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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:1-8

Soon after the messengers had brought the news of the defeat and death of Absalom to the court of Mahanaim, Joab and his victorious army followed, to grace the king's triumphs and receive his further orders. Now here we are told, I. What a damp and disappointment it was to them to find the king in tears for Absalom's death, which they construed as a token of displeasure against them for what they had done, whereas they expected him to have met them with joy and thanks for their good services:... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:7

Now therefore arise, go forth ,.... Arise from his couch, he was watering with his tears, and go forth from his house, where he had shut himself up retired from all company, to the gate of the city, where the people passed and repassed, and there was a concourse of them: this he said not by way of command, but by way of advice; though all along he seems to take too much upon him, and to speak unbecoming a subject, and not with that decency as was necessary in, speaking to a king; but it may... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:8

Than the king arose, and sat in the gate ,.... Of the city, a public place, where the inhabitants met on divers accounts at times, and where there were always people passing and repassing: and they told unto all the people ; or it was reported to the soldiers particularly: saying, behold the king doth sit in the gate ; has laid aside his mourning, appears in public, and receives his friends, and attends to business: and all the people came before the king ; to congratulate him on... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 19:8

The king - sat in the gate - The place where justice was administered to the people. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:1-8

( MAHANAIM .) Immoderate grief. This interview between David and Joab throws light upon the character of both, and the relations subsisting between them. 1 . The best of men are by no means perfect. David's grief, although natural, and, in some respects, commendable, was unseasonable, excessive, and injurious; and exposed him to just reproof. 2 . The worst of men are not altogether bad, but often exhibit admirable qualities. When Joab put Absalom to death against the king's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:1-15

The facts are: 1 . In consequence of David's sorrowful isolation, the people mourn and betake themselves to the city ashamed and discouraged. 2 . Joab, being informed of the fact, enters the king's house, and sharply rebukes him for his conduct, charging him with disregarding the sacrifices his people had made, and caring more for his rebellious son than for his attached friends. 3 . Joab then advises him at once to arise and go forth to encourage the people, pointing out that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:8

All the people came before the king . Probably they passed in review before him, and received his thanks. By thus acting in accordance with Joab's wise counsel, David probably saved the nation from years of anarchy, and a fresh civil war. For Israel had fled every man to his tent; Hebrew, and Israel, that is, Absalom's partisans, fled each man to his tent —to his home. The Authorized Version confounds Israel with David's soldiers, but consistently throughout the narrative "the hearts... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 19:8

David saw the justice of what Joab said, and the new danger which threatened him if he did not rouse himself from his grief.For Israel ... - Not David’s followers, but as before 2Sa 17:26; 2 Samuel 18:6, 2 Samuel 18:17, Absalom’s army. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 19:7

2 Samuel 19:7. Now, therefore, arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants Show thyself to thy people, acknowledge their good services, and congratulate their success. For I swear by the Lord He confirms his threat with the most solemn oath. If thou go not forth, &c. If thou do not instantly quit thy apartment, appear in public, and treat thy people as they deserve; there will not tarry one with thee this night, &c. Thy subjects will desert thee as one man. This,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:1-8

War between Absalom and David (17:1-19:8)Ahithophel advised Absalom that he needed to do only one thing to make his throne secure, and that was kill David. If he did this swiftly, without war or unnecessary bloodshed, the people would soon be fully behind him (17:1-4). Hushai, wishing to gain time for David to escape and organize his troops, advised against such a risky operation, for David was a very experienced soldier. He recommended that the whole Israelite army be assembled and Absalom... read more

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