ble sagacity, to have foreseen these consequen- name of love is commonly a base sensual inclices, and to have forwarned Amnon, before he nation, entire selfishness, which triumphs over had perpetrated the crime which provoked this conscience and the fear of God, and without fatal revenge. (Jer. 4:22.-Note, Jer. 8:8,9.) pity consigns its object to irreparable disgrace V. 37-39. (Notes, Gen. 4:9-12.) Absalom and misery, for the sake of a momentary gratifled for refuge to the court of his mother's father; fication! How different from that love, which Marg. Rf. y;) and there he continued for the law of God commands! yea, how contrary three years: and David so far from requiring to it!-Men's domineering lusts, when restrainhim to be delivered up, that he might be punish-ed by external hindrances, become their tored according to the law of God; after a time im- mentors, drink up their spirits, and disorder patiently desired to recal him, and to be recon- their bodies; and probably the fury of sinful ciled to him. In this he too closely copied Eli's passions, without any possibility of gratification, example, and honored his sons more than God; will form one dreadful part of the misery of the (Note, 1 Sam. 2:29.) who therefore made them damned: let the tremendous thought lead every his scourges, and then punished them himself. reader to seek the mortification of them, that David's sons however were not priests, and so by the grace of God they may be extirpated did not disgrace the sanctuary: he could not from his heart.-Who can conceive, what the have proceeded against Absalom, without con- state of this world would be, if every sinner's demning him to die; as Eli might have done power was equal to his inclination, for the comagainst his sons: and David's own blood-guilti-mission of wickedness?—If indulged melancholy ness, too much resembling Absalom's, (in that he murdered Uriah under the guise of friendship by the hand of others, after having previously tempted him to drunkenness,) might tend to enervate his resolution and dispose him to lenity. (Notes, 11:12-17.) These considerations may account for his conduct, but they by no means excuse it.-Absalom's servants fled with him, and thus escaped the doom which they merited, and so were reserved for further mischief. (14:30. 15:10.) Mourned for his son. (37) Absalom seems here exclusively intended; for David was comforted for "Amnon;" who was buried privately, as it appears; and not, as Abner had been, with any public honor. (Notes, 3:33-39.) Amnon's base conduct had, it may well be supposed, rendered him unpopular: and an honorable interment would have been a strong protest against Absalom's crimes, which David was not disposed to enter PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-14. be improper for those, who possess eminent stations and great affluence in this world; how inconsistent is it with the profession, privileges, and prospects of the children of God! and if they are "lean from day to day" in their souls, it is commonly the effect of yielding to sloth and worldly affections.-When iniquity is conceived in the heart, all the powers of the understanding will be employed in devising how to effect it; and even sickness will not always be sufficient to take men off even for the time from licentious pursuits. When debauched persons occupy exalted stations, they will be attended by "very subtle men," nearly resembling Satan; sagacious prompters, and crafty advisers in iniquity! These will assist them in overcoming the opposition of shame and conscience; and encourage them to gratify themselves, without regarding truth or justice, or the interests or happiness of others. Such are deemed and treated as friends; but the event will prove them to have been, merely for their own advantage, the most destructive enemies.-Many violent, but concealed, evil desires would be The judgments of God upon those, who are extinguished, did not such prompters discern finally saved, may be so terrible, varied, and and draw forth the confession of them, and concontinued, as effectually to proclaim his abhor- trive the method of gratification. Such plausirence of their crimes; and no reflecting person, ble villains know how to take advantage of the with these records before his eyes, would ven- affection, candor, modesty, and unsuspecting ture to commit iniquity, even if he could be confidence of pious persons, for the accomplishsure to escape eternal misery; any more than a ment of their own infamous designs: and when man would, for a trifling advantage, throw him- iniquity is resolved on, a perfect infatuation self from a precipice and break his bones, if he takes place, and all probable or certain consecould be assured that his life would be preserv-quences are forgotten.-But silent abhorrence ed: for he would be sensible, that he must suf- is the proper censure of these abominable deeds fer immense pain, and probably be a cripple all of darkness, which are especially horrible unhis days.-The Lord over-rules the wickedness der the light of revelation: even ungodly perof men, (while they are hurried on by their own sons will execrate those, who perpetrate such lusts and Satan's temptations,) to accomplish his outrages against common decency: and they holy and righteous purposes.-External accom- will appear as fools and reprobates to their plishments are generally a detriment to the neighbors in general; notwithstanding high possessors, and a temptation to others: none rank, or even princely or royal dignity. therefore ought to be vain of them, or to regret the want of them.-So depraved is the human heart, that even natural affection may degenerate into licentiousness; and the intercourse even between near relations should be conducted with caution and prudence, that no opportunity may be given to those who are disposed to commit iniquity.-What men dignify with the || V. 15-39. Sensual love is readily changed into hatred and concupiscence into loathing: nor can it reasonably be expected, that those, who make no scruple of debauching the persons for whom they pretend affection, will feel any remorse at deserting them with cruelty and disdain, at exposing them to shame and contempt, or at leav gacity, cannot prevent the destruction of those CHAP. XIV. V. 1-3. Joab perceived that ing them to all the horrors of penury or prostitu- induces them to neglect their duty to God: yet as Absalom would be now considered. Doubt- to the sentence of the law; but David had many 1 m 8 And the king said unto the woman,|| faulty, in that the king doth not fetch Go to thine house, and I will give home again his banished. charge concerning thee. 9 And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless. 10 And the king said, Whosoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more. b 14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again: neither doth God respect any person; yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. maid. 15 Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me 11 Then said she, I pray thee, Plet afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now the king remember the LORD thy God, speak unto the king; it may be that the that thou wouldest not suffer the re-king will perform the request of his handvengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth. 12 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, " speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, * Say on. r t 13 And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is prived him of the comfort of children to succeed him in his inheritance. Absalom had not slain Amnon in sudden anger and hasty striving, when they were alone; but in deliberate malice and revenge, in the presence of his brethren. There was no malicious prosecution carrying on against Absalom by those who coveted his inheritance: but the law of God demanded his death, as a satisfaction to justice, and for a salutary example to all others. Had the case been drawn more similar, it would have betrayed the design, and defeated Joab's purpose: and the state of David's heart rendered it unnecessary to be very exact: for he wanted, not a good reason, but a plausible excuse for following his inclinations, as Joab well knew. 16 For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God. 17 Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee. 18 Then the king answered and said sonable demand. In this, David acted more according to his feelings than his judgment, and was very precipitate. If the party concerned in the supposed case did not deserve to die, the city of refuge would have afforded him a safe retreat, and a fair trial: (Note, Josh. 20:2—6.) and if he merited death, David had no right to dispense with the divine law by protecting him; and moreover he had examined no other witness, than one interested party! V. 13-17. The woman, having thus far carried her point, proceeded, gradually and ambiguously, to apply David's concession to the case of Absalom; and her speech was most artfully devised, so that she might retract, or be more explicit, according as he took it. She intimated that V. 8-11. It would not have answered the the king's severity to his son was injurious to intent of the woman, or of Joab her prompter, the people of God; and that he was wanting in had David merely engaged to examine into the his duty to the kingdom, in delaying to recal case: a present absolute decision in favor of the him: as if Absalom had been so excellent a supposed criminal was the object. The woman young man, that all the hopes of Israel centertherefore having excited David's compassion, ed in him! She represented his flight to Geurged her plea with great earnestness; and as-shur as a banishment, which had already been sured him that she was so satisfied of the good- too severe a punishment of his offence. She ness of the cause, that she was willing all the pleaded the certainty of death, and the impossiguilt, if there were any, should rest on her and bility of recalling the dead to life again; by her father's house, and not upon David or his which she would either insinuate that Amnon kingdom. Thus she engaged for what was out would have died in some other way, if Absalom of her power; (Note, 1 Sam. 28:9,10.) for the had not slain him; or that the punishment of Abneglect of punishing murder would, notwith- salom would not bring him to life again; or that, standing, bring guilt upon both king and peo- as David himself must at length die, it was proper ple. (Note, Num. 35:31-34.) She, however, that Absalom should be recalled to succeed him requested him to "remember the LORD his But whatever she meant, it was nothing to the God:" that is, to give her the security of an purpose: for God hath commanded the death of oath, that he would spare and protect her son; the murderer, which exceedingly tends to the and he was prevailed upon to grant her unrea-preservation of the life of man, though it can not raise the dead; and if such an argument were of any force, no malefactor must be put to death! When we have a mind to a thing, all 'reasons seem strong to persuade us to it.' Bp. Patrick. She also pleaded the mercy of God, in sparing, and re-admitting sinful men into his presence and favor, though justly banished from it; in which she seems to have referred to the return of the manslayer to his inheritance, at the death of the high priest.-The marginal reading, (14) "because God hath not taken away his life, he hath also, &c." appears to be the proper translation; and it is intimated, that as God had spared Absalom, David ought to pardon him. But God pardons none who are impenitent; nor any, to the dishonor of his law and justice, or to the encouragement of crimes, and the injury of others. Perhaps she meant to hint, that the people expressed their dissatisfaction with Absalom's banishment so openly, that they made her afraid of an insurrection: but she purposely so confounded the feigned cause of her son, with the real cause of Absalom, that part of her address is obscure. While however, she ventured to censure David for not gratifying himself; she took care repeatedly to give him flattering commendations for his wisdom and goodness, which in such a cause abundantly compensated for the ambiguity of her discourse, and the weakness of her arguments: (Notes, Prov. 26:28. 29:5.) and to do her justice, her ingenuity in pleading so bad a cause was admirable. We love those that admire 'us.' V. 18-20. (Notes, 3:26-39. 11:14-17.) Even when David perceived, and the woman had acknowledged, the drift of her discourse; 23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusa lem. 24 And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face. 25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: " from the sole of his foot ever to the crown of his head, there was no blemish in him. 26 And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it;) he weighed the hair of his head, at two hundred shekels after the king's weight. 27 And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance. she seems to have ained to keep up the idea, that the case stated was real, though she had turned the discourse to Absalom; and that she could not hope the king would spare her son, if he would not recal his own.-Her flattery in the conclusion was very great; even though she meant only the land of Israel, and not the whole earth: but in fact, David was not at this time giving much proof of his wisdom, as the event shewed! V. 21, 22. David was willing to suppose that his oath, to spare the woman's son, obliged him to recal Absalom, who was the person really intended; though he could not but perceive the insufficiency of her arguments, and the disparity of the cases. As a favor therefore he gave Joab permission to fetch home Absalom; and Joab appeared as thankful to the king for allotting him this service, as if the most expensive kindness had been done him. There was much of the courtier in this; but it was far distant from godly sincerity!-If however Joab thought, that this conduct of David as a pledge of reconciliation, or act of indemnity, secured him, as a murderer, from punishment, he was deceived: for he was at length put to death for his crimes, and that by David's counsel. (Notes, 1 Kings 2:5,6,28-34.) V. 24. David probably meant to quiet his own conscience, and to silence the censures of others, or to shew his abhorrence of murder, by laying Absalom under some tokens of disgrace, and by denying himself the pleasure of seeing him. This might also be intended to humble Absalom: but it entirely failed of preducing that effect. V. 25—27. Absalom was not praised for wis 28 ¶ So Absalom dwelt two full || Wherefore have thy servants set my field 1025. years in Jerusalem, and saw not the on fire? king's face. B. C. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he ent again the second time, he would not d 1 Kings 21:9-14. 2 Kings 9: 33. 10:6,7. dom, justice, or piety; but merely for his beauty, and effeminacy; for such doubtless was his attention to his hair: and yet he was the admiration and favorite of Israel! (Marg. Ref.Notes, 15:1-6. 1 Kings 1:5,6.) It is not cer'tain that he cut his hair once a year: for the 'words in the Hebrew are, "from the end of 'days to days," at stated times, when it grew 'too heavy.' Bp. Patrick.-As 200 shekels, according to the usual meaning of the word, was no less than eight pounds four ounces Troy weight; it has been thought, that the shekel of half an ounce is not meant, but a much less weight; or that the decorations used about his hair were included. Absalom's atrocious guilt however was forgotten, and his accomplishments universally celebrated; which increased his arrogance, and ended in his ruin.-His sons died before him. (18:18.) V. 28, 29. Perhaps Absalom was not only forbidden to visit his father; but was confined to his own house and its environs, and not allowed to go abroad. (Note, 1 Kings 2:36-46.) Thus he would be greatly embarrassed in his ambitious projects: and this might be one reason of his impatient desire of being reconciled to David, and enjoying his full liberty; and also of being freed from the disgrace of his present situation, which would hinder many from attaching themselves to him. He seems, however, to have been secretly active in forming a party, even at this time: and either he had not favored Joab for his former services, according to his expectations; or Absalom's popularity and ambition made that sagacious politician regard him as a dangerous person, with whom he did not wish to form any further connexions; so that he declined coming to him. V. 30-33. Absalom's injurious and hectoring treatment of so considerable a person as Joab; and his arrogant message to David, almost vindicating his conduct and demanding justice; plainly shewed his character and intentions, and his confidence in the favor of the people, and the ill-judged lenity of his father. This aggravated David's sin and folly in receiving him into full favor, in the manner he did; and which would give him access, without restraint, to all those, who before were reserved, or afraid of shewing their attachment to him. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1–20. It behoves princes and magistrates to be accessible, and to protect the destitute and op 32 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me. e 33 So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom. pressed: yet the most amiable dispositions must be regulated by discretion; or they will lead us to improper concessions.-While the urgent wants of the poor are unheeded by most men; the secret wishes of those, who possess authority and affluence, are discovered and anticipated by crafty courtiers and dependents, who seek their own interest by forwarding their indulgence: so that conscientious self-denial in such a situation is doubly difficult and doubly needful.-If scruples and fears deter great men from complying with their inclinations; some feigned precedent, some plausible arguments, or some partial illustration, will be devised and speciously suggested, to remove the hindrance. In such a case, the discerning favorite, or candidate for royal favor, will personally, or by some weil chosen instrument, venture to find fault with his prince or his patron; and to represent to him, that the safety of the state, or some other important interest, demands those measures which he scruples to adopt: and by such addresses to the passions as are suited to his character and disposition, mixed with flattering commendations and expostulations, he will cover the fallacy of his reasonings, and the unlawfulness and impolicy of that conduct which he recommends. Thus many a one has been led to impose on his own judgment and conscience, and conclude that he could not resist such urgent importunities, and such cogent arguments; that his consent was almost extorted; and that to oblige such kind friends he had passed his word, and could not in honor retract it: while in reality he was overcome by his own inclinations, and only wanted a specious excuse for indulging them. If the required concessions are evidently contrary to the duty of a man's station, and the interests of society; it will plausibly be argued, that some exceptions must be admitted; that this was a singular case; and that here exactness would be harsh, injurious, and of bad consequence: by sophistry, so manifest and slight, many even wise and good men deceive theinselves, where their affections are previously engaged.-Let us hence learn, what need we have to adhere closely to our rule of duty; to pray earnestly for the teaching of the Holy Spirit; and to watch against the deceitfulness of our own hearts, the bribery of our passions, and the agreeable poison of adulation. Sin has so filled the world with misery, that real cases of distress may be found, more pitiable than any which the imagination can feign; and we should readily endeavor to re |