2 Samuel 19:24-21:22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:24-30

The day of David's return was a day of bringing to remembrance, a day of account, in which what had passed in his flight was called over again; among other things, after the case of Shimei, that of Mephibosheth comes to be enquired into, and he himself brings it on. I. He went down in the crowd to meet the king (2 Sam. 19:24), and as a proof of the sincerity of his joy in the king's return, we are here told what a true mourner he was for the king's banishment. During that melancholy time, when... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:24

And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king ,.... Not down to Jordan, but Jerusalem; when the king was come thither, he came from his own dwelling to the king's palace; he is called the son of Saul, though he was his grandson, and grandsons are sometimes called sons; though in the Septuagint it is, the son's son of Saul; and the Syriac and Arabic versions are, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul: and had neither dressed his feet ; had not cut his nails, as the Septuagint... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 19:24

Neither dressed his feet - He had given the fullest proof of his sincere attachment to David and his cause; and by what he had done, amply refuted the calumnies of his servant Ziba. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:16-30

The facts are: 1 . Shimei, with a considerable Benjamite following, including Ziba and his household, joins the men of Judah to meet David at the Jordan. 2 . Previous to the king being ferried over, Shimei falls down before him, confesses his past sins, and pleads for mercy, and urges as evidence of sincerity that he is the first to come and bid the king welcome. 3 . On Abishai expressing his feeling that Shimei should rather be put to death for his evil deeds, David resents the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:24

Mephibosheth . The meeting of David and Mephibosheth possibly took place at Jerusalem (see on 2 Samuel 19:25 ), and, if so, the order of events is not chronological. Ziba certainly came to the Jordan fords, and the narrative may have been introduced here to complete the account of his doings. In neglecting his person and his dress, Mephibosheth was showing signs of heartfelt sorrow, and as he thus mourned during Absalom's tenure of power, it exposed him to the usurper's displeasure, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:24-30

( THE JORDAN .) The vindication of Mephibosheth. "He hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king" ( 2 Samuel 19:27 ). The lame son of Jonathan comes upon the scene once more before his final disappearance. During the rebellion he seems to have continued at Jerusalem; and a strange spectacle he must have presented there, with his neglected person and mournful countenance. On hearing that the king was returning, he set out from Jerusalem (Hebrew, to; or "Jerusalem came,"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:24-30

Inability hindering desired service. Although some are disposed to accept Ziba's account of his master's conduct ( 2 Samuel 16:3 ) rather than Mephibosheth's own, as given in these verses, there seems to be no just reason to doubt his truth and sincerity. He did not go with David because, owing to his lameness and the treachery and cunning of Ziba, he was unable to do so. The narrative suggests such thoughts as follow. I. INABILITY DEBARS MANY CHRISTIANS FROM SOME ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 19:24

Beard - The “moustache,” the beard of the upper lip. The fact related in this verse tends to clear Mephibosheth from the suspicion of unfaithfulness to David. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 19:24

2 Samuel 19:24. Mephibosheth the son of Saul That is, the grandson, 2 Samuel 4:4. Had neither dressed his feet Neither washed them, which in those hot climates was usual and very refreshing; nor cut the nails of his toes, but let them grow, as he did his beard, which he had not trimmed nor taken any care of, but suffered to become very long and disorderly. Nor washed his clothes His linen clothes. He had wholly neglected himself, as persons were wont to do in a time of public sorrow. ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:9-43

David returns to Jerusalem (19:9-43)Because the nation was still deeply divided as a result of Absalom’s revolt, David did not return to Jerusalem immediately. He was waiting for the people to give an indication that they wanted him restored as king. Some people of the northern tribes had suggested they invite David back, but the people of Judah, David’s own tribe, had apparently said nothing (9-10).Knowing the rivalry that existed between Judah and the other tribes, David cunningly suggested... read more

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