2 Samuel 4:5-12 NIV

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:5

Lay on a bed at noon - It is a custom in all hot countries to travel or work very early and very late, and rest at noonday, in which the heat chiefly prevails. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:6

As though they would have fetched wheat - The king's stores were probably near his own dwelling; and these men were accustomed to go thither for provisions for themselves, their cattle, and their men. This supposition which is natural, renders unnecessary all the emendations of Houbigant and others. As these men were accustomed to bring wheat from these stores, from which it appears there was an easy passage to the king's chamber, (especially if we consider this a summer-house,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:8

They brought the head - unto David - They thought, as did the poor lying Amalekite, to ingratiate themselves with David by this abominable act. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:9

Who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity - This was, in David's case, a very proper view of the goodness and watchful providence of God towards him. His life was frequently in danger; murderers had often laid wait for it: but God, the living God, had always redeemed that life from all adversity; and called on him now to punish such evil-minded and blood-thirsty men. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:10

A reward for his tidings - Ὡ εδει με δουναι ευαγγελια , Septuagint. Here is a proof that ευαγγελιον , evangelium or gospel, signifies the reward which the bringer of good tidings is entitled to receive. See my preface to St. Matthew's Gospel. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:11

How much more - Here are several things which aggravated the guilt of those wicked men. Ish-bosheth was an innocent man, and therefore none could have any ground of quarrel against him. He was in his own house, which was his sanctuary, and none but the worst of men would disturb him there. 3. He was upon his bed, resting in the heat of the day, and so free from suspicion that he was not even attended by his guards, nor had he his doors secured. To take away the life of such a man,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:12

And they slew them - None ever more richly deserved death; and by this act of justice, David showed to all Israel that he was a decided enemy to the destruction of Saul's family; and that none could lift up their hands against any of them without meeting with condign punishment. In all these cases I know not that it was possible for David to show more sincerity, or a stricter regard for justice. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1-12

The facts are: 1 . On the death of Abner, consternation seizes Ishbosheth and his friends. 2 . The only other representative of the house of Saul was a mere boy, whose age and bodily infirmity rendered his coming to the front out of the question. 3 . Two of Ishbosheth's officers, forming a secret design, visit Ishbosheth as though on business connected with their duties, and slay him. 4 . Stealing away by night, they carry the head of Ishbosheth to David at Hebron, and think to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:5-8

( MAHANAIM .) Assassins. "And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron" ( 2 Samuel 4:8 ). 1 . What useful purpose can the record of the atrocious deeds of such men serve? To throw light upon the condition of the age in which they occurred. To confirm inspired testimony concerning human depravity ( Psalms 14:1-7 .). To exhibit the tendency of the evil principles and passions by which these men were actuated, and incite hatred and abhorrence of them. To show... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:6-7

As though they would have fetched wheat. Not only is the narrative confused, but the versions offer extraordinary varieties of reading. The murder of Ishbosheth is fully described in 2 Samuel 4:7 , and is there in its place, while it is out of place in 2 Samuel 4:6 . And that the captains would themselves fetch wheat, instead of having it carried from the granary by their men; and that they would go through the king's chamber to obtain it; are both improbable. The very act of going to... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:6

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:9

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:10

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:11

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:12

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1-12

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:5-8

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:6-7

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