2 Samuel 14

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:17

An all-comprehensive blessing. "The Lord thy God be with thee" (Revised Version). The "wise woman," in closing her address to David and taking leave, as she thought, of him, pronounces this blessing upon him. It was a usual form of salutation amongst the Israelites; and, like our similar forms ("Adieu," equivalent to "to God [I commend thee];" "Good-bye," equivalent, perhaps, to "God be with thee"), was doubtless often employed without thought or feeling as to its significance. But in its... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:19

Is the hand of Joab with thee in all this? The "not," inserted by the Authorized Version, must be omitted, as it alters the meaning. The king really was uncertain, and asked dubiously, whereas the Authorized Version admits only of an. affirmative answer. David had seen the general drift of the woman's meaning, but she had involved it in too much obscurity for him to do more than suspect that she was the mouthpiece of Joab, who was standing by, and whose face may have given signs of a more... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:20

To fetch about this form of speech; correctly, as in the Revised Version, to change the face of the matter hath thy servant Joab, etc. The matter was that referred to in 2 Samuel 14:15 , which the king now understands to refer to Absalom. For in the earth, translate in the land. The Hebrew has no means of distinguishing the wider and narrower significations of the word; but while the king would be flattered by the supposition that he knew all that happened in his dominions, the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:20

Flattery. "My lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God," etc. Commendation is often proper and beneficial ( 2 Samuel 2:5-7 ). But flattery (false, partial, or extravagant praise) is always improper and pernicious. This language was not mere Oriental compliment, but a flattering speech, intended to make the king pleased with himself in doing what he was urged to do. 1 . It is agreeable to most persons when skilfully administered. "Flattery and the flatterer are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:21

I have done this thing. This is an Oriental form of assent, just as we say in English, "It is done," that is, as good as done, now that the order is given. A few manuscripts, nevertheless, support a Massoretic emendation (K'ri), namely, "Thou hast done this: go therefore," etc. But both the Septuagint and Vulgate agree with the written text (K'tib), and it is less flat and commonplace than the supposed emendation. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:21-33

Imperfect reconciliation. The facts are: 1 . David, referring to the promise he had made, sends Joab to bring Absalom from Geshur, Joab expressing in lowly form his thanks for the king's gracious attention to his request. 2 . On Absalom's return he is ordered to abide in his own house, and not to see the king's face. 3 . The personal beauty of Absalom is famous throughout Israel, and of his four children the only daughter is also reputed to be fair. 4 . For two years... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:22

In that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant. Keil concludes from this that Joab had often interceded for Absalom's pardon, and that this had made the king suspect him of being the prime mover in the affair. But this is to force the meaning, Joab now stood confessed as the person who had brought the woman before the king, and had employed her to gain a hearing. Had he been allowed to plead freely, her intervention would not have been necessary. We have seen, too, that the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:24

Let him turn to his own house, etc. This half forgiveness was unwise, and led to unhappy results. It seems even as if Absalom was a prisoner in his house, as he could not leave it to visit Joab. Still, we must not assume that even kind treatment would have made Absalom a dutiful son, or weaned him from his ambitions purposes. The long plotted revenge, carried out so determinately, gives us a low idea of his character, and probably during these two years of waiting, he had brooded over... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:25

Physical beauty. "And in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty," etc. (see 1 Samuel 16:7 , 1 Samuel 16:12 ; 2 Samuel 11:2 ; 2 Samuel 13:1 ; 2 Samuel 13:27 ). "Of all God's works, which do this world adorn, There is no one more fair and excellent Than is man's body, both for power and form, Whilst it is kept in sober government; But none than it more foul and indecent, Distempered through misrule anti passions base; It grows a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:25

Absalom's beauty. This remark, thrown in by the way, has more to do with the main course of the narrative than at first appears. The personal beauty of Absalom accounts in part for the excessive fondness of David for him, for his vanity and ambition, and for his powerful influence over others; and, so far as it consisted in abundance of fine hair, appears to have been the immediate occasion of his miserable end. It may serve us as the starting point of some remarks on beauty of person. ... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:17

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:19

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:20

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:20

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:21

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:21-33

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:22

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:24

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:25

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:25

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