2 Samuel 16:21

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Absalom had notice sent him speedily by some of his friends at Jerusalem that David had withdrawn, and with what a small retinue he had gone; so that the coasts were clear, Absalom might take possession of Jerusalem when he pleased.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 16:21

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom ,.... Either immediately of himself, without consulting with others; or after a consultation had been held between them, he as the president of it, and their mouth, gave the following advice; though the former seems most correct: go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left, to keep the house ; and lie with them; there were ten of them, 2 Samuel 15:16 , and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father ; this fact will be so... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:21

Go in unto thy father ' s concubines - It may be remembered that David left ten of them behind to take care of the house, see 2 Samuel 15:16 . Ahithophel advised this infernal measure, in order to prevent the possibility of a reconciliation between David and his son; thus was the prophecy to Nathan fulfilled, 2 Samuel 12:11 . And this was probably transacted in the very same place where David's eye took the adulterous view of Bath-sheba; see 2 Samuel 11:2 . The wives of... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:21

Ahithophel said. Ahithophel's counsel was utterly abominable, even though the deed would not be regarded by any of the Israelites as incestuous. A king inherited his predecessor's harem, and Absalom's act was a coarse and rude assertion that David's rights were at an end, and that crown and hinds and property, even to his wives, now all belonged to the usurper. But, while polygamy had thus degraded the wives and concubines into mere chattels, the harem was the property most jealously guarded... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 16:21

Taking possession of the harem was the most decided act of sovereignty (see 1 Kings 2:22). It was also the greatest offence and insult that could be offered. Such an act on Absalom’s part made reconciliation impossible. A further motive has been found in this advice, namely, the desire on the part of Ahithophel to make David taste the bitterness of that cup which he had caused others (Uriah and all Bath-sheba’s family) to drink, and receive the measure which he had meted withal. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 16:21

2 Samuel 16:21. Go in unto thy father’s concubines This counsel he gave, partly to revenge the injury done to Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, chap. 2 Samuel 11:3; the son of Ahithophel, 2 Samuel 23:34; and principally for his own and the people’s safety, that the breach between David and Absalom might be irreparable. For this, he foresaw, would provoke David in the highest degree, and cut off all hope of reconciliation, which otherwise might have been expected to take place, by some... 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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 16:21

said . Instigated by feelings of private revenge against David for his sin with Bath-sheba; she being the daughter of his son, Eliam . See 2 Samuel 23:34 . Compare 2 Samuel 11:3 . Foretold by Nathan (2 Samuel 12:11 , 2 Samuel 12:12 ). 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

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