and Suburbs were given to the Priests, and to be a Citie of Refuge: The Fields, and the Villages of it to Caleb the sonne of Jephunne the Kenezite, that good Spie, Josh. XX. 7. and XXI. II. To the top of an hill before Hebron Sampson carried the Gate of Gaza. To them in Hebron David sent a Present of the Spoile taken from the Amalakite, 1 Sam. XXX. 31. Hither God directed him to go, in this Text. And here he was anointed King; and reigned seven years and six moneths: And here he had six sonnes born to him of six several women, his wives Here Abner was slain by Joab; and mournfully buried by David. Hither King Ishbosheths head was brought by his murderers; buried in Abners Sepulchre; and they hanged up here. Hither came all the Tribes of Israel to make David King over all Israel, and anointed him here. And Absalom being borne here; pretended a vow to be performed here; and rebelling against his father made himself King here. This Citie of Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt, Num. XIII. 23. And in Rehoboams reigne was fortified by him, after the revolt of the ten Tribes, 2 Chron. XI. 10.
Reigned two years] That is, verse 10 peaceably, before the warre betweene Abner and Joab, ver, 12, &c. As Saul reigned two years, 1 Sam. XIII. 1. that is, Peaceably, as well as Lawfully, before his Kingdom was in a maner taken from him by the Philistines, 1 Sam. XIII. 19.
Zerviah the sister of David had these three valiant sonnes, verse 18 Joab. Abishai, Asahel. And Abigael the other sister of David had Amasa, 2 Sam. XVII. 25. 1 Chron. II. 15, 16 17.
Michal] Michal loved by both her husbands, chapter III verse 13—16. David and Phaltiel, see 1 Sam. XXV. 44.
Abner] He, verse 28 and Saul were brothers children, 1 Sam. XIV. 50, 51.
Millo] This in, chapter V verse 9 or adjoyning to the strong hold of Zion, the Citie of David, taken by him, and Joab, of the Jebusites, notwithstanding their scornful brag and confidence; And David built the Citie round about from Millo and inward. And Joab repaired the rest of the Citie, 1 Chron. XI. 8. 2 Chron. XXXII. 5. This Millo Solomon built, 1 King. IX. 15, 24. and XI. 27. There was another Millo in or adjoyning to the Citie Shechem, where Abimelech was made King, Judg. IX. 6, 20.
unto the day of her death] i. chapter VI verse 23 e. Michal never had any childe. Those five sons, 2 Sam. XXI. 8. were the sonnes of Merab, Michals sister, whom Michal brought up for Adriel, Merabs husband, 1 Sam. XVIII. 19. 2 Sam. XXI. 8. And are called Michals sonnes, because she did educate, if not adopt them. And in a sort not much unlike, is Obed called Naomies son Ruth IV. 16, 17. see Matth. I. 25. and XXVIII. 20.
I will] The Promises are, some Peculiar to Solomon, some to Christ, some to both as the Type and Antitype.
Davids Conquests. chapter VII verse 12
Hadadezer] or Hadarezer, chapter VIII 1 Chron. XVIII. 3. The like is in Diphath, and Riphath; in Dodanim, verse 1-14. and Rodanim, 1 Chron. I. 6, 7. compared with Gen. verse 3 X. 3, 4. The Hebrew letters Daleth and Resh are like one another, and often put and used one for another; See Esay XLVI. 15. Jer. II. 20, & ch. XXXI. 40. which shews that the Hebrew letters had the same forme and figure in those dayes, which they have at this day. And the same Observation may be made upon the like change of other letters, wittingly made in Scripture, and much used in proper names; and much more used in the many mistakes of Interpreters and Translators of Scriptures in many other places; and all by reason of the similitude of their Hebrew Characters; as namely of foreign, and foreign: of foreign, and foreign, and foreign; of foreign, and foreign; of foreign, and foreign; of foreign, and foreign of foreign & foreign; All which argue still not the Samaritan Characters, which have none of these mutual Similitudes amongst themselves; but the Hebrew Characters we have now to be the same which were from the Beginning, or in Ezra his time. And farther, The Hebrew Jod is the smallest letter, as it is intimated, Matth. V. 18. whereas the Samaritan Jod is one of the largest.
a thousand] These one thousand here are expressed to be Charets, verse 4 1 Chron. XVIII. 4. And the seven hundred horsemen are expounded to be seven hundted rancks of horsemen, or decurioues, ten in a ranck; and so make seven thousand horsemen, in the foresaid place.
Syrians] Hebrew, are Aram, and Aramites, for Syria, and Syrians: verse 5 So still in the Old Testament. These came of Aram the sonne of Shem, Gen. X. 22. We read of Padan-Aram, wherein Haran was, the place where Terah, Bethuel, and Laban dwelt, Gen. XI. 32. and XXVIII. and XXIX. chapters. Of Aram Naharaim, Judg. III. 8. of Aram-Zobah, Ps. LX. title. Of Aram of Damascus, in this Text. The word is of a great latitude, and comprehends great Countreys in it. As Mesopotamia, so called, because in the middle of two armes of Euphrates; or of the two famous rivers of Euphrates and Tygris. And to this Situation the names of Padan-Aram, and Aram-Naharaim do relate. But in later ages Aram most relates to Aram of Damascus, that Syria whereof Damascus was the chief Citie. And of this Syria see more in my Annotations on Amos I. 4, 5.
For the Catalogue of the Kings of Syria, see the great Annotations on Amos I. 4.
We read of four battels of David with the Syrians.
The first, here, when they came to succour Hadadezer against David. And in this, two and twenty thousand of them slain, 1 Chron. XVIII. 5.
The second. ver. 13. in the Valley of Salt. And Edomites are named there, 1 Chron, XVIII. 11, 12. and Psal. LX. in the Title of it; Because both Syrians, and Edomites joyned in the battell against Davids Generals, Joab, and Abishai: and therefore the victory is ascribed to each of the three: and the number flaine is twelve thousand, Ps. LX. 1. and six thousand more, either by Joab alone, before the main battel; or by both the brethren, after it in the pursuit of the victory; in all eighteen thousand, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. 1 Chron. XVIII. 12.
The third battel, 2 Sam. X. 6,—14. when the Syrians joyned to help the Ammonites; and fled before Joab, 1 Chron. XIX. 6. 7, 10, 14.
The fourth battel with the Syrians, 2 Sam. X. 15,—19. wherein David slew (the men) of seven hundred Chariots, i. e. of seven hundred rancks, or troops, having ten in a ranck or troop; not ten men in a Charet; in all seven thousand, 1 Chron. XIX. 18. And fourty thousand horsemen, 2 Sam. X. 18. And fourty thousand footmen, 1 Chron. XIX. 18. And Shobach, the Captaine of their Hoast.
Zadok] He was in Davids, verse 17 and Solomons times, 2 Sam. VIII. 17. and XX. 25. 1 King. I. 8. He anointed Solomon King, and by him was put in the roome of Abiathar, 1 King. I. 32, 34. and chap. II. 35. He was the son of another Ahitub then he that was father of Ahimelech: And he came from Eleazar, the eldest son of Aaron, and from Phineas, his son, after six descents, 1 Chron. VI. 4, 5, 6. And the High Priests of his posterity in a continued series and succession, to the Babylonish Captivity, are recorded in eleven generations, 1 Chron. VI. 9,—15. And after the Captivity, in six generations to Jaddua, who lived in the dayes of Alexander the Great: which is the last Historical Record of the Old Testament, Neh. XII, 10, 11. This Zadoks son was that Ahimaaz, afterwards High Priest, mentioned by David, 2 Sam. XV. 27. This Zadok, of the line of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the line of Ithamar were the Priests, chief of those two families, with command over the rest of the Priests of those two families severally: But Abiathar the father of Abimelech was then the supreme and only High Priest.
The Cherethites, verse 18 and the Pelethites] Of these see the great Annotations on this Text,
Mourning was past] David marries her when she was with childe, chapter XI verse 27 in some hope thereby also to cover his sinne.
Solomon] The elder brother of Nathan, chapter XII verse 24 by Bathsheba, or Bathshua, the daughter of Eliam or Ammiel: though Nathan be rancked before …olomon, 2 Sam. V. 14. 1 Chron. III. 5. and XIV. 4.
Crowne] The weight and worth of the King of Ammons Crowne, verse 30 a Crowne of State, too weighty to wear. Shobi the brother of Hanun, and sonne of Nahash seemes by David to be made King in Hanuns place, which makes him to shew such kindnesse to David in his flight from Absalom, ch. XVII. 27. 28.
After fourty years] Absalom, chapter XV verse 7 whose hair weighed [not was worth] above three pounds, at sixteen ounces to the pound, when yearly poll'd, 2 Sam. XIV. 25, 26. Begins his Rebellion against David, after fourty years, 2 Sam. XV. 7. not after fourty since David was anointed in Hebron; but since he was anointed by Samuel, 1 Sam. XVI. 13. And he ends his Rebellion, with hanging by his hair, as his halter, or by his head rather; where he is slaine first by Joab; after by Joabs armour-bearers; 2 Sam. XVIII. 14, 15 That the fourty years aforesaid, did take their Beginning and commencement as aforesaid; and so fell in with the twenty second, or twenty third year of Davids age; with the seventh or eighth year before he actualy began his reigne at Hebron; and ended at the thirty second, or thirty third year of his real reigne, and about seven years before his death; appears in this. That at this time of Absaloms rebellion, David was a strong man, 2 Sam. XV. 36. and ch XVII. 8, 10. and XVIII. 2. And afterwards also, ch. XXI. 15. whereas in the fourtieth and last year of his reigne and life he was bed-rid, 1 King. I. 1, 2. And after the businesse of this Rebellion was carried on, and ended; we read of three yeares of famine, 2 Sam. ch. XXI. I. And of the hanging up of ten of Sauls sons, and grand-sons, ver. 8, 9, 10. and of the gathering of the bones of them that were hanged, and the burying of them afterwards in another place, ver. 13, 14. As also, of warres yet againe raised by the Philistines, and battels fought with them, at four several times; In the first of which David himself was in person, and in present danger, ver. 15,—22. And besides, neere ten moneths were taken up in numbering the people, Ch. XXIV. 8. And upon the occasion of the Pestilence following thereupon, The Threshing-Floore of Araunah being found to be the place where the Temple was to be builded, 1 Chron. XXII. 1. with 2 Chron. III. 1. David doth instruct Salomon about his dutie in the building of it; and doth encourage him to do it; and chargeth the Princes to assist him therein, 1 Chron. XXII. And causing him to be suddenly anointed King, to suppresse the seditious and ambitious attempt of Adoniah; And having afore ordered the Courses, and Offices of the Levites, Priests, Singers, Porters, for the Service of the Temple, 1 Chron. XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. Ch. He gives Solomon Patterns, and Materials for the Building; tells him of the Courses of the Priests, and Levites which he had Ordered, Ch. XXVIII. And himself offers of his own goods magnificently; and procures the Princes, and People to Offer willingly towards the said Building; And concludes with Thanksgiving and Prayer to God; And the People blesse God, and offer Sacrifices; and make Solomon King the second time, Ch. XXIX. And lastly, on his death-bed David gives Solomon charge to serve God; as also concerning Joab, and Barzillai; and Shimei; and dieth, 1 King II. All which may well take up the seven last years of Davids reigne and life.
In the wood of Ephraim] Not that Ephraim had any wood or land on the East-side of Jordan: chapter XVIII verse 6 But the name might seeme to rise from the great defeat given there to Ephraim by Jephthah, Judg. XII. 5, 6.
Amasa] Davids gentlenesse and courtesie to spare and honour Amasa; chapter XIX verse 13 notwithstanding his chief hand in rebellion against him, 2 Sam. XVII. 25.
slew Goliath] His brother Lahmi; chapter XXI verse 19 as it is explained, 1 Chron. XX. 5. And so Michal for Michals sister, ver. 8. of this Chapter. The words brother and sister being left out by an Eclipsis not unusual, specially in the short idiome of the Hebrewes, and in cases so well known.
This Psalme of Praise and Thanksgiving is the same with Psalme XVIII. chapter XXII The difference is very little.
Here are Davids Worthies towards the end of his reigne. chapter XXIII These in all thirty seven 2 Sam. XXIII. 39. whereof Joab one, the General and Captaine of the hoast, 1 Chron. XI. 6. Six chief Worthies or Colonels: And of them the first three above the other three. And the first three, Adino, or Jacobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah; exceeding the other three. Abishai the chief of the second three; and Benaiah, the son of Jehoiadah; and Asahel, who was one not of the thirty, but above the thirty, for there are thirty named after him. The three first, or three chief over the thirty, ver. 13. are described, as otherwise, so by their valiant Acts, both distinctly, and joyntly, 2 Sam. XXIII. 8,—17. And so the two first of the next three. And these six likely were each of them over five of the thirty following, and their Regiments. The Catalogue of Davids Worchies, 1 Chron. XI. was taken when David began his reign at Hierusalem, or before; The number there is fourty seven, besides the first three, and the second three. And well might the number be more at that beginning of his reigne, then at the end of it; some of them dying in the meane time. And of others some might have two different names. The chief of all the Worthies slayes three hundred himself, aud likely in the pursuit, at the same time 500. more, by himself, or with his company; in all eight hundred. Of him see more, 1 Chron. XXVII. 2, 3. The second defies the Philistines, when the men of Israel were fled away, and in a parcel of ground full of Barley, slew the Philistines till his hand clave unto the sword, and wrought a great victory and deliverance. Of his father, see 1 Chron. XXVII. 4 The third did the like in a piece of ground full of Lentiles. Of the other three, 1. Abishai, the brother of Joab. 2. Asahel, another brother, and Captain for the fourth monethmonth, 1 Chron. XXVII. 7. slaine by Abner, whiles David reigned in Hebron. 3. Benaejah, the Captaine of Davids guard; the Cherethites and Pelethites, 2 Sam. VIII. 18. And Captaine for the third monethmonth, 1 Chron. XXVII. 5, 6. And afterwards by Solomon made General of the Hoast in the roome of Joab, 1 King. II. 34, 35. Of him see more, 2 Sam. XXIII. 20, 21, 22. This Benajah, the son of Jehoiada of Kabzeel, is called also a chief Priest or Principal Officer, 1 Chron. XXVII. 5. Another Benajah a Pirathonite, was one of Davids thirty Worthies, 2 Sam. XXIII. 30. And other Benajahs there were besides, that were Priests and Levites. And divers of the Captaines for the twelve moneths were of the number of Davids Worthies. And among the thirty were a son of Achitophel, Uriah the Hittite, and the armour-bearer of Joab likewise.
Although my house] Rather thus interrogatively; verse 5 And is not my house so with God?
Seven years] Seven years of famine here propounded to David. chapter XXIV verse 13 And three years, 1 Chron. XXI. 12. that is three more, to the three years of famine for the Gibeonites, 2 Sam. XXI. 1. To which three so lately past; And Davids sinne of numbering the people being in the fourth year, which was a Sabbatical year; A new addition of other three makes up seven years of famine. Yet the LXX. read three in 2 Sam. XXIV. 13. Of Famine, see more on Lam. I. 11. and II. 11, 12, 19, 20. and IV. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10. and V. 10. Ezek. IV. 9, 16. and V. 16.