2 Samuel 16:16-17:14 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

Absalom had notice sent him speedily by some of his friends at Jerusalem that David had withdrawn, and with what a small retinue he had gone; so that the coasts were clear, Absalom might take possession of Jerusalem when he pleased. The gates were open, and there was none to oppose him. Accordingly he came without delay (2 Sam. 16:15), extremely elevated, no doubt, with this success at first, and that that in which, when he formed his design, he probably apprehended the greatest difficulty,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:16

And it came to pass that when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom ,.... Who came into Jerusalem at the same time that Absalom did, and who, no doubt, took the first opportunity to make his court to him, 2 Samuel 15:37 , that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king ; or "may the king live" F3 יחי המלך "vivat rex", Pagninus. Montanus, &c.; , live long, and his kingdom be permanent; these words are very ambiguous, he might mean... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-19

( JERUSALEM .) An inconsistent friend. "Is this thy kindness to thy friend?" ( 2 Samuel 16:17 ; 2 Samuel 15:37 ). On his unresisted and triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, Absalom was met by Hushai with the exclamation, "Long live the king!" ( 1 Samuel 10:24 ). Such a display of loyalty to himself on the part of "David's friend" (companion, favourite) appeared to him so inconsistent that he asked, in ironical astonishment, "Is this," etc.? "One might have said to him, 'Is this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

Illustrations of facts and principles. The facts are: 1 . Absalom enters Jerusalem with his adherents and Ahithophel. 2 . Hushai presents himself before Absalom, with a salutation in ambiguous language. 3 . On Absalom expressing surprise that he had not gone with David, he, with studied caution, expresses his readiness to serve whom the Lord and all the men of Israel might choose, and further declares his intention to "serve" in the son's presence as he had in the father's. ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 16:16

2 Samuel 16:16. Hushai said unto Absalom, &c. Hushai, it appears, mindful of his instructions, lost no time to pay his court, and profess his allegiance to Absalom; but, immediately coming to him, addressed him in the customary form of salutation to kings, or rather, with a seemingly peculiar zeal, he re-doubled the salutation; God save the king Namely, Absalom, whom he pretends to own for his king and rightful lord, as if he were abundantly satisfied in his title, and well pleased... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Apparent success of the revolt (16:1-23)As David left Jerusalem, Ziba (whom David had appointed to manage the property of Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth; see 9:9-13) took the opportunity to win David’s favour by bringing him food and animals to assist his escape. Ziba then told David that Mephibosheth was a traitor who was planning to seize the throne for himself. As a result David took away Mephibosheth’s property and gave it to Ziba, though later events showed there was some doubt whether... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 16:5-22

2 Samuel 16:5-12. When king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out—Shimei—and cursed.— This vile and calumnious treatment of Shimei was one of the severest trials of patience that ever human magnanimity endured. The accusation, 2Sa 16:8 was notoriously false, and the king for that reason could bear it the better. But his servants saw it not in the light of their master's equanimity, but of his enemy's insolence. Abishai, David's nephew, could not bear it, but begged the king's... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 16:15-29

The counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai 16:15-17:29This is the central unit of chapters 5-20, and its central focus is the judgment that Hushai’s advice was better than Ahithophel’s (2 Samuel 17:14). This advice is the pivot on which the fortunes of David turned in his dealings with Absalom.Hushai was loyal to David primarily because David was the Lord’s anointed (2 Samuel 16:18). His words to Absalom implied that he was supporting the revolution, but everything that Hushai said could have been... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Ziba, Shimei, and AhithophelDavid, during his flight, is assisted by Ziba, but is cursed by Shimei. The cause of Absalom is promoted by the wise counsel of Ahithophel.1. An hundred of summer fruits] a hundred cakes into which summer fruits were compressed. 2. With true Oriental deference he does not venture to say they are for the king’s own use, 8. All the blood of the house of Saul] The reference is probably to the incident recorded in 2 Samuel 21:1-14.11. The lord hath bidden him] David... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Samuel 16:16

(16) God save the king.—In the original, wherever this phrase occurs, it is simply, Let the king live. This and the expression “God forbid” are exceptional instances in which modern phraseology refers more directly to God than the ancient. Absalom is surprised at Hushai’s coming to him, and inclined to distrust one who has deserted his former friend and master. But Hushai succeeds in explaining his conduct as based upon the principle of loyalty to the government de facto; he urges that this has... read more