2 Samuel 19:3

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 19:3

And the people got them by stealth that day into the city ,.... Did not march into it in companies, in a public and triumphant manner, as conquerors used to do; but entered in a private manner, one by one, or a very few together, not caring to be seen or known, at least by the king, as fearing they had incurred his displeasure: but as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle ; as if they had been conquered, and not conquerors; nay, had acted a cowardly part, and ran away;... 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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 19:3

2 Samuel 19:3. The people gat them by stealth into the city Not openly and triumphantly, as conquerors use to do; but secretly, as if they thought themselves a kind of criminals, who had contravened the king’s command, and were, on that score, in disgrace with him, and, therefore, were afraid and ashamed lest he should see them and look upon them with an evil eye, as persons that had had a hand in killing his beloved son. As people steal away when they flee in battle As if they had lost... 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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 19:3

as = according as. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 19:3

3. the people gat them by stealth . . . to the city—The rumor of the king's disconsolate condition spread a universal and unseasonable gloom. His troops, instead of being welcomed back (as a victorious army always was) with music and other demonstrations of public joy, slunk secretly and silently into the city, as if ashamed after the commission of some crime. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 19:1-43

David’s Return to JerusalemDavid’s excessive grief for Absalom is rebuked by Joab. He punishes Joab for Absalom’s death by making Amasa commander of the army. The details of his return to Jerusalem are given, with the strife it caused between the men of Israel and the men of Judah.David has often been accused of ingratitude on account of his treatment of Joab. It has been urged that he would never have been secure with Absalom at liberty, and Joab knew how uncertain was his master’s mind. On... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 2 Samuel 19:1-43

Bringing the King Back 2 Samuel 19:10 The rebellion was over; Absalom was dead; the messengers had not hesitated to bring what they thought would be the good tidings to the king. But how could they be good tidings, remembering the wonderful love which he bore for his son? A plaintive cry went up from him when he realized the fullness of the news, and he wished he had died instead. The joy of victory was turned to mourning; the people heard of the sorrow of the king, and little could they... read more

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