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L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Passing over the mountain, David was met by Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth, who had with him two donkeys carrying a large provision of bread, raisins and summer fruits, as well as a skin of wine. Questioned by David Ziba told him that these things were for David's men. David was puzzled that Mephibosheth's servant should come with these things that evidently belonged to Mephibosheth yet Mephibosheth was not there. Ziba then reported that Mephibosheth had chosen to remain in Jerusalem with... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1-23

O, ABSALOM , MY SON , MY SON ! LUST, MURDER AND DECEIT (2 Samuel 13:0 ) In the preceding lesson judgments were foretold as coming on David, and we are entering on that part of his career when the prediction is fulfilled in earnest. The foulness of this chapter we would not dwell upon more than we can help. Tamar of course, while sister to Absalom, was half-sister to Amnon, the two young men being sons of David by different wives. “A garment of divers colours” (2 Samuel 13:18 ) might be... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Absalom 2 Samuel 14-16 THESE chapters are full of men who reveal human nature in its best and its worst aspects. What plots and counterplots are here! What hypocrisy, and what unfeigned sorrow! The whole world is in these few chapters in miniature. What action, what colour, what passion, what cunning! But where the crowd is so great, discrimination is the more necessary. Let us, then, discriminate between those who serve God and those who serve him not. In chapter 14 we have a picture of... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:16-19

(16) And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king. (17) And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend? (18) And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide. (19) And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:20-23

(20) Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do. (21) And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong. (22) So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. (23) And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

Friend. He rather accuses him of treachery. (Haydock) --- But he does not mention the name of king, or of father, lest it should too plainly speak his own condemnation, as an ungrateful rebel. (Salien) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:18

Chosen. ( Vox populi, vox Dei ) Private people are not commonly able, or allowed, to judge of the right, which the prince has to the throne. But here Absalom was manifestly an usurper; and many still adhered to David. (Calmet) --- Chusai assumes the character of a courtier, and flatters the prince; (Salien) who ought to have been on his guard. See chap. xv. 34. (Calmet) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:21

Their hands may be strengthened, &c. The people might apprehend lest Absalom should be reconciled to his father; and therefore they followed him with some fear of being left in the lurch, till they saw such a crime committed, as seemed to make a reconciliation impossible. (Challoner) --- This was the most heinous outrage that a son could offer to his father. Jacob resented it to the last, Genesis xlix. 4. Amyntor devoted his son Ph'9cnix to all the furies, for a similar offence. (Homer,... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:22

Israel, who saw him enter the tents, (Calmet) on the flat roof, chap. xi. 2., and xii. 11. (Haydock) --- The wives of the conquered king were reserved for the victor. Smerdis married all the wives of his predecessor, Cambyses. (Herodotus iii. 68, 83.) (Calmet) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

15-23 The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who was designedly false to him: for they that advise men to sin, certainly advise them to their hurt. After all,... read more

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