Commentary on 2Samuel: Introduction and Part 1 (No. F010)

The Second Book of Samuel

Otherwise called, The Second Book of Kings

Title, Second Book. See note on First Book, p. 366 Companion Bible.

Introduction

In the book of 2Samuel, we continue to see the life of David from the time of Saul’s death and becoming King to when he builds an altar at the threshing floor of Aranuah. David was referred to as a man after God’s own heart in 1Samuel 13:4. We know David was a shepherd from 1Samuel 16:11, 17:20, 17:34-35. He was a musician and armour bearer from 1Samuel 16:16-21 and 2Samuel 23:1, a general from 1Samuel 16:11 and king from 2Samuel 2:4, 2Samuel 5:2-3. We will continue to see David’s character traits emerge such as his repentant heart and humble attitude as well as many other things.

We will continue to see his interactions with enemies and neighbours.

The Amalekites are a significant component in the interactions with Israel through the generations. The first occurrence of Amalek in the Bible is in Gen. 36:12 where we learn Amalek is a descendant of Esau. In Ex. 17:8 we learn of the battle where God commanded Saul to completely destroy the people of Amalek (1Samuel 15:2-3) which Saul did not do. We will see more conflicts arise with the Amalekites going forward in time. For more information on continued conflicts with Amalek see Wars of the End Part I: Wars of Amalek (No. 141C).

Chapter 1

David Mourns for Saul and Jonathan

After the death of Saul, when David had returned from the slaughter of the Amal′ekites, David remained two days in Ziklag; ²and on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes rent and earth upon his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and did obeisance. ³David said to him, “Where do you come from?” And he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” ⁴And David said to him, “How did it go? Tell me.” And he answered, “The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead; and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” ⁵Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” ⁶And the young man who told him said, “By chance I happened to be on Mount Gilbo′a; and there was Saul leaning upon his spear; and lo, the chariots and the horsemen were close upon him. ⁷And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. And I answered, ‘Here I am.’ ⁸And he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amal′ekite.’ ⁹And he said to me, ‘Stand beside me and slay me; for anguish has seized me, and yet my life still lingers.’ ¹⁰So I stood beside him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen; and I took the crown which was on his head and the armlet which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.” ¹¹Then David took hold of his clothes, and rent them; and so did all the men who were with him; ¹²and they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. ¹³And David said to the young man who told him, “Where do you come from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a sojourner, an Amal′ekite.” ¹⁴David said to him, “How is it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” ¹⁵Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go, fall upon him.” And he smote him so that he died. ¹⁶And David said to him, “Your blood be upon your head; for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have slain the Lord’s anointed.’” ¹⁷And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son, ¹⁸and he said itshould be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar, He said: ¹⁹“Thy glory, O Israel, is slain upon thy high places! How are the mighty fallen! ²⁰Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Ash′kelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. ²¹“Ye mountains of Gilbo′a, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor upsurging of the deep! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil. ²²“From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. ²³“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. ²⁴“Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you daintily in scarlet, who put ornaments of gold upon your apparel. ²⁵“How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! “Jonathan lies slain upon thy high places. ²⁶I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. ²⁷“How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!”

Intent of the Chapter 1

David learns of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths

1:1-10 David returned from battle with the Amalekites and continued to stay with the Philistines. The Amalekites had stolen the possessions and families of David in 1Samuel 30:6. David encouraged himself in Yahovah Elohim, the Lord his God, and was able to bring back the families and the possessions.

On the third day when he was at Ziklag a man approached with torn clothes and dust on his head. The number 3 shows us an element of completeness. The third day completed the fundamentals of creation and days 4,5,6 mirrored things that happened on the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd days of creation. We also know the sign of Jonah was that Christ would be in the grave 3 days and 3 nights. Three is a very significant number in Scripture. For more information see Symbolism of Numbers (No. 007).

When David saw the runner had torn clothes and dust on his head David realised things were concerning. Scriptures that signify this are found in Gen. 37:29, 34; Job 1:20 and also the N.T. in Acts 14:14. David was aware something horrific had happened. The Amalekite began to tell the story of what happened to Saul and Jonathan.

The story of the Amalekite is different from the record of 1Samuel 31:3-5. Apparently, this man discovered the body of Saul and looted it. He later told the story to David hoping to be rewarded for the good news (see 2Sam. 4:10). As we have learned Saul was told to ‘utterly destroy’ the Amalekites in 1Samuel 15:2-3, yet Saul did not follow God’s direction and now we see an Amalekite bringing the news of Saul’s death to David.

Here is a brief review of Scriptures dealing with how the Amalekites interacted with Israel.

· Amalek focused its attack on the tired and weak (Deut. 25:17-18).

· Amalek does not fear God (Deut. 25:17-18).

· God commanded a permanent state of war against Amalek (Ex. 17:16).

· The battle against Amalek is only won in the context of prayer and seeking God (Ex. 17:11).

· God promises to one day completely blot out the remembrance of Amalek (Ex. 17:14).

· Amalek is defeated by God’s servant, Joshua (Ex. 17:13).

· Amalek was once first but will one day be last (Num. 24:20).

· Amalek allies itself with other enemies in battle against God’s people (Jdg. 3:13).

1:11-16 David’s reaction to the Amalekite

Though Saul at times respected David and other times sought David’s life, David mourned for Saul and his close friend Jonathan till evening.

David stated, ‘your own mouth has testified against you saying I have killed the Lord’s anointed’ and he had one of his own men strike him down.

1:17-27 David’s lament and Song for Saul and Jonathan

It is interesting in 2Samuel 1:18 that David stated: “teach the sons of Judah the song of the Bow; it is written in the book of Jasher.” The Book of Jasher, (a collection of poems no longer extant, OARSV n.) is mentioned here and in Joshua 10:13. The song talks of David’s feelings and thoughts for Saul and his beloved friend Jonathan.

*Note: The Lamentation is called ‘The Bow’ because this is what the tribe of Saul and Johathan (Benjamin) was noted for (cp. 1Chro. 8:40, 12:2; 2Chro. 14:8, 17:17); See Bullinger’s note on v. 18.

Chapter 2

David Anointed King of Judah

After this David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.” ²So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahin′o-am of Jezreel, and Ab′igail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. ³And David brought up his men who were with him, every one with his household; and they dwelt in the towns of Hebron. ⁴And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. When they told David, “It was the men of Ja′besh-gil′ead who buried Saul,” ⁵David sent messengers to the men of Ja′besh-gil′ead, and said to them, “May you be blessed by the Lord, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord, and buried him! ⁶Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you! And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. ⁷Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

Ishbaal King of Israel

⁸Now Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-bo′sheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahana′im; ⁹and he made him king over Gilead and the Ash′urites and Jezreel and E′phraim and Benjamin and all Israel. ¹⁰Ish-bo′sheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. ¹¹And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

The Battle of Gibeon

¹²Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bo′sheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahana′im to Gibeon. ¹³And Jo′ab the son of Zeru′iah, and the servants of David, went out and met them at the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. ¹⁴And Abner said to Jo′ab, “Let the young men arise and play before us.” And Jo′ab said, “Let them arise.” ¹⁵Then they arose and passed over by number, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bo′sheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. ¹⁶And each caught his opponent by the head, and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side; so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Hel′kath-hazzu′rim, which is at Gibeon. ¹⁷And the battle was very fierce that day; and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David. ¹⁸And the three sons of Zeru′iah were there, Jo′ab, Abi′shai, and As′ahel. Now As′ahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle; ¹⁹and As′ahel pursued Abner, and as he went he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. ²⁰Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is it you, As′ahel?” And he answered, “It is I.” ²¹Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men, and take his spoil.” But As′ahel would not turn aside from following him. ²²And Abner said again to As′ahel, “Turn aside from following me; why should I smite you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Jo′ab?” ²³But he refused to turn aside; therefore Abner smote him in the belly with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back; and he fell there, and died where he was. And all who came to the place where As′ahel had fallen and died, stood still. ²⁴But Jo′ab and Abi′shai pursued Abner; and as the sun was going down they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Gi′ah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. ²⁵And the Benjaminites gathered themselves together behind Abner, and became one band, and took their stand on the top of a hill. ²⁶Then Abner called to Jo′ab, “Shall the sword devour for ever? Do you not know that the end will be bitter? How long will it be before you bid your people turn from the pursuit of their brethren?” ²⁷And Jo′ab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely the men would have given up the pursuit of their brethren in the morning.” ²⁸So Jo′ab blew the trumpet; and all the men stopped, and pursued Israel no more, nor did they fight any more. ²⁹And Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; they crossed the Jordan, and marching the whole forenoon they came to Mahana′im. ³⁰Jo′ab returned from the pursuit of Abner; and when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing of David’s servants nineteen men besides As′ahel. ³¹But the servants of David had slain of Benjamin three hundred and sixty of Abner’s men. ³²And they took up As′ahel, and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was at Bethlehem. And Jo′ab and his men marched all night, and the day broke upon them at Hebron.

Intent of Chapter 2

Here we see David was made king over Judah and Ishbosheth is over Israel

2:1-4 Here again we see David inquiring of the Lord what he should do and God directing him from Ziklag, in the Philistine territory to go to Hebron with his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal who had been a leading Calebite.

“Both women were from the Calebite region. Marriage to Nabel’s wife strengthened David’s claims to the throne of Judah (cf. AORSV n.)

David stayed in Hebron for the first seven and half years in his reign as king.

In 1Samuel 16:12-13 we learned David was anointed at an early age. In 2Sam. 2:2-4 the men of Judah ordained David king of Judah.

2:4-7 We see David thanking the men of Jabesh Gilead for the honourable burial of Saul as we learn from 1Sam. 31:11-13.

2:8-11 Abner sets up Ishbosheth as king over Israel

Abner was Saul’s cousin (1Sam. 14:50) and the commander of Saul’s armies for many years. Abner appeared to want to retain control over Saul’s kingdom. Though Saul’s three sons were killed in battle we learn of a surviving son of Saul, Ishbosheth. We see that Ishbosheth’s name is SHD 378 meaning "man of shame". He was king of Israel for a time while David was king over Judah. In 2Sam. 4:7 we learn that Ishbosheth is murdered and David united the kingdom. We learn Ishbosheth was 40 and reigned 2 years (2Sam. 2:10).

War between the tribe of Judah and the other tribes of Israel

2:12-17 Abner’s troops and Joab’s troops square off in a fierce battle

Abner and Joab agreed to 12 on 12 troops in combat. It was a fierce blood bath.

2:18-23 Abner kills Asahel

Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai and Asahel. Asahel was a very fast runner and pursued Abner, and did not turn away for anything even when Abner pleaded with him to turn aside. Abner struck him with a sword (of the butt of the spear) and he died.

2:24-28 A cease-fire called between the house of David and Saul

Both Joab and Abner agreed to a cease fire.

2:29-3:1 A great victory for David’s army

2Samuel 2:30 tells us that 19 of David’s men were missing and were killed and we also know Asahel was killed; therefore, David lost 20 men. In verse 30 we learn Abner lost 360 men.

Remember from 1Sam. 16:13-14 God chose David and the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from Saul.

Chapter 3

Abner Defects to David

There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker. ²And sons were born to David at Hebron: his first-born was Amnon, of Ahin′o-am of Jezr eel; ³and his second, Chil′e-ab, of Ab′igail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Ab′salom the son of Ma′acah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; ⁴and the fourth, Adoni′jah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephati′ah the son of Abi′tal; ⁵and the sixth, Ith′re-am, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron. ⁶While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul. ⁷Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Ai′ah; and Ish-bo′sheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?” ⁸Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bo′sheth, and said, “Am I a dog’s head of Judah? This day I keep showing loyalty to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman. ⁹God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the Lord has sworn to him, ¹⁰to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beer-sheba.” ¹¹And Ish-bo′sheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him. ¹²And Abner sent messengers to David at Hebron, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.” ¹³And he said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you; but one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face, unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.” ¹⁴Then David sent messengers to Ish-bo′sheth Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed at the price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” ¹⁵And Ish-bo′sheth sent, and took her from her husband Pal′ti-el the son of La′ish. ¹⁶But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahu′rim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return”; and he returned. ¹⁷And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you. ¹⁸Now then bring it about; for the Lord has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’” ¹⁹Abner also spoke to Benjamin; and then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin thought good to do. ²⁰When Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron, David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. ²¹And Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

Abner Is Killed by Joab

²²Just then the servants of David arrived with Jo′ab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. ²³When Jo′ab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Jo′ab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace.” ²⁴Then Jo′ab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone? ²⁵You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.”²⁶When Jo′ab came out from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah; but David did not know about it. ²⁷And when Abner returned to Hebron, Jo′ab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he smote him in the belly, so that he died, for the blood of As′ahel his brother. ²⁸Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are for ever guiltless before the Lord for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. ²⁹May it fall upon the head of Jo′ab, and upon all his father’s house; and may the house of Jo′ab never be without one who has a discharge, or who is leprous, or who holds a spindle, or who is slain by the sword, or who lacks bread!” ³⁰So Jo′ab and Abi′shai his brother slew Abner, because he had killed their brother As′ahel in the battle at Gibeon. ³¹Then David said to Jo′ab and to all the people who were with him, “Rend your clothes, and gird on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David followed the bier. ³²They buried Abner at Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. ³³And the king lamented for Abner, saying, “Should Abner die as a fool dies? ³⁴Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen.” And all the people wept again over him. ³⁵Then all the people came to persuade David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, “God do so to me and more also, if I taste bread or anything else till the sun goes down!” ³⁶And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them; as everything that the king did pleased all the people. ³⁷So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king’s will to slay Abner the son of Ner. ³⁸And the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? ³⁹And I am this day weak, though anointed king; these men the sons of Zeru′iah are too hard for me. The Lord requite the evildoer according to his wickedness!”

Intent of Chapter 3

3:2-5 During David’s 7 years in Hebron 6 different wives gave birth to 6 sons

The meaning of their names are listed below

1. firstborn was Amnon (SHD 550 faithful) by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; who raped his half-sister and was murdered by his half-brother.

2. his second, Chileab, (SHD 3609 like his father) by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite;

3. the third, Absalom (SHD 53 my father is peace) the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; who murdered his half-brother and led a civil war against his father, David, attempting to murder David.

4. the fourth, Adonijah (SHD 138 my lord is Jehovah) the son of Haggith; (later on the in Bible we will see this son is Solomon’s rival for the throne).

5. the fifth, Shephatiah (SHD 8203 Jehovah has judged) the son of Abital;

6. and the sixth, Ithream, (SHD 3507 profit of the people) by David’s wife Eglah.

If we read the Hebrew names in succession the first 6 sons of David are as follows: faithful, like his father, my father is peace, my Lord is Yahovah, Yahovah has judged and the profit of people.

We understand in the NT the command is for a man to have one wife yet in OT there are various examples of men having multiple wives. For more information on this subject see Polygamy in the Bible and the Koran (No. 293).

3:6-11 Ishbosheth accuses Abner of being with Saul’s concubine Rizpah

Rizpah was one of Saul’s concubines and the mother of Armoni and Mephibosheth.

It may be that Abner was trying to increase his power or presence in the house of Saul. Historically concubines were viewed differently from we might think of them today. For more information on relationships see Descendants of Abraham Part IV: Sons of Keturah (No. 212D).

Abner becomes very angry with Ishbosheth for the accusation; and Ishbosheth becomes afraid of Abner.

3:12-16 David agrees to receive Abner if he brings Michal with him

Abner sent messages to David that he would like to join David and David replied he must bring his wife Michal, Saul’s daughter. Ishbosheth sent Michal back to David, and her husband was distraught to see her go.

3:17-19 Abner rallies support for David among the other tribes

1Samuel 14:50 Abner was a senior general in Saul’s Army. Saul’s house played a key role in again making the tribes aware of ‘By the hand of My servant David, I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and the hand of all their enemies.’’

It is interesting that at different points in his life Abner contributed to creating civil war among the tribes yet in this final act he was seen as unifying the nation of Israel under David.

It is important to realise David was not trying to make himself king; God used other individuals to have key events happen.

3:20-21 David formally receives Abner with a feast

Abner and 20 men came and had a feast with David.

David appeared to have forgiven the problems he had experienced with Abner and sent him away in peace.

3:22-27 Joab learns that Abner has joined David’s side and avenges his brother’s death

When Joab returned from a raid and heard that Abner had visited David, he believed Abner came to deceive David. Joab and his men meet Abner at the well of Sirah and kill him for the death of his brother Ashael at Gibeon.

3:28-39 David renounces Joab’s murder of Abner and he mourns for him

David was very clear he and his kingdom were innocent of the blood of Abner and the blood of Abner was on Joab and his family.

David and those with him tore their clothes and wore sackcloth due to the death of Abner. David walked behind the brier and chanted a lament. David also fasted. All the people understood David was deeply troubled by the death of Abner.

David had a long history with Abner; he introduced David to Saul at the killing of Goliath.

1Samuel 17:55-58, Abner would have seen the change in Saul’s mental health. He witnessed the exchange between Saul and Jonathan that led to David fleeing (see 1Sam. 20). David never once laid a hand to kill God’s anointed and on one occasion he showed the spear and jug he took from Saul and questioned Abner’s ability to faithfully guard the king (see 1Samuel 26). In the end Abner encouraged the tribes to unite under David’s rule.

Chapter 4

Ishbaal Assassinated

When Ish-bo′sheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed. ²Now Saul’s son had two men who were captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Ba′anah, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon a man of Benjamin from Be-er′oth (for Be-er′oth also is reckoned to Benjamin; ³the Be-er′othites fled to Git′taim, and have been sojourners there to this day). ⁴Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel; and his nurse took him up, and fled; and, as she fled in her haste, he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephib′osheth. ⁵Now the sons of Rimmon the Be-er′othite, Rechab and Ba′anah, set out, and about the heat of the day they came to the house of Ish-bo′sheth, as he was taking his noonday rest. ⁶And behold, the doorkeeper of the house had been cleaning wheat, but she grew drowsy and slept; so Rechab and Ba′anah his brother slipped in.⁷When they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him. They took his head, and went by the way of the Arabah all night, ⁸and brought the head of Ish-bo′sheth to David at Hebron. And they said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bo′sheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life; the Lord has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and on his offspring.” ⁹But David answered Rechab and Ba′anah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Be-er′othite, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity, ¹⁰when one told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and slew him at Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. ¹¹How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous man in his own house upon his bed, shall I not now require his blood at your hand, and destroy you from the earth?” ¹²And David commanded his young men, and they killed them, and cut off their hands and feet, and hanged them beside the pool at Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bo′sheth, and buried it in the tomb of Abner at Hebron.

Intent of Chapter 4

4:1-7 Saul’s house continues to weaken and Ishbosheth is murdered, and Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth is mentioned.

Ishbosheth heard Abner was dead and he was fearful that he could keep control of the house of Saul.

Mephibosheth Saul’s grandson, Jonathan’s son, was lame and had a strong legal claim to Saul’s throne.

Baana or Baanah and Rechab were Benjaminites and were the 2 captains in Saul’s house whom Ishbosheth took into his service and who then conspired to murder him. They took Ishbosheth’s head to David.

4:8-12 David executes Ishbosheth’s assassins

David reminded them of what happened to the Amalekite that informed him that he had killed Saul. David has both men killed for killing a righteous man on his bed in his own house. David was loyal to his pledge to honour and preserve Saul’s family and descendants (1Sam. 24:20-22).

Bullinger’s Notes on Chs. 1-4 (for KJV)

Chapter 1

Verse 1

the slaughter . Compare 1 Samuel 30:17

Ziklag . Compare 1 Samuel 27:6 .

Verse 2

the third day . See note on 1 Samuel 30:12 . behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

man . Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .

Verse 4

he answered . He thought he brought news which would be welcomed.

Verse 6

behold . . . lo . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

Verse 8

Amalekite . Thus Saul was dishonoured by one whom his disobedience spared. Compare 1 Samuel 15:3 and Exodus 17:16 .

Verse 9

He said . His whole story was a fabrication. See the facts in 1 Samuel 31:4 , 1 Samuel 31:5 .

life = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 10

fallen : i.e. upon his own sword (1 Samuel 31:4 ).

Verse 11

men. Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 ,

Verse 12

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

Verse 16

Thy blood . Compare 2 Samuel 1:10 .

thy head = thyself. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part). App-6 .

Verse 18

children = sons.

the use of . The Ellipsis is wrongly supplied. The word "Lamentation" should be repeated from 2 Samuel 1:17 ; "The Bow" being the subject of the Lamentation (2 Samuel 1:22 ). the

bow. This is the name of the Lamentation, be-cause it is mentioned in 2 Samuel 1:22 ; and it is what the tribe of Saul and Jonathan (Benjamin) was noted for (compare 1 Chronicles 8:40 ; 1Ch 12:2 . 2 Chronicles 14:8 ; 2 Chronicles 17:17 ). For a similar reason the scripture (Exodus 3:0 ) about "The Bush" is so called in Mark 12:26 . Luke 20:37 .

behold . Figure of speech . Asterismos. App-6 .

written, &c. In the Book of Jasher (or The Upright One) = " Thy hart, Israel, lies slain", &c.

Verse 19

beauty = gazelle. Symbolic of beauty and grace.

Verse 21

The shield of Saul. Omit the italics that follow, and supply instead "the weapon of one anointed with oil", the Hebrew k e li (or keli?) "weapons" being read instead of b e ll in the first edition of the Hebrew Bible, 1488, and the Syriac and Arabic Versions and Chaldee paraphrase.

Verse 23

swifter . . . stronger . Figure of speech Hyperbole. App-6 .

Verse 27

How, &c. Render: "How [is it that] mighty ones have fallen, and weapons of war have perished".

Chapter 2

Verse 1

enquired . Probably by Urim and Thummim, in the breastplate of Abiathar the High Priest, who was with David (1 Samuel 22:20 ).

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 3

men . Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 .

man . Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 .

Verse 4

anointed David . Aged thirty years. See note on 1 Samuel 16:13 .

Verse 6

The 20th Seder ends here. See note on p. 366.

Verse 7

valiant = Sons of valour.

Verse 8

Ish-bosheth = man of shame: i.e. the idol " Baal ". In 1 Chronicles 8:33 = Esh-baal.

Verse 9

and . Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ) in 2 Samuel 2:9 .

Verse 13

Gibeon . Abner's city, in Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:29 , 1 Chronicles 8:30 ; 1 Chronicles 9:35 , 1 Chronicles 9:36 ).

Verse 14

young men = common soldiers.

play = make sport.

Verse 15

which pertained . Septuagint and Syriac read "pertaining".

Verse 18

as a wild roe = as one of the gazelles which are in the field.

Verse 23

stood still : i. e, with horror at the sight.

Verse 25

children = sons.

Verse 27

God. Hebrew. Elohim . App-4 .

I (with Art.) spoken. Supply the Ellipsis ( App-6 ) thus: "spoken [the words which caused the provocation], surely". Compare 2 Samuel 2:14 .

Verse 29

Bithron = the ravine.

Verse 31

men. Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 .

Chapter 3

Verse 1

Saul. Note the Figure of speech Antimetabole ( App-6 ) in this verse, and the Introversion of the subjects of this chapter.

Verse 3

wife of Nabal . Figures of speech Epitheton and Ampliatio ( App-6 ), by which Abigail is still so called by way of explanation. See note on 1 Samuel 30:5 .

Absalom . Born in the Jubilee year, 958-957. Hence his name.

Verse 5

David's wife . Probably added, parenthetically, to indicate his first wife

Verse 7

Ish-bosheth . Ellipsis. But some codices, with three early printed editions, read "the name".

Verse 8

fault. Hebrew. avon, iniquity. See App-44 .

Verse 9

God . Hebrew. Elohim . App-4 .

as = according as.

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

Verse 12

league = covenant.

behold . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

hand . Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 . Hand put for help given by it.

Verse 13

Well = Good!

Verse 15

her . Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read "her" in the text.

Phaltiel. Same as Phalti (1 Samuel 25:44 ).

Verse 16

along weeping = weeping as he went.

Verse 18

do it = act.

Verse 20

men . Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 .

Verse 21

thine heart = thy soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

sent Abner away = let Abner go.

Verse 22

pursuing a troop = making a raid.

Verse 24

What . . . ? . . . why . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

Verse 26

blood . Hebrew = bloods. Figure of speech Heterosis (of Number) = much or noble blood. ( App-6 ).

Verse 28

rest = recoil.

or . See note on Judges 11:31 .

falleth on the sword . Figure of speech Periphrasis ( App-6 ) for death by executioner; or, in war: commonly used where guilt of some kind is involved.

Verse 30

Gibeon . Compare 2 Samuel 2:13 .

Verse 31

bier . Hebrew. mittah, a bed; See 2 Samuel 4:7 , and compare Exodus 8:3 . The poor man's couch by day was his bed by night, and sometimes his bier.

Verse 33

Died . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

a fool dieth: i.e. running into needless danger.

Verse 34

not bound : i.e. as a malefactor. Compare 1 Samuel 25:25 , 1 Samuel 25:26 .

fetters. Hebrew = brass, put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for fetters made of it. App-6 .

wicked men = "sons of ` avlah". App-44 .

Verse 35

meat . Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species) for food in general.

Verse 36

pleased them = was good in their eyes.

Verse 38

Know ye . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

Verse 39

shall reward . Compare 1Ki 2:5 , 1 Kings 2:6 .

evil . Hebrew. ra ` a `. App-44 .

wickedness . Hebrew. ra ' a `. App-44 .

Chapter 4

Verse 2

men . Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 .

Beerothite . Near Gibeon (Joshua 18:25 ), now El Bireh, 6 miles north of Jerusalem, one of the Hivite towns possessed by Benjamin.

children = sons.

for . Note Figure of speech Parenthesis. App-6 .

Verse 4

lame of his feet. Compare state of sinner by nature. of Saul: i.e. of the death of Saul, &c.: 2 Samuel 4:4 is introduced here to explain the ease with which David's accession was accomplished, Mephibosheth being unable to succeed his father or avenge the death of Ish-bosheth.

Verse 6

And they came thither . Or, "Thither, into the interior of the house, came wheat-fetchers, and they smote", &c.

Verse 7

bed . Compare 2 Samuel 3:31 .

Verse 8

life = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 9

soul . Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 10

Behold . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

Verse 11

person . Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .

require = exact the penalty for.

earth = land.

Verse 12

sepulchre . Compare 2 Samuel 3:32 .

Chapter 4

Verse 2

men . Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 .

Beerothite . Near Gibeon (Joshua 18:25 ), now El Bireh, 6 miles north of Jerusalem, one of the Hivite towns possessed by Benjamin.

children = sons.

for . Note Figure of speech Parenthesis. App-6 .

Verse 4

Verse 6

And they came thither . Or, "Thither, into the interior of the house, came wheat-fetchers, and they smote", &c.

Verse 7

bed . Compare 2 Samuel 3:31 .

Verse 8

life = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 9

soul . Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 10

Behold . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

Verse 11

person . Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .

require = exact the penalty for.

earth = land.

Verse 12

sepulchre . Compare 2 Samuel 3:32 .

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