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2 Samuel, CHAP. XVI.
THIS Chapter is a Narrative (1.) Of David's Deeds in his flight: And (2.) Of Absolom's entrance into the Royal City.
The Remarks upon the First Part are,
First, The precipitate Judgment of David betwixt Mephibosheth the Master and Ziba his Servant, ver. 1, 2, 3, 4. Wherein Mark
(1.) No sooner was David departed from the top of the Mount of Olives (where he worshipped God) but Ziba (Mephibosheth's Man) met him, one that was so Sagacious, and of such a crafty fore-sight, that he could fore see David's Restitution (notwith∣standing his present disturbance) because of his most eminent Piety; yea and Absolom's Down-fall for his most notorious Impiety; therefore he subtily brings a Rich present unto David in distress, that he might lay a fair foundation of his own future fortune, if David be restored.
Mark (2.) David marvels at this Man's First Present, and asks him if it were his Master Mephibosheth's doings to be so tender of his Wives and Children (that all walked on foot as well as David did) to send a couple of Asses for them to Ride upon: This sordid Sycophant makes David believe that not only the Asses, but also the Two Hun∣dred Loaves of Bread, the Hundred Bunches of Raisins and the Large Vessel of Wine were all his own Goods; (whereas probably being Steward he had furnished himself out of Mephibosheth's means) designing to wrest the Land from his Master by a false Accusati∣on for his own private advantage.
Mark (2.) Upon David's asking where he was, he answers with a shameless and senseless slander, That Mephibosheth expected the return of the Kingdom to him, as to the Top branch of Saul's House, because Israel would be wearyed with VVars under the House of David, thus divided against it self, Son against Father, &c. This was a plausible pretence, too much imposed upon a too Credulous King by a Crafty Knave in a time of such a General Jealousie and Defection from David, who above all expected Mephibosheth's presence.
Mark (4.) David, thus deluded with bribes and calumnies, condemns Mephibosheth unheard, and against his Oath to his dear Jonathan, &c. and gives all to this fawning slanderer, who could bring two Asses to David, but (in truth) would not saddle one Ass for his Lame Master Mephibosheth to go along with David; as it afteward appeared Chap. 19.26.
The Second Remark upon the First Part is, David's providential check for passing this unrighteous sentence expresly against the Law of God upon the testimony of one wit∣ness only, Deut. 17.6. and that when byassed and blinded with bribes, Exod 23.8. and that also of a Sycophant Servant against an Innocent Master, which Tacitus and Lawyers of Antient times call Petty-Treason, ver. 5, 6, 7, 8. VVherein Mark
(1.) The Rod wherewith God chastized David for this his Injustice, was Shimei, who was but a Servant also; so God wrote David's Sin upon his Punishment to humble him still more, and to make him know that the best of Men, are but Men at the best. Peter Martyr notes well here, that as David had unjustly enriched one Servant, so God Afflicts him by another Servant: And he addeth, that Ziba in all probability would have been as ready to Murther his Master, Ezek. 22.9. had David Doomed him to Death for his Treason, and then Mephibosheth's whole Land had been his, &c.
Mark (2.) This other Servant Shimei was of God's sending (as David himself ac∣knowledgeth, ver. 10, 11.) to correct him for too much favouring Mephibosheth's Ser∣vant of the Devil's sending, to make David break his Oath with Jonathan. This Shi∣mei was an impudent fellow (saith Grotius.)
Qui Cynicos maledicentiâ facilè vicisset.
No Crabbed and Sowre Philosopher was comparably so Dogged as he: [One of Saul's House,] and therefore the more envious to David; whom he would Kill with his Tongue.