2 Samuel 19:9-20:26 WEB

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 19:9

And all the people were at strife through all the tribes of Israel ,.... Excepting the tribe of Judah; they blamed and reproved one another for taking part with Absalom in the rebellion, and especially for their coldness and backwardness in bringing back David to Jerusalem: saying, the king saved us out of the hand of our enemies ; exposed his life to danger, fought our battles for us, and gained us victory over our enemies, and saved us from them, especially those next mentioned: and... 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 19:9

Late reflection and appreciation. The rebels against King David having been defeated, and their chosen leader slain, they bethink themselves of their position and of the claims of their injured sovereign; and begin to stir up each other to obtain his return and reinstatement. Their words are obviously true; but the facts they now recognize were as truly facts when they rose in rebellion. It was only their feeling with respect to them that had changed. So it is commonly. Under the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 19:9-10

2 Samuel 19:9-10. All the people were at strife throughout all the tribes Either, 1st, Striving who should be most forward to bring back the king, and blaming one another’s slackness in the business: or, 2d, Censuring and quarrelling one with another, as the authors and abetters of this shameful rebellion, and discoursing privately and publicly of David’s high merits, which God, being now reconciled to him, brings afresh to their memories. Now, therefore, why speak ye not a word, &c.... 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

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 19:9

9-11. all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel—The kingdom was completely disorganized. The sentiments of three different parties are represented in 2 Samuel 19:9; 2 Samuel 19:10: the royalists, the adherents of Absalom who had been very numerous, and those who were indifferent to the Davidic dynasty. In these circumstances the king was right in not hastening back, as a conqueror, to reascend his throne. A re-election was, in some measure, necessary. He remained for... 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

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 19:1-43

David’s Return to JerusalemDavid’s excessive grief for Absalom is rebuked by Joab. He punishes Joab for Absalom’s death by making Amasa commander of the army. The details of his return to Jerusalem are given, with the strife it caused between the men of Israel and the men of Judah.David has often been accused of ingratitude on account of his treatment of Joab. It has been urged that he would never have been secure with Absalom at liberty, and Joab knew how uncertain was his master’s mind. On... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Samuel 19:9

(9) The king saved us.—With the collapse of the rebellion the accompanying infatuation passed away, and the people began to remember how much they owed to David. There seems to have been a general disposition among the people to return to their allegiance, yet the movement was without organisation or leadership. read more