2 Samuel 16:16-19 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

Absalom had notice sent him speedily by some of his friends at Jerusalem that David had withdrawn, and with what a small retinue he had gone; so that the coasts were clear, Absalom might take possession of Jerusalem when he pleased. The gates were open, and there was none to oppose him. Accordingly he came without delay (2 Sam. 16:15), extremely elevated, no doubt, with this success at first, and that that in which, when he formed his design, he probably apprehended the greatest difficulty,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:16

And it came to pass that when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom ,.... Who came into Jerusalem at the same time that Absalom did, and who, no doubt, took the first opportunity to make his court to him, 2 Samuel 15:37 , that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king ; or "may the king live" F3 יחי המלך "vivat rex", Pagninus. Montanus, &c.; , live long, and his kingdom be permanent; these words are very ambiguous, he might mean... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

And Absalom said to Hushai, is this thy kindness to thy friend ?.... Meaning to David; though he would not mention his name, nor his title, nor even the relation of a father he stood in to him, only speaks of him as Hushai's friend: Hushai had professed great friendship to David, and David had been a friend to Hushai, had raised him to great honour in making him a counsellor, and had bestowed many favours and benefits on him, as Absalom knew full well; and therefore, to try his integrity,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:18

And Hushai said to Absalom ,.... In answer to his questions: nay, but whom the Lord, and his people, and all the men of Israel choose : here again he speaks very ambiguously; for this circumlocution, or descriptive character of the king of Israel, better agrees with David, whom he might bear in mind, than with Absalom; for the Lord had chosen David, and he was anointed by his order, and all the people of Israel had chosen and anointed him likewise; but as for Absalom, it was only a part... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:19

And again, whom should I serve ?.... Or "secondly" F5 השנית "secunda", Montanus, Munster, Vatablus; "secundo", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. , a second reason is here given for serving Absalom: the first was the choice of God and the people, the second follows: should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence : he signifies, that as the kingdom was not translated into another family, but continued in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:18

Whom the Lord and this people - choose - Here is an equivocation; Hushai meant in his heart that God and all the people of Israel had chosen David; but he spake so as to make Absalom believe that he spoke of him: for whatever of insincerity may appear in this, Hushai is alone answerable. What he says afterwards may be understood in the same way. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-19

( JERUSALEM .) An inconsistent friend. "Is this thy kindness to thy friend?" ( 2 Samuel 16:17 ; 2 Samuel 15:37 ). On his unresisted and triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, Absalom was met by Hushai with the exclamation, "Long live the king!" ( 1 Samuel 10:24 ). Such a display of loyalty to himself on the part of "David's friend" (companion, favourite) appeared to him so inconsistent that he asked, in ironical astonishment, "Is this," etc.? "One might have said to him, 'Is this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

Illustrations of facts and principles. The facts are: 1 . Absalom enters Jerusalem with his adherents and Ahithophel. 2 . Hushai presents himself before Absalom, with a salutation in ambiguous language. 3 . On Absalom expressing surprise that he had not gone with David, he, with studied caution, expresses his readiness to serve whom the Lord and all the men of Israel might choose, and further declares his intention to "serve" in the son's presence as he had in the father's. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

Is this thy kindness to thy friend? After carrying the king to Ayephim, on the banks of the Jordan, the narrator now turns back to Absalom, because David was to wait at the caravanserai for news from Jerusalem. And immediately on his arrival, Hushai hastens into Absalom's presence, loudly exclaiming, "Long live the king!" for such is the meaning of the Hebrew. The young man is surprised; for Hushai was David's friend and trusted confidant. Yet he does not suspect this sudden breaking of old... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

Unfaithful friends. Bad men may and often do see and reprove in others the baseness they are themselves practising, and thus unconsciously condemn themselves. Absalom reproves his father's friend Hushai for supposed unkindness and unfaithfulness to him, while he himself, not merely a friend, but a fondly loved son, was usurping his father's throne, and ready to take away his life (see 2 Samuel 17:2 , 2 Samuel 17:4 ). Nevertheless, the sentiment which underlies his remonstrance is just,... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:16

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:19

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:18

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-19

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

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