Teks -- 2 Samuel 19:1-21 (NET)

19:1 Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” 19:2 So the victory of that day was turned to mourning as far as all the people were concerned. For the people heard on that day, “The king is grieved over his son.” 19:3 That day the people stole away to go to the city the way people who are embarrassed steal away in fleeing from battle. 19:4 The king covered his face and cried out loudly, “My son, Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!” 19:5 So Joab visited the king at his home. He said, “Today you have embarrassed all your servants who have saved your life this day, as well as the lives of your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your concubines. 19:6 You seem to love your enemies and hate your friends! For you have as much as declared today that leaders and servants don’t matter to you. I realize now that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, it would be all right with you. 19:7 So get up now and go out and give some encouragement to your servants. For I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out there, not a single man will stay here with you tonight! This disaster will be worse for you than any disaster that has overtaken you from your youth right to the present time!”

David Goes Back to Jerusalem

19:8 So the king got up and sat at the city gate. When all the people were informed that the king was sitting at the city gate, they all came before him. But the Israelite soldiers had all fled to their own homes. 19:9 All the people throughout all the tribes of Israel were arguing among themselves saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies. He rescued us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled from the land because of Absalom. 19:10 But Absalom, whom we anointed as our king, has died in battle. So now why do you hesitate to bring the king back?” 19:11 Then King David sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests saying, “Tell the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you delay any further in bringing the king back to his palace, when everything Israel is saying has come to the king’s attention. 19:12 You are my brothers– my very own flesh and blood! Why should you delay any further in bringing the king back?’ 19:13 Say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my flesh and blood? God will punish me severely, if from this time on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’” 19:14 He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man. Then they sent word to the king saying, “Return, you and all your servants as well.” 19:15 So the king returned and came to the Jordan River. Now the people of Judah had come to Gilgal to meet the king and to help him cross the Jordan. 19:16 Shimei son of Gera the Benjaminite from Bahurim came down quickly with the men of Judah to meet King David. 19:17 There were a thousand men from Benjamin with him, along with Ziba the servant of Saul’s household, and with him his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They hurriedly crossed the Jordan within sight of the king. 19:18 They crossed at the ford in order to help the king’s household cross and to do whatever he thought appropriate. Now after he had crossed the Jordan, Shimei son of Gera threw himself down before the king. 19:19 He said to the king, “Don’t think badly of me, my lord, and don’t recall the sin of your servant on the day when you, my lord the king, left Jerusalem! Please don’t call it to mind! 19:20 For I, your servant, know that I sinned, and I have come today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” 19:21 Abishai son of Zeruiah replied, “For this should not Shimei be put to death? After all, he cursed the Lord’s anointed!”

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Wesley: 2Sa 19:3 - By stealth

Not openly and triumphantly, as conquerors use to do; but secretly, as if they were afraid and ashamed, lest David should see them, and look upon them with an evil eye, as those that had an hand in killing of his beloved son.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:5 - Hast shamed

By disappointing their just hopes of praises and rewards, and by requiting them with contempt and tacit rebukes.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:6 - Pleased thee

This is not be understood as exactly true; but David's carriage gave too much colour to such a suggestion; and such sharpness of speech was in a manner necessary to awaken the king out of his lethargy, and to preserve him from the impendent mischiefs.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:9 - At strife

Quarrelling one with another as the authors or abettors of this shameful rebellion, and discoursing privately and publickly of David's high merits, which God, being now reconciled to David, brings afresh to their memories.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:10 - Now therefore

The people of Israel speak thus to the elders of Israel, as appears by comparing this verse with the next. Seeing their designs for Absalom disappointed, they now repented of that undertaking, and were willing to testify so much by their forwardness to bring back David, and re - establish him.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:11 - Judah

Who being the abettors of Absalom's rebellion, despaired of pardon, and therefore were backward to promote the king's restoration.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:11 - His house

Even to Mahanaim, where now the king's house and family is.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:13 - Of Joab

Who, besides his other crimes, had lately exasperated the king by his murder of Absalom, contrary to David's express command. And therefore the king having now the opportunity of another person who had a greater interest than Joab, gladly complies with it, that so he might both chastise Joab for his faults, and rescue himself from the bondage in which Joab had hitherto held him.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:14 - He bowed

David by this prudent and kind message and his free offer of pardon.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:17 - With him

Whom he brought, partly to shew his interest in the people, and partly, as intercessors on his behalf, and as witnesses of David's clemency or severity, that in him they might see what the rest of them might expect.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:17 - Ziba

Who, being conscious of his former abuse of David, and of his master Mephibosheth, which he knew the king would understand, designed to sweeten David's spirit towards him, by forwardness in meeting him.

Wesley: 2Sa 19:20 - House of Joseph

The house of Joseph is here put for all the tribes, except Judah, which are fitly distinguished from Judah, because the rights of the first-born were divided between Judah and Joseph, 1Ch 5:2. And though Benjamin, after the division of the kingdoms was fitly joined with Judah, because then they adhered to that tribe; yet before that time it was joined with Joseph, because they marched under the standard of the house of Joseph, or of Ephraim, Num 10:22-24. Whence it is, that Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, are put together, Psa 80:2.

JFB: 2Sa 19:3 - the people gat them by stealth . . . to the city

The rumor of the king's disconsolate condition spread a universal and unseasonable gloom. His troops, instead of being welcomed back (as a victorious army always was) with music and other demonstrations of public joy, slunk secretly and silently into the city, as if ashamed after the commission of some crime.

JFB: 2Sa 19:4 - the king covered his face

One of the usual signs of mourning (see on 2Sa 15:30).

JFB: 2Sa 19:5 - Thou hast shamed . . . the faces of all thy servants

By withdrawing thyself to indulge in grief, as if their services were disagreeable and their devotion irksome to thee. Instead of hailing their return with joy and gratitude, thou hast refused them the small gratification of seeing thee. Joab's remonstrance was right and necessary, but it was made with harshness. He was one of those persons who spoil their important services by the insolence of their manners, and who always awaken a feeling of obligation in those to whom they render any services. He spoke to David in a tone of hauteur that ill became a subject to show towards his king.

JFB: 2Sa 19:7 - Now . . . arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants

The king felt the truth of Joab's reprimand; but the threat by which it was enforced, grounded as it was on the general's unbounded popularity with the army, showed him to be a dangerous person; and that circumstance, together with the violation of an express order to deal gently for his sake with Absalom, produced in David's mind a settled hatred, which was strongly manifested in his last directions to Solomon.

JFB: 2Sa 19:8 - the king arose, and sat in the gate

He appeared daily in the usual place for the hearing of causes.

JFB: 2Sa 19:8 - all the people came before the king

That is, the loyal natives who had been faithful to his government, and fought in his cause.

JFB: 2Sa 19:8 - Israel had fled

That is, the adherents of Absalom, who, on his defeat, had dispersed and saved themselves by flight.

JFB: 2Sa 19:9-11 - all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel

The kingdom was completely disorganized. The sentiments of three different parties are represented in 2Sa 19:9-10 : the royalists, the adherents of Absalom who had been very numerous, and those who were indifferent to the Davidic dynasty. In these circumstances the king was right in not hastening back, as a conqueror, to reascend his throne. A re-election was, in some measure, necessary. He remained for some time on the other side of Jordan, in expectation of being invited back. That invitation was given without, however, the concurrence of Judah. David, disappointed and vexed by his own tribe's apparent lukewarmness, despatched the two high priests to rouse the Judahites to take a prominent interest in his cause. It was the act of a skilful politician. Hebron having been the seat of the rebellion, it was graceful on his part to encourage their return to allegiance and duty; it was an appeal to their honor not to be the last of the tribes. But this separate message, and the preference given to them, occasioned an outburst of jealousy among the other tribes that was nearly followed by fatal consequences [see 2Sa 19:40-43].

JFB: 2Sa 19:13 - And say ye to Amasa, &c.

This also was a dextrous stroke of policy. David was fully alive to the importance, for extinguishing the rebellion, of withdrawing from that cause the only leader who could keep it alive; and he, therefore, secretly intimated his intention to raise Amasa to the command of the army in the place of Joab, whose overbearing haughtiness had become intolerable. The king justly reckoned, that from natural temper as well as gratitude for the royal pardon, he would prove a more tractable servant; and David, doubtless, intended in all sincerity to fulfil this promise. But Joab managed to retain his high position (see on 2Sa 20:4-10).

JFB: 2Sa 19:14 - he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah

That is, Amasa, who had been won over, used his great influence in re-attaching the whole tribe of Judah to the interest of David.

JFB: 2Sa 19:15 - Judah came to Gilgal

The most convenient place where preparations could be made for bringing the king and court over the Jordan.

JFB: 2Sa 19:16-23 - Shemei . . . a thousand men of Benjamin with him

This display of [Shemei's] followers was to show what force he could raise against or in support of the king. Expressing the deepest regret for his former outrageous conduct, he was pardoned on the spot; and although the son of Zeruiah urged the expediency of making this chief a public example, his officiousness was repulsed by David with magnanimity, and with the greater confidence that he felt himself now re-established in the kingdom (see on 1Ki 2:8).

JFB: 2Sa 19:17 - Ziba, the servant of the house of Saul

He had deceived his master; and when ordered to make ready the ass for the lame prince to go and meet the king, he slipped away by himself to pay court first; so that Mephibosheth, being lame, had to remain in Jerusalem till the king's arrival.

JFB: 2Sa 19:18 - ferry boat

Probably rafts, which are still used on that part of the river.

JFB: 2Sa 19:20 - I am come the first . . . of all the house of Joseph

That is, before all the rest of Israel (Psa 77:15; Psa 80:1; Psa 81:5; Zec 10:6).

Clarke: 2Sa 19:2 - The victory - was turned into mourning

The victory - was turned into mourning - Instead of rejoicing that a most unnatural and ruinous rebellion had been quashed, the people mourned over their own success, because they saw their king so immoderately afflicted for the loss of his worthless son.

Clarke: 2Sa 19:4 - The king covered his face

The king covered his face - This was the custom of mourners

Clarke: 2Sa 19:4 - O my son Absalom

O my son Absalom - Calmet has properly remarked that the frequent repetition of the name of the defunct, is common in the language of lamentation. Thus Virgil, act. v., ver. 51: -

Daphnin que team tollemus ad astra

Daphnin ad astra feremus: amavit nos quoque Daphnis

"With yours, my song I cheerfully shall join

To raise your Daphnis to the powers Divine

Daphnis I’ ll raise unto the powers above

For dear to me was Daphnis’ well tried love.

See the notes on the preceding chapter, 2 Samuel 18 (note).

Clarke: 2Sa 19:5 - Thou hast shamed this day

Thou hast shamed this day - Joab’ s speech to David on his immoderate grief for the death of his rebellious son is not only remarkable for the insolence of office, but also for good sense and firmness. Every man who candidly considers the state of the case, must allow that David acted imprudently at least; and that Joab’ s firm reproof was necessary to arouse him to a sense of his duty to his people. But still, in his manner, Joab had far exceeded the bonds of that reverence which a servant owes to his master, or a subject to his prince. Joab was a good soldier, but in every respect a bad man, and a dangerous subject.

Clarke: 2Sa 19:8 - The king - sat in the gate

The king - sat in the gate - The place where justice was administered to the people.

Clarke: 2Sa 19:11 - Speak unto the elders of Judah

Speak unto the elders of Judah - David was afraid to fall out with this tribe: they were in possession of Jerusalem, and this was a city of great importance to him. They had joined Absalom in his rebellion; and doubtless were now ashamed of their conduct. David appears to take no notice of their infidelity, but rather to place confidence in them, that their confidence in him might be naturally excited: and, to oblige them yet farther, purposes to make Amasa captain of the host in the place of Joab.

Clarke: 2Sa 19:14 - And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah

And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah - The measures that he pursued were the best calculated that could be to accomplish this salutary end. Appear to distrust those whom you have some reason to suspect, and you increase their caution and distrust. Put as much confidence in them as you safely can, and this will not fail to excite their confidence towards you.

Clarke: 2Sa 19:16 - Shimei the son of Gera

Shimei the son of Gera - It appears that Shimei was a powerful chieftain in the land; for he had here, in his retinue, no less than a thousand men.

Clarke: 2Sa 19:18 - There went over a ferry-boat

There went over a ferry-boat - This is the first mention of any thing of the kind. Some think a bridge or raft is what is here intended.

Clarke: 2Sa 19:20 - For thy servant doth know that I have sinned

For thy servant doth know that I have sinned - This was all he could do; his subsequent conduct alone could prove his sincerity. On such an avowal as this David could not but grant him his life.

TSK: 2Sa 19:1

2Sa 18:5, 2Sa 18:12, 2Sa 18:14, 2Sa 18:20, 2Sa 18:33; Pro 17:25

TSK: 2Sa 19:2 - victory // turned

victory : Heb. salvation, or, deliverance

turned : Pro 16:15, Pro 19:12

TSK: 2Sa 19:3 - into the city // steal

into the city : 2Sa 19:32, 2Sa 17:24

steal : Gen 31:27

TSK: 2Sa 19:4 - covered // O my son

covered : 2Sa 15:30

O my son : It is allowed by competent critics that the lamentation of David over his son, of which this forms a part, is exceedingly pathetic; and Calmet properly remarks, that the frequent repetition of the name of the deceased is common in the language of lamentation. 2Sa 18:33

TSK: 2Sa 19:5 - Thou hast // saved

Thou hast : Every one must admit that David’ s immoderate grief for his rebellious son was imprudent, and that Joab’ s firm and sensible reproof was necessary to arouse him to a sense of his duty to his peoplecaps1 . bcaps0 ut, in his manner, Joab far exceeded the bounds of that reverence which a servant owes to his master, or a subject to his prince.

saved : Neh 9:27; Psa 3:8, Psa 18:47, Psa 18:48

TSK: 2Sa 19:6 - In that // thou regardest

In that : etc. Heb. By loving, etc

thou regardest : etc. Heb. princes or servants are not to thee. then it had. 2Sa 3:24, 2Sa 3:25; Job 34:18; Pro 19:9, Pro 19:10; Act 23:5

TSK: 2Sa 19:7 - comfortably unto thy // there // all the evil

comfortably unto thy : Heb. to the heart of thy, Gen 34:3; Pro 19:15; Isa 40:1; Hos 2:14 *marg.

there : Pro 14:28

all the evil : Psa 71:4-6, Psa 71:9-11, Psa 71:18-20, Psa 129:1, Psa 129:2

TSK: 2Sa 19:8 - sat in the gate // for Israel

sat in the gate : How prudently and mildly David took the reproof and counsel given him! He shook off his grief, anointed his head, and washed his face, that he might not appear unto men to mourn, and then made his appearance at the gate of the city, which was the public place of resort for the hearing of causes and giving judgment, as well as a place to ratify special bargains. Thither the people flocked to congratulate him on his and their safety, and that all was well. When we are convinced of a fault, we must amend, though we are told of it by our inferiors in a way which is peculiarly painful to our natural feelings. This ancient custom still obtains in the East; for when Dr. Pococke returned from viewing the town of ancient Byblus, he says, ""The sheik and the elders were sitting in the gate of the city, after the ancient manner, and I sat awhile with them.""2Sa 18:4, 2Sa 18:24

for Israel : 2Sa 19:3, 2Sa 18:6-8; 1Ki 22:36; 2Ki 14:12

TSK: 2Sa 19:9 - strife // The king // he is fled

strife : Gen 3:12, Gen 3:13; Exo 32:24; Jam 3:14-16

The king : 2Sa 8:10; 1Sa 17:50, 1Sa 18:5-7, 1Sa 18:25, 1Sa 19:5

he is fled : 2Sa 15:14

TSK: 2Sa 19:10 - whom // is dead // speak ye not a word

whom : 2Sa 15:12, 2Sa 15:13; Hos 8:4

is dead : 2Sa 18:14

speak ye not a word : Heb. are ye silent, Jdg 18:9

TSK: 2Sa 19:11 - sent // Speak // Why are

sent : 2Sa 15:29, 2Sa 15:35, 2Sa 15:36; 1Ki 2:25, 1Ki 2:26, 1Ki 2:35

Speak : 2Co 5:20

Why are : Mat 5:16; 2Th 3:9

TSK: 2Sa 19:12 - my bones

my bones : 2Sa 5:1; Gen 2:23; Jdg 9:2; Eph 5:30

TSK: 2Sa 19:13 - Amasa // God // room of Joab

Amasa : 2Sa 17:25; 1Ch 2:16, 1Ch 2:17, 1Ch 12:18

God : Rth 1:17; 1Ki 19:2

room of Joab : 2Sa 19:5-7, 2Sa 3:29, 2Sa 3:30, 2Sa 8:16, 2Sa 18:11

TSK: 2Sa 19:14 - he bowed // even

he bowed : The measures that he pursued were the best calculated that could be adopted for accomplishing this salutary end. David appears to take no notice of their infidelity, but rather to place confidence in them, that their confidence in him might be naturally excited; and to oblige them yet farther, purposes to make Amasa general of the army, instead of Joab.

even : Jdg 20:1; Psa 110:2, Psa 110:3; Act 4:32

TSK: 2Sa 19:15 - Gilgal

Gilgal : Jos 5:9; 1Sa 11:14, 1Sa 11:15

TSK: 2Sa 19:16 - Shimei // hasted

Shimei : It appears that Shimei was a powerful chieftain in the land; for he had here in his retinue no less than a thousand men. 2Sa 16:5-13; 1Ki 2:8, 1Ki 2:36-46

hasted : Job 2:4; Pro 6:4, Pro 6:5; Mat 5:25

TSK: 2Sa 19:17 - Ziba

Ziba : 2Sa 19:26, 2Sa 19:27, 2Sa 9:2, 2Sa 9:10, 2Sa 16:1-4

TSK: 2Sa 19:18 - And there // what he thought good // fell down

And there : The LXX connecting this the with preceding verse, render, και κατευθυναν τον Ιορδανην εμπροσθεν του βασιλεως, και ελειτουργησαν την λειτουργιαν του διαβιβασαι τον βασιλεα , ""and they made ready Jordan before the king, and did the necessary service to bring over the king."

The Vulgate has: et irrumpentes Jordanem , ante regem transierunt vada , ut traducerent domum regis , ""and breaking into Jordan, they passed the fords before the king, to bring over the king’ s household.""Josephus says they prepared a bridge over the Jordan, to facilitate his passage.

what he thought good : Heb. the good in his eyes

fell down : Psa 66:3, Psa 81:15; Rev 3:9

TSK: 2Sa 19:19 - And said // Let not // remember // did perversely // take it

And said : Ecc 10:4

Let not : 1Sa 22:15; Psa 32:2; Rom 4:6-8; 2Co 5:19

remember : Psa 79:8; Isa 43:25; Jer 31:34

did perversely : 2Sa 16:5-9, 2Sa 16:10-14; Exo 10:16, Exo 10:17; 1Sa 26:21; Mat 27:4

take it : 2Sa 13:20, 2Sa 13:33; 1Sa 25:25

TSK: 2Sa 19:20 - I am come // Joseph

I am come : Psa 78:34-37; Jer 22:23; Hos 5:15

Joseph : 2Sa 19:9, 2Sa 16:5; Gen 48:14, Gen 48:20; 1Ki 12:20, 1Ki 12:25; Hos 4:15-17, Hos 5:3

TSK: 2Sa 19:21 - Shall not // cursed

Shall not : Exo 22:28; 1Ki 21:10, 1Ki 21:11

cursed : 2Sa 16:5, 2Sa 16:7, 2Sa 16:13; 1Sa 24:6, 1Sa 26:9

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: 2Sa 19:1 - It was told Joab

It was told Joab by his messengers, upon their return.

Poole: 2Sa 19:3

Not openly, and orderly, and triumphantly, as conquerors use to do; but secretly, and disorderly, and asunder, as if they were afraid and ashamed, lest David should see them, and look upon them with an evil eye, as those that had a hand in the killing of his dearly beloved son.

Poole: 2Sa 19:4 - The king covered his face

The king covered his face as a deep mourner, as one that desired neither to see, nor to be seen by any others.

Poole: 2Sa 19:5 - Joab came into the house // Thou hast shamed the faces of all thy servants // Thy life, and the lives of thy sons, and of thy daughters, and of thy wives, and of thy concubines

Joab came into the house either the gate-house, or his now dwelling-house in the city, to which he was retired, that he might more freely indulge himself in the expressions of his grief.

Thou hast shamed the faces of all thy servants by disappointing their just hopes of praises and rewards, and by requiting them with contempt and tacit rebukes.

Thy life, and the lives of thy sons, and of thy daughters, and of thy wives, and of thy concubines all which Absalom struck at, and had sooner or later actually taken away, if he had not been cut off in such a manner, without expecting thy knowledge or consent; and therefore thy carriage towards them that have saved the lives of thee and thine, with the utmost hazard of their own, is highly unjust and ungrateful.

Poole: 2Sa 19:6

This is not to be understood as exactly true in the rigour of it, but only comparatively and hyperbolically spoken; for David desired their preservation and Absalom’ s too: but it must be considered that Joab was now in a high transport of passion, which might easily hurry him into indecent expressions; and that David’ s carriage gave too much colour to such a suggestion; and that such sharpness of speech was in a manner necessary to awaken the king out of his lethargy, and to preserve him from the impendent mischiefs.

Poole: 2Sa 19:7 - I swear by the Lord // If thou go not forth to the gate // There will not tarry one with thee this night

I swear by the Lord: this oath was either assertory of what he believed might in reason be expected, as likely in great measure to come to pass; or else promissory; or rather, minatory of what he by his influence could and would effect; and if so, it was much more than became him to say to his sovereign, and could only be excused by the circumstances, which at. this time might make it seem necessary: for David was indeed to blame in taking no more notice of their good service (however Joab might be faulty also in disobeying the king’ s express command as to Absalom’ s person); and great reason there was that David, as Joab did-now advise, should show himself less displeased to the people, who had exposed their lives to preserve him and his.

If thou go not forth to the gate to show thyself to thy people, and kindly and thankfully to acknowledge the good service that they have now done thee.

There will not tarry one with thee this night the hearts of all thy people will forthwith be irrecoverably alienated from thee, and they will look out for some other person on whom they may set the crown.

Poole: 2Sa 19:8 - The king arose, and sat in the gate // All the people came before the king

The king arose, and sat in the gate He was come forth out of his retirement, and appeared in public on the seat of judgment, at the gate of the city, to receive the addresses of his people, and mind the affairs of the kingdom.

All the people came before the king to congratulate him for the victory, and to profess their subjection to him. So Joab’ s speech, though very severe and presumptuous, was it seems a word in season, and had that good effect which he designed.

Poole: 2Sa 19:9 - All the people were at strife // Now he is fled out of the land for Absalom

All the people were at strife quarrelling one with another, as the authors or abettors of this shameful and cursed rebellion, discoursing privately and publicly of David’ s high merits, which God, being now reconciled to David, brings afresh to their memories, and reneweth the sense of their obligations to their king, which they had lately shaken off. Thus the crowns of kings sit faster or looser upon their heads, as God is pleased to dispose of the thoughts and hearts of their people, which he can turn in an instant which way he will.

Now he is fled out of the land for Absalom: now we come to reflect upon our own actions, we are sensible of our folly and unworthiness in adhering to Absalom, and thereby forcing David to flee out of the land of Canaan to the parts beyond Jordan for his security.

Poole: 2Sa 19:10 - Whom we anointed // Is dead in battle // Why speak ye not a word?

Whom we anointed i.e. caused to be anointed by Zadok or Abiathar, or some other of the priests, whom they persuaded or constrained to do this office: for this being a sacred ceremony, of a great reputation, and a likely means to gain the more authority and veneration from the people to Absalom, as one whom God by his vicegerent had constituted and set up; and this rite being usual upon all translations of the government from one person to another in an extraordinary way, as this confessedly was; it is not likely that they would now omit it; though otherwise anointing is frequently put for designing or constituting.

Is dead in battle and therefore we have no obligation to him, and no hope of any thing from him.

Why speak ye not a word? the people of Israel speak thus to the elders of Israel, as appears by comparing this verse with the next. Seeing their designs for Absalom disappointed, they now repented of that undertaking, and were willing to testify so much by their forwardness to bring back David, and reestablish him.

Poole: 2Sa 19:11 - Speak unto the elders of Judah // To his house // To the king, even to his house // to his house

Speak unto the elders of Judah who being the first and chief abettors of Absalom’ s rebellion, despaired of ever obtaining the king’ s grace and pardon, and therefore were backward to promote the king’ s restoration.

To his house to his royal palace at Jerusalem.

To the king, even to his house i.e. even to Mahanaim, where now the king’ s house and family is. Thus sometimes one word is taken in divers senses in the same verse, as Mat 8:22 . Or rather thus, About bringing the king back to his house : for, first, Those words are very fitly and easily understood here out of the foregoing member of the verse; such defects being usual in the Hebrew, which is a very concise or short language. So it is Exo 22:15 Deu 1:4 , &c.

Secondly, It seems most reasonable to understand the same phrase,

to his house being twice here used in the same sense in both places, to wit, of his house in Jerusalem; and this is most agreeable to rule and to Scripture usage.

Thirdly, Thus the words have more emphasis than the other way; for if the speech came to the king at Mahanaim, it matters not whether it found him in his house there, or in the gate-house, or in the field.

Fourthly, David had no house in Mahanaim which could properly be called his house, as he had in Jerusalem. And then the parenthesis should close before those last words,

even to his house or even to his own house , to wit, that at Jerusalem.

Poole: 2Sa 19:12 - My bones and my flesh // Wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?

My bones and my flesh of the same tribe, and some of you of the same family, with myself; and therefore if I should revenge myself of you, which perhaps you may fear I will do when I have fully regained my power, I should but tear my own flesh in pieces, and hate my own body which nature and interest obligeth every man to preserve.

Wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king? this delay doth not suit with the relation you have, and the affection you owe to me.

Poole: 2Sa 19:13 - Amasa // Of my bone, and of my flesh // Before me // In the room of Joab

Amasa Absalom’ s late general; who judging his case, above all others, desperate, might be ready to use all his interest with that tribe to delay or hinder the king’ s return.

Of my bone, and of my flesh i.e. my near kinsman, my nephew. See 1Ch 2:16,17 .

Before me i.e. in my presence, or now whilst I live; lest he should think he promised him only the reversion of it.

In the room of Joab who, besides his other crimes, had lately exasperated the king by his wilful murder of Absalom, contrary to David’ s express command; and by his insolent carriage towards him. And therefore the king having now the opportunity of another person, who had a greater interest both in Judah and Israel than Joab, he gladly complies with it, that so he might both chastise Joab for his faults, and rescue himself from the bondage in which Joab had hitherto held him. Yet it is not necessary, from those words in the room of Joab , to conclude that Joab was to be displaced to make room for Amasa, but that he might be in like condition with Joab; but what follows in the next chapter makes it very probable that he was indeed displaced, and Amasa put in his place.

Poole: 2Sa 19:14 - He

He either, first, Amasa, by his great influence upon them. Or rather, secondly, David, by his prudent and kind message, and his free offer of pardon and favour to them, as if they had never offended.

Poole: 2Sa 19:15

To attend upon the king in his passage over Jordan, and to furnish him with conveniences for his passage and journey. See below, 2Sa 19:41,42 .

Poole: 2Sa 19:17 - A thousand men of Benjamin with him // And Ziba // They went over Jordan before the king

A thousand men of Benjamin with him whom he brought, partly to show his power and interest in the people, whereby he was able to do David either great service or great disservice; and partly as intercessors on his behalf, and as witnesses of David’ s clemency or severity, that in him they might see what the rest of them might expect.

And Ziba who, being conscious of his former abuse of David, and of his master Mephibosheth, which he knew the king would understand, designed to sweeten David’ s spirit towards him, by his great officiousness and forwardness in meeting him, and congratulating his return.

They went over Jordan before the king they did not tarry on this side Jordan, waiting till the king came over, as the most of the men of Judah did; but went over Jordan to pay their respects and duty to the king there, to express their eager and impatient desire to see the king.

Poole: 2Sa 19:18 - A ferry boat // As he was come over Jordan

A ferry boat made by the men of Judah for the king’ s proper use; besides which there were doubtless many boats ready for the use of others.

As he was come over Jordan or rather, as he was passing , or about to pass, over Jordan ; but this was beyond Jordan; for as he went over Jordan to the king, 2Sa 19:17 , so doubtless he fell down before him at his first coming into his presence there.

Poole: 2Sa 19:19

i.e. Be affected with it, or excited to revenge it.

Poole: 2Sa 19:20 - Thy servant doth know that I have sinned // I am come the first // Of all the house of Joseph // Object // Answ

Thy servant doth know that I have sinned I do not excuse my sin, but with grief and shame confess it; in which case the Lord thy God is ready to pardon offenders, and so I trust wilt thou be.

I am come the first the sense of my former sin now hath, and whilst I live will, make me the first and most forward in all acts of duty and service to thy majesty.

Of all the house of Joseph

Object. He was a Benjamite, 2Sa 16:5 . How then doth he make himself one of the house of Joseph?

Answ The house of Joseph is here put, either,

1. For the ten tribes, which are oft distinguished from Judah, and then they are called the house of Joseph, as Zec 10:6 . But this distinction was not made before the division of the people into two kingdoms; and even after that division Benjamin was constantly reckoned with Judah, and not with Joseph or Ephraim. Or,

2. For all the tribes of Israel, who are called the children of Joseph, Psa 77:15 ; compare Psa 80:1 81:5 ; as well they might, not only because of Joseph’ s eminency, (the most eminent persons and things being oft put for the rest of the kind,) and because the rights of primogeniture were in a great part devolved upon him, 1Ch 5:1 ; but also because Joseph had been as a father to them, and had nourished them all like children, as is expressed in the Hebrew text, Gen 47:12 . But in this sense this was not true, for the house of Judah came before him, 2Sa 19:15 .

Or rather,

3. For all the tribes except Judah, which are conveniently called the house of Joseph for the reasons now mentioned, and are fitly distinguished from Judah, because the rights of the first-born were divided between Judah and Joseph, 1Ch 5:2 . And though Benjamin, after the division of the kingdoms, was fitly joined with Judah, because then they adhered to that tribe; yet before that time it was more conveniently joined with Joseph, because they marched under the standard of the house of Joseph, or of Ephraim, Num 10:22-24 ; whence it is that Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh are put together, Psa 80:2 .

Poole: 2Sa 19:21

i.e. The king. By this expression he minds David of his former zeal against those who offered any injury to Saul, because he was the Lord’ s anointed, 1Sa 24:6 26:9 ; and therefore demands the same justice against Shimei for his cursing of the king, which was so expressly forbidden, Exo 22:28 , and by the analogy of that law, Exo 21:17 , might seem punishable with death.

Haydock: 2Sa 19:1 - Secure

Secure. Septuagint, "I will continually nourish thy old age." (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:2 - Mourning

Mourning, as is commonly the case in civil wars. The king being oppressed with grief, a triumph was out of season. (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:3 - Shunned

Shunned. Hebrew, "stole away," fearing to enter; though they did at last, in a clandestine manner, (Calmet) by another gate. (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:4 - Head // Absalom

Head, continuing to mourn. See chap. xv. 30. ---

Absalom. The name is often repeated, as is usual on such occasions. (Virgil, Eclogues v.) ---

Thus Bion says, "I bewail Adonis. The beautiful Adonis is no more," &c.

Haydock: 2Sa 19:5 - Shamed

Shamed; deceived the expectations. See Joel ii. 12. Joab was one of those who spoil all their services by ostentation and rudeness. Like the first Anthony, Immodicus lingua, obsequii insolens, nimius commemorandis quæ meruisset. (Tacitus, Hist. iv.) ---

He speaks to David, his king, as one friend would not do to another. "That sort of men is truly odious, who upbraid with their kindness; which those who have experienced, rather than the authors, ought to remember." (Cicero, Amicit.)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:6 - Thee

Thee. What insolence! Kings are often forced to brook the affronts of their higher servants, as well as other masters. There is a gradation in human affairs, which make the next in dignity and power think himself equal to the highest. Similis ero altissimo, Isaias xiv. 14. (Haydock) ---

David sincerely desired the welfare of all his people, as well as of Absalom. (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:7 - To

To. ( satisfac ). Hebrew, "speak to the heart," &c., with a cheerful countenance, to testify that their services will be rewarded. (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:8 - Israel

Israel, the rebels, as distinguished form Juda, or those who adhered to David; though many of all the tribes sided with Absalom, ver. 11. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:10 - Silent

Silent; inactive and indifferent, as this word often denotes, Josue x. 12. (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:11 - Priests // Last // Talk

Priests, whose influence was very great. (Haydock) ---

Last. David, like an able politician, shews the men of his own tribe, how dishonourable it will be for them to be outdone by the rest. (Calmet) ---

Talk: reported by a solemn ceremony. (St. Jerome, Trad.) (Menochius) ---

Septuagint Greek: logos, "the word, (Haydock) council," &c. (Salien)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:13 - Flesh?

Flesh? Amasa was his nephew, and as he had been appointed general by Absalom, his influence would be the greatest to bring back those who had given into the delusion. A sense of his misconduct would also render him more humble, and easier to manage than Joab, whose insolence caused him to be insupportable to the king. David designed to transfer the authority of the latter, (Calmet) which he had now enjoyed 23 years, since the taking of Sion. David's promise did not oblige him to keep Joab in that office for life, if his conduct should prove unsatisfactory. Hence he appointed Amasa to pursue the rebels, and afterwards Abisai, setting Joab aside. But the haughty warrior supplanted both, and retained the command, as it were in spite of his sovereign, chap. xx. 4, 15., &c. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:14 - And he

And he; God, David, or rather Amasa. (Calmet) ---

All contributed, in different degrees, to bring about his happy union. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:15 - Galgal

Galgal, and thence proceeded across the Jordan, (Calmet) an hour and a half's walk. (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:16 - Semei

Semei, who had cursed David in his adversity, is now ready to fawn upon him, when he sees him restored to his throne. He was chief of a thousand, in Benjamin.

Haydock: 2Sa 19:17 - Over

Over, or "into:" ( irrumpentes.; Haydock) probably on horseback. (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Sa 19:18 - Fords

Fords. Hebrew also, "they took over the ferry-boat;" (Calmet) or, "there went across a ferry-boat to carry over the," &c.

Haydock: 2Sa 19:20 - Joseph

Joseph. Semei was a Benjamite: but Joseph designates all the Israelites, except those of Juda, (Worthington) as these two possessed the birth-right of Ruben, 1 Paralipomenon v. 1. (Menochius) See Psalm lxxix. 1., and Zacharias x. 6. ---

But we may translate with the Septuagint, "before all the house of Joseph." (Chaldean, Syriac, &c.) (Calmet)

Gill: 2Sa 19:1 - And it was told Joab // behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom

And it was told Joab,.... When returned to Mahanaim, or on his way to it; perhaps by the messengers he sent; and this report he had before he saw the king:

behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom; for the death of him, instead of rejoicing at the victory obtained, and the deliverance from his enemies.

Gill: 2Sa 19:2 - And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people // for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son

And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people,.... They also mourned too, instead of expressing joy upon the occasion:

for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son; this report was spread among them, which damped their joy, and hindered them from giving any tokens of it, as were usual at such times.

Gill: 2Sa 19:3 - And the people got them by stealth that day into the city // as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle

And the people got them by stealth that day into the city,.... Did not march into it in companies, in a public and triumphant manner, as conquerors used to do; but entered in a private manner, one by one, or a very few together, not caring to be seen or known, at least by the king, as fearing they had incurred his displeasure: but

as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle; as if they had been conquered, and not conquerors; nay, had acted a cowardly part, and ran away; and so cared not to be seen, lest they should be reproached, or suffer for their cowardice.

Gill: 2Sa 19:4 - But the king covered his face // and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son

But the king covered his face,.... And would not see his generals, and thank them for their services: but wrapped himself in his mantle, after the manner of mourners:

and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son! and this was some time, perhaps some days after he had received the news of his death, since Joab and the army were returned from the battle; had it been a sudden start of passion, upon first hearing thee news, and had continued a few hours, it would have been more excusable; but to continue some days, as it is very probable it did, was very unbecoming.

Gill: 2Sa 19:5 - And Joab came into the house to the king // and said, thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants // which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons, and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines

And Joab came into the house to the king,.... For by this time he was removed from the chamber over the gate to his own dwelling house or palace, where he continued the same doleful ditty as at first:

and said, thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants; they cannot lift up their heads, and look any in the face, nor one another; but behave as if they had committed some very great fault, in fighting with the rebels, and beating them:

which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons, and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines; which in all probability would have been taken away if the victory had been on the side of Absalom.

Gill: 2Sa 19:6 - In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends // for thou hast declared this day // that thou regardest neither princes nor servants // for this day I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well

In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends,.... Which though not strictly true, there was some appearance of it, which is here greatly exaggerated; in that he expressed so much grief and sorrow for Absalom his enemy, who had rebelled against him, and showed so little regard to his friends, that had exposed their lives for him:

for thou hast declared this day: by his conduct and behaviour, mourning for his rebellious son, and taking no notice of his faithful servants:

that thou regardest neither princes nor servants; neither the officers of the army, the generals and captains, nor the common soldiers: since neither the one were admitted into his presence privately, nor had the other public thanks as they entered the city, as might have been expected: or "that thou hast no princes and servants" ^g; none that are accounted of as such; they are nothing with thee, in no esteem at all, as if thou hadst none:

for this day I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well; this was carrying the matter too far; for though it would have been agreeable to David if Absalom had lived, and not been slain, yet not that his army should perish, or his people be destroyed; it would have pleased him well if both had lived.

Gill: 2Sa 19:7 - Now therefore arise, go forth // and speak comfortably unto thy servants // for I swear by the Lord // if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night // and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now

Now therefore arise, go forth,.... Arise from his couch, he was watering with his tears, and go forth from his house, where he had shut himself up retired from all company, to the gate of the city, where the people passed and repassed, and there was a concourse of them: this he said not by way of command, but by way of advice; though all along he seems to take too much upon him, and to speak unbecoming a subject, and not with that decency as was necessary in, speaking to a king; but it may be observed, that a general of an army had great power over princes in those times; and presumed very much on their interest in the army, which led them sometimes not to behave with that decorum as became them:

and speak comfortably unto thy servants; commend them for their courage and faithfulness, thank them for their services, and reward them suitably; at least give them assurance of it:

for I swear by the Lord; by the Word of the Lord, as the Targum; this he said to arouse him, and make him bestir himself, and think what was proper for him to do:

if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night; signifying that he would use his interest in the army to go off with it, and set up another king; and did not doubt of success, as well knowing what temper and humour the people were in through the king's conduct:

and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now; for when he was persecuted by Saul he had a number of friends that adhered close to him; and when Ishbosheth was set up against him by Abner as king of Israel, the tribe of Judah cleaved to him, anointed him their king, and abode by him; wherefore, should he now be abandoned by his army, his case would be worse than ever it had been.

Gill: 2Sa 19:8 - Than the king arose, and sat in the gate // and they told unto all the people // saying, behold the king doth sit in the gate // and all the people came before the king // for Israel had fled every man to his tent

Than the king arose, and sat in the gate,.... Of the city, a public place, where the inhabitants met on divers accounts at times, and where there were always people passing and repassing:

and they told unto all the people; or it was reported to the soldiers particularly:

saying, behold the king doth sit in the gate; has laid aside his mourning, appears in public, and receives his friends, and attends to business:

and all the people came before the king; to congratulate him on the victory obtained, to receive his thanks and his favours:

for Israel had fled every man to his tent: or to his city, as the Targum; that is, those that followed Absalom; which is observed not on account of what goes before, but of what follows after; see 2Sa 18:17.

Gill: 2Sa 19:9 - And all the people were at strife through all the tribes of Israel // saying, the king saved us out of the hand of our enemies // and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines // and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom

And all the people were at strife through all the tribes of Israel,.... Excepting the tribe of Judah; they blamed and reproved one another for taking part with Absalom in the rebellion, and especially for their coldness and backwardness in bringing back David to Jerusalem:

saying, the king saved us out of the hand of our enemies; exposed his life to danger, fought our battles for us, and gained us victory over our enemies, and saved us from them, especially those next mentioned:

and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; in the times of Saul, and since; which were benefits which ought to have endeared him to them, and were aggravations of the crime of those who had been concerned in the late rebellion; and were such as ought not to be buried in oblivion, and were proper arguments to engage them to return to their allegiance to him, and abide by it:

and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom; being obliged to quit Jerusalem, and the land of Judea on this side Jordan, and to pass that river; not from a spirit of cowardice, but from tenderness to his son, he did not choose to fight against; and from a concern for his metropolis Jerusalem, lest that should be hurt, as well as for the safety of his person.

Gill: 2Sa 19:10 - And Absalom, whom we anointed over us // is dead in battle // now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back

And Absalom, whom we anointed over us,.... To be king; which either was really done by Absalom's party, or in effect by proclaiming and appointing him king:

is dead in battle; which shows the thing was not of God, and by which means they were released from their oath of allegiance to him:

now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back? nobody speaks of it, gives the least hint of it, or shows any concern about it; but the greatest coldness and indifference, as if it was a matter of no importance.

Gill: 2Sa 19:11 - And King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests // saying, speak unto the elders of Judah // saying, why are ye the last to bring back the king to his house // seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house

And King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests,.... Who were at Jerusalem, and in his interest; perhaps by Ahimaaz and Jonathan their sons:

saying, speak unto the elders of Judah; particularly those that were at Jerusalem, with whom they had an interest:

saying, why are ye the last to bring back the king to his house? to his palace at Jerusalem, since David was of their tribe, and was first anointed their king: what might make them the more backward to it was their being so deep in the rebellion, which was formed and cherished among them, and brought to the height it was, through their connivance and encouragement, both at Hebron and Jerusalem; and therefore they might fear the resentment of David, and that he would not be easily reconciled unto them:

seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house: or he has received invitations from all the tribes of Israel to return to his house or palace at Jerusalem; and so this was a part of the message of David to the priests, to be told to the elders as an aggravation of their backwardness, and as an argument to excite them to their duty; though some think these are the words of the historian, to be inserted in a parenthesis, as in our version.

Gill: 2Sa 19:12 - Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh // and wherefore then are ye the last to bring the king back

Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh,.... Being of the same tribe, and therefore he should deal gently with them, as if they were parts of his body; and not be severe upon them, for the hand they had in the conspiracy, as they might fear:

and wherefore then are ye the last to bring the king back? since they were so nearly related to him, and he so ready to forgive them.

Gill: 2Sa 19:13 - And say ye to Amasa // art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh // God do so to me, and more also // if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab

And say ye to Amasa,.... Who was the general of Absalom's army, and who might fear he should never be pardoned, whoever was, and looked upon his case as desperate; who had led on the army with Absalom against the king's threes, and fought them:

art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? nearly related to him, being his sister's son:

God do so to me, and more also: than he had done to Absalom; or he imprecates the greatest evil upon himself that could be thought of or named:

if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab; signifying that he would not only pardon the treason he had been guilty of, but raise him to the highest post in the army; and to assure him of it, of which he might be doubtful, considering what he had done to merit his displeasure, he makes this oath or imprecation. Joab had got his ill will by many instances, as by the murder of Abner, and now by slaying Absalom against his orders; and by his rude and insolent behaviour to him when lamenting the death of his son; he wanted to be rid of him, and now, having an opportunity of putting a valiant man into his place, and thereby attaching him to his interest, he was determined to make use of it.

Gill: 2Sa 19:14 - And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man // so that they sent this word unto the king, return thou and all thy servants

And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man,.... This the Jewish commentators generally understand of Amasa that he used his interest with the men of Judah, and so wrought upon them, that they agreed as one man to send for the king, and bring him back; but it seems best to understand it of David, who by these gentle methods, kind messages, and affectionate speeches, powerfully inclined and engaged the hearts of the people towards him; so that they were unanimously and affectionately agreed to restore him: in this way David chose to return; he could have come without their leave, or any invitation from them, as he was their lawful king, and a victorious one, the rebellion being crushed; and had it in his power to chastise those concerned in it, and use them with severity; but he chose rather to gain the hearts of his people, and to come in a way peaceable to them, and honourable to himself:

so that they sent this word unto the king, return thou and all thy servants; perhaps by the same messengers that David sent; or it may be, rather for honour's sake they deputed some of their principal men to wait on David, and invite him to return to them with all his retinue and army, promising allegiance and fidelity to him.

Gill: 2Sa 19:15 - So the king returned, and came to Jordan // and Judah came to Gilgal // to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan

So the king returned, and came to Jordan,.... From Mahanaim thither, which according to Bunting ⁱ was twenty eight miles:

and Judah came to Gilgal; that is, the elders, or principal men of the tribe of Judah, came thither; which place, according to the same writer ^k, was twelve miles from Jerusalem, and four from Jordan; and was the first place the Israelites came to when they passed that river in Joshua's time; but it seems to be rather more; See Gill on Jos 2:1 and See Gill on Jos 4:19,

to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan; but then they must proceed further on, for Gilgal seems to be live or six miles on this side Jordan.

Gill: 2Sa 19:16 - And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim // hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David

And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim,.... Of whom see 2Sa 16:5,

hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David: he took the first opportunity to meet the king, and ask his pardon for his ill treatment of him when he fled from Jerusalem; for, hearing: that Absalom was slain, and the victory was on the side of David, who was returning in triumph, he thought it advisable as soon as possible to make his submission, and entreat forgiveness, lest he should fall a just sacrifice to his vengeance; and a better opportunity he could not well have than to go along with the men of Judah, who met the king first of all.

Gill: 2Sa 19:17 - And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him // and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul // and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him // and they went over Jordan before the king

And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him,.... Of which tribe he was, and these were either a band of soldiers, of which he was the chiliarch; or tenants of his, which showed him to be a great man; or his neighbours, and persons of some figure, whom he prevailed upon to come as intercessors for him:

and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul; who had imposed upon David, and got his master's inheritance from him, knowing that David would be undeceived by Mephibosheth his master, when he came to Jerusalem; and therefore that he might be more tenderly dealt with, and come off the better, he was thus forward to meet the king, and pay his respects to him:

and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him: which made a considerable appearance; see 2Sa 9:10,

and they went over Jordan before the king: to meet him on the other side, both Shimei and his a thousand men, and Ziba with his sons and servants.

Gill: 2Sa 19:18 - And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household // and to do what he thought good // and Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan

And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household,.... His wives and children, who could not so well ford the river on foot: some will have this to be a bridge of boats, a pontoon; and Abarbinel thinks it might be a company of men, who carried the women and children on their shoulders, one after another:

and to do what he thought good; to carry over whatever else the king pleased, besides his family:

and Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan; or just as he was about to come over, when he came to Jordan to take the boat in order to come over; for he went over Jordan to meet him, and therefore would take the first opportunity of coming into his presence, and fall down before him, and make his submission to him.

Gill: 2Sa 19:19 - And said unto the king, let not my lord the king impute iniquity unto me // neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day my lord the king went out of Jerusalem // that the king should take it to his heart

And said unto the king, let not my lord the king impute iniquity unto me,.... That is, deal with him according to the desert of it, punish him for it, but forgive it: for non-imputation of sin is in effect the pardon of it:

neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day my lord the king went out of Jerusalem: he desires that he would not only forgive, but forget it; he owns it was a perverse action, and aggravated by being done at the time when the king was in great trouble and distress:

that the king should take it to his heart; and determine to avenge himself on him for it.

Gill: 2Sa 19:20 - For thy servant doth know that I have sinned // therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph, to go down to meet my lord the king

For thy servant doth know that I have sinned,.... He was sensible of it, and sorry for it, and publicly acknowledged it before all the men he brought with him, and before all the servants of David; and as a token of the sincerity of his repentance, and as an earnest of his future fidelity, he made this early submission:

therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph, to go down to meet my lord the king; but why does he make mention of the house of Joseph, when he was of the tribe of Benjamin? Kimchi says that Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, were called the house of Joseph; and it may be observed that it is sometimes used for all Israel, as in Psa 80:1; and he was the first of them that came, inasmuch as he came along with the men of Judah, who came first of all to fetch the king back; or Joseph may stand for the tribes of Israel, as distinct from Judah, and he was the first of them; some of the Jewish writers think he makes mention of the name of Joseph, because as the brethren of Joseph used him ill, and he returned good to them; so though he had used David ill, he hoped he would do as Joseph did, return good for evil; and others represent him as suggesting hereby to David, that all Israel had used him ill, and he worse than them all; and now he was come first, and they were all waiting what he would do to him, that if he received him kindly, all would come and make their peace with him.

Gill: 2Sa 19:21 - But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said // shall not Shimei be put to death for this // because // he cursed the Lord's anointed

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said,.... The same person that would have taken off the head of Shimei at the time he cursed David, if he would have given him leave, 2Sa 16:9,

shall not Shimei be put to death for this? this humiliation and acknowledgment he has made, shall he be forgiven on that account? shall so small a matter as this atone for so great a crime he has been guilty of, as that he shall not die?

because or "though" ^l.

he cursed the Lord's anointed; is asking pardon sufficient to expiate so foul an offence, for which according to the law he ought to die? or for this action which he has done, as the Arabic version, in cursing the Lord's anointed.