View 2nd Samuel 17 in the note window.
Ahithophel advises Absalom to dispatch, ver. 1 - 4
Hushai advises deliberation, and his advice is received, ver. 5 - 14.
Intelligence is sent to David, ver. 15 - 21.
David passes over Jordan, ver. 22.
Ahithophel hangs himself, ver. 23.
Absalom pursues David, ver. 24 - 26.
David is supplied with necessaries, ver. 27 - 29.
2: And I will, &c. - That such a wretch as Absalom should aim at
his father's throat is not strange. But that the body of the people, to
whom David had been so great a blessing, should join with him in it, is
amazing. But the finger of God was in it. Let not the best of parents,
or the best of princes think it strange, if they are injured by those who
should be their support and joy, when they (like David) have provoked
God to turn against them.
5: Call Hushai - A wonderful effect of Divine Providence, influencing
his heart, that he could not rest in Ahithophel's counsel, though it was
so evidently wise, and approved by the general consent of his whole party;
and that he should desire Hushai's advice, though neither his reputation
for wisdom was equal to Ahithophel's, nor had he yet given anyone proof
of his fidelity to Absalom. But there is no contending with that God
who can arm a man against himself, and destroy him by his own mistakes and
passions.
9: Pit - Having been often accustomed to that course, and well
acquainted with in all hiding - places from Saul's time. In one of them,
unknown to us, he will lurk with some of his chosen men, and lie in ambush
for us; and, when they see a fit opportunity, they will suddenly come forth
and surprize some of our men, when they least expect it, and probably at
first put them to flight. Some - Namely, of Absalom's men sent against
David. At the first - Implying, that their good success at first would
mightily animate David's men to proceed vigorously in the fight, and
intimidate Absalom's army, and consequently would be both a presage and
an occasion of their total defeat.
11: I counsel - His pretence was, that they might make sure, though
slow work: his design was to gain David time, that he might increase his
army, and make better provision for the battle; and that the present heat of
the people might be cooled, and they might bethink themselves of their duty,
and return to their allegiance. Thou - For thy presence will put life and
courage into thy soldiers, who will be ambitious to shew their skill and
courage in defending thy person, when they know that all their actions are
observed by him who hath the distribution of rewards and punishments in his
hands. Besides, the glory of the victory will be wholly thine, which now
Ahithophel seeks to get to himself.
12: As dew - That is, plenteously, suddenly, irresistibly, and on all
sides; for so the dew falls.
13: Bring ropes - It is an hyperbolical expression, suited to the
vain - glorious temper of this insolent young man: implying, that they would
do so if they could not destroy him another way: or, that they should be
enough to do so, if there were occasion. River - Adjoining to the city;
it being usual to build cities near some river, both for defence, and for
other accommodations.
14: Absalom and all, &c. - Be it observed, to the comfort of all that
fear God, he turns all mans hearts as the rivers of water. He stands in
the congregation of the mighty, has an over - ruling hand in all counsels,
and a negative voice in all resolves, and laughs at mens projects against
his children.
16: Lodge not - Lest the king's and people's mind's change, and
Ahithophel persuade the king to pursue you speedily.
17: Enrogel - Or, the fullers well. A place near Jerusalem,(Jos 15:7,18:16).
Wench - Pretending to go thither to wash some cloaths, or to draw water.
19: Spread corn - Under pretence of drying it by the sun: which shews
it was summer - time.
20: Over the brook of water - That is, over Jordan. This was a
manifest lie.
23: Hanged himself - See here contempt poured upon the wisdom of man!
He that was more renowned for policy than ever any man was, played the fool
with himself more than ever any man did. See likewise honour done to the
justice of God! The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
24: Passed - Not speedily, but when all the men of Israel were
gathered together according to Hushai's counsel.
25: Nahash - Nahash is the name of Jesse's wife, by whom he
had this Abigail, as he had Zeruiah by another wife; so they were
sisters by the father, but not by the mother.
27: Shobi - Who, as it may seem, disliked and disowned that barbarous
action to the ambassadors; and therefore, when the rest were destroyed, was
left king or governor of the residue of the Ammonites.
Machir - See above (2Sa 9:4).
29: In - Having been in the wilderness. Thus God sometimes makes
up to his people that comfort from strangers, which they are disappointed of
in their own families.
