2 Samuel 15

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:32

The place of worship. "The top of the mount where God was worshipped" (Revised Version). This "top of the mount" is one of the most sacred spots in the world—the universe. For here the Son of God wept over Jerusalem, which lay full in view at his feet, as he thought of its coming destruction, and declared the cause of it ( Luke 19:41 ). In David's time there appears to have been a "high place" there, where men were accustomed to worship God. It seems strange that so near to the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:32-37

( THE TOP OF MOUNT OLIVET .) The friendship of Hushai. ( References: Joshua 16:2 ; 2 Samuel 16:16-19 ; 2 Samuel 17:5-15 ; 1 Chronicles 27:33 ; 1 Kings 4:16 .) Like Uriah and Ittai, he may have been of Gentile origin and a proselyte; was far advanced in life ( 2 Samuel 15:33 ), "the king's friend" or confidential adviser, and doubtless, in disposition, more congenial with David than the cool and calculating Ahithophel. "In him David saw the first gleam of hope. For... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:33

A burden unto me. Host likely because Hushai was old and infirm. Others, with less probability, think that it was because of his rank, which would demand special attendance. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:34

Then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. David was thus meeting treachery by treachery, and we cannot approve of it, even granting that Ahithophel's conduct was base and selfish, while Hushai was risking his life for his master. Still, he was sent back to tell a falsehood, and his excuse was necessity; for Ahithophel was so sagacious that, if his counsel were not upset, David's cause was lost. It was not Christian morality, but yet it has a sort of nobleness about it in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:37

Absalom came into Jerusalem. Absalom had evidently pushed rapidly forward from Hebron, in hopes, perhaps, of surprising David in the city. Evidently he entered it on the day of David's flight ( 2 Samuel 17:1 ), and Ahithophers proposal to select twelve thousand men from Absalom's followers shows how very powerful the conspiracy was. Had this advice been followed, the decisive battle would have been fought that evening at the fords of the Jordan, a few miles only from Jerusalem. ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 15:1

And it came to pass ... - The working out of Nathan’s prophecy (marginal reference) is the clue to the course of the narrative. How long after Absalom’s return these events occurred we are not told. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 15:2

Beside the way of the gate - See Ruth 4:1 note. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 15:3

To flatter each man by pronouncing a favorable verdict in his case, to excite a sense of grievance and discontent by censuring the king for remissness in trying the causes brought before him by his subjects, and to suggest a sure and easy remedy for all such grievances, namely, to make Absalom king; all this, coupled with great affability and courtesy, which his personal beauty and high rank made all the more effective, were the arts by which Absalom worked his way into favor with the people,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 15:6

Stole the hearts - i. e., deceived them, for so the same phrase means Genesis 31:20, Genesis 31:26. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 15:7

Forty years - An obvious clerical error, though a very ancient one for four years, which may date from Absalom’s return from Geshur, or from his reconciliation with David, or from the commencement of the criminal schemes to which 2 Samuel 15:1 refers.Hebron - This, as having been the old capital of David’s kingdom and Absalom’s birthplace, was well chosen. It was a natural center, had probably many inhabitants discontented at the transfer of the government to Jerusalem, and contained many of... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:32

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:32-37

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:33

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:34

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:37

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 15:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 15:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 15:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 15:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 15:7

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