Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:5
Lay on a bed at noon - It is a custom in all hot countries to travel or work very early and very late, and rest at noonday, in which the heat chiefly prevails. read more
2 Samuel 4:1-6 Kjv
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:6
As though they would have fetched wheat - The king's stores were probably near his own dwelling; and these men were accustomed to go thither for provisions for themselves, their cattle, and their men. This supposition which is natural, renders unnecessary all the emendations of Houbigant and others. As these men were accustomed to bring wheat from these stores, from which it appears there was an easy passage to the king's chamber, (especially if we consider this a summer-house,... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1
EXPOSITION When Saul's son heard that Abner was dead . The news of Abner's death must have had a doubly depressing effect upon Ishbosheth; for he learned, not only that the mainstay of his kingdom was slain, but that even he, in despair of a successful issue, had been engaged in treasonable negotiations with his rival. All the Israelites were troubled. Their trouble was caused rather by uncertainty than by fear. Abner's plans had fallen through, and the fact of his murder threw... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1-3
( MAHANAIM .) The unhappy lot of Ishbosheth. Of the varied types of character which these chapters furnish, that which appears in Ishbosheth (Eshbaal, 1 Chronicles 8:33 ) is a most pitiable one. The last surviving son of Saul, he bore little resemblance to his heroic father; owed his life to his incapacity for military enterprise; was the legitimate successor of Saul according to the law of Oriental succession; after the brief suspense in which the elders of Israel seemed disposed to... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1-12
The facts are: 1 . On the death of Abner, consternation seizes Ishbosheth and his friends. 2 . The only other representative of the house of Saul was a mere boy, whose age and bodily infirmity rendered his coming to the front out of the question. 3 . Two of Ishbosheth's officers, forming a secret design, visit Ishbosheth as though on business connected with their duties, and slay him. 4 . Stealing away by night, they carry the head of Ishbosheth to David at Hebron, and think to... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:2
Saul's son had two men captains of bands. The bands mentioned were light-armed troops, used in forays, such as that mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:22 . Their captains would be men of importance with Ishbosheth, who is here described somewhat contemptuously, not as king, nor by his own name, but as "Saul's son." Beeroth . This place, literally the Wells , was one of the four towns reserved for the Gibeonites ( Joshua 9:17 ), though nominally belonging to Benjamin ( Joshua 18:25 ). The... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:3
Gittaim . This word is a dual, and means "the two Gaths;" the one being, probably, the acropolis, or upper town, at the foot of which nestled a new Gath, protected by the ancient stronghold. It is mentioned as belonging to Benjamin in Nehemiah 11:33 ; but could not have been an Israelite town at this time, as the Beerothites are described as sojourners, that is, dwellers in a foreign country. When expelled from Beeroth, they probably seized Gittaim by force, and, on the reconciliation... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:4
Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son. This is mentioned to show that Saul's lineage virtually became extinct on Ishbosheth's death. Mephibosheth, the heir, was a cripple, and physically incapable of reigning. Saul had, indeed, sons by a concubine, and grandchildren by his daughter Merab ( 2 Samuel 21:8 ). But throughout the history there is no hint that any of these were regarded as the representatives of Saul's house. (For the name Mephibosheth, see note on 2 Samuel 2:8 .) read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:4
( GIBEAH .) An unfortunate prince: a sermon to children. Mephibosheth was the only son of Jonathan, the friend of David and eldest sort of King Saul. When he was five years old the country was invaded by the Philistines ( 1 Samuel 29:1 ), his father went forth with the king from Gibeah to fight against them in Jezreel, and he was left at home in the care of a nurse (his mother probably being dead). They waited anxiously for news of the conflict; and at length there came a messenger... read more
Subscribe
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Most Searched
Group of Brands
© 2024 Bibleportal.com All rights reserved.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:4
He fell , and became lame - Dislocated his ankle, knee, or thigh; which was never after reduced; and thus he became lame. Lovely Jonathan! unfortunate in thy life, and in thy progeny. read more