Who smote Abimelech ... - This reference indicates the existence in David’s time of the national annals of that period in an accessible form, and the king’s habit of reading, or having read to him, the history of his country. (Compare Esther 6:1.) read more
11:1-20:26 CONFLICTS IN DAVID’S FAMILYDavid takes Bathsheba as wife (11:1-12:31)While the Israelite army was out fighting another battle against Ammon, David, back in Jerusalem, committed a series of sins that brought him sorrow and trouble for the rest of his life. To begin with, he was guilty of sexual immorality with Bathsheba, wife of Uriah, one of David’s top soldiers (11:1-5; cf. 23:39).On discovering that Bathsheba was pregnant, David thought of a plan to cover up his sin. He recalled... read more
from = from off, as in 2 Samuel 11:24 . read more
Jerubbesheth (Judges 9:1 ) = Jerubbaal. Baal-lord, Bosheth = shame; changed by Holy Ghost here to suit his idolatry (Judges 8:27 ), and now David's sin. a woman, one of the ten deaths caused by a woman. See note, Judges 4:21 , piece = upper piece. millstone . One of the "despised" things used. See note on Judges 3:21 ; Judges 9:53 . read more
David’s murder of Uriah 11:6-25David compounded his sin by trying to cover it up rather than confessing it. He tried three cover-ups: a "clean" one (2 Samuel 11:6-11), a "dirty" one (2 Samuel 11:12-13), and a "criminal" one (2 Samuel 11:14-17). [Note: Walter Vogels, "David’s Greatness in His Sin and Repentance," The Way 15:4 (1975):246.] David’s suggestion that Uriah go home and "wash his feet" (2 Samuel 11:8) may have been an encouragement to enjoy his wife sexually since "feet" in the Old... read more
David and BathshebaThis narrative is of the greatest value. It shows the faithfulness and the high morality of the historian, who relates, without a single attempt at palliation, this scandalous chapter in the great king’s history. Further, the position of the prophet, even in these early days, as the ’conscience’ of the individual or the nation, is clearly described. What Nathan is to David, Elijah (with equal courage) is to Ahab. In other nations, even in much later times, such an act if... read more
(21) Who smote Abimelech?—See Judges 9:53. Joab anticipated David’s anger at his apparent rashness, and charged the messenger, when he should observe it, to mention’s Uriah’s death. This was not likely to awaken any suspicion in the messenger, as it would appear to him rather as an effort on Joab’s part to throw the blame from himself upon Uriah as the leader of the assaulting party. The messenger appears to have told all in one breath, so that there was no opportunity for David to express... read more
CHAPTER XIV.DAVID AND URIAH.2 Samuel 11:1-27.HOW ardently would most, if not all readers, of the life of David have wished that it had ended before this chapter! Its golden era has passed away, and what remains is little else than a chequered tale of crime and punishment. On former occasions, under the influence of strong and long-continued temptations, we have seen his faith give way and a spirit of dissimulation appear; but these were like spots on the sun, not greatly obscuring his general... read more
III. DAVID’S SIN, CHASTISEMENT AND RESTORATION 1. David’s Great Sin CHAPTER 11 1. David’s great sin (2 Samuel 11:1-5 ) 2. David sends for Uriah (2 Samuel 11:6-13 ) 3. The murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:14-25 ) 4. David makes Bath-sheba his wife (2 Samuel 11:26-27 ) We see the king once more in his house. He sent Joab, his servants and all Israel to battle again against Ammon. Was it not his business as king to go forth with Israel as he had done before? Instead he remains in ease and... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 11:21
( JERUSALEM , RABBAH .) Warnings from history. "Who smote Abimelech," etc.? "History is philosophy teaching by example." It is full of doctrines, principles, examples, warnings ( 1 Samuel 12:8-12 ). This event, which had taken place two hundred and thirty years before, was familiar to Joab and others; and, viewed as a warning, likely to be recalled by the king to point his reproof ( 9:53 ). Of such warnings observe that they— I. ARE OF IMMENSE SERVICE ; in making... read more