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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:16-23

Perhaps Jordan was never passed with so much solemnity, nor with so many remarkable occurrences, as it was now, since Israel passed it under Joshua. David, in his afflictive flight, remembered God particularly from the land of Jordan (Ps. 42:6), and now that land, more than any other, was graced with the glories of his return. David's soldiers furnished themselves with accommodations for their passage over this river, but, for his own family, a ferry-boat was sent on purpose, 2 Sam. 19:18. A... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:16

And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim ,.... Of whom see 2 Samuel 16:5 , hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David : he took the first opportunity to meet the king, and ask his pardon for his ill treatment of him when he fled from Jerusalem; for, hearing: that Absalom was slain, and the victory was on the side of David, who was returning in triumph, he thought it advisable as soon as possible to make his submission, and entreat forgiveness,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:17

And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him ,.... Of which tribe he was, and these were either a band of soldiers, of which he was the chiliarch; or tenants of his, which showed him to be a great man; or his neighbours, and persons of some figure, whom he prevailed upon to come as intercessors for him: and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul ; who had imposed upon David, and got his master's inheritance from him, knowing that David would be undeceived by Mephibosheth his master,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 19:16

Shimei the son of Gera - It appears that Shimei was a powerful chieftain in the land; for he had here, in his retinue, no less than a thousand men. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:16

Shimei the son of Gera. The fact that he came attended by a thousand men of the tribe of Benjamin is a proof, not only that he was a person of influence, but that he had exerted himself to bring over his tribesmen to David's side. His adherence was, therefore, of importance. Ziba had always professed allegiance to David, and as he virtually represented the house of Stud, his presence was also valuable, even if prompted by the desire to keep Mephibosheth's land. For though Absalom seemed to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:16-23

( THE JORDAN .) The pardon of Shimei. The conduct of Shimei towards David in his flight ( 2 Samuel 16:5 ) was base and iniquitous. "The wheel turns round once more; Absalom is cast down and David returns in peace. Shimei suits his behaviour to the occasion, and is the first man, also, who hastes to greet him; and had the wheel turned round a hundred times, Shimei, I dare say, in every period of its rotation would have been uppermost" (Sterne). But he may have been actuated by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:16-30

The facts are: 1 . Shimei, with a considerable Benjamite following, including Ziba and his household, joins the men of Judah to meet David at the Jordan. 2 . Previous to the king being ferried over, Shimei falls down before him, confesses his past sins, and pleads for mercy, and urges as evidence of sincerity that he is the first to come and bid the king welcome. 3 . On Abishai expressing his feeling that Shimei should rather be put to death for his evil deeds, David resents the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:17

They went over Jordan before the king . This might mean that, in bringing the king across, Shimei and the Benjamites led the way. But, first, the verb, which is a rare one, means that they dashed through the river impetuously; and secondly, before the king, means "in the king's presence." While the tribe of Judah remained on the left bank to receive the king on his landing, Shimei and Ziba sought favour by a show of excessive zeal, and forded the Jordan, so as to be the first to welcome... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 19:16

Shimei being aware that Judah was unanimous in recalling the king, lost no time in trying to make his peace with David, by bringing a large Benjamite force with him. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 19:17

Before the king - i. e., “to meet the king.” Compare 2 Samuel 20:8. The king was on the east bank, and they crossed over (by the ford) from the west bank to go to him. read more

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