5  David is anointed king by all the tribes, Sa2 5:1-5.
Takes the strong hold of Zion, Sa2 5:6-10.
David builds him an house; his kingdom is established, Sa2 5:11-12.
Has more children, Sa2 5:13-16.
Conquers the Philistines, Sa2 5:17-25.

5:6 Cannot come - They confided in the strength of their fortifications, which they thought so impregnable, that the blind and the lame were sufficient to defend them, against the most powerful assailant. And probably they set a parcel of blind and lame people, invalids or maimed soldiers, to make their appearance on the wall, in contempt of David and his men.

5:8 To the gutter - That is, whosoever scaleth the fort, or getteth up to the top of it, where the gutter was. That are hated - The Jebusites, and the lame, and the blind, Who had probably themselves insulted him, and blasphemed God. He shall be - These words are fitly supplied out of Ch1 11:6, where they are expressed.They said etc - That is, whence it became a proverb, or a common saying, used by David, and others, the blind and the lame Jebusites, were set to keep the house, that is, the fort of Zion; and to keep others from coming into it; but now they are shut out of it, and none of them, either of the Jebusites, or of blind and lame persons, shall be admitted to come into it again. Which David might ordain, to keep up the memory of this great exploit, and of the insolent carriage of the Jebusites.

5:9 Millo - Which seems to have been the town - hall or, state - house, near the wall of the city of Zion.

5:12 King over Israel - That he might be a blessing to them, and they might be happy under his administration.

5:13 David took, etc - This may well be reckoned amongst David's miscarriages, the multiplication of wives being expresly forbidden to the king, Deu 17:17. It seems to have been his policy, that hereby he might enlarge his family, and strengthen his interest by alliances with so many considerable families. But all these did not preserve him from coveting his neighbour's wife. Rather they inclined him to it: for men who have once broke the fence, will wander carelesly.

5:17 The hold - To some fortified place to which his people might conveniently resort from all places, and where he might intrench his army, which lay towards the Philistines.

5:20 Baal - perazim - Whither the Philistines were come from the valley of Rephraim, Ch1 14:11.Baal - perazim, signifies the master of the breaches: So he ascribes all to God. As waters - As floods or rivers of waters, which break the banks, and overflow a land, and overturn all that stands in their way.

5:21 Images - When the ark fell into the hand of the Philistines, it consumed them: but when these images fell into the hands of Israel, they could not save themselves from being consumed.

5:22 And spread themselves - The expression intimates, that they were very numerous, and made a very formidable appearance.So we read, Rev 20:9, of the church's enemies going up on the breadth of the earth. But the wider they spread themselves, the fairer mark they are for God's arrows.

5:23 Go up - Directly against them, as the following words explain it.Behind - Where they least expect thee; God's purposes and promises do not exclude men's endeavours.

5:24 The sound - A noise as it were of persons walking upon the tops of them, which I shall cause; and by this sign, both thou shalt he assured that I am coming to help thee; and the Philistines shall be affrighted, and not perceive the noise of thy army, until thou art upon them.Bestir - Fall upon them.

6  The ark is brought from the house of Abinadab, Sa2 6:1-5.
Its progress stopped by the death of Uzzah, Sa2 6:6-11.
It is brought into the city of David with solemn rejoicings, Sa2 6:12-19.
David answers the reproof of Michal, Sa2 6:20-23.

6:2 On which, etc - That is, by, or before which, they were to present their prayers to God for counsel and succour upon all occasions. And this is mentioned here as the reason why David put himself and his people to so great trouble and charge, because it was to fetch up the choicest treasure which they had.

6:3 They set, etc - Being taught, and encouraged to do so, by the example of the Philistines, who did so without any token of God's displeasure upon them for so doing. But they did not sufficiently consider, that God might wink at the Philistines, because they were ignorant of God's laws; and yet be angry with them for the same thing, because they knew, or might have known the law of God, which commanded the priests to bear it upon their shoulders. But their present transports of joy of the happy change of their affairs, and their greedy desire of having the ark of God removed, made them inconsiderate. In Gibeah - Or, on the hill, as Sa2 7:1.

6:5 Played before the Lord - Public joy should always be as before the Lord, with an eye to him, and terminating in him. Otherwise it is no better than public madness, and the source of all manner of wickedness.

6:7 He died - This may seem very severe, considering his intention was pious, and his transgression not great. But, besides that, men are improper judges of the actions of God; and that God's judgments are always just, though sometimes obscure: it is reasonable, God should make some present examples of his high displeasure against sins, seemingly small; partly, for the demonstration of his own exact and impartial holiness; partly, for the establishment of discipline, and for the greater terror and caution of mankind, who are very prone to have slight thoughts of sin, and to give way to small sins, and thereby to be led on to greater; all which is, or may be prevented by such instances of severity: and consequently there is more of God's mercy, than of his justice, in such actions, because the justice is confined to one particular person, but the benefit of it common to mankind in that, and all future ages.

6:8 Displeased - Or, grieved, both for the sin, and for God's heavy judgment; whereby their hopes were dashed, and their joys interrupted.Perez - uzzah - That is, the breach of Uzzah.

6:10 House of Obed - edom - Obed - edom knew what slaughter the ark had made among the Philistines and the Bethshemites. He saw Uzzah struck dead; yet invites it to his house, and opens his doors without fear, knowing it was a savour of death, only to them that treated it ill. "O the courage, says Bishop Hall, of an honest and faithful heart! Nothing can make God otherwise than amiable to him: even his justice is lovely."

6:11 The Lord blessed, etc - The same hand that punished Uzzah's presumption, rewarded Obed - edom's humble boldness. None ever had, or ever shall have reason to say, that it is in vain to serve God. Piety is the best friend to prosperity. His household too shared in the blessing.It is good living in a family that entertains the ark; for all about it will fare the better for it.

6:14 Danced - To express his thankfulness to God by his outward carriage, according to the manner of those times.Linen ephod - The usual habit of the priests and Levites, in their sacred ministrations yet sometimes worn by others, as it was by the young child Samuel; and so David, who laid by his royal robes, and put on this robe to declare, that although he was king of Israel, yet he willingly owned himself to be the Lord's minister and servant.

6:16 Despised - As one of a base and mean spirit, that knew not how to carry himself with that majesty which became his place.

6:17 David had pitched - For Moses tabernacle was still at Gibeon, Ch1 16:39 Sa2 6, Ch1 21:29, Sa2 6, Ch2 1:3, which David left there, because he designed to build a temple at Jerusalem with all speed.

6:18 He blessed - That is, he heartily and solemnly prayed to God for his blessing upon them: which he did both as a prophet, and as their king, to whom by office it belongs, by all means, to seek his people's welfare.

6:20 Bless his household - Ministers must not think, that their public performances will excuse them from family worship: but when they have blessed the public assembly, they are to return and bless their own household. And none is too great to do this. It is the work of angels to worship God; and therefore certainly can be no disparagement to the greatest of men. Who uncovered - By stripping himself of his royal robes, that he might put on a Levitical ephod.

6:21 Before the Lord - In his presence and service, which though contemptible to thee, is, and ever shall be honourable in mine eyes.Who chose - Who took away the honour from him and his, and transferred it unto me, whereby he hath obliged me to love and serve him with all my might.

6:22 More vile than thus - The more we are vilified for well doing, the more resolute therein we should be, binding our religion the closer to us, for the endeavours of Satan's agents to shame us out of it.Be base - I will always be ready to abase myself before God, and think nothing to mean to stoop to for his honour.Be had in honour - So far will they be from despising me on this account, that they will honour me the more.

6:23 Therefore - Because of her proud and petulant speech and carriage to David, which God justly punished with barrenness.No child - After this time.

7  Nathan approves David's design of building an house for God, Sa2 7:1-3.
God forbids it, but promises to bless him and his seed, Sa2 7:4-17.
His prayer and thanksgiving, Sa2 7:18-29.

7:1 Sat - That is, was settled in the house which Hiram's men had built for him, then he reflected upon the unsettled state of the ark.

7:2 Curtains - That is, in a tent or tabernacle, ver. Sa2 7:6, composed of several curtains.

7:3 Nathan said - Pursue thy intentions, and build an house for the ark. The design being pious and the thing not forbidden by God, Nathan hastily approves it, before he had consulted God about it, as both he and David ought to have done in a matter of so great moment. And therefore Nathan meets with this rebuke, that he is forced to acknowledge his error, and recant it. For the holy prophets did not speak all things by prophetic inspiration, but some things by an human spirit.

7:4 The word of the Lord came - Because David's mistake was pious, and from an honest mind, God would not suffer him to lie long in it.

7:5 Shalt thou - That is, thou shalt not.

7:6 Tent and tabernacle - These two seem thus to be distinguished, the one may note the curtains and hangings within, the other the frame of boards, and coverings upon it.

7:8 My servant - Lest David should be too much discouraged, or judge himself neglected of God, as one thought unworthy of so great an honour, God here gives him the honourable title of his servant, thereby signifying that he accepted of his service, and good intentions.

7:10 Appoint - That is, I will make room for them, whereas hitherto they have been much distressed by their enemies. Or, I will establish a place for them, that is, I will establish them in their place or land.My people - Among the favours which God had vouchsafed, and would vouchsafe to David, he reckons his blessings to Israel, because they were great blessings to David; partly, because the strength and happiness of a king consists in the multitude and happiness of his people; and partly, because David was a man of a public spirit, and therefore no less affected with Israel's felicity than with his own.Before time - Namely in Egypt.

7:11 And as since - Nor as they did under the judges. But all this is to be understood with a condition, except they should notoriously forsake God. And have caused thee - That is, and as until this time in which I have given thee rest. But these words, though according to our translation they be enclosed in the same parenthesis with the foregoing clauses, may be better put without it, and taken by themselves.For the foregoing words in this verse, and in ver. Sa2 7:10, all concern the people of Israel; but these words concern David alone, to whom the speechs returns after a short digression concerning the people of Israel.And they may be rendered thus. And I will cause thee to rest, etc - More fully and perfectly than yet thou dost. He will, etc - For thy good intentions to make him an house, he will make thee an house, a sure house, that is, he will increase and uphold thy posterity, and continue thy kingdom in thy family.

7:12 And when, etc - When the time of thy life shall expire. This phrase implies, that his days shall be prolonged to the usual course of nature, and not cut off in the midst, by any violent or untimely death.I will set - I will set up in thy throne, thy posterity, first Solomon, and then others successively, and at last the Messiah. So the following words may be understood, part of his posterity in general, part of Solomon, and part of Christ only, according to the different nature of the several passages.

7:13 He shall - This is meant literally of Solomon, who alone did build the material house or temple; but ultimately of Christ, who is the builder of God's spiritual house or temple. For my name - That is, for my service, and glory. For ever - This is not meant of Solomon, for his kingdom was not for ever. But it is to be understood of David's posterity, in general, and with special respect to Christ, in whose person the kingdom was to be lodged for ever.

7:14 His father - I will carry myself towards him as a father, with all affection, and I will own him as my son. This is intended both of Solomon, as a type of Christ; and of Christ himself as is evident from Heb 1:5.If he commit - This agrees only to Solomon and some others of David's posterity; but not to Christ, who never committed iniquity, as Solomon did, who therein was no type of Christ, and therefore this branch is terminated in Solomon; whereas in those things wherein Solomon was a type of Christ, the sense passes through Solomon to Christ. Rod of men - With such rods as are gentle and moderate, and suited to man's weakness.

7:15 My mercy - That is, Or, my kindness, that is, the kingdom which I have mercifully promised to thee and thine. From Saul - In regard of his posterity, for the kingdom was continued to his person during life.

7:16 Before thee - Thine eyes in some sort beholding it: for he lived to see his wise son Solomon actually placed in the throne, with reputation and general applause, which was in itself a good presage of the continuance of the kingdom in his family: and being considered, together with the infallible certainty of God's promise to him and his, (of the accomplishment whereof, this was an earnest,) gave him good assurance thereof; especially considering that he had his eyes and thoughts upon the Messiah, Psa 110:1, etc whose day he saw by faith, as Abraham did, Joh 8:56, and whom he knew that God would raise out of the fruit of his loins to sit on his throne, and that for ever: and so the eternity of his kingdom is rightly said to be before him.

7:18 In - Into the tabernacle. Sat - He might sit for a season whilst he was meditating upon these things, and then alter his posture and betake himself to prayer. Who am I, etc - How infinitely unworthy am I and my family of this great honour and happiness!

7:19 This - Which thou hast already done for me, that thou hast brought me hitherto, to that pitch of honour, and peace, and prosperity, in which through thy favour I now stand.Was small - Though it was more than I deserved, or could expect, yet thou didst not think it enough for thee to give to me.A great while - For many future ages, and indeed to all eternity.Is this, etc - Do men use to deal so kindly with their inferiors, as thou hast done with me? No: this is the prerogative of divine grace.

7:20 David say - Either in a way of gratitude and praise, words cannot express my obligations to thee, nor my sense of these obligations: Or in a way of prayer. What can I ask of thee more than thou hast freely done?Thou knowest - Thou knowest my deep sense of thy favours, and my obligations to thee. And my condition and necessities, what I do or may need hereafter; and as thou knowest this, so I doubt not thou wilt supply me.

7:21 Thy word's sake - That thou mightest fulfil thy promises made to me, and thereby demonstrate thy faithfulness. Own heart - Or thy own mere liberality and good pleasure, without any desert of mine. So far was David, though a very gracious man, from thinking his actions meritorious.

7:22 Great - Both in power and in goodness, as appears by the great and good things which thou hast done for me.

7:24 Confirmed - Partly, by thy promises, and that sure covenant which thou hast made with them: and partly, by thy glorious works wrought on their behalf, as it appears this day. Their God - In a peculiar manner, and by special relation and covenant: for otherwise he is the God and father of all things.

7:26 Let thy name - That is, do thou never cease to manifest thyself to be the God and governor of Israel.

7:27 This prayer, etc - That prayer that is found in the tongue only will not please God. It must be found in the heart. That must be lifted up and poured out before God.

7:28 That God - That God who hast declared thyself to be Israel's God, and in particular my God.

7:29 Continue forever, etc - When Christ for ever sat down on the right - hand of God, and received all possible assurance, that his seed and throne should be as the days of heaven, then this prayer was abundantly answered.

8  David subdues the Philistines and Moabites, Sa2 8:1-2.
Smites Hadadezer, and the Syrians, Sa2 8:3-8.
Dedicates the presents he had received and the spoils to God, Sa2 8:9-12.
Conquers the Syrians again, and the Edomites, Sa2 8:13-14.
His administration of justice and chief officers, Sa2 8:15-18.

8:1 And David took - Gath and her towns, as it is expressed in the parallel place, Ch1 18:1.Which are called Metheg - ammah, or the bridle of Ammah, Gath was situate in the mountain of Ammah; and because this being the chief city of the Philistines, and having a king, which none of the rest had, was the bridle which had hitherto kept the Israelites in subjection.

8:2 Moab - For although the king of Moab, out of hatred to Saul, gave protection to his parents, Sa2 22:3-4, yet the Moabites were perpetual and sworn enemies to the Israelites, who therefore were forbidden to admit them into the congregation of the Lord. And though God commanded them in their march to Canaan, to spare the Moabites, yet afterwards they proved fierce enemies to God and his people, and thereby provoked God to alter his carriage towards them.Measured them - That is, having conquered the land, he made an estimate of it, and distributed the towns and people into three parts.Casting down - Overthrowing their towns, and utterly destroying their people in manner following. And now that prophecy, Num 24:17, was accomplished.

8:3 As he went - David, remembering the grant which God had made to his people of all the land as far as Euphrates, and having subdued his neighbouring enemies, went to recover his rights, and stablish his dominion as far as Euphrates.

8:4 Seven hundred - Or, seven hundred companies of horsemen, that is, in all seven thousand; as it is Ch1 18:4, there being ten in each company, and each ten having a ruler or captain. Houghed - - That is, cut the sinews of their legs, that they might be useless for war.

8:5 Of Damascus - That is, who were subject to Damascus, the chief city of Syria.

8:7 On the servants - Or rather, which were with the servants, that is, committed to their custody, as being kept in the king's armoury: for it is not probable they carried them into the field.

8:8 From Betah, etc - In Ch1 18:8, it is, from Tibhath, and from Chun. Either therefore the same cities were called by several names, as is usual, the one by the Hebrews, the other by the Syrians, or those were two other cities, and so the brass was taken out of these four cities.

8:14 The Lord preserved, etc - All David's victories were typical of the success of the gospel over the kingdom of Satan, in which the Son of David rode forth, conquering and to conquer, and will reign 'till he has brought down all opposing rule, principality and power.

8:16 Recorder - The treasurer, who examined all the accounts, and kept records of them.

8:17 Scribe - Or, secretary of state.

8:18 Cherethites, etc - The Cherethites and Pelethites were undoubtedly soldiers, and such as were eminent for their valour and fidelity. Most probable they were the king's guards, which consisted of these two bands, who might be distinguished either by their several weapons, or by the differing time or manner of their service. They are supposed to be thus called either, first, from their office, which was upon the king's command to cut off or punish offenders, and to preserve the king's person, as their names in the Hebrew tongue may seem to imply. Or, secondly, from some country, or place to which they had relation. As for the Cherithites, it is certain they were ether a branch of the Philistines, or a people neighbouring to them, and so might the Pelethites be too, though that be not related in scripture. And these Israelites and soldiers of David might be so called, either because they went and lived with David when he dwelt in those parts or, for some notable exploit against, or victory over these people.

9  David sends for Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, Sa2 9:1-6.
Restores to him all the land that was Saul's, and appoints him to eat at his own table, Sa2 9:7-13.

9:1 Of Saul - He saith not of the house of Jonathan, for he knew not of any son he had left, and therefore thought his kindness and obligation was to pass to the next of his kindred. As for Mephibosheth, he was very young and obscure, and possibly concealed by his friends, lest David should cut him off, as hath been usual among princes.

9:5 Machir - This Machir appears to have been a generous man, who entertained Mephibosheth out of mere compassion, not of disaffection to David: for afterwards we find him kind to David himself, when he fled from Absalom. David now little thought, that the time would come, when he himself should need his assistance. Let us be forward to give, because we know not what we ourselves may sometime want.

9:8 Bowed himself - It is good to have the heart humbled under humbling providences. If when divine providence brings our condition down, divine grace brings our spirits down, we shall be easy.

10  David's ambassadors are abused by Hanun, Sa2 10:1-4.
The Ammonites prepare for war and are routed, Sa2 10:5-14.
Their allies, the Syrians rally and are defeated again, Sa2 10:15-19.

10:2 David sent - There had hitherto been friendship between David and him: and therefore the spoils of the children of Ammon are mentioned, chap.Sa2 8:12, by way of anticipation, and with respect to the story here following.

10:4 Shaved - To fasten this is a reproach upon them, and to make them ridiculous and contemptible. Cut off, etc - This was worse than the former, because the Israelites wore no breeches, and so their nakedness was hereby uncovered.

10:19 And served them - And thus at length was fulfilled the promise made to Abraham, and repeated to Joshua, that the borders of Israel should extend as far as the river Euphrates. The son of David sent his ambassadors, his apostles and ministers, to the Jewish church and nation. But they intreated them shamefully, as Hanun did David's, mocked them, abused them, slew them. And this it was that filled the measure of their iniquity, and brought upon them ruin without remedy.

11  David commits adultery with Bathsheba, Sa2 11:1-5.
Endeavours to father the child upon Uriah, Sa2 11:6-13.
Contrives the death of Uriah, Sa2 11:14-25.
Marries Bathsheba, Sa2 11:26-27.

11:1 After - When that year ended, and the next begun, which was in the spring time. When kings - Which is, when the ground is fit for the march of soldiers, and brings forth provision for man and beast. Tarried at Jerusalem - Had he been now in his post, at the head of his forces be had been out of the way of temptation.

11:2 Arose from off his bed - Where he had lain, and slept for some time. And the bed of sloth often proves the bed of lust.Washing herself - In a bath, which was in her garden. Probably from some ceremonial pollution.

11:3 He inquired - Instead of suppressing that desire which the sight of his eyes had kindled, he seeks rather to feed it; and first enquires who she was; that if she were unmarried, he might make her either his wife or his concubine.

11:4 Took her - From her own house into his palace, not by force, but by persuasion. Lay with her - See how all the way to sin is down hill!When men begin, they cannot soon stop themselves.

11:8 Go down - Not doubting but he would there converse with his wife, and so cover their sin and shame.

11:9 The servants - With the king's guard. This he did, by the secret direction of God's wise providence, who would bring David's sin to light.

11:10 Camest - Wearied with hard service and travel, nor did I expect or desire that thou shouldest now attend upon my person, or keep the watch.

11:11 The ark - This it seems, was now carried with them for their encouragement and direction, as was usual. Fields - In tents which are in the fields. His meaning is, now, when God's people are in a doubtful and dangerous condition, it becomes me to sympathize with them, and to abstain even from lawful delights.

11:15 He arose - So far is David from repenting, that he seeks to cover one sin with another. How are the beginnings of sin to be dreaded!For who knows where it will end? David hath sinned, therefore Uriah must die! That innocent, valiant, gallant man, who was ready to die for his prince's honour, must die by his prince's hand! See how fleshly lusts war against the soul, and what devastations they make in that war!How they blind the eyes, fear the conscience, harden the heart, and destroy all sense of honour and justice!

11:27 The mourning - Which was seven days. Nor could the nature of the thing admit of longer delay, lest the too early birth of the child might discover David's sin. Bare a son - By which it appears, That David continued in the state of impenitency for divers months together; and this notwithstanding his frequent attendance upon God's ordinances. Which is an eminent instance of the corruption of man's nature, of the deceitfulness of sin, and of the tremendous judgment of God in punishing one sin, by delivering a man up to another.

12  Nathan delivers and applies his parable, Sa2 12:1-12.
David repents and is forgiven, but punished, Sa2 12:13-14.
The sickness and death of the child, with David's behaviour on the occasion, Sa2 12:15-23.
The birth of Solomon, Sa2 12:24-25.
The taking of Rabbah, Sa2 12:26-31.

12:1 The Lord sent - When the ordinary means did not awaken David to repentance, God takes an extraordinary course. Thus the merciful God pities and prevents him who had so horribly forsaken God. He said - He prudently ushers in his reproof with a parable, after the manner of the eastern nations, that so he might surprize David, and cause him unawares to give sentence against himself.

12:2 Many flocks - Noting David's many wives and concubines.

12:3 Bought - As men then used to buy their wives: or, had procured.

12:5 Is worthy to die - This seems to be more than the fact deserved, or than he had commission to inflict for it, Exo 22:1. But it is observable, that David now when he was most indulgent to himself, and to his own sin, was most severe and even unjust to others; as appears by this passage, and the following relation, ver. Sa2 12:31, which was done in the time of David's impenitent continuance in his sin.

12:7 Thus saith the Lord God - Nathan now speaks, not as a petitioner for a poor man, but as an ambassador from the great God.

12:9 To be thy wife - To marry her whom he had defiled, and whose husband he had slain, was an affront upon the ordinance of marriage, making that not only to palliate, but in a manner to consecrate such villainies.In all this he despised the word of the Lord; (so it is in the Hebrew.) Not only his commandment in general, but the particular word of promise, which God had before sent him by Nathan, that he would build him an house: which sacred promise if he had had a due value for, he would not have polluted his house with lust and blood.

12:10 Never depart - During the residue of thy life.

12:11 Own house - From thy own children and family.Thine eyes - Openly, so that thou shalt know it as certainly as if thou didst see it, and yet not be able to hinder it. And give them - I shall by my providence, give him power over them. Neighbor - To one who is very near thee. But God expresseth this darkly, that the accomplishment of it might not be hindered.

12:13 I have sinned - How serious this confession was, we may see, Psa 51:1-19. Put away thy sin - That is, so far as concerns thy own life.Not die - As by thy own sentence, ver. Sa2 12:5, thou dost deserve, and may expect to be done by my immediate stroke.

12:16 Besought - Supposing the threatening might be conditional, and so the execution of it prevented by prayer. Went - Into his closet.

12:17 Elders - The chief officers of his kingdom and household. He would not - This excessive mourning did not proceed simply from the fear of the loss of the child; but from a deep sense of his sin, and the divine displeasure manifested herein.

12:18 Seventh day - From the beginning of the distemper.

12:20 And came - That is, to the tabernacle, to confess his sin before the Lord, to own his justice in this stroke, to deprecate his just displeasure, to acknowledge God's rich mercy, in sparing his own life; and to offer such sacrifices as were required in such cases.

12:23 I fast - Seeing fasting and prayer cannot now prevail with God for his life. I shall go to him - Into the state of the dead in which he is, and into heaven, where I doubt not I shall find him.

12:24 His wife - Who was now much dejected, both for her former sin, and for the loss of the child. Loved him - That is, the Lord declared to David, that he loved his son, notwithstanding the just cause David had given to God to alienate his affections from him.

12:25 Jedidiah - That is, beloved of the Lord. Because - Either, because of the Lord's love to him, or because the Lord commanded him to do so.

12:26 Royal city - That is, that part of the city where was the king's palace; though now it seems he was retired to a strong fort.

12:27 Of waters - Rabbah was so called because it was encompassed with water.

12:28 Take it - For having taken one part of the city, he concluded the remaining part of it could not long stand out. Lest - Lest I have the honour of taking it.

12:30 The weight - Or rather, the price whereof, etc For the same words both in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, are used, to signify either weight, or price. And the addition of precious stones, which are never valued by the weight of gold, makes this signification most probable.Moreover, the weight might seem too great either for the king of Ammon, or for David to wear it upon his head.

12:31 The people - The words are indefinite, and therefore not necessarily to be understood of all the people; but of the men of war, and especially of those who had been the chief actors of that villainous action against David's ambassadors, and of the dreadful war ensuing upon it; for which, they deserved severe punishments. Altho' indeed there seems to have been too much rigour used; especially, because these deaths were inflicted not only upon those counsellors, who were the only authors of that vile usage of the ambassadors; but upon some number of the people.And therefore it is probable, David exercised this cruelty whilst his heart was hardened, and impenitent; and when he was bereaved of that good spirit of God, which would have taught him more mercy. Saws - He sawed them to death of which punishment, we have examples both in scripture, and in other authors. Brick - kiln - Or, made them to pass through the furnace of Malchen: that is, of Moloch; punishing them with their own sin, and with the same kind of punishment which they had inflicted upon their own children.

13  Amnon ravishes Tamar, Sa2 13:1-20.
Absalom kills him, Sa2 13:21-29.
David mourns: Absalom flees to Geshur, Sa2 13:30-39.

13:1 A sister - His sister by father and mother.

13:2 A virgin - And therefore diligently kept, so he could not get private converse with her.

13:5 My sister - So he calls her, to prevent the suspicion of any dishonest design upon so near a relation. At her hand - Pretending, his stomach was so nice, that he could eat nothing but what he saw dressed, and that by a person whom he much esteemed.

13:9 Out - Out of the frying - pan into the dish.

13:10 Chamber - Amnon lying upon his couch in one chamber where the company were with him, where also she made the cakes before him, first sends all out of that room, and then rises from his couch, and, upon some pretence, goes into another secret chamber.

13:12 Brother - Whom nature both teaches to abhor such thoughts and obliges to defend me from such a mischief with thy utmost hazard, if another should attempt it. Force - Thou shouldst abhor it, if I were willing; but to add violence, is abominable. Israel - Among God's people who are taught better things; who also will be infinitely reproached for such a base action.

13:13 Shame - How can I either endure or avoid the shame?Fools - That is, contemptible to all the people, whereas now thou art heir apparent of the crown. Withhold - This she spoke, because she thought her royal father would dispense with it, upon this extraordinary occasion, to save his first - born son's life:

13:15 Hated her - By the just judgment of God both upon Amnon and David, that so the sin might be made publick, and way for the succeeding tragedies.

13:16 No cause - For me to go. Greater thou the other - This she might truly say, because though the other was in itself a greater sin, yet this was an act of greater cruelty, and a greater calamity to her because it exposed her to publick infamy and contempt, and besides, it turned a private offence into a publick scandal, to the great dishonour of God and of his people, and especially of all the royal family.

13:18 Garment - Of embroidered work.

13:19 Put ashes - To signify her grief for some calamity which had befallen her, and what that was, concurring circumstances easily discovered.Head - In token of grief and shame, as if she were unable and ashamed to shew her face. Crying - To manifest her abhorrency of the fact, and that it was not done by her consent.

13:20 Been with thee - Behold, and imitate the modesty of scripture expressions. Brother - Wherefore thou must forgive and forgot the injury; therefore thy disgracing of him will be a blot to us all; therefore thou wilt not get right from David against him, because he is as near and dear to him as thou; therefore thy dishonour is the less, because thou wast not abused by any mean person, but by a king's son; therefore this evil must be borne, because it cannot be revenged: and thus he covers his design of taking vengeance upon him at the first opportunity. Regard not - So as to torment thyself. Desolate - Through shame and dejection of mind, giving her self up to solitude and retirement.

13:21 Wroth - With Amnon: whom yet he did not punish, at least so severely as he should either from the consciousness of his own guilt in the like kind; or, from that foolish indulgence which he often shewed to his children.

13:22 Spake - That is, he said nothing at all to him, about that business. He neither debated it with him, nor threatened him for it; but seemed willing to pass it by with brotherly kindness. If he had wholly forborne all discourse with him, it would have raised jealousies in Amnon and David.

13:23 Two years - This circumstance of time is noted, as an aggravation of Absalom's malice, which was so implacable: and as an act of policy, that both Amnon and David might more securely comply with his desires.

13:26 Let Amnon - For the king designed (as the following words shew) to keep him at home with him, as being his eldest son, and heir of his kingdom: otherwise Absalom would never have made particular mention of him; which now he was forced to do. Nor did this desire of Amnon's presence want specious pretences, as that seeing the king would not, he who was next to him might, honour him with his company; and that this might be a publick token of friendship between him and his brother, notwithstanding the former occasion of difference.

13:27 Pressed him - It is strange that his urgent desire of Amnon's company raised no suspicion in so wise a king; but God suffered him to be blinded that he might execute his judgments upon David, and bring upon Amnon the just punishment of his lewdness.

13:28 Merry - When he least suspects, and will be most unable to prevent the evil. I - I who am the king's son, and, when Amnon is gone, his heir: who therefore shall easily obtain pardon for you, and will liberally reward you.

13:29 Commanded - Now the threatened sword is drawn in David's house, which will not depart from it. His eldest son falls by it, thro' his own wickedness, and his father by his connivance is accessory to it.

13:37 Talmai - His mother's father, that he might have present protection and sustenance from him; and that by his mediation he might obtain his father's pardon.

13:39 Go forth - And could not he recalled, to visit him, or to send for him. What amazing weakness was this! At first he could not find in his heart, to do justice to the ravisher of his sister! And now he can almost find in his heart to receive into favour the murderer of his brother?How can we excuse David from the sin of Eli; who honoured his sons more than God?

14  The story told David of the widow of Tekoah, Sa2 14:1-20.
Absalom is brought back to Jerusalem, but not to court, Sa2 14:21-24.
An account of Absalom's person and children, Sa2 14:21-27.
He is at length introduced to David, Sa2 14:28-33.

14:1 Was towards - He desired to see him, but was ashamed to shew kindness to one whom God's law and his own conscience obliged him to punish; he wanted therefore a fair pretence, which therefore Joab gave him.

14:2 Anoint - As they used to do when they were out of a mourning state.

14:5 Widow - One of them who most need thy compassion, and whom thou art by God's law obliged in a singular manner to relieve.

14:9 Be guiltless - If through thy forgetfulness or neglect of this my just cause, my adversaries prevail and destroy my son, my desire is, that God would not lay it to the king's charge, but rather to me and mine, so the king may be exempted thereby. Whereby she insinuates, that such an omission will bring guilt upon him; and yet most decently orders her phrase so as not to seem to blame or threaten the king. This sense seems best to agree with David's answer, which shew's that she desired some farther assurances of the king's care.

14:11 Remember - Remember the Lord, in whose presence thou hast made me this promise, and who will be a witness against thee, if thou breakest it.

14:13 Wherefore then - If thou shouldst not permit the avengers of blood to molest me, or to destroy my son, who are but two persons; how unreasonable is it that thou shouldest proceed in thy endeavours to avenge Amnon's blood upon Absalom, whose death would be grievous to the whole commonwealth of Israel, all whose eyes are upon him as the heir of the crown, and a wise, and valiant, and amiable person, unhappy only in this one act of killing Amnon, which was done upon an high provocation, and whereof thou thyself didst give the occasion by permitting Amnon to go unpunished? Faulty - By thy word, and promise, and oath given to me for my son, thou condemnest thyself for not allowing the same equity towards thy own son. It is true, Absalom's case was widely different from that which she had supposed. But David was too well affected to him, to remark that difference, and was more desirous than she could be, to apply that favourable judgment to his own son, which he had given concerning hers.

14:14 We - We shall certainly die, both thou, O king, who art therefore obliged to take care of thy successor, Absalom; and Absalom, who, if he do not die by the hand of justice, must shortly die by the necessity of nature: and Amnon too must have died in the common way of all flesh, if Absalom had not cut him off. Respect - So far as to exempt him from this common law of dying. Not expelled - He hath given laws to this purpose, that the man - slayer who is banished should not always continue in banishment, but upon the High - priest's death return to his own city.

14:15 The people - The truth is, I was even forced to this bold address to thee by the disposition of thy people, who are discontented at Absalom's perpetual banishment, lest, if Absalom by his father - in - law's assistance invade the land, the people who have a great kindness for him, and think he is very hard used, should take up arms.

14:16 Hear - For I know the king is so wise and just, that I assure myself of audience and acceptation. Deliver - To grant my request concerning my son, and consequently the peoples petition concerning Absalom. My son - Implying that her life was bound up in the life of her son, and that she could not outlive his death; (and supposing that it might be David's case also, and would therefore touch him in a tender part, though it were not proper to say it expressly:) and thereby suggesting, that the safety and comfort of the people of Israel, depended upon Absalom's restitution. Inheritance - That is, out of that land which God gave to his people to be their inheritance, and in which alone God hath settled the place of his presence and worship: whereby she intimates the danger of Absalom's living in a state of separation from God, and his house, amongst idolaters.

14:17 Angel - In wisdom, and justice, and goodness.Therefore - Because thou art so wise and gracious to those who in strict justice deserve punishment, God will own and stand by thee in this thy act of grace: or God will prosper thee in thy enterprizes.

14:19 Of Joab - Hast thou not said and done this by Joab's direction. Said - It is even so, thou hast discovered the truth.These words - As to the substance of them, but not as to all the expressions; for these were to be varied as the king's answer gave occasion.

14:20 To fetch - That is, to propose his, and the peoples desire of Absalom's restitution in this parabolical manner. In the earth - Or, in this land, in all thy kingdom; all the counsels and devices of thy subjects.

14:22 Fulfilled - But it seems David had no power to dispense with God's laws, nor to spare any whom God appointed him to destroy: for the laws of God bound the kings and rulers, as well as the people of Israel.How justly did God make this man, whom he had so sinfully spared, a scourge to him?

14:24 Let him turn - Lest whilst be shewed some mercy to Absalom, he should seem to approve of his sin. Likewise by this means Absalom might be drawn to a more thorough humiliation and repentance.

14:25 Beauty - This is noted as the occasion of his pride, and of the people's affection to him.

14:26 Weighed - Others understand this not of the weight, but of the price of his hair.

14:27 Sons - All which died not long after they were born, as may be gathered from chap.Sa2 18:18, where it is said, that Absalom had no son.

14:32 Kill me - For it is better for me to die, than to want the sight and favour of my dear father. Thus he insinuates himself into his father's affections, by pretending such respect and love to him It seems that by this time Absalom having so far recovered his father's favour, began to grow upon him, and take so much confidence as to stand upon his own justification, as if what he had done, had been no iniquity, at least not such as to deserve death. See how easily wise parents may be imposed on by their children, when they are blindly fond of them.

14:33 Kissed - Did the bowels of a father prevail to reconcile him to an impenitent son? And shall penitent sinners question the compassion of him who is the Father of mercy? If Ephraim bemoan himself, God soon bemoans him, with all the expressions of fatherly tenderness. He is a dear son, a pleasant child.

15  Absalom steals the hearts of the people, Sa2 15:1-6.
He conspires against David, Sa2 15:7-12.
David flies from Jerusalem, Sa2 15:13-18.
He confers with Ittai, and passes over Kidron, Sa2 15:19-23.
Sends back Zadok with the ark, Sa2 15:24-29.
His prayer on this occasion, Sa2 15:30-31.
He concerts with Hushai, Sa2 15:32-37.

15:1 Prepared - As being the king's eldest son, now Amnon was dead; for Chileab, who was his eldest brother, Sa2 3:3, was either dead, or incapable of the government. And this course he knew would draw the eyes of the people to him, and make them conclude that David intended him for his successor.

15:2 Early - Thereby making a shew of solicitude for the good of the public, and of every private person. Called him - Preventing him with the offers of his assistance. And as if he were ready to make particular enquiry into the state of his cause.

15:3 See - Upon some very slight hearing of their cause, he approved it, that he might oblige all. No man - None such as will do thee justice.The other sons and relations of the king, and the rest of the judges and rulers under him and them, are wholly corrupted; or, at least not careful and diligent as they should be: and my father being grown in years, is negligent of publick affairs. It is the way of turbulent, aspiring men, to reproach the government they are under. Even David himself, the best of kings, could not escape the worst of censures.

15:7 After forty years - From the change of the government, into a monarchy, which was about ten years before David began to reign.So this fell out about the thirtieth year of his reign.

15:9 Hebron - This place he chose as being an eminent city, and next to Jerusalem, the chief of the tribe of Judah, and the place where his father began his kingdom, which he took for a good omen. And where it is probable he had secured many friends. It was also at a convenient distance from Jerusalem.

15:11 Called - Such as Absalom had picked out as fit for his purpose; such as were of some reputation with the king and people, which would give a countenance to his undertaking, and give occasion to people at first to think that this was done by his father's consent, as being now aged, and infirm, and willing to resign the kingdom to him. It is no new thing, for good men to be made use of by designing men to put a colour upon ill practices.

15:12 Sacrifices - Which he did not in devotion to God; but merely that upon this pretence he might call great numbers of people together.

15:14 Let us flee - For though the fort of Zion was strong, and he might have defended himself there; yet he had not laid in provisions for a long siege; and, if he had been once besieged there, Absalom would have got speedy possession of his whole kingdom; whereas if he marched abroad, he might raise a considerable army for his defence. Besides, the greatest part of Jerusalem could not be well defended against him.

15:16 After him - Or, on foot, which the king chose to do, to humble himself under the hand of God; to encourage his companions in this hard and comfortless march; and to move compassion in his people towards him. Concubines - For he supposed that their sex would protect them, and their relation to David would gain them some respect, or at least, safety from his son.

15:17 Far off - At some convenient distance, tho' not very far.

15:18 Gittites - Or rather strangers, as Ittai their head is called, ver. Sa2 15:19, and they are called his brethren, ver. Sa2 15:20.Probably they were Philistines by birth, born in the city or territory of Gath, as the following words imply, who by David's counsel, and example, were won to embrace the true religion, and had given good proof of their military skill, and valour, and fidelity to the king.

15:19 Thy place - To Jerusalem, where thy settled abode now is.The king - With Absalom who is now made king.An exile - Not much concerned in our affairs, and therefore not fit to be involved in our troubles.

15:20 Brethren - Thy countrymen the Gittites, ver. Sa2 15:18.Mercy, etc - Since I am now unable to recompense thy kindness and fidelity to me, my hearty prayer to God is, that he would shew to thee his mercy, in blessing thee with all sorts of blessings, and his faithfulness in making good all these promises which he had made, not to Israelites only, but to all true hearted proselytes, such as thou art.

15:21 Will thy servant be - He is a friend indeed, who loves at all times, and will cleave to us in adversity. Thus should we cleave to the Son of David, that neither life, nor death may separate us from his love.

15:22 Little ones - For being so deeply engaged for David, he durst not leave his little ones to Absalom's mercy.

15:23 Kidron - Or, Cedron, which was near Jerusalem. The very same brook that Christ passed over when he entered upon his sufferings, Joh 18:1.Wilderness - Which was between Jerusalem and Jericho.

15:24 Went up - From the ark to the city, which was on higher ground, that so he being high - priest, might use his authority with the people, to persuade them to do their duty; and there he staid until all those whom he could persuade were gone forth.

15:25 Carry back - Out of care and reverence to the ark, which though it might be carried our to a certain place; yet he might justly think unfit to carry it from place to place he knew not whither, and out of respect to the priests, whom, by this means, he thought he should expose to the rage of Absalom, as he had before exposed them to Saul's fury.Habitation - That is, the tabernacle which David had lately built for it, chap.Sa2 6:17, in which the ark, and God, by means hereof, ordinarily dwelt.

15:26 Let him do - That we may not complain of what is, let us see God's hand in all events. And that we may not be afraid of what shall be, let us see all events in God's hand.

15:27 A seer - A seeing, discerning, or observing man: for so the Hebrew verb raah is often used. And this suits well with David's mind: Thou art a wise man, and therefore fit to manage this great business, which requires prudence and secrecy.

15:30 Barefoot - In testimony of his deep sorrow, and humiliation and shame for his sins.

15:34 And say - That is, as faithful to thee, as I have been to thy father. David's suggesting this crafty counsel must be reckoned amongst his sins. Nevertheless God was pleased to direct this evil advice to a good end.

15:36 There - Not in Jerusalem, but in a place near it, to which they could easily send upon occasion.

15:37 Absalom came, etc - How soon do royal cities and royal palaces change their masters? But we look for a kingdom which cannot be moved.

16  David is deceived by Ziba, Sa2 16:1-4.
And cursed by Shemei, Sa2 16:5-14.
Absalom receives Hushai, Sa2 16:15-19.
Lies with his father's concubines, Sa2 16:20-23.

16:1 Bottle - A large bottle, or vessel proportionable to the other provisions.

16:4 Behold - A rash sentence, and unrighteous to condemn a man unheard, upon the single testimony of his accuser, and servant.Find grace - Thy favour is more to me, than this gift; which, as a token of thy favour, I accept with all thankfulness.

5:9 Выбор Давида объясняется положением Иерусалима между южными и северными коленами. Название города засвидетельствовано с 2000 до Р.Х. года. Старый город иевусеев (Втор 7:1) занимал Сионскую гору между долинами Кедрона и Тиропеона (см карту); с севера над ним господствовала возвышенность, на которой Давид воздвиг жертвенник (2 Цар 24:18сл), а Соломон - храм (3 Цар 6). Дворцы Соломона воздвигаются южнее святилища (3 Цар 7). Вскоре город распространился на большой западный холм, северную стену которого пришлось дважды передвигать дальше на север (4 Цар 14:13; 2 Пар 32:5; 3-ю стену построил Ирод Агриппа I). Система орошения была улучшена, особенно при Езекии (4 Цар 20:20). Навуходоносор разрушил город в 587 г., но храм был вновь устроен уже в 515 г. (Езд 6:15), а стены - в 445 г., (Neh 2-6). Антиох Епифан приказал построить напротив храма крепость (1 Макк 1:33), и асмонеи превратили эту крепость в дворец (Лк 23:7), который Ирод заменил официальной резиденцией, расположенной дальше на запад. Ирод же превратил древнюю цитадель храма (Неем 7:2) в обширную крепость Антонию и перестроил храм (Ин 2:20). Город был разрушен Титом в 70 г. по Р.Х. (ср Лк 21:20). Впервые упомянутый в Библии вместе со своим царем-священником Мелхиседеком (Быт 14:18; Пс 75:3), Иерусалим (иногда наз. Сион), ставший при Давиде политической и религиозной столицей Израиля, в конце концов олицетворяет избранный народ (Иез 23; Ис 62). Он - жилище Ягве (Пс 75:3) и Его Помазанника (Пс 2и Пс 109), место будущей встречи всех народов (Ис 2:1-5; Ис 60). Символическим видением нового Иерусалима (Ис 54:11) заканчивается Библия (Откр 21сл).

В несколько неопределенных очертаниях пророчества уже предносится образ царственного потомка, престол которого "устоит вовеки". Это - первое в ряду пророчеств о Мессии, сыне Давидове (Ис 7:14; Мих 5:2; Агг 2:23); в Деян 2:30ап. Петр применяет этот текст ко Христу.

6 Принимая ковчег, над которым Ягве являет Свое присутствие (Исх 25:8; Втор 4:7), Иерусалим становится уже не только политической, но и религиозной столицей Израиля, святым городом.

7 Это пророчество основано на противопоставлении: не Давид построит дом (храм) Господу (ст. 2 Цар 7:5), а Господь устроит дом (династию) Давиду (ст. 2 Цар 7:11). Обетование относится в основном к сохранению потомства Давида на израильском престоле (стт. 2 Цар 7:12-16). Так оно понимается Давидом (стт. 2 Цар 7:19, 2 Цар 7:25, 2 Цар 7:27, 2 Цар 7:29, ср 2 Цар 23:5и псалмопевцами Пс 88:29-32и Пс 131:11-12). Таким образом предсказание распространяется дальше первого преемника Давида, Соломона, к которому оно применено в ст 2 Цар 7:13, а также в 1 Пар 17:11-14; 1 Пар 22:10; 1 Пар 28:6и в 3 Цар 5:5; 3 Цар 8:16.

7:14 "Я буду ему отцом, а он будет мне сыном" - формула усыновления, как и в Пс 2:7, Пс 109:3(LXX). Каждый царь династии Давидовой будет несовершенным образом идеального царя - Мессии.

12:25 Рождение Соломона, сына Вирсавии, "возлюбленного Ягве" (таков смысл наименования "идидиа") дает уверенность в Божием прощении. И именно Соломона Божий Промысел возведет на престол его отца, по преимуществу перед другими наследниками, опирающимися на более основательные претензии.

13 Авессалом, убийца своего брата, восставший против своего отца - главное лицо семейной драмы Давида (13 20). Эта драма явилась исходной точкой политических кризисов, обнаруживших национальные разногласия и впоследствии поколебавших престиж царской власти.

14:3 Подобно тому, как сделал Нафан (2 Цар 12:1сл), Иоав понуждает царя высказаться, предлагая ему спорный вопрос правосудия.

14:4 Обычное обращение к царю в случаях апелляции.

14:17 "Доброе и худое" - т.е. решительно все (ср 2 Цар 13:22).

15:30 Траурные обычаи (ср 2 Цар 19:5; Иез 24:17), ставшие выражением скорби (Иер 14:3сл; Есф 6:12; Мих 1:8).

5:6 Город иевусеев Иерусалим, расположенный на возвышенности Сион, с крепостью того же названия, представлял из себя труднодоступную твердыню. Существование независимой хананейской области, врезавшейся между северной и южной частью Ханаана, было несовместимо с интересами объединенного государства и небезопасно для его спокойствия.

Иевусеи — хананейское племя, происшедшее от внука Хама (через Ханаана) — Иевуса.

5:8  И сказал Давид и пр. Разгоряченный издевательством иевусеев (6 ст.), Давид отдает суровое приказание — не щадить побежденного врага.

Посему и говорится. Пословица, образовавшаяся впоследствии, когда на Сионе был выстроен дом Господень, т. е. Скиния и Храм Господни.

5:9 «Хеврон, составлявший средоточие колена Иудина и бывший его естественной столицей, не мог уже служить резиденцией царя, господствовавшего над всем Израилем, так как приходился на южной окраине царства. Давид не желал также утвердить свою резиденцию и в Сихеме, главном городе колена Ефремова и центральном во всей земле евреев, потому что не находил надежным свое положение среди искони мятежных ефремлян. Он избрал для этого нейтральный пункт, не принадлежавший до сих пор ни одному колену, тоже лежавший почти в средине земли евреев, опиравшийся с юга на могущественное и родственное Давиду колено Иудино и господствовавший по своему крепкому положению над северной половиной земли» (Я. Богородский. Еврейские цари. С. 151).

Милло — один из холмов Сионской возвышенности.

5:13 По понятиям того времени, величие монарха измерялось, между прочим, и количеством его жен и наложниц.

5:14-16 Ср. 3:2-5.

5:17  Поднялись все (см. прим. к 1 Цар 6:17) Филистимляне искать Давида. Пока Давид оставался царем одного Иуды, он был не опасен для филистимлянского протектората в Ханаане; сделавшись же царем объединенного Израиля, мог легко положить конец этому протекторату.

5:18  Долина Рефаим — вблизи Иерусалима.

5:19  И вопросил Давид Господа — через первосвященника и его святыню.

5:20  Ваал-Перацим — один из пунктов долины Рефаим.

5:25  От Гаваи: в параллельном месте (1 Пар 14:16) стоит: «от Гаваона».

Газер — город на северо-западе от Гаваона.

6:2  Ваал Иудин — то же, что Кириаф-Иарим в колене Иудином.

Чтобы перенести оттуда ковчег Божий — см. 1 Цар 6:21; 7:1.

Имя Господа Бога, сидящего на херувимах — См. Исх 25:10-22.

6:5  Играли пред Господом на всяких музыкальных орудиях — для выражения и наибольшего возбуждения своего религиозного чувства.

Цитра и псалтирь — струнные музыкальные инструменты; систра и кимвал — металлические ударные, тимпан — нечто вроде нашего бубна.

6:7 На вопрос о том, за что собственно наказан Оза, блаж. Феодорит отвечает: «Иные говорят, что он наказан за опрометчивость, как покусившийся подать помощь Кивоту, который, служа защитой всему народу не нуждался в пособии других. Иосиф же (Флавий) говорит, что Оза подвергся наказанию за то, что, не будучи левитом, дерзнул прикоснуться к Кивоту; но это, очевидно, ложно, потому что Оза был сын Аминадава, которому вефсамитяне передали Кивот, отпущенный иноплеменниками (1 Цар 7:1; 2 Цар 6:3,4); Аминадав же был из колена Левиина (1 Цар 6:1). Да и не за опрометчивость понес он наказание, потому что, когда наклонилась колесница, надлежало поддержать ее рукой. Напротив того, Оза наказан за другое беззаконие. Бог повелел носить Кивот священникам на раменах (Чис 4); они же, вопреки закону, везли на колеснице. Ввело же их в обман то, что Кивот, отосланный так иноплеменниками, никому не причинил вреда. Но надлежало знать, что иноплеменники и закона не знали, и священников не имели, чтобы перенести Кивот по закону» (Блаж. Феодорит. Толк. на 2 Цар, вопр. 19).

Кроме того, как полагают некоторые, Оза ухватился за ковчег Господень не с должным благоговением к последнему.

6:9  Ко мне — в город Давида (ср. 5:7; 6:10).

6:12 «Сделав Иерусалим политическим центром страны, Давид нашел необходимым сделать его и религиозным центром через перенесение сюда ковчега завета. Это требовалось, с одной стороны, для того, чтобы возвысить вообще значение города Давидова в глазах народа, а с другой стороны, еще более для того, чтобы под личным наблюдением царя придать всенародному богослужению надлежащий порядок и торжественную обстановку и тем оживить религиозный дух народа, видимо, упавший в последнее время (1 Пар 13:3)» (Я. Богородский. Еврейские цари. С. 152).

6:14  Давид сказал из всей силы пред Господом — от полноты своего религиозного восторга.

Одет же был Давид в льняный ефод. См. прим. к 1 Цар 2:18.

6:16  Мелхола — дочь Саула и жена Давида. См. 1 Цар 18:20-28; 25:44; 2 Цар 3:12-16.

Уничижила его в сердце своем. Дочь Саула не способна была пережить и даже понять тот религиозный подъем духа, в котором находился в данный момент царь и пророк Давид.

6:17 О сооружении Давидом Иерусалимской Скинии см. 1 Пар 15:1; 16. Первосвященником при новоустроенной скинии был назначен Авиафар (1 Цар 21-23); при неразобранной же старой скинии, в Гаваоне, первосвященствовал Садок (1 Пар 16:39). «Таким образом, у евреев явились два первосвященника и два места богослужения, в противность предписанию с Синая. Но Давид не решался ни перенести в Иерусалим старую скинию, ни разобрать ее, как ненужную, потому что опасался восстановить против себя жителей Гаваона и всего колена Вениаминова, и без того не расположенных к Давиду и, без сомнения, дороживших присутствием у себя этой святыни, как памятником своего почетного положения среди колен при Сауле. Нужен был блеск иерусалимского богослужения, созданный постепенно Давидом, и подавляющее величие храма Соломонова, чтобы вениамитяне и другие, сочувствовавшие им колена, позабыли на время соперничество и примирились с уничтожением старой скинии. При Соломоне старая, гаваонская, скиния была разобрана и вместе с Давидовой сложена на хранение в помещениях при храме» (Я. Богородский. Еврейские цари. С. 155-156).

6:21-22 Религиозный восторг Давида, не понятный для холодной натуры высокорожденной Мелхолы, вполне понятен и достохвален в глазах массы простого, непосредственного народа.

6:23 Религиозная инертность Мелхолы не могла не вызвать отчуждения к ней со стороны Давида.

Бесплодие Мелхолы было как бы наказанием ее свыше.

7:2  Вот я живу в доме кедровом — см. 5:11.

7:3-5 На вопрос о том, «как Натан, будучи пророком, не знал воли Божией и велел Давиду созидать дом Божий», блаж. Феодорит отвечает: «Говорил я уже, что пророки знали не все, а только по мере того, как открывала им благодать Божия. Так Самуил не знал, кого должно помазать (на царство вместо Саула — 1 Цар 16 ); Елисей не знал горя сунамитянки ( 4 Цар 4:27 ). Подобно сему и Натан, похвалив намерение царя, думал угодить Богу всячески; но Владыка Бог, явившись ему ночью, изрек свою действительную волю относительно того, что было задумано Давидом» (Блаж. Феодорит. Толк. на 2 Цар, вопр. 21).

7:6-11 До сих пор Господь Бог не требовал для себя постоянного храма, потому что еще не пришло время для его построения. Да и Давиду ли, одному из созданий Творца вселенной, заботиться о создании храма Его (ст. 5). Не Давид Господу, а благодеющий Давиду Господь устроит ему дом его (ст. 11). В 1 Пар 22:6-11 указывается еще и иное объяснение того, почему не Давид должен был построить храм Господень: величественный и прочный храм Владыки мира должен был построить избранный царь мира среди избранного народа Божия — Соломон («Соломон» с еврейского означает «Мирный»).

7:12-16 «Сказав сие о Соломоне, сыне Давида, пророк присоединяет предсказание и о Владыке Христе, ибо говорит: «Я буду Ему отцом, и Он будет Мне сыном». А что изречено сие о Владыке Христе — свидетель тому божественный апостол, сказавший евреям: «Кому бо рече когда от Ангел: Сын Мой еси Ты, Аз днесь родих Тя? И паки: Аз буду Ему во Отца, и Той будет Мне в Сына ( Евр 1:5 )». И последующие за сим слова всего менее опять приличны царям израильским; истинность же их оказывается на одном Владыке Христе. Ибо сказано: «И верен будет дом Его, и Царство Его до века предо Мною, и престол Его будет исправлен в век (ст. 16, по переводу LXX-ти)». Соломон же недолговечнее был других людей, не достиг даже и отцовой старости; да и все от него происшедшие (цари Иуды) прияли общий всем конец. Посему необходимо сделать одно из двух: или приложить сие к Владыке Христу, или назвать лживым предречение Бога всяческих. Но последнее злочестиво и хульно. Потому необходимо, хотя и не хотят того иудеи, принять первое» (Блаж. Феодорит. Толк. на 2 Цар, вопр. 21).

7:19  Это уже по-человечески, т. е. всесторонняя попечительность Господа о человеке делает Его в сознании человека необыкновенно близким к нему существом.

7:21  Ради слова твоего — см. 1 Цар 16; 2 Цар 3:17-19, 5:1-3.

7:23  Чтобы приобрести Себе его в народ — см. Исх 19:3-6; Втор 4:7; 33:29.

И совершить великое и страшное пред народом. Имеются в виду чудеса и знамения Господни, имевшие себе место пред выходом евреев из Египта, при самом выходе, во время путешествия их по пустыням и при завоевании земли обетования.

8:1 Предстоящая устроительная деятельность Давида в области религиозной и общественной жизни народа требовала полной безопасности государства извне.

Мефег-Гаама — то же, что Геф (1 Пар 18:1). См. прим. к Цар 6:17.

8:3 Местоположение Сувского царства относят к северо-востоку от Дамаска, между реками Оронтом и Евфратом.

8:4  И взял Давид у него тысячу семьсот всадников — в греч. переводе: тысячу колесниц и семь тысяч всадников.

8:7 См. 2 Пар 12:1-11.

8:9  Имаф — при реке Оронте, впадающей в Средиземное море вблизи северных границ Палестины.

8:13 Параллельное этому место в 1 Пар 18:12 читается так: «И Авесса, сын Саруи, поразил идумеян на долине соляной — восемнадцать тысяч». Означенное обстоятельство, а также то, что в предшествовавших стихах ничего не говорится о поражении восемнадцати тысяч сирийцев (4-5 стихи сообщают иные цифры), заставляют нас предполагать, что 2 Цар 8:13 относится не к предшествовавшим, а к следующему — 14 стиху и что вместо сирийцев следует здесь читать идумеян.

И сделал Давид себе имя, т. е. прославился.

8:16  Иоав, Азаил и Авесса были племянниками Давида от его сестры Саруи.

Иосафат был дееписателем. «Замечательные события, наполнявшие царствование Давида; множество лиц, на которые должно было быть обращено внимание царя; множество дел, требовавших наблюдения и решения, — требовали записей и породили особую государственную должность — должность дееписателя», летописца и секретаря государя (Я. Богородский. Еврейские цари. С. 171).

8:17 См. прим. к 6:17.

Ахимелех, сын Авиафара — см. прим. к 1 Цар 21:1.

8:18 Под хелефеями и фелевеями разумеют личную почетно-охранную стражу государя.

Сыновья Давида — см. 3:2-5; 5:18-16.

9:3  Есть сын Ионафана — см. 4:4.

9:4  Лодевар и селения Махировы — в средней части восточного Заиорданья, вблизи бывшей резиденции сына Саулова Иевосфея (2:8-9).

9:8  На такого мертвого пса, т. е. на человека слабого и ничтожного. Ср. 1 Цар 23:15; 26:20.

9:10  Хлеб для пропитания. В данном случае имеется в виду хлеб не столько в буквальном сколько в переносном смысле этого слова, т. е. вообще материальные средства. Содержание столом Мемфивосфей получал при дворе Давида (ср. ст. 11, 13).

10:1  Царь аммонитский Наас (ср. 2 ст.), побежденный Саулом при Иависе Галаадском (1 Цар 11).

10:3  За благодеяние, которое оказал мне отец его. Имеется в виду, быть может, какая-нибудь помощь, оказанная Наасом Давиду во время преследований последнего со стороны Саула.

10:3 Успешные войны Давида (гл. 8) навели страх на его соседей и заставили их опасаться Давида даже там, где он был совсем не опасен для них.

10:6  Беф-Рехов — сирийская область в северных пределах Палестины, недалеко от истоков реки Иордан.

Сува — на северо-востоке от Дамаска, между реками Оронтом и Евфратом.

У царя Маахи. В еврейском тексте и некоторых списках греческого нет добавления «амаликитского». Мааха — сирийская область при подошве горы Большой Ермон, в соседстве с Гессуром.

Истов — область восточного Заиорданья на северо-востоке от Переи.

10:8  У ворот одного из своих городов.

10:16 Упоминаемый здесь Елам — неизвестная в настоящее время область Сирии.

10:17  Всех израильтян, т. е. все народное ополчение израильтян. Народное ополчение при Давиде (288 000 человек) состояло из 12 корпусов (по 24 000 человек в каждом), обязанных собираться полностью только в момент военной опасности для государства, по особому приказу царя; в мирное же время в сборе находился только один из корпусов, отбывая повинность в течение одного месяца и передавая затем свои обязанности следующему корпусу, на следующий месяц. «Таким образом, военная сила Давида составляла середину между постоянной армией и ополчением в строгом смысле этого слова: ополченцы имели навык в военном деле и были лучшими воинами, чем ратники, не державшие никогда в руках другого орудия, кроме плуга и заступа; с другой стороны, бывая на действительной службе только месяц в году, они продолжали свои мирные занятия, не бросали хозяйств» (Я. Богородский. Еврейские цари. С. 177).

11:1  В то время, когда выходят цари в походы, т. е. в наиболее благоприятное для того время года; предполагают (Fr. de Hummelauer) — в месяце нисан, начинавшемся с мартовского новолуния.

Равва аммонитян — столичный город аммонитян, расположенный в южной части восточного Заиорданья. От Раввы аммонитян следует отличать Равву моавитян, расположенную в том же Заиорданье, но много южнее.

11:3  Вирсавия, дочь Елиама и внучка советника Давидова Ахитофела (23:34), жена одного из военных героев Давидова времени (23:39) — Урии Хеттеянина, происходившего из хананейского племени хеттеев (Быт 10:15).

11:16  Знал, что там храбрые люди, которые не отступят перед опасностью и будут бороться до последней возможности.

11:20  Со стены будут бросать на вас стрелы, камни, бревна, горючие вещества и прочее.

11:21 См. Суд 9:53.

11:27  И было это дело — т. е. грехопадение с Вирсавией и содействование смерти Урии.

12:1-7 «Пророк Натан сначала переносит обвинение на прилично выдуманное для сего лицо, потому что иначе смотрим мы на грех других и иначе на собственные худые дела; почему неодинаково и судим о себе и о других. Над другими произносим праведный приговор, — сами же, прегрешая, или совершенно исторгаем из мысли сознание его, или, усматривая грех, находим для него извинение» (Блаж. Феодорит. Толк. на 2 Цар, вопр. 24).

12:6  И за овечку он должен заплатить вчетверо — см. Исх 22:1.

12:8  И дал тебе дом господина твоего (Саула) и жен господина твоего на лоно твое, т. е. предал их в твою полную власть.

12:10  Не отступит меч от дома твоего вовеки. Имеются в виду последовавшие затем нестроения в семейной жизни Давида и в жизни его государства: кровосмешение Амнона с Фамарью, смерть Амнона от руки Авессалома, возмущение и смерть Авессалома, возмущение Адонии, а также несчастья в жизни еврейского народа при преемниках Давида.

12:11  Воздвигну на тебя зло из дома твоего. Последовавшие затем огорчения Давида были причинены людьми наиболее близкими ему (Амнон, Авессалом, Адония).

Возьму жен твоих и пр. — см. 16:20-22.

12:13  И сказал Давид: согрешил я пред Господом. То же сказал некогда (1 Цар 15:24) и Саул, но, как замечает Рамбах, «duo cum dicunt idem, — non est idem». Слова царя и пророка Давида выражали полное сознание им своего падения, жгучее раскаяние в совершенном и несомненную решимость не повторять ошибки. Саул же, как мы заметили выше (см. прим. к 1 Цар 15:24-31), сознавал свой грех, но не чувствовал его.

Выразительным памятником душевных мук согрешившего Давида является его 50 псалом.

12:25  Иедидиа — «Возлюбленный Богом», второе имя сына Давидова — Соломона.

12:26-28 Доведя столичный город неприятелей до необходимости сдаться, Иоав пригласил на поле битвы Давида, дабы доставить ему удовольствие и честь блистательного завершения войны.

13:1  Авессалом был сын Давида от Маахи, дочери гессурского царя Фалмая; Амнон — первенец Давида от Ахиноамы изреелитянки (3:2-3).

13:25  И благословил его совершить свой праздник в отсутствии царя.

13:32  Ионадав — прежний друг убитого Амнона и сообщник его преступления (ст. 3-5). «Кажется странным, каким образом печальная весть могла опередить в страхе бегущих царских сыновей, и думается, что она шла не с места происшествия, а возникла самостоятельно при дворе, и не без намерения в искаженном виде. Ионадав был «очень хитрый», говорит дееписатель, т. е. искусный придворный интриган, готовый на все, как это уже видно из его услуги Амнону. Можно догадываться, что, не получив должной благодарности от Амнона за свое радение ему, он бросил его и перешел на сторону Авессалома, громадное честолюбие которого было ему известно и который более Амнона нуждался в помощниках для исполнения своих смелых замыслов. И вот, когда почти весь двор отправился на праздник к Авессалому, Ионадав остался при царе с заранее обдуманной ролью. В условленное время он секретно распускает ложный слух, что все дети царя избиты. Царь приходит в отчаяние и проклинает Авессалома. Но тотчас является утешитель и говорит: «пусть Господин мой царь не тревожится мыслью о том, будто умерли все царские сыновья; один Амнон умер за то, что обесчестил сестру Авессалома». В данную минуту и это могло показаться величайшим утешением для Давида: его дети воскресли; мертвым остался только один, и то потому, что в самом деле был преступником, остававшимся до сих пор ненаказанным. Авессалом и покарал его» (Я. Богородский. Еврейские цари. С. 209-211).

14:1  Фекоя — на юг от Иерусалима, между Вифлеемом и Хевроном.

14:7  Все родство убитого.

14:9  Царь же и престол его неповинен в предотвращении кровавого возмездия убийце (см. Чис 35; Втор 4:42; 19:3,4; Нав 20:3).

14:11  Помяни, царь, свое обещание и, ради Господа Бога твоего, исполни его, чтобы не умножились мстители за кровь и не погубили сына моего.

14:13  Почему ты так мыслишь против народа Божия, т. е. почему ты, государь, так решительно выступаешь против древнего обычая израильского народа мстить за неповинную кровь убитого кровью убийцы, а сам оказываешься до некоторой степени повинным в том же, так как до сих пор взыскиваешь изгнанием с сына твоего Авессалома за пролитую им кровь брата своего Амнона?

14:14 Если щадит согрешившего и приемлет отверженного сам Бог, то нам ли, ничтожеству, превосходить Его своей строгостью к согрешившим?

14:24  А лица моего не видит — в знак того, что возвращение Авессалома на родину еще не обозначало полного прощения его в совершенном им преступлении.

14:26  Сикль по весу царскому — то же, что сикль «священный», введенный в употребление Моисеем. Вес и стоимость священного сикля равнялись двум древним (меньшего веса и стоимости) сиклям, т. е. священный сикль в отношении веса равнялся 1 лоту, а в отношении стоимости — 86 копейкам (см. Библейскую Археологию архимандрита Иеронима. Т. I, с. 288-289).

14:29 Очевидно, что Иоав хлопотал за Авессалома не столько из преданности к последнему, сколько из желания сделать приятное Давиду (ср. 1-3 ст.).

14:32 Положение опального при дворе, после прежнего почета и ласки, показалось Авессалому труднопереносимым, и он прибег к очень решительным мерам, чтобы увидеть Иоава и упросить его ходатайствовать перед царем о полном помиловании своего виновного сына.

14:33  И поцеловал царь Авессалома — в знак его прощения.

15:1 По смерти Амнона Авессалом оказался в положении старшего сына царя, наиболее вероятного наследника его престола. Нет ничего невероятного в том, что перспектива данного положения играла далеко не последнюю роль в мести брату Амнону.

Дальнейшие действия Авессалома имеют ту цель, чтобы царской пышностью своей обстановки производить на народ наиболее сильное впечатление, а показными достоинствами своего характера привлекать к себе сердца всего Израиля (см. ст. 6).

15:7  По прошествии сорока лет царствования Давида. Предполагают, что сюда вкралась описка. Вместо «сорока лет царствования Давида» читают «четырех лет» со времени возвращения в Иерусалим (или, согласно Иосифу Флавию, со времени полного примирения с отцом, 14:33) Авессалома. В еврейском тексте слов «царствования Давида» нет; западные комментаторы указывают, что их нет и в текстах сирийском и арабском (см. Г. Властов. Священная летопись. Т. IV, изд. 1893 г., с. 138, прим.).

15:12  Гило — город к югу от Хеврона.

15:17  У Беф-Мерхата, в греческом тексте — ἐν οἴκω̨ τω̨̃ μακράν, т. е. в отдаленном жилище. Филиппсон предполагает, что это был загородный дом или дача (Lusthaus). В русском тексте название это оставлено без перевода, как имя собственное. Быть может, Беф-Мерхат был не только дачей, но целой окраиной города, одной из его «слобод».

15:18  Хелефеи и фелефеи — см. прим. к 8:18.

Гефяне — отряд гефских филистимлян, под начальством гефянина Еффея, состоявший на службе у Давида.

15:19  Ты — чужеземец и пришел сюда из своего места для того, чтобы зарабатывать деньги; а потому присоединись туда, где для тебя будет выгоднее.

15:23  Вся земля, весь народ, т. е. все, оставшиеся верными Давиду.

15:28  На равнине в пустыне у реки Иордан.

15:31 Мудрые советы Ахитофела ценились так высоко, как если бы это были советы самого Бога (см. 16:23).

15:32  Архитянин, т. е. житель города Архи, расположенного между Вефилем и Атарофом.

15:33  Будешь мне в тягость, так как вид твоего непритворного горя будет только угнетать меня.

16:1  Сива, слуга Мемфивосфея — см. гл. 9.

16:2  Ослы для царского дома Давида, хлеб и плоды для пищи отрокам, оставшимся верными изгнаннику; а вино для тех из окружающих царя, кто ослабеет от движения в пустыне.

16:3-4 Ср. 19:24-30.

16:5  Бахурим — на пути из Иерусалима к Иордану.

5:8 а) Точное значение слова неясно. Друг. возм. пер.: пусть доберется через акведук / туннель.

5:8 б) Или: которые ненавистны Давиду.

5:9 Точный смысл этого названия неизвестен; возможно, насыпная терраса на склоне Сионского холма.

5:17 Букв.: вышли искать.

5:18 Или: совершили набег (на жителей) долины; то же в ст. 22.

5:20 а) Букв.: Давид пошел в Баал-Перацим.

5:20 б) Букв.: владыка прорыва.

5:23 Точно неизвестно, какие именно деревья названы в тексте.

5:25 LXX: Гивона; ср. 1 Пар 14:16.

6:2 Букв.: выступил из Баалы; однако контекст свидетельствует о том, что Давид отправился в Баалу, то есть в Кирьят-Еарим. См. 1 Пар 13:6, Ис Нав 15:9.

6:4 Так в LXX и друг. древн. переводах; евр. текст повторяет в начале стиха: забрав из дома Авинадава, что в Гиве.

6:5 Букв.: танцевали / играли.

6:6 Или: чуть не опрокинули (повозку).

6:8 Т.е. поражение Уззы.

6:16 а) Син. пер.: Мелхола.

6:16 б) Или (ближе к букв.): осудила его в сердце своем.

6:19 а) Друг. возм. пер.: по финиковой лепешке; ср. это же выражение в LXX, Пешитте и Вульгате. Точный смысл масоретского текста неясен.

6:19 б) Или: прессованный изюм. См. примеч. к Ис 16:7.

7:1 Букв.: доме; то же ниже.

7:9 Букв.: великих на земле.

7:11 Букв.: отстроит тебе дом.

7:13 Ср. 2 Цар 3:9, 10.

7:16 Так в некот. евр. рукописях и древн. пер., в большинстве евр. рукописей: пред тобой.

7:21 Букв.: ради слова Своего.

7:23 Букв.: выкупил.

7:27 Букв.: нашел в сердце своем (мужество).

8:3 а) Или: когда он (Давид) выступил.

8:3 б) Или: восстановить памятник себе.

8:4 LXX: тысячу колесниц и семьсот всадников. Ср. 1 Пар 18:4.

8:6 Или: даровал победу Давиду. То же в ст. 8:14.

8:9 Или: благословить / поздравить (с победой).

8:13 LXX, масоретский текст: арамеев.

8:15 Или: вершил над своим народом суд правый.

10:5 Или: сильно стыдились.

10:12 Букв.: сделает хорошее в Его глазах.

10:18 Так в 1 Пар 19:18 и в Лукиановой редакции LXX, масоретский текст: всадников.

11:4 Или: она очистилась от нечистоты и вернулась домой.

11:7 Букв.: к нему.

11:8 Букв.: омой ноги твои.

11:21 В масоретском тексте он назван Еруббешет (слово «бааль», служившее также именем языческого божества, заменено словом «бошет» со значением «стыд»). Ср. Суд 8:29 - 9:57.

12:18 Или: он может что-либо с собой сделать.

12:25 Букв.: возлюбленный Господом.

12:30 Около 34 кг.

12:31 Так по друг. чтению. Ср. 1 Пар 20:3. Масоретский текст: народ, бывший в нем, он вывел и положил их под пилы.

13:34 Друг. чтение: по Хоронаимской дороге.

13:39 Или: не гневался больше на Авессалома, или: затосковал по Авессалому.

14:20 Или: представить дело под другим видом.

14:22 Букв.: благословил.

14:26 Чуть более 2 кг.

15:7 Так в LXX, масоретский текст: сорока.

15:8 Или: я послужу / совершу (жертвоприношение) Господу.

15:12 Или: пока он (находился в Святилище и) совершал жертвоприношения.

15:21 Букв.: жив Господь и жив владыка мой царь.

15:27 1 Или: разве ты не провидец; или: провидец, возвращайся…

15:30 Или: Елеонскую гору.

15:32 Хушай из Арки (Ис Нав 16:2) был другом царя (ср. ст. 37, 1 Пар 27:33) - вероятно, один из придворных титулов.

16:3 Букв.: дом Израилев.