Annotations upon the remaining historicall part of the Old Testament. The second part. to wit, the books of Joshua, Judges, the two books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, and the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther : wherein first, all such passages in the text are explained as were thought likely to be questioned by any reader of ordinary capacity : secondly, in many clauses those things are discovered which are needfull and usefull to be known ... and thirdly, many places that might at first seem to contradict one another are reconciled ... / by Arthur Jackson.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. BUt David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.] Herein was Davids kingdome (as in many other things) a type of Christs, and that both generally in the whole Church, and parti∣cularly in the heart of every true Christian: for thus shall it alwayes be betwix: the kingdome of Christ, and the kingdome of Antichrist, between the flesh and the spi∣rit in the regenerate. The Church of Christ shall grow stronger and stronger, and Antichrist shall consume away, and grow weaker and weaker; though he may seem to gather strength for a time, yet by degrees he shall loose again more then for that time he had gotten; and so he shall waste and consume away, till at last his kingdome shall be utterly ruined; and so it is likewise with the kingdome of Christ erected in the hearts of all true believers, though the spirituall part be never so weak at the first, yet it shall by little and little grow in strength; and the flesh on the other side

shall grow weaker and weaker. There is a crown and kingdome promised them, and though there be never so much opposition, Christs promise shall at length be made good unto them, as here Samuels was unto David, they shall subdue all their enemies, and shall be crowned at last triumphantly in heaven.

Vers. 2. And unto David were sonnes born in Hebron, &c.] And herein Gods providence notably appeared, to wit, that David all the while he was in exile had no children, whilest they were like to be an occasion of much care and incumbrance to him. But being now settled in his kingdome, he had many sonnes; for that all these were born to him in Hebron, is yet more clearly expressed, 1. Chron. 3.1, &c.

Vers. 3. And his second Chileab, &c.] Called also Daniel in that 1. Chro. 3.1.

And the third Absalom, the sonne of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur.] There was an inrode made by David into this land of Geshur, whilest he lived with Achish, 1. Sam. 27.8. and therefore some think that David then took this Maacah captive, and so took her to wife, as is permitted by the Law, Deut. 21.13. And she shall put the rayment of her captivity from off her, and shall remain in thine house, and bewail her father and her mother a full moneth▪ and after that thou shalt go in unto her, and be her husband, and she shall be thy wife. But Absaloms flying to this Talmai his grandfather by the mothers side, chap. 13.37. may rather im∣ply, that he had her by way of peaceable treaty, and that was doubtlesse unlawfull unlesse she yielded to become a proselyte.

Vers. 5. And the sixth Ithram, by Eglah Davids wife.] This clause, Davids wife, is here added, either because her parentage was not known, which is expressed in the rest of his wives, and therefore this title is added in stead of that, or to distin∣guish this Eglah from some other woman of the same name; or else to imply the same concerning the rest before named, and that he had these children in Hebron by his wives, besides those which he had by his concubines, 1. Chron. 3.9.

Vers. 7. And Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my fathers concubine?] It is not expressed that Abner had lien with Rispah his fathers concubine, but onely that Ishbosheth charged him with it; and therefore we cannot say whether it were so indeed, or whether Ishbosheth out of some groundlesse jealou∣sie or false report did onely suspect it was so. But however, most probable it is that Ishbosheths discontent was not onely because he took it to be a dishonour to his fa∣ther, that his servant should lie with his concubine; but also especially because he ap∣prehended it was out of some close and secret affectation of the kingdome. It seems that the taking of the deceased kings wives or concubines, was in these times esteem∣ed dangerous for the raising of the spirits of those that did it to seek the crown, and that therefore it was judged fit, that the succeeding king should take all the wives and concubines of his predecessour the deceased king, into his power; whence was that which the Lord by the Prophet Nathan said to David, chap. 12.8. I gave thee thy masters house, and thy masters wives into thy bosome, &c. and therefore as So∣lomon conceived of Adonijahs desiring Abishag for his wife, who was Davids con∣cubine, to wit, that he did it out of an ambitious affectation of the kingdome, 1. Kings 2.22. So did Ishbosheth conceive of Abners going in to Rispah, Sauls con∣cubine; namely, that he had therein some plot by degrees to thrust him out, and to wind in himself to be king in his room, and therefore charged him so sharply with it.

Vers. 8. Am I a dogs head, which against Judah do shew kindnesse this day un∣to the house of Saul, &c.] By this answer of Abners to Ishbosheth, we cannot conclude neither whether he were guilty or no, of that which Ishbosheth had char∣ged him with; for the meaning of these words may be either that he thought himself greatly wronged, that Ishbosheth should suspect him for, or accuse him of, such a foul fact as this, of committing whoredome with his fathers concubine, or else that he took it in high disdain that Ishbosheth should esteem so meanly and basely of him, as to make such a matter of it, and to take it to be so great a disparagement and dis∣honour both to him and to his father, that he should go in to one of his fathers concubines: But yet I conceive it more probable, that the last of these was Abners meaning; First, because that phrase, Am I a dogs head? doth rather import the worthlesnesse of his person, then his lustfulnesse in that fact he was charged with, as some would have it; for so we see the like phrase is used elsewhere, as 1. Sam. 24.14. After whom dost thou pursue? saith David to Saul, after a dead dog, after a flea? &c. 2. Sam. 9.8. What is thy servant that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog, as I am, saith Mephibosheth to David: and secondly, because that which Abner here alledgeth concerning his siding with him against the house of Judah, must needs be alledged, to shew how little cause he had so to vilifie him, by whose means he was made king, and had been hitherto supported in his kingdome, and in whose power it was if he pleased, to deliver him up into the hands of David. So that it seems by this answer of Abners, that he did purposely wave the making any reply to the fact he was charged with, either by denying or justifying of it, and onely quar∣relled that Ishbosheth should think so meanly of him, as to take it for such a disgrace to his family (whether it were true or false) that he should lie with one of his fathers concubines. Am I (saith he) a dogs head, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?

Vers. 11. And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.] From this which is here said of Ishbosheth, some Expositours conclude, that he was a poore and low-spirited man, and the rather, because they observe too, that he alone of all the sonnes of Saul went not forth to warre against the Philistines, when Saul and his sonnes were slain. But indeed, considering what exceeding power these men had amongst the people, that commanded in chief over the Militia, it is no wonder that he should be so daunted, when Abner in a rage answered him so insolently, and threatned him openly with revolting to David. Nor could it be concluded from hence alone, that he was a man of no great metall and courage: for even David himself upon the same ground, was overmuch awed with Joabs power, and durst not do to him what otherwise he would have done, vers. 39. I am this day weak though anointed king, and these men the sonnes of Zeruiah be too hard for me.

Vers. 12. And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf? saying, Whose is the land, &c.] This clause in Abners message to David, Whose is the land? might be meant two severall wayes, to wit, either to intimate, that he had the land of Is∣rael in his power, and could as he pleased either settle it upon the house of Saul or remove it to David; or else to imply that he did now acknowledge that the land did indeed belong to David, whom God by Samuel had anointed to be king over Is∣rael, and that therefore he was now willing to transferre the kingdome to him; one∣ly

he desired that he would first assure him, that he would pardon all that was past, and upon good conditions make a league with him. And thus he pretended to come in to David, merely because the land was his, and the kingdome his by Gods appointment, when indeed he did it merely to be revenged on Ishbosheth, and to procure peace, and perhaps advancement too for himself: even as many men in these dayes of the Gospel, come unto Christ, pretending they do it for the truths sake, when indeed they seek themselves onely in some carnall respects, as Abner did.

Vers. 13. Thou shalt not see my face, except thou bring Michal Sauls daughter when thou comest to see my face.] Though she had lived many years with another husband, yet Davids earnestnesse to have her restored to him, and that with a purpose to have her live with him again as his wife, as she did, needs not seem strange to us, if we consider, first, that she was his first wife, and had been faithfull to him in preserving his life, 1. Sam. 19.11, 12. and had been for∣ced by her father to marry this man when David was fled, 1. Sam. 25.44. se∣condly, that David could no way better shew his love to her, then by rescuing her from the sinne and infamy of living in adultery with another man: thirdly, that it might be in policy a matter of great importance to settle peace in the king∣dome, and to establish the kingdome to David, that this his wife should be re∣stored to him again, because she was Sauls daughter: and fourthly, that by this means he should make triall of the fidelity of Abner.

Vers. 14. And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Sauls sonne, saying, deliver me my wife Michal, &c.] Thus it seems David and Abner had contrived the bu∣sinesse, that David should send to Ishbosheth for his wife, and that then Abner should second the motion and procure it to be done: for that Abner had a hand in causing Ishbosheth to restore David his wife, is evident, vers. 16. because Abner went along with her to Bahurim. Now in the challenge that he makes of his wife, Deliver me my wife Michal which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, he mentions onely a hundred foreskins; because so many onely Da∣vid was by covenant bound to bring, though he brought two hundred, 1. Sam. 18.25, 27.

Vers. 16. And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahu∣rim.] A town in the tribe of Benjamin, chap. 19.16.

Vers. 17. And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you.] Hereby it appears, that ma∣ny of the Israelites would have followed David before this, but that they durst not for fear of Abner: For the least we can conclude from hence is, that before Ishbo∣sheth was made king by Abner, the Israelites were divided, some standing for Da∣vid, others for Ishbosheth Sauls sonne.

Vers. 19. And Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.] That is, to the greatest part of them, 1. Chron. 12.29. Abner having treated with the elders of Israel about their accepting of David to be their king, and more particu∣larly with those of Benjamin, because they were like to be hardliest wonne in regard of their especiall relation to the house of Saul who was of their tribe; he went to

David (perhaps under pretence of carrying his wife Michal to him, to which Ish∣bosheth had consented) and so then acquainted him how tractable he had found the Israelites, and how willing to submit to his government: yea even the men of Benjamin amongst the rest, of whom David had most cause to fear that he should have found them refractory.

Vers. 25. Thou knowest Abner the sonne of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, &c.] And thus though Joab doubtlesse was chiefly enraged, because he feared Ab∣ner would insinuate himself into David, and prove a corrivall to him in his honours and preferments; and withall, because his heart was full of revengefull thoughts against him for the death of his brother Asahel, yet he alledged none of this to Da∣vid, but onely that he was solicitous for him, as being confident that Abner came onely as a spie, and sought to get some advantage against David.

Vers. 26. And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, &c.] Having spoken his mind to David, it may seem that he flung away in an anger, not vouchsafing to hear what David would answer, and so being come out, he sent messengers after Abner to bring him back, and happely he sent in the name of the king (which might be one cause why David was so carefull afterward to clear himself of it,) but doubtlesse he pretended that he had some businesse of importance to impart to him: or else, it is not like that Abner would have come back again.

Vers. 27. Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, &c.] Thus Joab and Abishai had plotted the busi∣nesse before hand, whence is that vers. 30. So Joab and Abishai slew Abner because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battell, &c. by this means (though the fact in Joab was foul and wicked) God punished Abner for his rising up against David, and making so light account of shedding so much bloud, chap. 2.14. And Abner said to Joab let the young men now arise and play before us: and withall, God removed him out of the way, that David might come to have all Isra∣el submit themselves to him without the help of Abners treachery; for that phrase of smiting under the fifth rib, see the note, chap. 2.23.

Vers. 28. I and my kingdome are guiltlesse before the Lord for ever from the bloud of Abner, &c.] Because the Lord many times plagues the whole land for the magistrates shedding innocent bloud, therefore David in this protestation that he makes of his innocencie, mentions the kingdome together with himself, I and my kingdome are guiltlesse. &c.

Vers. 29. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, &c.] David knew well that it was much to be suspected, that the people would think that Abner was slain by his command, or at least not without his consent, and how like∣ly this was to alienate the hearts of the people from him; In a businesse therefore that so nearly concerned him, no marvell though in the bitternesse of his spirit he poured forth these heavy imprecations against Joab and all his posterity, Let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, that is, the running of the reins, (see the note, Lev. 15.21.) or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff through lamenesse or weaknesse; and why he did not proceed further to do justice upon Joab, which would have been of all, the best way to clear his own innocencie him∣self

sheweth, vers. 39. I am this day weak though anointed king, and these men the sonnes of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the Lord shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickednesse.

Vers. 30. So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battell.] These words, in the battell, are added as an aggravatian of Joabs sinne: For Abner slew Asahel in open battell, and was forced thereto by Asahels pursuite of him; but Joab slew Abner treacherously, when he pretended to speak peaceably with him; why Abishai is here joyned with Joab, see the note above, verse 27.

Vers. 31. And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rent your clothes, &c.] That is, he enjoyned them to bury Abner with a solemn funerall, thereby testifying his sorrow for his death, and clearing himself before all the people from having any hand in it. Neither was it unfit that Joab amongst others should be enjoyned to be a publick mourner at his exequies: for first he had more cause to mourn then any man, because of his sinne: David therefore requi∣ring him thereunto did that which was fit; if Joab therein dissembled, it was his own fault. Secondly, it might be imposed as a kind of punishment that he should publickly by being one of the mourners bear witnesse of Abners worth, whom in his rage he had slain. Concerning the custome of renting their clothes, see the note, Gen. 37.29.

Vers. 33. And the king lamented over Abner, and said, died Abner as a fool di∣eth?] That is, he died not as a fool dieth; his hands were not bound, &c. the mean∣ing is, that he died not as a weak and cowardly man, that is, taken in warre and led captive, his hands being bound, or as a malefactor that is cast into prison and bound in fetters, (no saith he, he that slew him, had he done it in open fight, he should have found that his hands were not bound, &c.) but he was slain, as the vali∣antest man in the world might have been slain, to wit, treacherously; by one that pretended peace and smote him unawares. Perhaps this was the elegie which David composed to be sung at Abners funerall.

Vers. 35. And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat, &c.] By these words is intimated, that there was a solemn feast at the funerall of Abner, where all the people, that is, the guests invited, or some in the name of all, seeing or hear∣ing that the king refused to eat, laboured to perswade him to eat, till with such ear∣nestnesse he protested to the contrary: and indeed that it was a custome amongst Gods people in the time of the law to have feasts at their funeralls, either thereby to allay their grief, or to testifie their hope concerning the good estate of their deceased friends, may be gathered from other places. For thence are those expressions, Jer. 16.7, 8. Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning to comfort them for the dead: neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father, or for their mother. Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting: to sit with them to eat and to drink. and Ezek. 24.17. Forbear to cry, and make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men. As for Davids oath when he replyed that he would not eat, So do God to me and more also, see the note, Ruth 1.17.

Vers. 36. As whatsoever the king did, pleased all the people.] This is referred by some Expositours to this particular of Davids ordering the funerall of Abner, that whatsoever the king did herein, pleased the people; but yet it may also be un∣derstood more generally, to wit, that the king was so highly esteemed and beloved of the people, that they were still inclinable to approve of any thing that he did.

Vers. 39. And I am this day weak, though anointed king, and these men the sonnes of Zeruiah be too hard for me, &c.] By alledging the power of Joab and Abishai, and the unsettlednesse of his estate in the kingdome for the present, he la∣boureth to excuse himself for not punishing Joab for this fact of his according to the law. Indeed by many things related both of Joab and Abner it appears, that these that were generals over the men of warre were very potent. But why then did not David execute justice upon Joab afterward, when he was established in his throne? Doubtlesse it was an infirmitie in David, and before his death it seems he repented of his errour, which that charge of his to Solomon may probably imply, 1. Kings 2.5, 6. Moreover thou knowest also, what Joab the sonne of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the host of Israel, unto Abner the sonne of Ner, and unto Amasa the sonne of Jether, whom he slew and shed the bloud of warre in peace, and put the bloud of warre upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. Do therefore according to thy wis∣dome, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.