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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

Absalom had notice sent him speedily by some of his friends at Jerusalem that David had withdrawn, and with what a small retinue he had gone; so that the coasts were clear, Absalom might take possession of Jerusalem when he pleased. The gates were open, and there was none to oppose him. Accordingly he came without delay (2 Sam. 16:15), extremely elevated, no doubt, with this success at first, and that that in which, when he formed his design, he probably apprehended the greatest difficulty,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

And Absalom said to Hushai, is this thy kindness to thy friend ?.... Meaning to David; though he would not mention his name, nor his title, nor even the relation of a father he stood in to him, only speaks of him as Hushai's friend: Hushai had professed great friendship to David, and David had been a friend to Hushai, had raised him to great honour in making him a counsellor, and had bestowed many favours and benefits on him, as Absalom knew full well; and therefore, to try his integrity,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:18

And Hushai said to Absalom ,.... In answer to his questions: nay, but whom the Lord, and his people, and all the men of Israel choose : here again he speaks very ambiguously; for this circumlocution, or descriptive character of the king of Israel, better agrees with David, whom he might bear in mind, than with Absalom; for the Lord had chosen David, and he was anointed by his order, and all the people of Israel had chosen and anointed him likewise; but as for Absalom, it was only a part... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:19

And again, whom should I serve ?.... Or "secondly" F5 השנית "secunda", Montanus, Munster, Vatablus; "secundo", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. , a second reason is here given for serving Absalom: the first was the choice of God and the people, the second follows: should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence : he signifies, that as the kingdom was not translated into another family, but continued in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:20

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel ,.... Having two such able counsellors as he and Hushai, he directs his speech to Ahithophel, as being his first and chief counsellor: give counsel among you what we shall do ; he orders them to form a counsel, consult among themselves what was proper to be now done at Jerusalem, whether it was right to stay here or pursue after David and his men. Absalom did not send to the high priest to ask counsel of God, by Urim and Thummim before the ark, but wholly... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:21

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom ,.... Either immediately of himself, without consulting with others; or after a consultation had been held between them, he as the president of it, and their mouth, gave the following advice; though the former seems most correct: go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left, to keep the house ; and lie with them; there were ten of them, 2 Samuel 15:16 , and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father ; this fact will be so... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:22

So they spread Absalom a tent on the top of the house ,.... On the top of his father's palace; this, as houses in Jerusalem and Judea were, was built flat, Deuteronomy 22:8 ; and it was on the very spot from whence David had a sight of Bathsheba, and conceived an impure lust after her. The Targum renders it, a canopy; which Kimchi describes as consisting of four pillars, upon and round about which curtains were hung: and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:18

Whom the Lord and this people - choose - Here is an equivocation; Hushai meant in his heart that God and all the people of Israel had chosen David; but he spake so as to make Absalom believe that he spoke of him: for whatever of insincerity may appear in this, Hushai is alone answerable. What he says afterwards may be understood in the same way. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:21

Go in unto thy father ' s concubines - It may be remembered that David left ten of them behind to take care of the house, see 2 Samuel 15:16 . Ahithophel advised this infernal measure, in order to prevent the possibility of a reconciliation between David and his son; thus was the prophecy to Nathan fulfilled, 2 Samuel 12:11 . And this was probably transacted in the very same place where David's eye took the adulterous view of Bath-sheba; see 2 Samuel 11:2 . The wives of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-19

( JERUSALEM .) An inconsistent friend. "Is this thy kindness to thy friend?" ( 2 Samuel 16:17 ; 2 Samuel 15:37 ). On his unresisted and triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, Absalom was met by Hushai with the exclamation, "Long live the king!" ( 1 Samuel 10:24 ). Such a display of loyalty to himself on the part of "David's friend" (companion, favourite) appeared to him so inconsistent that he asked, in ironical astonishment, "Is this," etc.? "One might have said to him, 'Is this... read more

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