So Hushai David's friend came into the city ,.... The city of Jerusalem, by the direction and persuasion of David, and in obedience to him, in order to serve him to the uttermost: and Absalom came into Jerusalem : just at the same time; so that he knew not that Hushai had been out of it, and been with David, and which also appears from what he said to him, 2 Samuel 16:17 . read more
Absalom came into Jerusalem - It is very probable that he and his partisans were not far from the city when David left it, and this was one reason which caused him to hurry his departure. Reader, behold in the case of David a sad vicissitude of human affairs, and a fearful proof of their instability. Behold a king, the greatest that ever lived, a profound politician, an able general, a brave soldier, a poet of the most sublime genius and character, a prophet of the Most High God, and... read more
Prayer for Divine intervention. The facts are: 1 . David, hearing that Ahithophel was among the conspirators, prays that God would turn his counsel into foolishness. 2 . On reaching the top of the Mount of Olives, the aged Hushai expresses his desire to go with David into exile, but David declines his offer on account of his infirmities. 3 . On the other hand, David suggests that he can render him good service by returning to the city and living as a servant of Absalom, and he... read more
( THE TOP OF MOUNT OLIVET .) The friendship of Hushai. ( References: Joshua 16:2 ; 2 Samuel 16:16-19 ; 2 Samuel 17:5-15 ; 1 Chronicles 27:33 ; 1 Kings 4:16 .) Like Uriah and Ittai, he may have been of Gentile origin and a proselyte; was far advanced in life ( 2 Samuel 15:33 ), "the king's friend" or confidential adviser, and doubtless, in disposition, more congenial with David than the cool and calculating Ahithophel. "In him David saw the first gleam of hope. For... read more
Absalom came into Jerusalem. Absalom had evidently pushed rapidly forward from Hebron, in hopes, perhaps, of surprising David in the city. Evidently he entered it on the day of David's flight ( 2 Samuel 17:1 ), and Ahithophers proposal to select twelve thousand men from Absalom's followers shows how very powerful the conspiracy was. Had this advice been followed, the decisive battle would have been fought that evening at the fords of the Jordan, a few miles only from Jerusalem. ... read more
2 Samuel 15:36-37. They have there with them their two sons Not in Jerusalem, but in a place near it, to which they could easily send upon occasion. So Hushai came into the city Where, it is likely, he waited for the coming of Absalom. And having got thither before him, he so ordered his affairs that it was not known to Absalom’s party that he had been with David to offer him his services. And Absalom came into Jerusalem How soon do royal cries and royal palaces change their masters!... read more
Absalom’s rebellion (15:1-37)By cunning and deceit over the next few years, Absalom strengthened his position and gathered himself a following, mainly among the people of Judah’s country regions. He encouraged a feeling of dissatisfaction with David’s administration and promised a better deal for the common people if he were in a position of authority (15:1-6).Clearly, Absalom was plotting to seize the throne. It appears that he relied for the success of his rebellion upon the personal support... read more
David’s flight from Jerusalem 15:13-37The people of Israel had formerly given the kingdom to David as a gift (2 Samuel 5:1-3), but now they took that gift from him (2 Samuel 15:13). [Note: Gunn, "David and . . .," p. 22.] David knew that Absalom was popular with the people. Evidently he fled Jerusalem to save his own life and to spare the capital from destruction. Perhaps Absalom planned to destroy David’s capital as well as to kill the king and reassert Judean supremacy. Clearly David planned... read more
The Rebellion of AbsalomHis party is so strong that David is obliged to flee from Jerusalem. He is joined by Ittai the Gittite, and by Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and by Hushai the Archite. The king, however, orders Zadok, Abiathar, and Hushai to return to Jerusalem.1. Fifty men to run before him] Such runners have always formed part of royal state in the East: cp. 1 Kings 1:5; 1 Kings 18:46. 2. Rose] rather, ’used to rise,’ and stand by the gate so as to meet all who went in or out.7.... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:31-37
Nothing, it seems, appeared to David more threatening in Absalom's plot than that Ahithophel was in it; for one good head, in such a design, is worth a thousand good hands. Absalom was himself no politician, but he had got one entirely in his interest that was, and would be the more dangerous because he had been all along acquainted with David's counsels and affairs; if therefore he can be baffled, Absalom is as good as routed and the head of the conspiracy cut off. This David endeavours to... read more