2Sa 15:1

2Sa 15: Poss background: was David very ill at this time (cp Psa 41:3,5,8; 55:4; Psa 38; Psa 39)?

CHARIOT AND HORSES… FIFTY MEN: An entourage appropriate to a king!

2Sa 15:4

Beware of pride and political ambition: ‘I could do BETTER!’ “How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame [dishonor my Glorious One]? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods [lies]?” (Psa 4:2).

2Sa 15:6

HE STOLE THE HEARTS…: “He made them disaffected toward his father, David, and robbed him of their loyalty. It is always wrong to steal a man’s possessions, but worse to rob him of his right to be loved” (LR).

2Sa 15:7

FOUR YEARS: Not forty, as KJV. Prob four years after Absalom’s return from exile.

AND FULFILL A VOW I MADE TO THE LORD: Wickedness and rebellion under the guise of religion.

2Sa 15:12

AHITHOPHEL: Already a traitor, or so it seems. He was already waiting at Giloh — near Hebron — and he came without question. (Note David’s laments re Ahithophel: Psa 41; 55.) Poss reason: Bathsheba was Ahithophel’s granddaughter (cp 2Sa 11:3 with 2Sa 23:34). Ahithophel’s advice: 2Sa 16:21r. Obviously Ahithophel’s enmity extended to Bathsheba and her children, for bringing disgrace on the family (BS 9:56,57).

AND SO THE CONSPIRACY GAINED STRENGTH: “O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!” (Psa 3:1). Why? (1) Saul’s partisans still remained; (2) the affair of Bathsheba; (3) Joab’s crimes; and (4) David’s illness, and seeming lack of authority.

2Sa 15:14

David leaves to muster forces, to draw clear lines of division between the two camps, to allow others to join him, to make his position firm in the countryside.

Typ Christ, who withdraws and waits 2,000 years to see who are his true followers.

2Sa 15:16

TEN CONCUBINES TO TAKE CARE OF THE PALACE: Cp 10 virgins to keep watch for the bridegroom’s return: Mat 25:1-13. But they do not (or cannot?) wait faithfully for their “husband” to return: 2Sa 16:21,22.

2Sa 15:17

David’s flight: see Psa 3; 42/43; 63.

SOME DISTANCE AWAY: On the far outskirts of Jerusalem.

2Sa 15:18

PELETHITES: Prob sons of Peleth, of Judah (1Ch 2:33). They were of general family of Jerahmeelites (1Ch 2:25), who settled on extreme southwest border of Judah (1Sa 27:10). Here, they would be neighbors of the Philistine Cherethites (Zep 2:5; 1Sa 30:14) — poss the link by which they came to join themselves to Judah and David (BS 10:23).

2Sa 15:19

ITTAI: Who later became a leader of a third of David’s army (2Sa 18:2). A Gentile, of Gath, more loyal than David’s own son!

2Sa 15:20

YOU CAME ONLY YESTERDAY: Prob a hyperbole: to suggest that Ittai was not a “Hebrew” of long standing.

‘Do not become involved in our internal disputes.’

2Sa 15:21

“There is Ruth-like quality [Rth 1:16,17] in this asseveration [serious statement] and there is almost an echo of it in the words of Jesus when he says: ‘Where I am, there shall also my servant be’ (John 12:26). For all of us, in our coming to Christ, the words of David have a special relevance: ‘Thou art a stranger and also an exile: whereas thou camest but yesterday…’ Sure we were, outside the commonwealth of Israel, having no hope and without God in the world. And we heard the call of the King. Our hearts took fast hold of the things concerning him and the kingdom, and we forsook our former allegiance. So now, ‘in death or life,’ in ‘what place my Lord the king shall be’ we follow, that in the end we might be with him for ever” (TMD 163).

“The most notable of the 600-plus men of Gath was a man named Ittai who with his companions fled with David when Absalom rebelled. Ittai’s words to David are quite extraordinary and again reveal how much Ruth’s conversion meant to David. Indeed one is inclined to contemplate whether Ruth had still been alive in the early years of David’s life and had been involved in his upbringing. David quite evidently had told Ittai of Ruth’s words to her mother in law because Ittai’s words seem to allude to them. When David suggested that Ittai should return from following him when he fled from Absalom, Ittai said: ‘As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be’ ” (KC).

So Ittai is really saying, “If David’s ancestress, a Moabite, can pledge such allegiance — loving and absolute — to the God of Israel and His people, then so can I… even though a Gittite!” And then, even we Aussies and Americans can say: “If Ruth, and Ittai, could say such things — and do them… then so can I!”

One final lesson: How low David must have been feeling, in fleeing his own city and giving up his throne, upon which Yahweh had placed him! So here we have a newcomer — one not so long before a “godless” Gittite, a brute beast, so to speak (vv 19,20) — not only coming with David, but encouraging him with these words… which (in their “Ruth” form) David must have quoted to him!

So the lesson is for all of us: It’s good to share our bright and precious hope with others, because — when we need it most — one of them might just give it back to us!

2Sa 15:23

THE KING ALSO CROSSED THE KIDRON VALLEY: “David passed that gloomy brook when flying with his mourning company from his traitor son. The man after God’s own heart was not exempt from trouble, nay, his life was full of it. He was both the Lord’s Anointed, and the Lord’s Afflicted. Why then should we expect to escape? At sorrow’s gates the noblest of our race have waited with ashes on their heads; wherefore then should we complain as though some strange thing had happened unto us? The King of kings himself was not favoured with a more cheerful or royal road. He passed over the filthy ditch of Kidron, through which the filth of Jerusalem flowed. God had one Son without sin, but not a single child without the rod. It is a great joy to believe that Jesus has been tempted in all points like as we are. What is our Kidron this morning? Is it a faithless friend, a sad bereavement, a slanderous reproach, a dark foreboding? The King has passed over all these. Is it bodily pain, poverty, persecution, or contempt? Over each of these Kidrons the King has gone before us. ‘In all our afflictions He was afflicted’ [Isa 63:9]. The idea of strangeness in our trials must be banished at once and for ever, for he who is the Head of all saints, knows by experience the grief which we think so peculiar” (CHS).

2Sa 15:25

TAKE THE ARK OF GOD BACK INTO THE CITY: God and His ark were to dwell only in Jerusalem (Psa 132:14).

IF I FIND FAVOR IN THE LORD’S EYES: “Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD” (Psa 4:6).

2Sa 15:28

THE FORDS IN THE DESERT: The plain of Jericho, by the ford of Jordan.

2Sa 15:30

BUT DAVID CONTINUED UP THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, WEEPING AS HE WENT: This is to be contrasted with the incident in the gospels: “When [Jesus] came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen” (Luk 19:37).

And then… compared with another incident not much later: “When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it” (John 18:1).

HIS HEAD WAS COVERED: Like a leper: Lev 13:45. Was he ill (vv 5,6)?

2Sa 15:31

O LORD, TURN AHITHOPHEL’S COUNSEL INTO FOOLISHNESS: That is, He made Ahithophel’s counsel APPEAR to be foolish — so that Absalom would not follow it (2Sa 17:14).

2Sa 16:1

2Sa 16: “Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts. A poor man is shunned by all his relatives — how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he pursues them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found” (Pro 19:6,7). “Fair weather friends.”

ZIBA: Ziba, a former servant of Saul, had been commanded to farm Mephibosheth’s land, so that Mephibosheth could eat bread at David’s table. Ziba — a man with a large family and many servants — prob resented this, and sought to gain the territory of Mephibosheth (see 2Sa 9:2-12; 19:24-30).

2Sa 16:5

Vv 5-14: Note types with Christ: Shimei (of Benjamin: like Saul, and Saul of Tarsus?) curses David as he is led outside the camp to suffer (Kedron: 2Sa 15:23; Olivet: 2Sa 15:30). David, being forgiven (and thus sinless), accepts this rebuke quietly — as coming from God. His followers beg permission to attack his accusers, but he refuses (cp Mat 26:52). No violence or anger: a “lamb” led dumb to the slaughter.

“The scene is one we would do well to carry in our hearts — Shimei’s violent language and the flying stones, and David’s silent, disciplined army marching towards Jericho, with their king humbled in their midst. Another, greater than David, ‘who did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth,’ would bear a greater reproach outside the walls of Jerusalem. When reviled, he would not threaten but would commit himself to Him that judgeth righteously. Twelve legions of angels would be his servants, but not one of them would silence those who cursed the Son of God. Christ’s submission before undeserved cursing and bitterness was part of the triumph of his spirit” (TMD 169).

SHIMEI: This same Shimei later repents (2Sa 19:16-20), and welcomes David as he returns in triumph. Later he is put to death (1Ki 2:8,44).

2Sa 16:6

HE PELTED DAVID WITH STONES: “Across that wild ravine” (WGos 169).

2Sa 16:7

YOU MAN OF BLOOD, YOU SCOUNDREL!: “Man of Belial.” As if David were to blame for deaths of Saul, Jonathan, Abner, and Ishbosheth. “Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him’ ” (Psa 3:2). “How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame?” (Psa 4:2).

2Sa 16:10

WHAT DO YOU AND I HAVE IN COMMON, YOU SONS OF ZERUIAH?: Which included Joab also. How completely different David was from his nephews! They were proud, ambitious; he was humble, bowing under the hand of God.

2Sa 16:11

LEAVE HIM ALONE: “In your anger do not sin” (Psa 4:4; cp Eph 4:26). Also cp Luk 9:54: “fire from heaven”.

2Sa 16:16

HUSHAI: See 2Sa 15:32,37.

LONG LIVE THE KING!: But WHICH king? David, of course!

2Sa 16:18

A careful ambiguity again (as in v 16): surely ‘the one chosen by Yahweh’ = David, not Absalom!

2Sa 16:19

SHOULD I NOT SERVE THE SON?: Ambiguity yet again. Which son? Surely Solomon, the rightful heir!

JUST AS I SERVED YOUR FATHER, SO I WILL SERVE YOU: “As I have served in thy father’s presence, so will I be in thy presence!” And he was! He served David before, and now (in Absalom’s presence) he continued to serve David!

2Sa 16:21

AHITHOPHEL ANSWERED, “LIE WITH YOUR FATHER’S CONCUBINES”: Strategic purpose: to make a public and permanent breach, and thereby to insure the safety of those who joined the conspiracy. (Now there would be no chance that Absalom would seek his father’s forgiveness, by placing the complete blame for the aborted coup on his counselors.) Ahithophel’s secondary (and personal) purpose: to humiliate David in a similar way as David had humiliated Ahithophel’s family.

2Sa 16:22

“If a man sleeps with his father’s wife, he has dishonored his father. Both the man and the woman must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads” (Lev 20:11).

2Sa 16:23

THE ADVICE AHITHOPHEL GAVE WAS LIKE THAT OF ONE WHO INQUIRES OF GOD: That is, it was regarded as being so (cp Psa 55:13).

2Sa 17:1

2Sa 17: “The spirit of Judas against Christ is revealed in the wicked and treacherous action of Ahithophel against David. Ahithophel conspired with Absalom as Judas did with the rulers of Judah. He offers a seven-point situation to Absalom. But Absalom was not convinced that this advice would achieve his designs on the throne (vv 1-4). He was doubtful of the genuineness of the advice of David’s former counsellor, and sought confirmation by Hushai (vv 5,6). David’s future trembled in the balance as the court waited to hear the counsel of Hushai. Hushai sways Absalom (vv 8-14). Contemptuously brushing aside the previous advice as unsound, he drew a picture of the extreme difficulties it presented, then sketched a plan for a general campaign. It succeeded. A warning is sent to David (vv 15-20). There is a near escape as an anonymous sympathiser of David in this apparently bitter and hostile city sent a message, causing David to retreat over the Jordan (vv 21,22). The result of Hushai’s advice causes Ahithophel to commit suicide, as did Judas after him (v 23). As a result civil war erupts in the Land (vv 24-26), whilst the remnant with David is strengthened in exile (vv 27-29). It is a picture of the experiences of the multitudinous Christ as they, with their Lord David, wait in exile until the great King will return to Zion” (GEM).

Vv 1-3: This counsel was the best calculated to succeed. A quick strike would catch David before he was organized, and cut short a civil war by killing David.

2Sa 17:2

I WOULD STRIKE DOWN ONLY THE KING: “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (Joh 11:50).

2Sa 17:3

AND BRING ALL THE PEOPLE BACK TO YOU: “And I will bring back all the people to thee, as a bride returns to her husband: only thou seekest the life of one man, and all the people shall have peace” (LXX). Such was the depth of loyalty to David in the nation. He had once delivered them, but how soon they forget!

2Sa 17:7

Hushai had a difficult task: he had to make the worst solution look better in the face of a man famous for his wisdom, and devoted to Absalom, while his own fidelity was questionable. As Absalom flattered Israel, so Hushai flattered Absalom.

THE ADVICE AHITHOPHEL HAS GIVEN IS NOT GOOD THIS TIME: In ct “last time” (2Sa 16:23).

2Sa 17:11

Hushai’s advice is laced with blatant flattery — which wins over Absalom. He plays on Absalom’s pride and ambition. Absalom falls victim to the same type of subterfuge he used against David (2Sa 15:2-6).

2Sa 17:12

AS DEW SETTLES ON THE GROUND: Silently, irresistibly, and with a rapid descent.

2Sa 17:14

And so often, today also, the good counsel of nations’ leaders is thwarted.

2Sa 17:16

DO NOT SPEND THE NIGHT AT THE FORDS… CROSS OVER: Hushai fears that Absalom may yet heed Ahithophel’s sensible advice, and mount a lightning attack.

2Sa 17:22

AND CROSSED THE JORDAN: Here see Psa 42; 43. The reversal of the exodus and conquest of the land.

2Sa 17:23

WHEN AHITHOPHEL SAW THAT HIS ADVICE HAD NOT BEEN FOLLOWED: Ahithophel saw that following Hushai’s advice meant failure to the rebellion in the long run. There could be no doubt now that David would ultimately triumph.

AND THEN HANGED HIMSELF: // Mat 27:5.

2Sa 17:24

A lapse of time implied here: Absalom has prepared his army, but David has also!

MAHANAIM: Sig “two armies”: David’s and God’s! Cp Gen 32:2.

2Sa 17:27

MAHANAIM: A strong city in a well-provisioned country. A mountainous district, with a warlike population who loved David.

SHOBI SON OF NAHASH FROM RABBAH OF THE AMMONITES: The governor of Ammon, placed in power by David after his conquest (JFB, Josephus).

MAKIR SON OF AMMIEL FROM LO DEBAR: The leader of those who had followed Saul and Ishbosheth (2Sa 9:4; Eder). Perhaps David’s kindness to Mephibosheth had influenced him.

BARZILLAI: A wealthy old land-owner.

2Sa 17:28

Vv 28,29: “You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psa 4:7,8).

2Sa 9:4

LO DEBAR: Sig “place of no pasture” (ct v 7), or “no word”.

2Sa 9:6

MEPHIBOSHETH: The treatment of the name “Baal” is probably an example of deliberate change, for theological reasons, by the scribes who copied out the scriptures. With personal names that included the word “Baal” (which could simply mean “master” or “lord”), the scribes deliberately replaced “Baal” with “Bosheth” (which means “shame”). To them the idol “Baal”, in all his many forms, was a “shameful thing”, and any passing allusion to him was to be avoided if possible. Hence, it is likely that Jonathan’s son was actually named “Meribbaal”, but later scribes made sure that the (by then) hated name of “Baal” was replaced — yielding “Mephibosheth” (cp 1Ch 8:34; 9:40 and 2Sa 9:6; 19:24; 21:7).

2Sa 9:7

What a blessing! To be invited to eat at the king’s table. Although we may have a limp as we walk there, it is nevertheless good to go!

2Sa 9:8

WHAT IS YOUR SERVANT, THAT YOU SHOULD NOTICE A DEAD DOG LIKE ME?: “If Mephibosheth was thus humbled by David’s kindness, what shall we be in the presence of our gracious Lord? The more grace we have, the less we shall think of ourselves, for grace, like light, reveals our impurity… The meanest objects in nature appear to the humbled mind to have a preference above itself, because they have never contracted sin: a dog may be greedy, fierce, or filthy, but it has no conscience to violate, no Holy Spirit to resist. A dog may be a worthless animal, and yet by a little kindness it is soon won to love its master, and is faithful unto death; but we forget the goodness of the Lord, and follow not at His call. The term ‘dead dog’ is the most expressive of all terms of contempt, but it is none too strong to express the self-abhorrence of instructed believers. They do not affect mock modesty, they mean what they say, they have weighed themselves in the balances of the sanctuary, and found out the vanity of their nature. At best, we are but clay, animated dust… but viewed as sinners, we are monsters indeed. Let it be published in heaven as a wonder, that the Lord Jesus should set his heart’s love upon such as we are” (CHS).

2Sa 9:13

“Mephibosheth was no great ornament to a royal table, yet he had a continual place at David’s board, because the king could see in his face the features of the beloved Jonathan [2Sa 9:7]. Like Mephibosheth, we may cry unto the King of Glory, ‘What is Thy servant, that Thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am?’ [2Sa 9:8] but still the Lord indulges us with most familiar intercourse with Himself, because He sees in our countenances the remembrance of His dearly-beloved Jesus. The Lord’s people are dear for another’s sake. Such is the love which the Father bears to His only begotten, that for his sake He raises his lowly brethren from poverty and banishment, to courtly companionship, noble rank, and royal provision. Their deformity shall not rob them of their privileges. Lameness is no bar to sonship; the cripple is as much the heir as if he could run like Asahel [2Sa 2:18]. Our right does not limp, though our might may. A king’s table is a noble hiding-place for lame legs, and at the gospel feast we learn to glory in infirmities, because the power of Christ resteth upon us. Yet grievous disability may mar the persons of the best-loved saints. Here is one feasted by David, and yet so lame in both his feet that he could not go up with the king when he fled from the city, and was therefore maligned and injured by his servant Ziba [2Sa 19:26,27]. Saints whose faith is weak, and whose knowledge is slender, are great losers; they are exposed to many enemies, and cannot follow the king whithersoever he goeth. This disease frequently arises from falls [2Sa 4:4]. Bad nursing in their spiritual infancy often causes converts to fall into a despondency from which they never recover, and sin in other cases brings broken bones. Lord, help the lame to leap like an hart, and satisfy all Thy people with the bread of Thy table!” (CHS).

2Sa 10:1

In 2Sa 8 and 10, David’s victories over the seven surrounding kingdoms (Zobah, Philistia, Moab, Syria, Edom, Ammon, Amalek) secure his own kingdom. In this they may be compared to the seven thunders of the Apocalypse — in which Christ’s kingdom subjugates the whole earth (Rev 10:3): (1) David first cleared Zion of enemies; (2) then brought “ark” to Zion (in Last Days terms, this may signify the glorified saints being established in Jerusalem); and (3) finally, the seven campaigns extend and secure the kingdom.

2Sa 10:18

SEVEN HUNDRED: // text in 1Ch 19:18 has 7,000.

2Sa 11:1

2 Sa 11: “The final defeat of the Ammonites (2Sa 10) was a military victory that combined with the moral defeat that affected the life of David thereafter. The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life was to affect the great king at the time of his greatest moment.

“How can Yahweh’s estimate of David be justified in the light of the sad incident recorded in this chapter? David’s life must be viewed as a whole and not by this one incident. His general uprightness, generosity, and warm-heartedness towards his God, his ardent spiritual service, his deep faith and obedience must all be brought into consideration.

“David committed adultery; so do many who secretly hanker after the things of this world (Mat 5:28); he committed murder, so do many others through spite, envy and jealousy of others (1Jo 3:15). Without defending David, or condoning his sin, we must accept the estimate of Yahweh (Joh 2:25), and be careful that we do not ‘cast the first stone’ and thus condemn ourselves.

“David’s sin should cause the righteous to fear, and sinners to hope. He acted entirely out of character, and subsequently was truly repentant. A general may lose a battle and yet win a campaign. David did that morally, and was victorious in his life. In that matter, his sin was not ‘unto death’, whereas many do less that he but commit the sin of lawlessness, as did his predecessor, Saul. But David had built up for himself a reservoir of mercy, and thus was able to tap into the goodness of Yahweh in the time of need” (GEM).

THE TIME WHEN KINGS GO OFF TO WAR: “Springtime, which marks the end of the rainy season in the Middle East, assures that roads will be in good condition (or at least passable), that there will be plenty of fodder for war horses and pack animals, and that an army on the march will be able to raid the fields for food” (EBC).

2Sa 11:2

EVENING: Heb “ereb” = dusky, dark.

HE SAW A WOMAN: Looking lustfully upon a woman: Mat 5:28.

2Sa 11:3

ISN’T THIS BATHSHEBA… THE WIFE…?: An implied reproach in this question.

URIAH: “The light or flame of Yahweh”, ever burning bright in the battles of the LORD.

2Sa 11:5

I AM PREGNANT: “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (Jam 1:15). Lust conceives the child, and then came the murder of Uriah.

2Sa 11:11

A scarcely-concealed rebuke of David, who should have been at the battle himself (cp v 1). Clearly, Uriah knew what had been going on!

2Sa 11:24

Other mighty warriors (not just Uriah) died — to cover the crime.

2Sa 5:1

ALL THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL CAME TO DAVID: “What a wonderful moment, typical of the final restoration of the tribes of Judah and Ephraim to the Lord Jesus in the imminent future. All Israel turned to one man as all mankind shall ultimately seek his greater Son. This action of the tribes in David’s time introduced a 3-day celebration of joy (1Ch 15:39,40). Some interesting details are added in 1Ch 15, of the manner in which the various tribes on both sides of the Jordan came to Hebron, and the joyful festivities on that occasion. The consummation to which events in Yahweh’s Providence were directed, had now come. Saul, Jonathan, Abner and Ishbosheth were dead. Many had already turned to David; the Philistines and possibly other enemies were restless and threatening; and to acknowledge David as king was to the advantage to all. He had been designated by Yahweh as their king, captain, shepherd, and now the time had come when all Israel should accept him as such” (GEM).

YOUR OWN FLESH AND BLOOD: Cp Gen 2:23 (“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh”); Luk 24:39: “Look at my hands and my feet.”

2Sa 5:2

SHEPHERD: “Feed” in KJV. The Good Shepherd: Eze 34:23; Joh 10; Heb 13:20.

2Sa 5:3

ALL THE ELDERS OF ISRAEL HAD COME TO KING DAVID: “Your troops will be willing on your day of battle” (Psa 110:3).

2Sa 5:5

JERUSALEM: Which now begins to grow in importance, a political and religious center (as in time of Melchizedek).

2Sa 5:6

JEBUSITES: Sig “trampled” or “trodden down”, as in Luk 21:24: “Jerusalem will be trampled on [jebus!] by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

2Sa 5:8

See 1Ch 11:6: Joab accomplished this.

WATER SHAFT: “Tsinnor”; used only twice; the “cataract” or “waterfalls” of Psa 42:7. From rt “hollow” (Str).

2Sa 5:11

HIRAM: The father of the Hiram who was Solomon’s friend.

CARPENTERS AND STONEMASONS: Note the skill of the Phoenicians in 1Ki 5:7.

2Sa 5:13

MORE CONCUBINES AND WIVES: Ct Deu 17:17.

2Sa 5:14

Vv 14-16: The 13 sons of David, born in Jerusalem:

2Sa 6:3

ON A NEW CART: The priests and Levites of Israel were copying the Philistines, not the law of Moses: 1Sa 6:7; 1Ch 13:7.

2Sa 6:11

During this time, David wrote Psa 30: “dedication of house” — which details his own recovery from illness (Psa 30:1-3,7-10).

GITTITE: Man of Gath, prob Gath-rimmon, town of Kohathites (Jos 21:20-24), whose duty was to carry ark (Num 7:9).

2Sa 6:13

SIX STEPS: There is no plainly evident reason for this provision. Why six steps? (1) To simply state that sacrifices were offered very soon after they started out? (2) Six days, followed by a seventh day of offering to God? (3) Was this connected with the time, or place, where Uzzah was struck down? (4) Some suggest that sacrifices were offered EVERY six steps along the road between Obed-Edom’s house and Jerusalem — but this was prob impractical.

2Sa 6:14

LINEN EPHOD: Priestly garment.

DANCED BEFORE THE LORD: The normal practice of a slave when an important person visits a place (StrScr 23).

2Sa 6:16

SHE DESPISED HIM IN HER HEART: Michal supposes David is lowering himself before men — because she does not perceive the importance of God’s presence. She forgot that her father had done the same thing (1Sa 19:24). (Cp the attitude of the Pharisees, who witness the rejoicing of Israel when Jesus enters Jerusalem: Mat 21:15.)

2Sa 6:17

A number of David’s psalms stem from this incident: “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart” (Psa 15:1,2). “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false” (Psa 24:3,4). “Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines. Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel” (Psa 68:24-26). “O LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured… I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob… Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool — arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might” (Psa 132:1,4,5,7,8).

2Sa 6:18

HE BLESSED THE PEOPLE: At this time, David sang a special psa: see 1Ch 16:7-36; Psa 105:1-15.

2Sa 6:19

// Mat 26:26-29.

2Sa 6:20

THE KING OF ISRAEL… DISROBING: Who was, actually, wearing linen robes of a priest rather than royal robes!

SLAVE GIRLS: Was this Michal’s contemptuous ref to the other wives of David, to whom she feels superior by virtue of being the daughter of a king?

// 1Ch 15:29: “Michal… despised him in her heart.” “The last time that we saw Michal at a window she was lowering David down to escape the wrath of her father (1Sa 19:12). On that occasion she risked her life for her husband. On this occasion she ‘despised him in her heart’. David had grown spiritually whilst he was away from her. She had degenerated spiritually. So the wilderness was a better growing environment that the court of the king” (PF).

2Sa 6:22

BUT BY THESE SLAVE GIRLS YOU SPOKE OF, I WILL BE HELD IN HONOR: ‘My other wives understand my behavior!’

2Sa 6:23

MICHAL… HAD NO CHILDREN…: Saul’s kingdom was not to continue in any way. His grandsons (by Michal?) were not to be kings (1Sa 13:13).

2Sa 7:1

2Sa 7: “The glorious kingdom of Christ is founded upon the Davidic covenant, for he is the ‘seed of David according to the flesh’ (Rom 1:3). Since the days of Zedekiah, only one king of the Davidic family has been crowned in Jerusalem, and he was crowned with thorns by a jeering mob. But the covenant is immutable by the oath of Yahweh (Psa 132:11; 89:30-37), and Yahweh will get give to the thorn-crowned One the throne of his father David. This covenant stands together with that in Eden (Gen 3:15), in which was provided the Seed of the Woman who would give life out of death; with that of Abraham (Gen 12; 22), in which was provided the Seed of Faith who would give the inheritance of land. The covenant of David provided for the Seed of the Throne, so completing the three-fold gift of divine glory to Yahweh’s people. Notice, further, that 2Sa 7 describes two houses: one composed of living stones, a house of faith that Yahweh would build (v 11), and a house of literal stones, a house of worship that Yahshua would build (v 13). The whole covenant is based upon the divine fatherhood (v 14), though the Son would bear the iniquity of Adamic condemnation (v 14)” (GEM).

ALL HIS ENEMIES AROUND HIM: See Lesson, Nations “round about”.

2Sa 7:2

The juxtaposition of two items — David’s bringing of the ark to Jerusalem (2Sa 6), and his desire to build a “house” for Yahweh — indicates that, wrapped up in kingship, is the idea of the special access to Israel’s God enjoyed by the king (cf Psa 2:7-8; 110:1; Jer 30:21). This is brought out in the “sonship” language of the promise.

The position of the promise in the record of 1Sa and 2Sa may remind us that David’s darker moments, yet to come (2Sa 11-18), and known to the writer, will not obscure nor cancel the promises made to him and his house.

2Sa 7:3

Clearly Nathan is imposing his own view upon God here: Why wouldn’t God want David to build him a glorious house?

2Sa 7:5

“But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” (1Ki 8:27). “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me?’ says the Lord. ‘Or where will my resting place be?’ ” (Act 7:48,49).

So David does not build a “house” for God, but God builds a “house” for David (2Sa 7:11).

2Sa 7:10

Israel favored: Deu 7:6; 14:2; 26:7,18; 32:9; Psa 105:6; 135:4; Isa 41:8. Because of God: His love, His name, His promises: Deu 7:7,8; 10:15; 26:9; Psa 23:3.

2Sa 7:13

WHO WILL BUILD A HOUSE FOR MY NAME: 7 1/2 years in building house of Israel (2Sa 5:5); cp 7 1/2 years to build temple (1Ki 7:37,38).

2Sa 7:14

I WILL BE HIS FATHER, AND HE WILL BE MY SON: The Virgin Birth in the OT: Psa 71:6; 89:26,27; 110:3, LXX; Gen 3:15; 49:1,25; Isa 7:14; 49:1; Jer 31:22; Mic 5:1,2; 2Sa 7:14.

WHEN HE DOES WRONG: “A son who, in his subverting, I will chasten with the rod of men…”. Heb “awoth” = to be distorted (passive), in sense of subverting the course of justice for a man.

JT: “His being caused to bow down” (Log 50:179-182). “JT translates this verse: ‘Whom in his being caused to bow down, I will chasten with a sceptre of men and with stripes from the sons of Adam.’ Bearing sin’s flesh, the Christ would be redeemed therefrom by his sacrifice (the sceptre and stripes), and thus lead his people to eternal glory (v 16)” (GEM).

Plural application: to those in Christ: Gal 3:29; 2Co 6:18; Psa 89:30,32; 132:12. Also poss ref to Solomon: 1Ki 2:4,24.

2Sa 7:16

This will happen after David dies, but in his presence: v 16 (AV).

The royal house of David: In this covenant is revealed the selection of David’s house as the family through whom the Messiah was to come: Note the development of the covenant:

• Adamic covenant: Gen 3:15.
• Abrahamic covenant: Gen 13:14-18. Immortal seed of Abraham will inherit the land of Palestine.
• Jacob’s prophecy: Gen 49:8-10. Selection of the tribe of Judah as the royal tribe.
• Davidic covenant: 2 Sa 7:12-16. Selection of the family of David as ancestors of the Messiah.
• Gabriel’s visit to Mary: Luk 1:26-35. Selection of the virgin to bear the Son of God.

YOUR KINGDOM: = David’s kingdom, of Israel, called also the Kingdom of God, and the kingdom of the Lord: 2Ch 13:8; 1Ch 28:5.

The key points are: (1) David’s throne will be eternal (Psa 89:34-36; Isa 9:6,7; 55:1-3). (2) It will be established through a natural descendant of David (v 12; Ps 132:11; Jer 33:17-21; Isa 11:1-5; Acts 2:30,31; 13:22,23; Luk 1:30-34). (3) Who would also be the Son of God (v 14; Psa 89:26,27; Heb 1:5; Luke 1:32). (4) After David had died (vv 12,19; Act 2:29). (5) But in his presence (AV has “before you”, instead of “before me”): Isa 24:23; Act 15:16; Jer 30:9-11; 2Sa 23:5; Isa 9:6,7; Luk 1:32,33.

2Sa 7:18

David sat as a worshiper (2Sa 7:18), lay as a penitent (2Sa 12:16), and, stood as a servant (1Ch 28:2).

Sitting: for rest (Luk 8:35); for communion (Song 2:3), as disciples (Deu 33:3), in worship (2Sa 7:18-27), in resurrection (Eph 2:6), in glory (Rev 3:21).

“WHO AM I, O SOVEREIGN LORD, AND WHAT IS MY FAMILY…?”: “When we take the lowest place and ‘seek not high things’ we need have no fear of falling. Pride is the destroyer of men’s souls. We rise in the balloon of our own self-esteem, only to fall to earth when our vanity is punctured. Most of our ‘taking offence’ and our super-sensitivity at criticism are but flowers which thrive in the garden of pride. The Man who became the world’s outcast and bore the scorn of a people who should have reverenced him, had no pride to lose. He took no offense. Having become the servant of all, he had taken the lowest place. From the height of heaven the Spirit of God came to his lifeless body in the tomb of Gethsemane and called him to come forth. ‘Friend, come up higher,’ the words of the Lord’s own parable, were exquisitely fulfilled in the Master himself. Exalted and given a name which is above every name, he received the blessing of immortality and was caught up to heaven to the presence of God the Father” (TMD 35).

2Sa 7:19

IS THIS YOUR USUAL WAY OF DEALING WITH MAN, O SOVEREIGN LORD?: Or, “Will the ultimate fulfillment of these promises be by that man, O Lord?” — the Messiah, the seed of Gen 3:15.

2Sa 7:27

The promise that Yahweh would build a sure house for His priests is taken up and used to speak of David also: 1Sa 2:35; 2Sa 7:27; 1Ch 17:10.

2Sa 8:1

In 2Sa 8 and 10, David’s victories over the seven surrounding kingdoms (Zobah, Philistia, Moab, Syria, Edom, Ammon, Amalek) secure his own kingdom. In this they may be compared to the seven thunders of the Apocalypse — in which Christ’s kingdom subjugates the whole earth (Rev 10:3): (1) David first cleared Zion of enemies; (2) then brought “ark” to Zion (in Last Days terms, this may signify the glorified saints being established in Jerusalem); and (3) finally, the seven campaigns extend and secure the kingdom.

2Sa 8: When David was seen to be firmly established as king over the twelve tribes, all the surrounding Gentile nations took fright, and as one man they determined to crush him before the combined resources of twelve united tribes made him invincible.

The first trials of strength (vv 1,2) came from the west and the east — from Philistia and Moab. The Philistines especially had reason to panic at the prospect of David reigning securely in Jerusalem. The campaign against Moab (v 2) was only a preliminary trial of strength.

And so David fought well against “Aram-zobah” (a small independent kingdom in the general locality of Damascus: 1Sa 14:47; 2Sa 8:3) and “Aram-naharaim” (Syria of the “two rivers” — ie Abana and Pharpar, or Euphrates and Tigris) (2Sa 8:3-6; Psa 60, title).

But while David was rounding off this highly successful campaign a long way from home in the north, he was shocked to learn that Judah, left almost defenseless in his rear, had been invaded by the Ammonites, the Moabites again, and the Edomites.

David’s acute despair in a related psalm (Psa 60:1-3) suggests how severe the inroads of these southern invaders were; and the mention of Shechem in v 6 shows that not only were the eastern tribes in peril but that now their threat was felt west of Jordan as well as in the extreme south, from Edom. The “stab-in-the-back” tactics from Edom readily explains the strong resentment which the psa expresses. This antagonism is demonstrated in the unusual savagery of the campaign. God had promised David another great victory over the invading forces (Psa 60:6-12), and thus it came to pass (2Sa 8:13,14).

2Sa 8:2

Prob dealing more severely with those from the areas of Moab which were nearest and most threatening to Israel — slaying the leaders, and putting those areas under tribute. No mere chance, but rather military expediency.

2Sa 8:3

RESTORE: V 3 is ambiguous: “David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he (?) went to recover his (?) border at the river Euphrates.” Was it Hadadezer or David who went to recover his own border at Euphrates? At first look it would seem to be the former. But perhaps instead it was David, who had ambitions to reign over the full territory promised to Abraham (Gen 15:18). If so, “recover” would seem to be the wrong word, since David’s territory had never extended anywhere nearly as far as the Euphrates River. But by the change of one letter v 3 could read “establish” instead of “recover” (see 1Ch 18:3, NIV).

2Sa 8:4

HAMSTRUNG… CHARIOT HORSES: Or poss “disjointed” all the “chariots”.

2Sa 8:13

EIGHTEEN THOUSAND: The figures of 12,000 casualties (Psa 60 title) and 18,000 casualties (2Sa 8:13) could probably be reconciled easily enough, if only more detail were known about the three-pronged assault led by David (2Sa 8:12,13), Abishai (1Ch 18:12), and Joab (1Ki 11:15,16; Psa 60 title). The heavy slaughter may poss reflect especially the brutality of the character of Joab, who “cut off every male in Edom” (1Ki 11:16)!

EDOMITES: AV has, incorrectly, “Syrians”. The diff between Aram and Edom is , in the Heb, only a tittle, and confusion between the two is common. (Note the Valley of Salt is at south end of Dead Sea, beside land of Edom.) So v 13 should certainly read “the Edomites in the valley of salt” — cp LXX and RSV. “The valley of salt” was at the south end of the Dead Sea

2Sa 8:17

Zadok with tabernacle in Gibeon; Ahimelech with ark in Jerusalem.