2 Samuel 19:11 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:9-15

It is strange that David did not immediately upon the defeat and dispersion of Absalom's forces march with all expedition back to Jerusalem, to regain the possession of his capital city, while the rebels were in confusion and before they could rally again. What occasion was there to bring him back? Could not he himself go back with the victorious army he had with him in Gilead? He could, no doubt; but, 1. He would go back as a prince, with the consent and unanimous approbation of the people,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:11

And King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests ,.... Who were at Jerusalem, and in his interest; perhaps by Ahimaaz and Jonathan their sons: saying, speak unto the elders of Judah ; particularly those that were at Jerusalem, with whom they had an interest: saying, why are ye the last to bring back the king to his house ? to his palace at Jerusalem, since David was of their tribe, and was first anointed their king: what might make them the more backward to it was their being... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 19:11

Speak unto the elders of Judah - David was afraid to fall out with this tribe: they were in possession of Jerusalem, and this was a city of great importance to him. They had joined Absalom in his rebellion; and doubtless were now ashamed of their conduct. David appears to take no notice of their infidelity, but rather to place confidence in them, that their confidence in him might be naturally excited: and, to oblige them yet farther, purposes to make Amasa captain of the host in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:1-15

The facts are: 1 . In consequence of David's sorrowful isolation, the people mourn and betake themselves to the city ashamed and discouraged. 2 . Joab, being informed of the fact, enters the king's house, and sharply rebukes him for his conduct, charging him with disregarding the sacrifices his people had made, and caring more for his rebellious son than for his attached friends. 3 . Joab then advises him at once to arise and go forth to encourage the people, pointing out that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:11

David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar. The two high priests had remained behind at Jerusalem, to watch over David's interests, and he now, by a messenger, probably Ahimaaz or Jonathan, urges them to quicken the proceedings of his own tribe. We may feel quite sure that there was discussion in Judah as well as in the other tribes; but the rebellion had begun at Hebron, and probably many of the leading chiefs were deeply implicated in Absalom's proceedings. Probably they now regretted it, but... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 19:11-12

2 Samuel 19:11-12. Speak unto the elders of Judah Absalom had begun his conspiracy in Jerusalem itself, and perfected it in Hebron, both cities of Judah; and the people of that tribe had been the first to join him in his rebellion, and to aid and abet his designs; conscious of this, and that, as David was of their tribe, and had long shown them peculiar kindness, their guilt was the greater, they probably despaired of pardon, and, therefore, were backward to promote the king’s restoration. ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:9-43

David returns to Jerusalem (19:9-43)Because the nation was still deeply divided as a result of Absalom’s revolt, David did not return to Jerusalem immediately. He was waiting for the people to give an indication that they wanted him restored as king. Some people of the northern tribes had suggested they invite David back, but the people of Judah, David’s own tribe, had apparently said nothing (9-10).Knowing the rivalry that existed between Judah and the other tribes, David cunningly suggested... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Samuel 19:11

"And King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, "Say to the elders of Judah, `Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his house, when the word of all Israel has come to the king? You are my kinsmen, you are my bone and my flesh; why then should you be the last to bring back the king'?. And say to Amasa, `Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me and more also, if you are not commander of my army henceforth in the place of Joab.'" And he swayed the heart... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 19:11-12

2 Samuel 19:11-12. Speak unto the elders of Judah, &c.— The authors of the Universal History charge this message with partiality, and with being, on that account, the cause of jealousy and revolt among the other ten tribes: but I see nothing in the history to justify this reflection. Instead of "inviting the elders of Judah to come foremost to relieve him," as these writers suppose, he only gently reproved them for being the last; urging his being of their own tribe as a reason why they... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 19:9-43

David’s return to Jerusalem 19:9-43The only thing the people could do after Absalom had fallen was to return to their former king (2 Samuel 19:11-12). Absalom had found his strongest support among the people of Judah. David did not want the Judahites to conclude that by supporting Absalom they had become his enemies. David extended pardon to them and informed them that he still regarded them as his closest kin. This wise political move helped unite the nation again.". . . David’s reference here... read more