2 Samuel 20:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1-3

David, in the midst of his triumphs, has here the affliction to see his kingdom disturbed and his family disgraced. I. His subjects revolting from him at the instigation of a man of Belial, whom they followed when they forsook the man after God's own heart. Observe, 1. That this happened immediately upon the crushing of Absalom's rebellion. We must not think it strange, while we are in this world, if the end of one trouble be the beginning of another: deep sometimes calls unto deep. 2. That... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1

And there happened to be a man of Belial ,.... A wicked man, as the Targum, a lawless, yokeless man, that had cast off the yoke of the law, and was without it, as Belial is by some interpreted; or one unprofitable and useless, yea, noxious and pernicious: this man, though, with respect to second causes, may be said to be there by chance, yet it was so ordered by the providence of God that he should be present at this time for the further fulfilment of the threatening to David, that the sword... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 20:1

Sheba , the son of Bichri - As this man was a Benjamite, he probably belonged to the family of Saul; and he seems to have had considerable influence in Israel to raise such an insurrection: but we know nothing farther of him than what is related in this place. We have no part in David - We of Israel, we of the ten tribes, are under no obligation to the house of David. Leave him, and let every man fall into the ranks under his own leader. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1

EXPOSITION There happened to be there a man of Belial. The fierce words of the men of Judah led to evil results. It was a time when all wise and thoughtful persons would have laboured for peace, and tried to soothe and appease the angry passions fomented by the late war. Instead of this, the men of Judah irritated the Israelites with insult and contumely, and the day, intended as one of rejoicing and of the restoration of David to his throne by common consent, saw the rebellion break... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1-2

Departure from and adherence to Christ. A sudden change in the aspect of affairs. The occasion was a fierce dispute between the Israelites and the men of Judah as to the right of the latter to go so far towards the restoration of the king without consulting the former. The causes, however, are to be found partly in old jealousies between the tribes; partly in the unallayed resentment of the Benjamites on account of the setting aside of the house of Saul from the royalty, and its transfer... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1-3

( GILGAL .) The insurrection of Sheba. "We have no part in David, And we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; Every man to his tents, O Israel!" ( 2 Samuel 20:1 ; 1 Kings 12:16 .) Before the restoration of David was completed, a new rebellion broke out. The people were still disquieted, like the sea after a storm; the independent action of Judah in conducting the king over the Jordan aroused the jealousy of the other tribes; at Gilgal ( 1 Samuel 11:15 ; 1 Samuel... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1-13

The facts are: 1 . Among the men who discuss the question of priority with Judah is a worthless man named Sheba, and he raises the cry of revolt against David, and the men of Israel follow him, while those of Judah cleave to the king. 2 . David enters his house and makes arrangement for the sustenance of his concubines, who henceforth live in virtual widowhood. 3 . David, observing that Amasa was tardy in executing his orders to gather the men of Judah, directs Abishai to go out... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 20:1

The son of Bichri ... - Rather, “a Bichrite,” formed like the names “Ahohite,” “Hachmonite,” etc. 2 Samuel 23:8-9, and so called from Becher, the son of Benjamin Genesis 46:21; 1 Chronicles 7:6-8 Saul was also of this family. It is evident that the transfer of the royalty from their tribe to that of Judah still rankled in the hearts of many Benjamites (2 Samuel 16:8 note). read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 20:1

2 Samuel 20:1. There happened to be there, &c. His presence was casual in itself, though ordered by God’s providence. A man of Belial A wicked and lawless person, one who attempted to shake off the yoke of civil authority. A Benjamite And therefore grieved at the translation of the kingdom from Saul and that tribe, to David and the tribe of Judah. We have no part in David The tribe of Judah have monopolized the king to themselves, and will not allow us any share in him; let them... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1-26

Sheba’s revolt (20:1-26)With virtually the whole nation in a state of unrest, Sheba, a Benjaminite, seized the opportunity to try to lead the northern tribes to break away from David (20:1-2). Being anxious to re-establish his kingdom in Jerusalem, David did not leave the city but sent his new commander-in-chief Amasa to assemble the army and pursue Sheba (3-4).When Amasa was slow in assembling the army, David sent off his private army, the fighting force that had been with him since the days... read more

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