The whole genuine and complete works of Flavius Josephus ... Translated from the original in the Greek language. And diligently revised and compared with the writings of contemporary authors, of different nations, on the subject. All tending to prove the authenticity of the work. ; To which is added various useful indexes ... ; Also a continuation of the history of the Jews, from Josephus down to the present time ... By George Henry Maynard, LL.D. ; Illustrated with marginal references and notes, historical, biographical, classical, critical, geographical, and explanatory. By the Rev. Edward Kimpton, author the the Compleat universal history of the Holy Bible. ; Embellished with upwards of sixty beautiful engravings, taken from original drawings of the Messrs, Metz, Stothard, and Corbould, members of the Royal Academy, and engraved by American artists.

FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS ON THE ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK VII. [INCLUDING A PERIOD OF ABOUT FORTY-ONE YEARS.]

CHAP. I.

David laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Is appointed to the sovereignty by the tribe of Judah; but opposed by Abner, the late king's general, who pro|claimeth Ishbosheth, the only remaining son of Saul, successor to the throne. Abner marches against the army of David, and is defeated by Joab, his general. He goes over to David, and is barbarously murdered by Joab. David laments his death, and pays the greatest respect to his funeral obsequies.

THE battle between the army of the Philis|tines and that of the Israelites happened on the very same day that David returned to Ziglag, after defeating the Amalekites. In the morning of the third day after this, the man who had slain Saul, having escaped out of the battle,* 1.1 come to Ziglag, and, with his cloaths rent, and ashes on his head, threw himself prostrate on the ground before David. Being asked from whence he came, and why he appeared so mournful, he an|swered, that he was an Amalekite, and came to in|form him of the event of the battle between the Hebrews and Philistines. That the king and his sons were slain, and the greatest part of the army shared the same fate. He told him, that what he said might be depended on, for that he was a spectator of the whole scene. That he stood by Saul when he attempted to stab himself, but not having strength enough, from the many wounds he had received, to force the point of his sword through his body, after he had leant upon it, he begged him to finish what himself was unable to perform, and that he readily obeyed the royal command.* 1.2 To confirm what he had related, he produced the golden brace|lets and crown of Saul, and told David he took them away, after Saul was dead, with no other design than to make a present of them to him.

David, being convinced of the truth of this rela|tion, rent his cloaths,* 1.3 and spent the whole day in fasting and lamentation. He was particularly af|flicted for the loss of Jonathan, who had more than once been the preserver of his life. And such re|spect did he still shew to the memory of Saul, not|withstanding the repeated attempts he had made to take away his life, that,* 1.4 instead of rewarding the man for the presents he brought, he ordered him to be put to death, not only as an enemy, but a pro|fessed regicide.

When David had performed his last duties to the memory of Saul and his sons, and the time of mourn|ing was expired, he consulted God, by the pro|phet, which of the cities of Judah should be al|lotted for his habitation. Being answered,* 1.5 the city of Hebron * 1.6, he immediately left Ziglag, and re|moved hither with his family and forces; soon after which the princes of Judah came to Hebron to con|gratulate him on his return to his native country, and in a full assembly, convened for the purpose, elected him their king.

By this time David had been informed of the generous conduct of the people of Jabesh-gilead, in rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons, and giving them honourable interment. He was so pleased with this information, that he sent messengers to thank them for what they had done, and to assure them that they might ever depend on his favour and pro|tection. He likewise desired the messengers to in|form them, that he had been chosen, by the tribe of Judah, as successor to the sovereignty.

While the princes of Judah were interesting them|selves in behalf of David, Abner,* 1.7 the late king's uncle, and general of the army, set up * 1.8 Ishbosheth,

the only remaining son of Saul, as successor to the throne. He appointed Mahanaim * 1.9, on the other side of Jordan, as the place of his residence; and, by his great interest and authority, Ishbosheth was re|cognized king by all the tribes except that of Judah.* 1.10

Abner was so incensed against the tribe of Judah for choosing David their king, that he determined to make war against them, and accordingly dispatched a body of the best men he could select from his whole army for that purpose.* 1.11 In the mean time Joab (the general of David's forces) hearing that Abner was on his way, marched from Hebron with his army against him, taking him with his two brothers, Abi|shai,* 1.12 and Asahel. When the two armies came near each other, and were drawn up in order of battle, Abner proposed that the contest should be determin|ed by twenty-four men, twelve to be chosen out of each army. This proposition being agreed to, the men were selected and engaged, when their skill was so equal on both sides that every man killed his an|tagonist, and the whole twenty-four lay dead on the spot.* 1.13 In consequence of this a general engagement commenced between the two armies, which, for some time, was exceeding desperate on both sides; but at length Abner was totally routed, and put to flight. Joab, and his two brothers, pursued the fugi|tives;* 1.14 and Asahel, the younger brother of Joab, being much more active than the rest, got greatly a-he••••, and made the best of his way after Abner. As soon as he came up with him, Abner, who knew him, beg|ged he would desist, and not attempt to attack him, as he should be very unwilling, by defending him|self, to rob him of his existence. Asahel paid no attention to this remonstrance,* 1.15 but, ambitious of taking a general prisoner, made a stroke at Abner, who, with his spear, gave him a wound, of which he immediately died.

When the victorious army came to the spot where the body of Asahel lay, they were so shocked at the spectacle,* 1.16 that they immediately ceased the pursuit. Abner availed himself of this opportunity to ••••lly his scattered forces, and making a stand on an advanced ground where he could not be attacked, he sounded a parley, and calling aloud to Joab, thus addressed him:

This outrageous animosity (says he) has al|ready gone too far among people of the same blood and profession. As for your brother Asahel, I begged him to desist, but he was so obstinate in his determination, that I was reduced to the ne|cessity of taking away his life for the security of my own;* 1.17 so that his death was owing to his own misconduct.

Joab could not but admit the just|ness of Abner's argument, upon which he sounded a retreat, and the two armies separated. Abner im|mediately marched with his men to the palace of Ishbosheth, but Joab encamped on the spot that night. The next morning he took a view of the dead, and found upon computation, that Abner had lost about 360 men, and himself nineteen, exclusive of Asahel, whose remains were carried, by Joab and Abishai, to Bethlehem, and there interred in the sepulchre of their ancestors. After this ceremony they returned to Hebron, whither David had arriv|ed with his army.

* 1.18From this period a civil war continued between the families of Saul and David for some years; dur|ing which time the forces of the latter, in most ren|counters, had the advantage; and the interest of David increased in the nation, as that of Ishbosheth sensibly declined.

While David resided at Heborn he had six sons, born of as many wives; namely, Amnon, the son of Ahinoam; Chileab, the son of Abigail; Absa|lom the son of Maachah, the daughter of Talmais, king of Geshur; Adonijah, the son of Haggith; Shephatiah, the son of Abital; and Ithream, the the son of Eglah.

While the civil war lasted between David and Ishbosheth, Abner was the grand support of the lat|ter, and, by his prudence and interest, the people were kept to obedience; but a circumstance at length occurred, which produced a fatal dissension to both parties.* 1.19 Abner had for some time preserved a fa|miliar intamacy with Rizpah, the daughter of Si|beth, one of Saul's concubines. Intimation of this coming to the ears of Ishbosheth, he severely rebuked Abner for his conduct, who, thinking▪ himself treated with indignity, vowed no less a revenge than con|verting his interest from Ishbosheth to David.

In consequence of this determination,* 1.20 Abner sent a commissioner to Hebron, with full power to form a league with David, on the following single condi|tion: That from and after the time he should draw off the tribes from Ishbosheth, and place David upon the throne by the universal consent of the people, he should be received as his prime minister, and have the chief management (exclusive of himself) in all public affairs.

This proposition was very acceptable to David,* 1.21 who, in return, requested of Abner, as an earnest of their future alliance, that he would restore to him his wife Michal, whom he had not only purchased with the heads of six hundred Philistines, but also at the most imminent danger and hazard of his own life.

These matters being reciprocally agreed to,* 1.22 Abner immediately took Michal from Phalti (on whom she was bestowed by Saul with the privity and assistance of Ishbosheth) and sent her to David; after which, calling together the elders and principal people both civil and military he thus addressed them:* 1.23

There was a time (says he) when ye would willingly have renounced your allegiance to Ishbosheth, and gone over to David: I was then against it; but you are now at liberty to use your own discretion. I am fully convinced that, as God, by the prophet Sa|muel hath anointed and constituted him king over all the Hebrews, and hath foretold that he should be the scourge of the Philistines, and shall subdue and bring them under his obedience, so shall he actually obtain the sovereignty over all Israel.

When the elders and the officers of the army, found the sentiments of Abner corresponded with those they had themselves entertained, they unanimously agreed with him in opinion, and from that time acted openly in favour of David.

Abner, having thus far proved successful,* 1.24 sum|moned together the tribe of Benjamin, which in|cluded the guards of Ishbosheth, to whom he ad|dressed himself in the same manner as he had done to the elders and officers. These likewise he found condescending and ready to favour his design; upon which, selecting twenty of the choicest, he took them with him and went to David, in order to ratify the treaty that had been agreed on between them. David received Abner and his company with the greatest affection, and entertained them, for some days, in the most sumptuous manner; at the expiration of which Abner desired to be dismissed for the present that he might go and bring the army and people to Hebron, in order to make good what he had under|taken, by publicly delivering up the government into his hands.

Abner had hardly quitted the gates of the city, when he met Joab, David's general, to whom he re|lated the particulars of all that had passed relative to the treaty of alliance between him and David. Joab,* 1.25 at this information, was immediately struck with an outrageous fit of jealousy, thinking, from the great ambition of Abner, he would infallibly supplant him in his master's esteem. He therefore hastened to David with all expedition, and remonstrated with him on the impropriety of his conduct in listening to any terms proposed by Abner, whom he said, was

to be considered in no other light than a spy, and whom he knew to be the protector and supporter of his professed enemy. That what he had done was all delusion, and that he was probably gone home to take advantage of his great and ill-judged credulity.

David, not seeming to countenance the observa|tions made by Joab, the latter (determined to seek revenge on Abner by some means or other) formed the resolution of effectually obtaining his wishes by taking away his life.* 1.26 He accordingly dispatched messengers after Abner, in the name of David, re|questing his immediate return, as some things were omitted in his instructions that were exceeding im|portant. The messengers overtook Abner at a place called Sirah, about twenty furlongs from Hebron, and communicating their business he immediately returned.

In the mean time Joab, attended only by his bro|ther Abishai planted himself in a private place with|out the gates of the city; and when Abner came to the spot, he called him aside telling him he had some business to relate to him of a private nature. Abner, not suspecting any danger, complied with Joab's request when the latter, suddenly drawing his sword, stabbed him to the heart. Thus was this brave man taken off by the perfidy of Joab, who pre|tended he did it in revenge for the death of his bro|ther Asahel;* 1.27 but, in reality, it was to gratify his ••••••lousy and revenge, for fear of being supplanted in the king's favour.

When David was informed of Abner's death, he was so affected, that he knew not how to contain hims••lf. But, stretching out his hands, and lifting up his eye to heaven, he solemnly declared, in the presence of all about him, that he was neither acces|sary to the murder,* 1.28 nor knew any thing of it previ|ous to its being perpetrated. He denounced the most heavy curses on Joab and his family, wishing they might receive that punishment due to so enormous a crime. He ordered all the army to march before the bier of Abner, and, with tears and lamentations, with their clothes rent, and putting on sackcloth, to bewail his loss, and to perform all funeral rites to him in the most solemn manner.* 1.29 He attended himself as chief mourner; and the example he set in expressing his lamentations for the loss of Abner, was followed by the whole body of the people. In short, so affected was David at this melancholy circum|stance▪ that, notwithstanding the earnest persuasions of his friends, he could not be prevailed upon to take the least refreshment that day, swearing, he wo••ld not taste any thing till the sun was down. The s••verity of this religious strictness gained the universal affection of the people, who were suffici|ently satisfied that David was not only a total stran|ger to the murder of Abner, but that he held him in the highest esteem. Besides this, it greatly en|hanced the character and reputation of David, the people naturally imagining, that if any future cir|cumstance should arise of the like nature, he would shew the same respect to their memories as he had done to that of Abner.

When the funeral ceremonies were over, David addressed the multitude in a very pathetic harangue,* 1.30 in which he first pointed out to them his own parti|cular unhappiness in being deprived of a friend for whom he had so great a value; and then told them, that his loss must be sensibly felt by the whole na|tion, since he was not only a brave s••ldier, but a wise and prudent counsellor. "But that God (says he) who governs all things, will not let this murder pass unrevenged. He is my witness that my situation will not permit me to do by Joab and Abishai as they deserve,* 1.31 they having, probably, a greater interest in the army than myself; but I doubt not that, sooner or later, Divine justice will find them out, and inflict on them that punishment they merit for so enormous a crime."

Thus did the great general Abner fall a sacri|fice to the jealousy and resentment of an inveterate assassin.

CHAP. II.

The perfidious murder of Ishbosheth avenged by David on the regicides. He is universally recognized as king. Besieges and takes the city of Jerusalem. Joab signalizes his bravery on this occasion.

WHEN Ishbosheth heard of the death of Abner he was greatly afflicted in his mind,* 1.32 not only on account of having lost a relation, but the person who had been the means of advancing him to the throne. He did not, however, long survive his friend, being soon after treacherously murdered by Baanah and Rechab, the sons of Rimnon. These two persons being Benjamites, and of the first rank, thought if they put Ishbosheth to death, it would be well received by David, and that, for their conduct, he would advance them to some honourable employ|ment. Having resolved on carrying their design into execution, they went into that apartment of the pa|lace where Ishbosheth was accustomed to repose him|self during the heat of the day. There being no guards about the place, and the servant appointed to watch the door absent, they stole into the chamber, where finding Ishbosheth alone, and fast asleep,* 1.33 they first stabbed him, and then, cutting off his head, hasted, with all expedition, to Hebron, in order to present it as fresh as possible to David. They made not the least doubt of being amply rewarded for this singular atchievement: but they soon found them|selves mistaken; for when they presented the head to David, he was so far from approving of what they had done, that he expressed his detestation of so im|pious an act in words to this effect:* 1.34

Ye basest of wretches, (says he) immediately prepare your|selves to receive the just reward of your horrid villainy. What! have ye so soon forgot the punish|ment I inflicted on him who brought me the crown of gold belonging to Saul after he had slain him, at his own desire for fear of falling into the hands of his enemy! Do you imagine I am not the same person now I was then? Or can you suppose me so abandoned a wretch as to countenance the murder you have committed on your master, by taking off his head in his own bed chamber; the head of him who never did injury to any man, and who, in an especial manner, heaped his favours on you? Wherefore I will avenge his death by taking away your lives, and avenge myself on you for cutting him off under pretence of doing me service. Your entertaining such base sentiments of me is the greatest injury you could have done to my honour and reputation.

Having said this,* 1.35 he ordered their hands and feet to be cut off, and their bodies to be hung up in a public place, as a terror to all regicides; after which he ordered the head of Ish|bosheth to be honourably interred in the sepulchre of Abner.

As soon as the death of Ishbosheth was generally known, all the tribes sent deputies to David,* 1.36 ac|knowledging his right to the sovereignty, and pro|mising him their allegiance. David received them with the greatest respect, and assured them, that so long as they continued obedient and dutiful subjects, they should not have reason to repent having chosen him as their king.* 1.37 He entertained the deputies for several days in the most hospitable and magnificent manner; after which he dismissed them, with orders to summon the whole body of the people to repair immediately to his palace at Hebron.

The deputies having obeyed these orders, and the different tribes being gathered together, the num|ber in each appeared as follows:

Of the tribe of Judah, 6,800, armed with shields and lances. These had been of Saul's party.

Of the tribe of Simeon, 7,100.

Of the tribe of Levi, 4,700, headed by Jehoida, their captain. With these was Zadock, the high-priest, accompanied by twenty-two of his kindred, all captains.

Of the tribe of Benjamin, 4,000, armed. This tribe was of opinion that some of Saul's family would succeed to the government.

Of the tribe of Ephraim, 20,800, all stout and courageous men.

Of the half tribe of Manasses, 18,000.

Of the tribe of Issachar, 20,000 armed, besides 200, who were skilled in foretelling future events.

Of the tribe of Zebulon, 50,000, all well armed.

Of the tribe of Naphthali, 1000 commanders, armed with shields and spears, and attended by an innumerable multitude of their followers.

Of the tribe of Dan, 27,000, choice men.

Of the tribe of Asher, 40,000.

Of the two tribes beyond Jordan, and the other half of the tribe of Manasses▪ 22,000, all armed with shields, spears, swords and helmets.

* 1.38Each of these tribes brought with them great quantit•• of corn, wine, and other provisions, which were respectfully received by David; and in the presence of the whole multitude he was anointed king over all Israel, after having reigned at Hebron, over the tribe of Judah only, for the space of seven years and six months.

* 1.39David, being now invested with full regal power, and having a multitude of brave and gallant soldiers to attend him, formed the resolution of making an expedition against Jerusalem, which was at this time inhabited by the Jebusites, a people belonging to the race of the Canaanites.* 1.40 He accordingly marched with his army towards the place; and, when he came to the castle▪ or fort of Zion, which commanded the city and was thought impregnable, he summoned the inhabitants to surrender.* 1.41 But they were so little in|timidated, that they bid defiance to him, and, by way of derision, placed on the walls great numbers of people, who were lame and infirm, saying, they wanted no other guard to protect them from such an enemy. This insult so irritated David, that he re|solved immediately to attack the city, reasonably imagining, that if he made himself master of that, it would so terrify those in the castle, that they would readily submit. He accordingly besieged the place with the flower of his army, and making a general assault,* 1.42 soon entered the lower Town. The Jebu|sites made all the resistance they were able; but by the intripidity of David's army they were soon over|powered, the greater part being killed on the spot, and the rest obliged to save themselves by a precipi|tate flight. Having thus made himself master of the lower city, he marched to the castle; but the in|habitants being still resolute, and the place so strong as to render the attack dangerous, he knew not, for some time, how to act; till at length, in order to animate his men to undertake the arduous task, he caused a proclamation to be made throughout the camp, that whoever first mounted the walls, and made good his station should be made captain-ge|neral of all his forces. This had the desired ef|fect,* 1.43 a general emulation immediately taking place among the people; but Joab being more alert than the rest, got before all, and having ascended the tower, called aloud to David to fulfil his promise. The rest of the troops immediately following Joab, the besieged soon gave way,* 1.44 and, in a short time, abandoned the place. After this David expelled the Jebusites, enlarged the buildings of the Lower City, which he joined to the citidal, made it his place of residence, and gave it the name of The City of David.* 1.45 He erected many fortifications in diffe|rent parts of it, surrounded the whole with a strong wall, and gave the command of it to Joab; who, in the mean time repaired and enlarged the upper city, for the better accommodation of the people. From this time David kept his court at Jerusalem.

CHAP. I.

Hiram, King of Tyre, courts the friendship and alliance of David. His wives and children.

ABOUT this time Hiram, king of Tyre, hearing how prosperous David was in all his affairs, sent ambassadors to congratulate him on his accession to the throne,* 1.46 and to join with him in a treaty of alli|ance and friendship. He likewise sent him a present of cedar trees, with carpenters and other artificers, to assist him in erecting a royal palace at his new city.

The city of Jerusalem (which name David ex|punged after subduing the Jebusites) was called,* 1.47 in the days of Abraham, Solyma; and it is imagined that Homer points at this city when he speaks of the people of Solyma; that word, in the Hebrew lan|guage, signifying a fortress, or place of defence. From the time that Joshua waged war with the inhabitants of Canaan, and, after subduing them, divided their country among the Hebrews, the Jebusites still kept possession of this city; nor could they be driven out of it till it was effected by David, which was an in|terval of no less than 515 years.

There was left among the Jebusites one Orphan,* 1.48 who was not slain at the siege of Jerusalem, at the particular instance of David, because of the good will he bore the Hebrews in general, and the king in particular. So that his name is worthy of record.

Soon after David had established himself in his new city, he took to him several new wives, as also many concubines. By these he had born to him ele|ven sons, named Amnon, Ellus, Ebas, Nathan, Solo|mon, Jebar, Elial, Phalna, Ennaphen, Jenas, and Eli|phel; besides a daughter named Tamar, who was sister to Absalom. The nine first of the sons were by his lawful wives, but the two last by concubines.

CHAP. IV.

David totally routs the Philistines and their allies. Re|moves the ark to Jerusalem. Forms a design of build|ing a temple, and acknowledges the Divine savour.

IN the mean time the Philistines having heard of David's increasing greatness, and supposing it a sure presage of their own downfall,* 1.49 determined to check his power as soon as possible; to effect which they raised a considerable army and marching to|wards Jerusalem, encamped in a place called The Valley of the Giants, not far from the city.

David,* 1.50 not chusing to engage in any enterprize without first consulting the Divine oracle, command|ed the high-priest to signify to him the pleasure of the Almighty, and what issue he would vouchsafe to give should he engage the Philistines. Having re|ceived for answer that he should obtain the victory,* 1.51 he immediately drew out his men, and marching with all expedition against the enemy, fell on them so suddenly, that they were thrown into the greatest confusion, and, in a short time, totally routed. Great numbers were killed on the spot,* 1.52 many others desperately wounded, and the remainder saved themselves by slight.

But the Philistines were so far from being intimi|dated at this overthrow, that, a short time after, they came again,* 1.53 with an army consisting of thrice the number they had before, having been joined by the Syrians, Phoenicians, and other warlike na|tions. On this occasion David again consulted the oracle,* 1.54 and received orders that he should march with his army to a certain place not far from the enemy, called The Wood of Lamentation; from whence he should not attempt to move, on any account whatever, till he saw the branches of the trees move without the blowing of the wind. That when this took place, he might suppose the time was come that Providence had allotted for his en|countering the enemy, and that he should immedi|ately leave the place and begin the attack. David strictly attended to these directions, and, as soon as he discovered the providential signs, immediately marched out with his army, fully assured the busi|ness he was about would prove successful.* 1.55 The Phi|listines gave way at the first onset; when they found themselves closely attacked, they betook themselves to flight. David pursued them as far as Gaza, a city on the extreme borders of their country, and kil|led great numbers in his way; after which he re|turned to their camp, took what valuables they had left behind, and destroyed their idols. This defeat so weakened the Philistines that they did not attempt to attack the Israelites for many succeeding years.

The war with the Philistines being now over,* 1.56 and all things quiet, David thought it a very proper sea|son to remove the ark of God (which for almost

fifty years, had continued in the house of Abinadab, at Kirjath-jearim) to a place which he had prepar|ed for it in his own city. For this purpose, he as|sembled the elders and principal men of the respec|tive tribes,* 1.57 together with the priests and Levites, and taking with him a strong guard for the protec|tion of the ark, in case any enemy should attempt to surprize them, went in grand procession to Kir|jath-jearim. Having removed the ark out of Abinadab's house, instead of carrying it on mens shoulders,* 1.58 they, in imitation of the Philistines, put it into a cart drawn by two oxen, and in this man|ner proceeded with it towards Jerusalem; the king going before it, and the multitude following after, singing praises to God, and dancing to various tunes played on different instruments, such as harps, psalteries, cornets, and cymbals. When they came to a place called No••hon's Threshing Floor, the cart was near being overturned; upon which Uzzah, one of the drivers, in order to save the ark, put his hand upon it;* 1.59 for which presumption (not being in ho|ly orders) the Almighty was pleased to punish him with instant death. This melancholy circum|stance not only afflicted David, but the whole mul|titude; and, as a memento, they called the place ever after by the name of Perez-Uzzah, that is, the Breath of Uzzah.

David was so terrified at the sudden death which the Almighty had inflicted on Uzzah for touching the ark, that he was apprehensive of meeting the like fate should he presume to carry it to the place intended.* 1.60 Instead, therefore, of proceeding to|wards the city▪ he turned out of the way, and went to the house of a righteous man, a Levite, named Obed Edom, into whose custody he left the ark, where it remained for the space of three months. At the expiration of this time, David, having heard of the great prosperity that had attended Obed-Edom, since the ark had been in his possession, was delivered from the fear he had conceived, and re|sumed his intentions of removing it to his own city, which he did in great form and solemnity. It was borne on the shoulders of the priests,* 1.61 whom David had caused to be sanctified on the occasion: seven companies of singing-men went before it, and the king himself followed, dressed in a linen ephod * 1.62, dancing and playing on his harp.* 1.63 The ark being brought into the city, and properly secured in the place allotted for it, David offered sacrifices to God of considerable value; after which he made a feast for the people,* 1.64 giving to each person a cake of bread, a ••••aggon of wine, and a piece of the sa|crifice.

When David returned home, he was met by his wife Michal (the daughter of the late king Saul) who,* 1.65 having seen him through a window dancing before the act, upbraided him for his condescen|sion, saving, such locusts were beneath the dignity of a king. In reply to this, David told her, that what he had done was in honour of that God who had chosen him to govern Israel, in preference to her own father, and to all other men; and that such condescension would never bring him under any just contempt. Michal had not any children by David; but she had five sons by her other husband, to whom Saul, her father, gave her in marriage, after he had forcibly taken her from David.

By this time the palace (which Hiram, king of Tyre had furnished David with men and materials to build) was finished; and as he was reflecting on the meanness of God's habitation compared with his own,* 1.66 it came into his mind to build a temple for his religious worship, and to place in it the ark of the Lord. He communicated his design to the pro|phet Nathan, who at first approved of it: but that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan * 1.67 to this effect:

Go and tell David I accept of his good-will in being the first proposer of erect|ing a temple to my services; but, as he has been engaged in so many wars, and has embrued his hands in the blood of his enemies, I will not per|met him to carry his design into execution.* 1.68 The care of this undertaking I shall reserve for his son Solomon, over whom I will be as a tender father, and will continue the government in the line of his family; and, if he should be guilty of any transgressions, I will not totally reject him as I did Saul, but only punish him with pestilence and famine.

The prophet Nathan, having communicated these tidings to David, he was so rejoiced at the thoughts of the succession being secured to his posterity, and the honour of his family so graciously provided for, that he immediately repaired to the ark of God, and throwing himself prostrate before it, addressed his Divine benefactor to this effect:

Blessed be thy name, for all the benefits and mercies thou hast been pleased to bestow on thy servant.* 1.69 Thou hast raised me from the lowest situation in life to the summit of dignity and power. I bless thee for all this; for thy continued providences to my|self, and thy promises to my posterity; as also for thy multiplied deliverances and protections to thy own people.

After this he arose, sang an hymn, and then departed.

CHAP. V.

David wages a successful war against the Philistines and their consederates.

AS the Almighty had thought proper to refuse Da|vid the privileges of building him a temple, and had reserved that work for his son Solomon, he thought it adviseable to employ his time in subdu|ing his enemies on every side, that, when his son came to undertake so great an affair, he might meet with as little interruption as possible.

In consequence of these thoughts he immediately gathered together his forces, and resolved first to at|tack the Philistines, who had twice invaded him soon after his accession to the throne. The army being prepared, he accordingly marched against the ene|my, took from them the greatest part of their coun|try, and added it to the possessions of his own peo|ple. He then marched against the Moabites, whom he totally subdued; and having destroyed two thirds of their army, took the rest captive, and rendered them tributary. After this he turned his victorious arms on Adrazar, the son of Arach, king of Sophene, whom he defeated near the Euphrates; 20,000 foot, and 5000 horse, falling in the action. Of a thousand chariots taken he reserved but one hundred, order|ing the rest to be consumed.

CHAP. VI.

David obtains a complete conquest over Adad. Subdues the Idumeans. Forms an alliance with the king of Ha|mah. Is mindful of the friendship of Jonathan, the son of Saul. Wages war against the Ammonites.

IN the mean time Adad,* 1.70 king of Syria and Da|mascus, having heard of the ill success of Adra|zar, who was his particular friend and ally, mar|ched with a strong body of forces to his assistance. He joined Adrazar's army near the river Euphrates, when a desperate battle ensued between his army and that of David, in which the former, contrary to his expectations, was defeated, 22,000 of his men being killed on the spot, and the remainder obliged to save themselves by a precipitate flight.* 1.71

This king Adad is taken notice of by Nicholaus of

Damascus, in the fifth book of his history; who says,

A certain valiant man, named Adad, reigned over Damascus and Syria, Phoenicia only excepted. He having declared war against David, several rencounters took place between them, but at last he was overcome at Euphrates, behaving himself with the resolution of a brave prince and a great commander.

The same writer, in speaking of the posterity of Adad, says,

After his death his posterity, for the succeeding generations, possessed the sovereignty, each, at the time he became king, taking upon him the name of Adad, as the kings of Egypt did that of Ptolemy. The third of these becoming very powerful, resolved to renew the war his father had begun; upon which he made an inroad into Judea, and ransacked the country now called Samaria.

This account of Nicholaus is authentic; for this is that Adad who invaded Samaria, when Ahab reigned over Israel.

* 1.72David, having reduced the Syrians, and made himself master of that country, put garrisons into the fortified cities, and made the inhabitants tributary. Having done this he returned home, loaded with spoils and honours: but all the valuable articles, such as gold, silver, and a particular sort of brass, which was more esteemed than gold, was the metal Solomon afterwards used in making some of the ves|sels for the service of his temple.

The successes of David were enhanced by those which attended his deputies, several of whom he dis|patched, with a proper number of forces, to engage the enemy in such parts as he had directed. Among these was Abishai,* 1.73 Joab's brother, who being sent out with an army against the Idumaeans, totally sub|dued them, killing 18,000 on the spot, and making the survivors tributary to David.

* 1.74When Toi, the king of Hamah, heard of the great victories obtained by David, he sent his son Joram to congratulate him on the occasion; and made him a considerable present of vessels of gold, silver, &c. (all which he dedicated to God) as an acknow|ledgement for his having destroyed the power of his most inveterate enemies.

Though David's attention had been engaged in the prosecution of foreign wars, yet, at the same time, he was not unmindful of administering justice to his subjects at home:* 1.75 for the effecting of which he had a certain number of very great men employ|ed in the highest offices of trust. Joab was cap|tain-general; Jehosaphat, keeper of the records; Abiathar, high-priest; Sezaiah, secretary of state; Benaiah,* 1.76 captain of his guard; and his own sons, prime ministers of his houshold. To these David a••••ed one more, namely, Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, whom, with great difficulty, he found out,* 1.77 by means of one Ziba, who had for many years been a servant to Saul. He restored to him all his grandfather's estates; and though he was a cripple * 1.78, and lame of both his feet, yet (from the great respect he had for his father) he entertained him with the most distinguished kindness, and ordered him to sit with his own sons at the royal table.

* 1.79Some time after this, David, hearing of the death of his good friend and allay Nahash, king of the Ammonites, sent his compliments of condolence to his son and successor Hanun: but the great men who were about the young king made him believe that the sole intent of David's sending this embassy was, to spy out the weakness of the city, and in what place it might be most advantageously assaulted. In con|sequence of this, he ordered his ambassadors to be half shaved * 1.80, and their cloaths cut short even to the waist; and with this ignominious appearance they were dismissed.

David,* 1.81 fired with indignation at this treatment of his ambassadors as a violation of the law of nati|ons, as well as hospitality and honour, determined to assert his dignity, and avenge the insult he had himself through them received from their king. The principal men amongst the Ammonites, con|scious that so flagrant a breach of friendship would excite the resentment of the king of Israel, no sooner heard of his determination, than they pre|pared for opposition, and dispatched ambassadors to Syrus, king of Mesopotamia, as well as the kings of Zoba, Maachah, and Ishtob, who,* 1.82 for valuable considerations, furnished them with a powerful armament.

CHAP. VII.

Joab's victories over the Ammonites. The history of Da|vid and Bathsheba, the wife of one of his military of|ficers. Absalom takes away the life of Amnon for committing a rape on his own sister.

DAVID,* 1.83 by no means intimidated by the pre|paration of the Ammonites in forming such powerful alliances, maintained his resolution, con|scious of the justice of his cause, and depending therefore on the Divine aid and protection.* 1.84 He appointed Joab commander of a select body of forces, and dispatched him against the enemy. He pitched his camp near Rabbath, their metropolis; whereupon they came out, and set themselves in array in two bodies, the auxiliaries being fixed on the plains by themselves, and the Ammonites before the port over-against the Hebrews. Joab observ|ing the disposition of the enemy, as an expert ge|neral opposed stratagem to stratagem, and select|ing the choicest men, prepared to head them, and charge the confederates; while he gave his brother Abishai the command of the rest of the army, with orders to attack the Ammonites, and come to his relief, if he should find him oppressed by the confederates.

Having exhorted his brother, and the troops under his command, to a conduct becoming their country and cause, Joab began the action by an at|tack on the Syrians, who, for some time, withstood him with great bravery, till, dismayed by the slaughter around them, they betook themselves to flight; and the Ammonites, observing the confusion into which the confederates were thrown, followed their example, and, with the utmost precipitation, ran towards the city, before Abishai's detachment could come up with them. So that Joab returned to Jerusalem with honour.

This defeat, however, did not suppress the hostile designs of the Ammonites, who sent to Chalama,* 1.85 a king of the Syrians, beyond Euphrates, and hired of him an army of auxiliaries. Shobach was his lieu|tenant-general, and had command of 80,000 foot and 7000 horse. When David received intelligence that the Ammonites were so powerfully reinforced, he determined to take the command in person; so that passing the river Jordan with the whole army, he gave them battle, and routed them with great slaugh|ter. Forty thousand foot, and seven thousand of their horse, fell in the action; and Shobach,* 1.86 the general of the Syrians, received a wound which proved mortal. The Mesopotamians, awed by this victory, submit|ted to the king of Israel, and gratified him with presents by their ambassadors. After this glorious enterprize, David returned in safety to Jerusalem. As soon as the season would permit, he sent Joab

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Engraved for the American Edition MAYNARD's Josephus

King DAVID presenting URIAH with the LETTER to JOAB, wherein Uriahs fatal Commission was Sealed.

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Engraved for the American Edition of MAYNARD's Josephus.

The PROPHET NATILAN rebuking KING DAVID and foretelling the Calamities that afterwards befel him.

against the turbulent Ammonites,* 1.87 ove•• ••••••n their country, laid it waste, drove them into ••••••ir metro|polis, and blocked them up.

* 1.88While Joab was carrying on the siege of Rabbah, David, though a person of great piety towards God, justice with respect to man, and a strict observer of the laws and customs delivered by his forefathers, be|came guilty of a great sin and offence against his Divine Protector. As he was one evening walking on the top of his palace, for the benefit of the air, he espied a woman, of a most exquisite shape and beauty, bathing herself in her garden. He was so struck with her appearance, that he made immediate enquiry who she was, and was informed that her name was Bathsheba, and that she was the wife of Uriah, the Hittite, an officer of his army, who was then with Joab at the siege of Rabbah. In conse|quence of this information, he ordered her to be brought to the palace, when her appearance so wrought on his passions, that he took her that night to his bed,* 1.89 and the next morning dismissed her. A short time after, finding herself with child, she went to David, told him her situation, and withal desired him to consult her honour and safety, in devising some means whereby it might be conceal|ed.* 1.90 David hereupon sent a messenger to Joab, with orders for Uriah to come to him immediately, as he had some business to relate to him of a very particu|lar nature; but his whole intent was, to give Uriah the opportunity of lying with his wife, that the child, when it was born, might be reputed his. Uriah was sent for agreeable to the royal order; and after the king had asked him some questions rela|tive to the situation of the army,* 1.91 and the state of the siege, he ordered him to go home and refresh him|self after his journey, sending after him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••andsome collation for his entertaiment.

* 1.92Uriah, instead of going home, as the king had or|dered, slept that night in the guard-room; infor|mation of which being given to David the next morning, he resolved on another expedient to ac|complish his wishes. He invited him to sup that night at his own table, and prevailed with him to drink to such a pitch, that he did not doubt but the heat of the liquor would so inflame his desires as to make him go home to his wife. This scheme like|wise failed; for Uriah slept in the same place he had done the preceding night; upon which, the next morning,* 1.93 David asked him how it came to pass, that, after being so long away from his wife, instead of going to her, as most men would do in his circum|stances, he seemed-to shun her company? To this Uriah replied,

I do not think it fair to indulge myself in the arms of my wife, at a time when I know my general and fellow-soldiers are lying on the bare ground in an enemy's country.

* 1.94David, finding all his efforts proved ineffectual, at length hit upon a project for taking away Uriah's life. He ordered him back to the army, and with him sent a letter to Joab, commanding him, on the first dangerous attack, to place Uriah in the front, and privately to tell those who should be with him at the time,* 1.95 that, as soon as they found the Ammonites press forward, they should retreat, and leave Uriah exposed to the enemy. Joab strictly obeyed the kings orders: he posted Uriah on the very spot where he knew the enemy would make the most vigorous de|fence, and, the better to conceal the design, placed with him some of the bravest men in his army. He made an apology to Uriah for allotting him so dange|rous a situation; but being a man of courage, and not suspecting the mischief intended, he undertook the charge with the greatest chearfulness.

When the Ammonites saw the Hebrews approach near the walls of the city, they thought it high time to begin the attack; and suddenly throwing open one of their gates,* 1.96 made a desperate sally on the front ranks of the Hebrews. The men who were with Uriah, agreeable to the orders of Joab, immediately fled, and left their leader to fall a sacrifice to the ene|my. He did all that was in the power of a single man to do against numbers, and, after receiving se|veral wounds, fell like a man of honour and courage-

As soon as Uriah was dead,* 1.97 Joab dispatched a messenger to inform David of the event, who return|ed with orders to carry on the siege till he had made himself master of the city; then to raze it to the ground, and put all the inhabitants to the sword.

In the mean time Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah,* 1.98 being informed of her husband's death, lamented and mourned for him some days; but as soon as the time was elapsed for observing that ceremony, David sent for her, and took her to wife, soon after which she brought him a son.

This marriage greatly offended the Almighty, who appearing to Nathan, the prophet, in a dream, enjoined him to inform David how much he was displeased with his conduct. Nathan, who was a man of great prudence, considering within himself that kings, when angry, are prone to hearken more to the dictates of passion than reason, re|solved not to tell David in plain terms the wrath and threatnings of the Almighty, but to discover it to him in such a manner, that he should be under the necessity of condemning himself. Accordingly, when he came before the king,* 1.99 he addressed him as follows:

There were (says he) two men who lived in the same city: the one was rich, and possessed many asses, and great herds and flocks of oxen and sheep; the other was poor, and had but one little ewe-lamb, which he had brought up and nourished with his children. It happened that a stranger came to the rich's man house, whom he was bound, by honour, to entertain; but in|stead of doing it at his own expence, he sent a person to bring away, by force, the poor man's ewe-lamb, which he dressed, and set before his guest.

A villain! says the king, to do so base and unjust an act. I would have him make four-fold satisfaction, and after that be put to death.

Why then, (says Nathan), thou thyself art the man, and out of thy own month hast thou pronounced judgement on thyself.

He then told him that he had great•••••• de|served the Divine displeasure, in offending 〈…〉〈…〉, who had made him king over all the Hebrew•••• and lord of the nations round about him; and who had several times delivered him out of the hands of Saul. That the Almighty had given him wives, whom he had lawfully married; and that for him to take away another's man wife, and to betray her husband to the enemy, and to death,* 1.100 was a crime of the most unpardonable nature. That God would chastise him for this transgression, by causing his women to be ravished by one of his sons, who should lay snares for his life; and that he, who had com|mitted so great a sin in private, should be brought to public shame and punishment. He concluded with this presage, that the son of his unlawful love should surely die.

David having received this message from God,* 1.101 by the mouth of Nathan, was thrown into the greatest confusion: he wept bitterly, made an ample confes|sion of his guilt, and, in the most fervent manner, im|plored pardon for the offence he had committed. Till this time he had lived in the fear of God, and, except in the case of Uriah, had never been guilty of any kind of wickedness. Wherefore the Almighty, up|on his sincere repentance, took compassion on him, and commanded Nathan to tell him, that the eternal punishment due to his transgression he had remitted, but the temporal should be inflicted on him; that he should not be put to death, or lose his kingdom; neither should the sword depart from his family.

It was not long before part of the sentence, de|nounced against David for his transgressions, took place; for the child, which he had by Bathsheba,* 1.102 was taken sick, and died. While it was ill, David fasted and prayed for seven days, beseeching the Al|mighty to preserve its life; but when it was dead, he acknowledged the justness of God, and chear|fully submitting to his will, made his ardent supplica|tions to him, that the remainder of his afflictions might be mixed with mercy. This was, in some mea|sure, complied with; for, in a proper space of time, he had another son by Bathsheba, who, by the direc|tion of the prophet Nathan, was named Solomon * 1.103.* 1.104

During these transactions Joab was carrying on the siege of Rabbah, and renewing his assaults every day. He at length got possession of the works which supplied the city with water. Having thus far dis|tressed the enemy, he dispatched a messenger to ac|quaint the king, that the city was reduced to the utmost extremity; that it was in no condition to hold out much longer; and therefore he desired him to come in person, that he might have the honour of taking it.* 1.105 David, agreeable to his general's desire, went with a strong reinforcement, took the place by storm, and divided the spoil among his soldiers, re|serving only to himself such articles as belonged to the king,* 1.106 among which was the crown of inestimable value. Having thus reduced the city, he put those, who had held out against him, to the most exquisite torments;* 1.107 and the inhabitants of other places, who would not immediately surrender, he treated with the like severity. Thus were the Ammonites totally subdued by David, who, returning with his army to Jerusalem, was received by the people with the loudest acclamations of joy.

David had been but a short time at Jerusalem, af|ter conquering the Ammonites before a circumstance occured in his family that gave him great uneasiness. He had several sons, but only one daughter, a virgin, named Tamar, who was sister to Absalom by the same mother. She was most exquisitely beautiful in her person, and possessed of every female accom|plishment.* 1.108 Amnon, the eldest son of David, by ano|ther queen fell desperately in love * 1.109 with her, and, for sometime pined away with an hopeless desire of obtaining her. At length, by the advice and contri|vance of Jonadab, his intimate friend and cousin-german, he found means to decoy her into his apart|ment, when, notwithstanding all her entreaties and expostulations, he first ravished, her, and, when his brutish passion was satisfied▪ in a sullen humour bid her be gone.* 1.110 She for some time remonstrated with him on the ill-treatment she had received, and the ignominy to which she must be exposed; but all re|monstrances were in vain; and Amnon finding her unwilling to go, at length ordered his servants to turn her out of the house.

In this distressed situation Tamar immediately re|paired to her brother Absalom, and related to him the whole particulars of what had passed. Absa|lom, though a man naturally of a high spirit, ad|vised her,* 1.111 as the most prudent method, to be silent on the occasion, because her ravisher was heir appa|rent to the crown; and he so artfully concealed his own resentment, that the people doubted whe|ther he even knew of the transaction. In the mean time David, having heard of the circumstance, was greatly afflicted; but as Amnon was his eldest and most beloved son, he did not think proper to expose him by punishment.

About two years after this (during which time Tamar resided with her brother) Absalom took the opportunity of revenging the injury done by Am|non to his sister.* 1.112 It being the time of sheep-shear|ing (which was usually attended with great mirth and jolity) he invited the king and all the princes of the blood, to come to his country seat at Hazor, to partake of the entertainment. David excused himself, by saying he would not put him to so great a trouble as must consequently follow his attend|ance. On this Absalom desired he would permit his brothers to come; to which the king readily com|plied. They accordingly went to Hazor, where, while they were engaged in feasting and drinking, the servants of Absalom (who had received previous instructions how to act) suddenly fell on Amnon, and immediately dispatched him.

CHAP. VIII.

To escape his father's resentment, Absalom flies to Ges••••er, Joab reconciles him to David. Absalom engages in re|bellion, and is guilty of breaches of piety and filial duty through the persuasion of Ahithophel.

THE unexpected violence on Amnon so alarmed the rest of the princes,* 1.113 that fearful of meet|ing the like fate, they precipitately left the place, and fled with all expedition, to their father's house. A messenger who was dispatched on the occasion, ar|riving first at the palace, with a relation of the event, David was thrown into the utmost consternation, supposing that Absalom had killed all his sons;* 1.114 but his fears were soon removed by the arrival of the princes, when a scene of the most affecting nature took place, the father and sons reciprocally greet|ing each other with tears, and all lamenting the cruel death of Amnon.

In the mean time Absalom, knowing how highly his father would resent this treacherous murder, fled to his mother's relations, and was entertained by his grand-father Talmai, at Ceshur.* 1.115 Here he remained three years; at the expiration of which Joab per|ceiving that David had a secret desire to see Absalom, projected a scheme for facilitating the accomplish|ment of his wishes, without exposing him to censure for his conduct. He procured an ancient and artful woman from Tekoah, and having dressed her in mourning, introduced her to the king▪* 1.116 with a feign|ed petition for the life of one of her sons who had killed the other. She related her tale in so appa|rently an affecting manner, that the king was indu|ced to comply with her request; upon which she told him that the case she had been stating was Ab|salom's, and that, if he was disposed to shew mercy to a private man, there was much more reason for his pardoning his own son, whose absence the peo|ple lamented, and for whom they had the greatest respect.

David easily saw through this piece of artifice, and, on interrogating the woman, found it (as he suspected) to have been concerted by Joab. He therefore sent for him, told him he had gained his point, and ordered him to recall Absalom. Joab, highly pleased with the royal command,* 1.117 immedi|ately went to Geshur, and without delay, brought Absalom with him to Jerusalem. When the king was informed of his arrival he ordered him to go to his own house, and there live retired with his fa|mily, as he did not yet choose to admit him into his presence; nor would he, by any means allow him to appear in public.

In this recluse manner did Absalom live for two years with his family, (which consisted of three sons, and one daughter named Tamar) when, being tired of his situation, he sent to Joab, intreating him to in|tercede with his father for a free pardon. Joab, not complying with his request, he sent to him again; but receiving no answer, he ordered some of his people to go to a field of corn belonging to Joab, and set it

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Engraved for the AMERICAN EDITION of MAYNARD's Josephus.

The ASSASSINATION of AMNON by order of his Brother Absalom

on fire. As soon as Joab was informed of this, he went to Absalom, and asked him why he treated him in that manner? Upon which he answered,

I had no other method of getting a sight of you. I wrote to you about interceding for me to my fa|ther, but you have not taken the least notice of it. Let me beseech you to try if you can pacify him; for the manner in which I now live is a greater punishment to me than when I was in exile.

This had the desired effect.* 1.118 Joab immediately complied with his request, and so far succeeded, that Absalom, was ordered into the king's presence. As soon as he saw his father he fell prostrate on the ground, and, in the most humiliating manner, beg|ged pardon for the offence he had committed. Up|on this the king took him by the hand, raised him from the ground, and saluted him, as a token of his forgiveness and royal favour.

Absalom was, in person, one of the handsomest men in all Israel; nor was his beauty the least im|paired by the punishment he had lately undergone. He was remarkable for having a prodigious head of hair, which he had cut once every year; and the quantity was usually so great, that, in general, it weighed about two hundred shekels. This greatly added to the natural beauty of his person; and hav|ing a graceful air of address, he was particularly noticed by all ranks of people.

Some time after Absalom was restored to his fa|ther's favour (Amnon, his elder brother, being slain, and his s••cond brother dead) he considered himself as presumptive heir to the crown,* 1.119 and thereupon affected estate and equipage greater than usual. He provided himself with chariots and horses, and had a guard of fifty men to attend his person. But not|withstanding all this pomp, he was so obsequious and humble in his manner,* 1.120 as to stoop to the meanest people who had any thing to say to him. He offered his service to all who requested any favour at court; and, at proper opportunities, took the advantage of instilling into the people's minds a bad opinion of his father's administration, intimating, that the pub|lic affairs were neglected, and that, if he was at the helm, business should be conducted in a very differ|ent manner. By these arts and insinuations, which were advantageously seconded by the comliness of his person, and the familiarity of his address, he gained the hearts of the people, and prepared them for becoming serviceable to his ambitious and trea|cherous designs.

In the fourth year after the reconciliation took place between David and Absalom, the latter, think|ing matters were properly ripe for his purpose, de|sired leave of his father to go to Hebron, pretend|ing he had made a vow in his exile, that, whenever ••t should please God to bring him back to Jerusa|lem, he would offer, in that place, a solemn sacrifice of thanksgiving. The king, little suspecting his hidden design, and being desirous that all religious services should be performed, gave him free per|mission to go,* 1.121 wishing him a good journey, and a safe return.

Absalom accordingly set out for Hebron, accom|panied by a great multitude of people, exclusive of his own guards and attendants, who, not knowing his design, went from a pure motive of attending the sacrifice. As soon as he came to Hebron, he sent for Ahithophel,* 1.122 David's counsellor, and dispatched emissaries into different ••••rts to sound the inclina|tion of the several tribes, and to exhort those, whom they should gain over to his party, to be ready to take up arms, as soon as they should hear that he was proclaimed king.

These emissaries proved very successful in their embassy. Absalom was the darling of the people, who, on the summons, flocked to him from every part;* 1.123 and, being proclaimed king in Hebron, a general insurrection took place.

In the mean time David, having received intelli|gence of his son's treachery, and the great success he had met with among the people, thought it not safe to continue any longer in Jerusalem.* 1.124 Leaving, there|fore, his palace to the care of ten of his concubines, he set out with a design of retiring beyond Jordan, taking with him the six hundred troops who had so closely stuck by him during the time he was perse|cuted by Saul, and accompanied by a great number of his most intimate and sincere friends.

When Zadock and Abiathar, the high-priests, understood that David was about to leave Jerusalem,* 1.125 they took out the ark of the Lord to accompany him in his distress; but he desired them to carry it back, and to continue in Jerusalem, as they might be use|ful in giving him intelligence of the enemy's motions and designs; while their own characters were too sa|cred to fear any violence from the usurper. Ahi|maaz, the son of Zadock, and Jonathan, the son of Abiathar, he left with their fathers, knowing them to be strictly devoted to his interest; but Ittai, the Gittite, who was no less his friend, would not leave him, notwithstanding David earnestly pressed him to continue in the city.

As David was ascending Mount Olivet, walking barefoot, and the campany about him weeping,* 1.126 he received intelligence that Ahithophel was gone over to the faction of Absalom. This gave him great uneasiness, well knowing his distinguished abilities as a statesman; upon which he prayed to God so to infatuate Ahithophel, that he might be deprived of his powers, and thereby rendered useless to his re|bellious son and rival.

When David had got to the top of the mount,* 1.127 he espied his faithful friend and counsellor Hu|shai, who had followed him unknown, and, with all expressions of sorrow at seeing him in such distress, earnestly intreated that he might share with him in his fortune. But David enjoined him to return, tell|ing him he would be more serviceable to him in the city, by pretending to adhere to Absalom, and by defeating the counsels of Ahithophel, who was en|gaged in his son's measures, and from whose great abilities he thought himself in the utmost danger.

David had scare passed over Mount Olivet, when Ziba, whom he had made steward to Mephibosheth, his friend Jonathan's son, accosted him, and pre|sented him with a considerable quantity of wine and other provisions. David asked him where his master was; to which the perfidious wretch replied,* 1.128 he had left him in Jerusalem, where he determined to re|main, in hopes, from the present broils, of being himself chosen king. The too cridulous David, in this general distraction of his affairs, believing the accusation to be true, made an hasty grant of all Me|phibosheth's estate to the base and treacherous Ziba.

When David came near to Behurim, a city belong|ing to the tribe of Benjamin, one Shimei, a descen|dant of the family of Saul, who lived there,* 1.129 threw stones at him, and, in the hearing of the whole mul|titude, loaded with him the bitterest reproaches. This so irritated Abishai, that he begged permission to dispatch the rebel for his insolence; but David would not, by any means, suffer him to commit such a violence. He bore all with great patience and re|signation to the Divine will, being conscious of his own guilt in the case of Uriah, and of the Divine justice in thus punishing him for his trangressions.

While David was at Behurim, Absalom, and his party, entered Jerusalem, and were received with the general acclamations of the people. Hushai, not forgetting the instructions given him by David, went to Absalom, complimented him on the occasion,* 1.130 and offered him his services. The latter, knowing that Hushai was his father's friend and counsellor, at first bantered him for pretending to desert his old master; but Hushai, excused himself in such a manner, and answered all his questions with such subtilties, that Absalom's jealously ceased, and he admitted him a member of his privy-council.

Absalom, placing his dependance chiefly on the abilities of Ahithophel,* 1.131 sent for him to consult what measures were most proper to pursue, in order to esta|blish him on his father's throne. The treacherous statesman advised him, first, to lie publicly with Da|vid's concubines;

for (says he) by so doing, you will convince the people that a reconciliation can never take place between you and your father; the consequence of which will be, that the soldiers will exert their utmost endeavours in your behalf. They have hitherto been fearful of openly espous|ing your cause, being apprehensive that if a re|conciliation should take place, they might fall victims to your father's resentment.

This advice

being appro••ed of by Absalom▪* 1.132 be ordered a tent to be immediately er••cted on the top of the palace, where (as ••ad been foretold by the prophet Na|than) he lay with his father's concubines in the pre|sence of the people.

CHAP. IX.

Absalom rejects the counsel of Ahithophel, who hangs himself in the rage of disappointment. Absalom en|gages the army of his father, is defeated and slain by Joab.

HAVING thus far followed the advice of Ahi|thophel, Absalom next asked him, what steps he thought most proper to take, in prosecuting the war against his father. Ahithophel asked for ten thousand choice men, with whom, he said, he would set off that very night in pursuit of David: that as his guards must, from the great fatigue of march|ing,* 1.133 be unable to make any material resistance, he should consequently reduce them to immediate sub|jection; and he doubted not of bringing back with him the head of David, as a proof of his conquest. Though this proposition was not disapproved of by Absalom, yet he did not chuse to have it carried in|to execution, without consulting Hushai. He ac|cordingly sent for him to attend the council; when being informed of what had passed, he did not seem to disapprove of Ahithophel's proposal; but, at the same time,* 1.134 gave it as his opinion, that it would be better to delay the attempt till they had got toge|ther a more considerable army:

For (says he) as David and his men are known to be brave, and at this time both exasperated and desperate, if they should defeat the party sent against them, it would be the means of discouraging others, and be thought a very inauspicious beginning; whereas, if you postpone the attempt till you have got to|gether a more numerous army, there is not the least doubt but your efforts will be crowned with success.* 1.135

This advice being universally approved of by the council it was admitted in preference to that given by Ahithophel.

As soon as the council broke up, Hushai hastened to Zadock and Abiathar, the high-priests, to whom he related all that had passed; and at the same time desired them immediately to dispatch messengers to David,* 1.136 acquainting him with every particular, and advising him instantly to pass the river Jordan, lest Absalom should change his mind, and, by falling on him suddenly, obtain a victory.

The high priests immediately dispatched their sons on this important business; but, being seen on the way by some of Absalom's party, whom they found pursuing them, they went out of their road to the habitation of a poor woman, who, in order to con|ceal them,* 1.137 let them down into a well, and covered the mouth of it with the skins of beasts. When the pur|suers arrived, they asked the woman if she had not seen two men lately pass that way; to which she re|plied in the affirmative, and said, if they were expe|ditions, they might soon overtake them. They ac|cordingly went some way farther, but not seeing any thing of the people they were after, they gave over the pursuit, and returned by the woman's house in their way to Jerusalem. As soon as the woman found all was safe, she assisted her guests in getting out of the well,* 1.138 and they prosecuted their journ•••• with the utmost expedition. When they arrived at the camp of David, they immediately delivered to him their dispatches;* 1.139 in consequence of which he decamped by break of day, passed the river Jordan, and march|ed to Mahanaim, a city of Gilead, where he was kindly entertained by the chief of the people, who furnished him with every article necessary for the ac|commodation of himself and army.

Ahithophel was so irritated at the thoughts of Hu|shai's council being admitted in preference to his, that he determined no longer to assist Absalom with his advice. He accordingly left Jerusalem, and went to his family at Galmon, the place of his re|sidence. As soon as he had got home, he assembled all his people together, to whom he related the ad|vice he had given to Absalom, and the disregard he had paid to it, which, he said, would, in a short time, prove his destruction. He told them, that David would prove victorious, and would be soon rein|stated in his kingdom

Therefore (says he) it is better for me that I put a period to my existence willingly and courageously,* 1.140 than to come under the power of David, and be made an example, by an ignominious death, for having conspired with Absalom.

After saying this, he retired to a pri|vate chamber, where he first made his will, and then hanged himself.

In the mean time Absalom,* 1.141 having got together a very considerable army, (the command of which he gave to Amasa, a relation by marriage,) he left Jerusalem, and passed the river Jordan, in pursuit of his father. David, hearing of his son's approach, and foreseeing that a battle was unavoidable,* 1.142 di|vided his army into three bodies. The first was commanded by Joab; the second by his brother Abishai; and the third by his old friend Ittai, the Gittite. David intended to have gone with them himself; but, by the importunities of the people,* 1.143 he was prevailed on to stay at Mahanaim. He was, in all probability, more easily dissuaded from his in|tentions than he otherwise, would have been, because the battle was to be against a son, for whom he still retained a tender affection; as a proof of this, he gave the three generals a strict charge, in the hear|ing of the soldiers, that, in case Absalom should fall into their hands, they would, for his sake, not only spare his life, but treat him in a manner consistent with the dignity of a royal captive.

The two armies met on a plain near the wood of Ephraim, belonging to the tribe of Manasseh.* 1.144 The battle was exceeding desperate for some time; the one party fighting for the recovery of what they had lost, and the other for the defence and maintenance of what they had got. At length victory declared in favour of David; the army of Absalom, though much superior in numbers, being totally routed, and put to flight. The loyalists behaved so gallantly that 20,000 of the rebels were killed on the spot,* 1.145 be|sides great numbers in the pursuit; and the slaughter would doubtless have been carried much farther, had not Absalom (who was the chief cause of all this mischief) been overtaken and slain. His hair (as we have before observed) was of a prodigious length and thickness, and, as he was in his flight from the enemy, mounted on a mule, and riding with great speed under the trees, with his hair fly|ing about from the quickness of the motion, it en|tangled on one of the boughs in such a manner, that it lifted him from the saddle, and the beast, conti|nuing its speed, left him suspended in the air, and unable to disengage himself.

In this situation was Absalom found by one of the soldiers belonging to David's army, who telling it to Joab, he blamed him for not having killed him; but the man, in excuse, urged the command which he had heard the king give the generals, to be very ten|der and careful of his son should he fall into their hands.* 1.146 Upon this Joab commanded the man to di|rect him to the place where Absalom was hanging, whither he had no sooner arrived, than he gave him his death's wound with •• ••••eli••, and ordered the people who attended im••••diately to dispatch him. This was accordingly done; after which Joab sound|ed a retreat to prevent any farther effusion of blood, and to give Absalom's party an opportunity of escaping to their respective homes.

Thus fell the wicked and rebellious Absalom, whose body, instead of an honourable interment fit for a prince, was taken down, and thrown into a pit, which being filled up, was covered with a heap of stones by way of sepulchre.

Absalom had, some time before he rebelled a|gainst his father, erected a * 1.147 pillar of marble,* 1.148 on a spot called the King's Dale, about two furlongs from Jerusalem. He named it the Hand of Absalom,

and was accustomed to say, that if all his children should perish, that column would perpetuate his memory to future ages.

He had three sons, besides a daughter named Ta|mar, one of the most beautiful women of the age in which she lived. She was afterwards married to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, by whom she bore a son who succeeded to the kingdom.

CHAP. X.

David laments the death of Absalom. His return to Je|rusalem Is reconciled to Shimei, and returns Mephi|bosheth half his possessions. Sheba raises an insurrec|tion; upon which David sends Amasa against him, who i•• treacherously murdered by Joab. Sheba's rebel|lion suppressed, and Amassa's head brought to David. The Israelites afflicted with a famine. Are again pu|nished with a peistlence, on account of David having numbered the people.

* 1.149AS soon as the army of David had obtained a complete victory over that of Absalom, Ahi|maaz, the son of Zadock, the high-priest, begged of Joab that he might be immediately dispatched with the glad tidings to the king. Joab, at first, did not think proper to comply with his request; but sent a person, named Chusi, in his stead. Ahimaaz still so|liciting Joab to let him go, he at length complied; when Ahimaaz, knowing the nearest way, and being more alert than Chusi, got first to David's camp. He found the king sitting at the gate of the city, waiting, with anxious expectation to know the event of the battle. As soon as David saw him, he hastily asked, "What news from the army?" To which Ahimaaz replied, "Great success, and victory!" David then asked, what was become of his son Absalom: to which the other replied, he could not inform him, having been dispatched in such haste, that his orders were only to carry the news of the victory; and that at his departure, the name of his son was not even mentioned. By this time Chusi arrived; when the king asking him what was become of his son, he re|plied,

As it is with him, so may it be with all the enemies of my lord the king.

These words struck David to the heart, and all the joy of victory was immediately turned into sor|row. He withdrew himself to the top of one of the highest turrets in the city, where he gave a vent to his grief, by beating his breast, tearing his hair, and thus exclaiming:

Oh! my son Absalom! my son Absalom!* 1.150 Would to God I could have died for thee my son!

As for the army, instead of re|turning in triumph, they stole silently into the city, as if they had done amiss, and instead of obtaining, had lost the battle.

David was so affected at the loss of his son, that he gave himself up to the deepest melancholy. This was easily perceived by Joab, who being sensible that such excessive grief, at this juncture of affairs, would be of great prejudice to the king, went boldly to his apartment, and expostulated with him on his conduct in the following terms:* 1.151

My Lord (says he) you dishonour yourself by this ridiculous and effeminate lamentation. It ap|pears as if you detested the very people, who have preserved your life at the hazard of their own; and that you respect those mortal enemies who have suffered a punishment they justly deserved. If Absalom had overcome us, and possessed himself of the kingdom, he would have begun his ven|geance on you and your family, and the whole of us should have fallen in an undistinguished ruin. Both your conscience and your honour ought to check you for this intemperate tenderness for the memory of so implacable an enemy. 'Tis true, he was your son; but he was certainly a most un|gracious one; and you cannot be just to God's providence, without acknowledging the blessing of his being taken away. Let me, therefore, beg that you will immediately shew yourself chearful|ly to your people, and tell them that, next under God, it is owing to their loyalty and courage, you are indebted for the honour of this day. If you persist in your lamentations, your army and king|dom will fall into other hands, and then you will have just cause to weep and lament your absurd conduct.

This speech had the desired effect:* 1.152 the king was roused from his melancholy, and appeared in pub|lic, to the great satisfaction of his subjects. He was▪ however, greatly offended with Joab, for the blunt manner in which he had chastised him; and, as he had thought himself insolently treated by him on several other occasions, he resolved, from this time; to take the first opportunity he could of dismissing him from his military services.

Those of David's subjects,* 1.153 who had appeared in arms against him, being now made fully sensible of the folly of their rebellion, became the forwardest in shewing their loyalty: but what greatly afflicted David was, his own tribe (that of Judah) appearing very indifferent.* 1.154 In consequence of this he sent to Zadock and Abiathar, the high-priests, not only to remind them of their own duty, but to authorize them likewise to treat with Amasa, who had com|manded Absalom's army, and was a man of great authority in the tribe. David told them to offer Amasa a free pardon, and to assure him, that if he would come fully into his interest, he should be placed in the same character that he had been in un|der Absalom.* 1.155 The high-priest strictly obeyed the king's orders; and Amasa, being satisfied with the promise made him, was readily brought over to the interest of David.

All things thus conspiring to David's happy resto|ration, he left Mahanaim, and set forward on his journey towards Jerusalem. He was attended by the chiefs of the respective tribes;* 1.156 but those of Judah were now the most forward in shewing their loyalty. They went before him to the banks of the river Jor|dan, and, assisted by some others belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, laid a bridge over the river, for the better convenience of his passing it with his troops.

Among many others, who came to meet David on this occasion, was Shimei, the Benjamite, who,* 1.157 but a short time before, had loaded him with curses and imprecations. He was attended by a thousand men of his own tribe, whom he brought with him as witnesses of his humiliation for his past conduct. As soon as he saw David he threw himself at his feet, begged pardon for the indignities he had put upon him, and hoped that his early repentance, and return to his allegiance, would, in some measure, atone for his past transgression. Abishai would willingly have had him put to death; but David strongly ob|jected to this proposition, saying, he would not eclipse the public joy with the blood of any one. He therefore gave him his royal word and oath that no harm whatever should come to him on his account;* 1.158 upon which assurance Shimei made his reverence, and departed.

The next distinguished person who appeared be|fore David was Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul.* 1.159 He was dressed in a very mean habit, with his hair dishevelled, and his clothes rent, in which state he had remained ever since the king's departure from Jerusalem. Having prostrated himself before Da|vid, and done him reverence, the king asked him,

Why he did not follow him, and make himself a companion of his flight and troubles?

Mephi|bosheth replied, that it was owing to the injustice of Ziba, his servant, who, instead of getting things ready for his journey, as he had desired, totally ne|glected him, and rather treated him as his slave than his master. That he refused getting him his ass to ride on, though he knew, from his great lameness, it was impossible for him to walk.

But, (says he) this is not all the injury that Ziba has done me: he has also raised calumnies and forged lies to

provoke my lord and master against me. But I know thou art so righteously disposed, and such a lover of truth, that thou wilt not give credit to unjust detractions.

Having said this, David re|solved neither to punish Mephibosheth, nor to con|demn Ziba. He told him, that, believing him to be negligent in his duty, he had given all his pos|sessions to Ziba; but he now forgave him, and pro|mised that one half * 1.160 of his estate should be re|stored to him. Mephibosheth replied,

Let Ziba possess the whole: it is enough for me that my lord has recovered his kingdom.

Another remarkable person who came to wait on David,* 1.161 and pay his respects to him before he passed the river Jordan, was one Barzillai, who had been very kind to him in his exile, and constantly supplied him with provisions while he continued at Mahanaim. After he had paid the king reverence, David, in gra|titude for his kindness, invited him to go with him to Jerusalem▪* 1.162 Barzillai modestly excused himself, saying, that from his great age, being near fourscore, he had lost the relish of the pleasures of a court, and rather desired that he might retire to his own estate, and spend the remainder of his days in preparing himself for a happy dissolution. David admitted his request; but desired that he would leave with him his son, Chimham, on whom he would bestow some distinguished favours. This being agreed to, Bar|zillai left his son, and, after paying reverence to the king, and wishing him success in his undertakings, departed to his own home.

David having passed the river Jordan, was desi|rous of making all possible haste to Jerusalem; and, us the tribe of Judah was the first that came to con|duct him home, be (probably to gratify them) marched on without waiting for the great men of Israel,* 1.163 who were flocking from all parts in order to join him. This circumstance occasioned some dis|pute between the princes of Israel and those of Judah; and as the king was unwilling to displease either party, and therefore did not think proper to inter|fere in the controversy, several of the tribes of Is|rael took umbrage at it,* 1.164 and an insurrection ensued. Sheba, of the tribe of Benjamin (a man of a factious and turbulent spirit, and probably a descendant of Saul) made public proclamation by the sound of trumpet, that, "since the tribe of Judah had en|grossed David to themselves, they might e'en take him; and since all the other tribes had visibly de|serted, the wisest way would be to stand to their arms, and take such measures as were most proper for their own security.* 1.165" In consequence of this, many of the tribes followed Sheba; but the men of Judah persisted in their loyalty, and conducted the king to Jerusalem.

The first thing David did, after his arrival in the city, was to clear his palace of his concubines, who had been defiled by Absalom.* 1.166 They were accord|ingly removed to a building appointed for the pur|pose, where they were supplied, by the king's espe|cial command, with all things necessary for their subsistence. In this place they were kept during the remainder of their lives, the king never after having the least intercourse with them.

* 1.167David, having appointed Amasa his general in|stead of Joab, ordered him to gather together what troops he could from the tribe of Judah, and bring them to him in three days, that he might give him the sole command of them, with orders to march against Sheba. Amasa found more difficulty in ex|ecuting this order than was expected; and not hav|ing accomplished it at the time limited. David sent Joab,* 1.168 accompanied by his brother Abishai, with his guards, and the company of six hundred men, in quest of Sheba, desiring him, as soon as possible, to join his army with that of Amasa, and engage the rebels, lest they should secure themselves in some fortified place, from whence it might be difficult to rout them.

Joab resolved to make no delay; but taking with him his brother, and the troops assigned him march|ed in quest of Sheba. When they came to a village called Gibeon about forty furlongs from Jerusalem, they met with Amasa, who was marching, with all expedition, at the head of a considerable army. As Amasa was to take upon him the sovereign com|mand of the whole troops, Joab advanced with all seeming friendship to salute him on the occasion. In his way he designedly caused his sword to fall from the scabbard, which he took up and kept naked in his right hand till he closely approached to Amasa, when, taking him by the beard with his left-hand,* 1.169 as if going to salute him, he, with the other, plunged the sword into his heart, and he immediately ex|pired.

Joab then ordered a proclamation to be made throughout the army, that Amasa was a bad man, and that he had served him only according to his deserts. As the body of the deceased particularly attracted the notice of the people, Joab, fearful it might produce bad consequences ordered it to be removed to a private place at some distance; after which he took the command of the troops, and marched, with all expedition, in pursuit of Sheba.

In the mean time Sheba had applied to all the tribes of Israel, to try if he could prevail with them to take up arms against David; but finding very few who were willing to engage in his measures, he was forced at last to shut himself up in Abel, a fortified town belonging to the tribe of Naphtali, in the northern part of Judea.

As soon as Joab received intelligence of Sheba's retreat, he immediately marched to the place, laid siege to it,* 1.170 and made the necessary preparations for an assault: but he was prevented from executing his design by the interposition of a woman, who, getting on the top of the walls, called to the be|siegers, and desired she might be permitted to speak to their general.

This being granted, Joab approached the walls within hearing, when the woman addressed him as follows:

It has (says she) been always a custom,* 1.171 founded on the law of God, that whenever the He|brews came before any city, to offer peace in the first place, even though the inhabitants were of an|other nation; much more ought it to be done to a people who are all of the same blood, and the greatest part of them loyal subjects to the king.

Joab, replied,

He had not any ill design against the people of the city; all he required was, that they would deliver up the rebel Sheba, on doing which he would immediately raise the siege, and draw off his army.

The woman begged him to desist for a short time, and his request should be complied with, for that the head of Sheba should be thrown to him from the battlements. She then went to the principal people of the city, and expostulated with them to this effect:

Will ye (said she) like traitors, suffer your wives and children to perish for the sake of a villain, whom none of you know? What has Sheba done for you that can balance the obli|gations you lie under to David? Or, setting aside all other arguments, how can you be so unreason|able as to suppose that you are able to resist the force of so powerful an army as is even now be|fore you? Be quick in your determination, for on that depends either your safety or immediate ruin.

This had the desired effect:* 1.172 Sheba was immediately seized, his head cut off, and thrown over the walls to the soldiers. Joab, acco••ding to his promise, immediately raised the siege, and tak|ing with him the head of Sheba returned with his troops to Jerusalem.* 1.173 David was so pleased with his services on this occasion, that he laid aside his for|mer wrath, and reinstated him in his office of cap|tain-general of his army.

Some time after this there happened a most dread|ful famine throughout the whole country; and the

long continuance of it (which was for three years) made David suspect it did not proceed from any com|mon cause, but that it was inflicted by the immediate hand of God. He accordingly consulted the Divine oracle, to know the occasion of it, and received for answer, that it arose from Saul's cruelty to the Gib|eonites, in having killed great numbers contrary to a treaty which had been sacriligiously made between him and them.* 1.174 In consequence of this, David sent to the Gibeonites, to know what satisfaction they desired; who returned for answer, that they expected he would deliver into their hands seven of Saul's posterity. David immediately complied with their demand, by sending two sons of Rizpah, Saul's con|cubine, and five of Michal his eldest daughter, choosing to preserve Mephibosheth, from the great respect he had for his father * 1.175. These seven being delivered to the Gibeonites, they put them to death by hanging them on gibbets * 1.176;* 1.177 and soon after the Almighty sent down rain (the want of which had occasioned the famine) to nourish the earth. The ground was no longer parched; the country again flourished, and its accustomed productions appear|ed in abundance.

The calamity of the famine was no sooner re|moved,* 1.178 than David's attention was engaged in op|posing the Philistines, who, though they had been greatly humbled in the beginning of his reign, hav|ing yet some gigantic men among them, again waged war against him. He accordingly marhced out at the head of a considerable army, and engaging them, obtained a complete victory. In this rencounter, however, he narrowly escaped with his life: for one of the Philistines, (a man of so large a size, that his lance weighed three hundred shekels) seeing David alone,* 1.179 and quite spent, turned short, and suddenly struck him to the ground: but Abishai, the brother of Joab, coming at the precise moment to his relief, not only preserved the king, but killed the Philis|tine. The whole army were so sensible of the king's danger, and the interposition of Providence for his safety, that the officers bound him, by an oath, never from that time, personally to engage in battle, lest his natural courage should involve him in the like, or worse misfortunes, by means of which the nation would sustain an irreparable loss, and the people be deprived of those distinguished blessings they had continually experienced under his government * 1.180.

* 1.181Notwithstanding this defeat, the Philistines were still determined to disturb the peace of Israel. They rallied their forces, and three other engagements took place between them and the army of David, in all which the Philistines were defeated, and, among great numbers of others, four of their gi|gantic men were slain by David's officers. The last conquest sickened the Philistines, and they re|linquished all farther thoughts of interrupting the Israelites.

* 1.182David being now at leisure from the toils of war, employed his time in composing hymns and psalms, in different measures (such as trimeters and penta|meters) to the glory of God. These he ordered to be sung by the Levites on their sabbaths, and other festivals, accompanied with several musical instru|ments he had provided for the purpose.

The chief of these instruments were, a ten string|ed harp, which was touched with a quill; a psaltery of twelve strings, played upon with the fingers; and several large cymbals of brass.

The king had at this time about him great num|bers of men of the most approved courage, thirty-seven of whom he called his Worthie••,* 1.183 they having performed exploits of the most dangerous and sur|prizing nature. Of these we shall only take notice of the actions of five, by which a tolerable idea may be formed of the atchievements of the rest.

The first of these was Issam, the son of Achem, who,* 1.184 in one encounter, broke into the ranks of the enemy, and, with his own hands, laid 800 dead at his feet.

The next was Eleazar, the son of Dodo, who dis|tinguished himself for his great valour and strength,* 1.185 in an engagement at which David was present. The Philistines were so numerous that the Israelites gave way and fled; but Eleazar maintained his ground, and encountering the enemy, made such a dreadful slaughter among them, that his sword in a man|ner stuck to his right hand with their blood. This example of bravery animated the whole army, who immediately ••eturned, and falling vigorously on the Philistines, they were totally defeated, and the greater part slain.

The third was Sebas, the son of Ilus. This chief also in an engagement with the Philistines,* 1.186 main|tained his ground with such courage, after the Is|raelites had given way, that he put them to slight, and, from his valour, obtained a complete con|quest. These three heroes, besides the feats already mentioned, performed one of a very singular nature in conjunction. The army of the Philistines lay in the valley of Rephaim, between David's camp and Bethlehem, where they had likewise a garrison. Da|vid intimated a desire of having some water from the well of Bethlehem, which being heard by these three chiefs, they found their way through the enemy's camp, and having drawn some water out of the well, returned uninterrupted (the Philistines staring at them with distinguished amazement as they passed) and presented it to the king. When David under|stood at what price it had been purchased, even at the most imminent hazard of their lives, he would not touch it but giving God thanks for their safety, poured it on the ground as an offering to the Lord.

The fourth of these champions was Abishai, the brother of Joab, who, in one day,* 1.187 slew 300 of the Philistines with his own hands.

The fifth and last we shall mention was Benaiah,* 1.188 a man of a sacerdotal family. He was challenged by two brothers (Moabites) famous for their military exploits, whom he fought and slew. He likewise engaged with an Egyptian, a man of prodigious strength and size. His adversary was well provided with arms, and himself almost defenceless; but chosing

with him, he wrested his spear from his hands, and killed him with his own weapon. But he performed another atchievement still more extraordinary than the former. A lion had fallen into a pit from whence he could not extricate himself; and there being at the same time a deep snow, the mouth of the pit (being narrow) was almost closed, which occasion|ed the lion to set up a most hedious roar. Benaiah, directed by the noise, went to the place, and imme|diately descended into the pit, struck the lion with his club, and killed him.

Such were the exploits performed by these five champions; and the other thirty-two were no less distinguished for their military prowess.

David, whatever was the occasion of it, suddenly took it into his head that he would know the num|ber of his people, forgetting the command of Moses, who had said, that, on such occasions, there should be an oblation of half a shekel by the head offered to the Lord.* 1.189 He accordingly gave orders to his chief officers to go through the whole kingdom, and bring him an account of all the people. Joab en|deavoured to remonstrate against it, in a manner more modest than was customary with him: but the king's orders were positive; upon which Joab with other officers to assist him began on the east side of the river Jordan, went round by the other parts of Ca|naan, and returned to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. By the estimate he brought there appeared to be 800,000 men fit to bear arms, and 900,000 in the tribe of Judah only; exclusive of the tribes of Levi and Benjamin, whom he had not numbered.

David had no sooner received the account than his heart misgave him.* 1.190 He knew he had offended the Almighty in what he had done, and intreated par|don by the most fervent prayers and supplication. Soon after the Prophet Gad was sent to him with an offer of three things for his choice; namely, a seven years famine; a persecution from his enemies for three months;* 1.191 or a pestilence for three days. The choice of such great evils exceedingly perplexed and confounded David.

If (says he) I choose the fa|mine, it will appear as if I had more care for my|self than my people, as it is very unlikely I should be distressed for the want of bread. If I choose a course of unsuccessful battles with the enemy, it will appear the same, having strong holds and cas|tles to which I can fly for safety. But for the last, it is a calamity common as well to kings as sub|jects,* 1.192 and which strikes terror into all without dis|tinction. I had rather fall into the hands of God, than those of our enemies.

David having made choice of the pestilence, God was pleased to send it immediately among the people, and it raged with such irresistible violence, that in a very short time it took off no less than 70,000 souls. It began in the extreme part of the kingdom, and made hasty ad|vances towards Jerusalem,* 1.193 which, when the king and the inhabitants heard, they cloathed themselves in sackcloth, and, with all humility, cried unto God for mercy.

* 1.194A little before the offering up of the evening sa|crifice, there appeared an angel * 1.195 over Jerusalem, brandishing a flaming sword, as if going to destroy it; upon which David exclaimed,

Lord, punish the shepherd but preserve the sheep: pour down thy wrath on me and my family, but let me be|seech of thee to spare the innocent people; for 'tis I alone who have offended thee.

The Almighty was pleased to listen to his prayers, by immediately putting a stop to the pestilence.* 1.196 He also ordered David, by the mouth of the prophet Gad, to go, without delay, to the threshing floor of Araunah, the Jebusite, there to erect an altar and offer up sa|crifices. David obeyed the Divine commands; and when he came to the place found Araunah threshing his corn, who no sooner saw David than he ran to meet him, and after paying reverence, asked him why he came there, and what commands he had for his servant.

I came (says David) to purchase your threshing floor, in order to raise an altar on it, and to offer sacrifices to God.

Araunah re|plied,

Not only my threshing-floor, but all that I have is at my lord's service gratis; and I humbly beseech God that he will be pleased to accept your sacrifice.

David thanked him for his generous offers; but told him he could not accept of them; for that it must be a purchase and not a gift, as it would not be right to offer a sacrifice at the expence of another. He therefore gave him fifty shekels of silver for the threshing-floor and some oxen,* 1.197 and immediately offered up sacrifices to God, who, in consequence thereof, was pleased to reinstate him in his favour. This was the place where Abraham brought his son Isaac to sacrifice; but just as he was about to commit the deed, there suddenly appeared a ram, which he took, and sacrificed instead of his son.

David was so happy in the thoughts of his prayers being received by the Almighty, and his sacrifices accepted, that, as a memento, he called the whole place The Altar of the People, and resolved to build a temple in it to the honour of God, This was agreea|ble to what was afterwads predicted by the Al|mighty, who sent his prophet to tell David,* 1.198 that a temple should be built in that place by his son, who should succeed him in the government of Israel. In consequence of this prediction he thought his time could not be better employed than in making some necessary preparations for so great a work. He there|fore appointed people to take an account of all the strangers in his dominions, the number of whom, upon an estimate given, amounted to one hundred and eighty thousand. Of these he appointed eighty thousand to be hewers of stone, and the rest to be labourers, except three thousand five hundred, who were to act as superintendants over the rest. He likewise got together great quantities of iron, brass, and cedar wood; the latter of which, by his par|ticular request, was sent him from Tyre and Sidon. When his friends asked him the cause of his gather|ing together all these materials, he told them, they were to lie by till his son should have occasion for them in building the temple, when it would both save time, and be the means of expediting the work; for as yet he was too young and inexperienced to enter upon so important an undertaking.

CHAP. XI.

David gives Solomon orders for the building of a tem|ple. Adonijah claims the succession. His schemes are frustrated. David causes Solomon to be anointed king. Addresses the people and his son Solomon, who is declar|ed king a second time.

SOME time after this David summoned together the princes of the respective tribes,* 1.199 accompa|nied by his son Solomon; to the latter of whom he gave a strict charge, that, as soon as he came to the throne, he would immediately enter upon the build|ing of a temple to the honour and worship of God.

I would have done it (says he) myself, but being frequently in war and consequently polluted with blood, I was expressly forbidden by the Divine command, and the work reserved for you, my son, whom God has predicted shall succeed me in the kingdom. Let me, therefore, beseech you, since the Almighty, even before you was born, de|signed you to be king, to endeavour to behave yourself in all things worthy of his Providence, by strictly observing piety, justice and fortitude.* 1.200 Keep his commandments and laws, as taught us by Moses, and suffer not others to transgress them. As to the temple, which God has appointed you to build in your reign, I beg you will attend to it with the greatest diligence, and be not in the least

dispirited at the importance of the undertaking, for it shall be my care to have all the materials in readiness against you succeed to the government.* 1.201 I have already laid up ten thousand talents of gold, and an hundred thousand of silver; but of brass and iron a quantity not to be summed; and of wood and stone an immense store; besides which I have engaged many thousands of carpen|ters and masons, whom you can readily supply with all necessaries. Attend, therefore, diligently to your business, the finishing of which will be so acceptable to God, that he will be your perpe|tual protector: you will live happy, and die in peace.

Having said this, he exhorted the princes of the tribes to assist his son in the undertaking,* 1.202 and to be particularly attentive to their religious du|ties, in doing which they would he rewarded with the fruits of peace, and a happy administration. He desired, that when the temple was finished, they would place the ark therein, and all the sacred ves|sels belonging to it; for the reception of which, he said, a temple ought to have been built long ago, if their forefathers had not neglected the commands of God when they first got possession of that coun|try. These last exhortations David gave not only to his son, but also to the princes.

Though David was at this time only seventy year•• of age, yet he became very infirm, and was afflicted with a disease, resembling the dead palsy, which so chilled his blood, that he could not be kept warm, more especially in his bed. In conse|quence of this a consultation was held among the physicians, who advised, that, to supply him with na|tural heat, a virgin should lie in the same bed with him. Accordingly one Abishag, a young and beau|tiful woman of Shuman, belonging to the tribe of Issachar, was brought to him, and made his concu|binaty wife; but David had never any carnal know|ledge of her, being, from his infirmities, incapable of possessing connubial enjoyments.

* 1.203David, being now grown almost inactive from natural infirmities, Adonijah, who (next after Absa|lom) was his eldest son, taking advantage of his imperfections, entertained thoughts of assuming the sovereignty, on a presumption that his father either could not, or would not, obstruct him. He was, indeed, a prince of exquisite beauty, greatly ad|mired by the people, and particularly indulged * 1.204 by his father. He was much of the same disposition as his brother, and followed the same measures, having set up a pompous equipage, retained a pro|digious number of attendants, and lived in the most sumptuous manner.

Adonijah had gained over to his party Joab, the general of the forces, and Abiathar, the high-priest, by whose advice he invited all his brothers, (except Solomon,) and all the great men of Judah, (except Nathan,* 1.205 the prophet, Benaiah, captain of the guards, and the officers of the army, who, with Zadock, the priests, were not for him) to a sumptuous entertain|ment, the design of which was, as soon as the com|pany began to be merry, to proclain him king.

Nathan, the prophet, who knew God's designa|tion, David's choice, and the people's interest, hav|ing received intelligence of the meeting appointed by Adonijah, gave information of it to Bathsheba, strongly advising her to go to the king, and press him, in the most urgent manner, immediately to declare Solomon his successor; things being come to such an extremity, as to threaten the most immi|nent danger.

* 1.206Bathsheba, taking Nathan's advice, immediately repaired to the king, and having acquainted him with Adonijah's conspiracy, begged him to name her son Solomon his successor, agreeable to the promise he had formerly made, and ratified with an oath. While she was with the king, Nathan entered the apartment,* 1.207 and confirmed all she had said relative to the conspiracy. In consequence of this David immediately declared Solomon his successor, and commanded Zadock, the priest, Nathan, the pro|phet, and Benaiah, the captain of his guards, with the other officers and ministers of state, to mount Solomon on the mule * 1.208 he was accustomed to ride himself; and having in this manner conducted him to Gihon,* 1.209 Zadock and Nathan should anoint him with holy oil; after which, by sound of trumpet, they should proclaim him king. All this was ac|cordingly done; after which Solomon was con|ducted back to Jerusalem, amidst the shouts and acclamations of the people.

When Adonijah and his company heard of these proceedings (which was at the time they were just on the point of proclaiming him king) they were all thrown into the utmost confusion.* 1.210 Fearful of the consequences that might ensue, they immedi|ately dispersed, and each shifted for himself. Ado|nijah, their leader, fled to the altar for sanctuary, where he continued for some time, till, having ob|tained of Solomon a promise of life, on condition that he would never make any future attempt against his government,* 1.211 he was admitted into the king's presence, where he made his obedience to Solomon, in token of thankfulness for his preserva|tion, and in acknowledgment of his superiority.

David, thinking the inauguration of Solomon had been too hasty and private, determined to have it repeated in a more public manner, in the city of Jerusalem. On this occasion he summoned all the princes of the tribes, together with the priests and Levites, among whom, on examination, there ap|peared to be 38,000, from thirty to fifty years of age. Out of these he appointed 23,000,* 1.212 to attend the building of the temple; 6,000 as judges over the people; 4000 as porters to the House of God; and as many choristers to attend Divine service, and play on the instruments he had made for the pur|pose. These he divided into families; and, on sepa|rating the priests, from the rest of the tribes, found them to consist of twenty-four; sixteen descended from Eleazar, and eight from Ithamar. He appoin|ted that each should attend the temple certain days, that is from Sabbath to Sabbath. The lots of the whole were cast in the presence of David, Zadock and Abiathar, the priests, and the heads of the tribes. That lot that came out first took the pre-eminence, and the rest in their turns as they happened to be drawn. He also divided the tribe of Levi into twenty-four parts, or classes, who, by lot, were to attend the priests in the performance of religious duties. But the greatest honour he conferred on the posterity of Moses, to whom he committed the trust of the holy treasures, and the donations that might arise from royal benefactions.* 1.213

After this he divided his whole army into twenty-four parts, with their captains, centurions, and tri|bunes. Each division consisted of 24,000 men, who, in their turns, were to guard king Solomon thirty days together, attended by their centurions and tri|bunes; and over each division was placed an officer, a man of probity and integrity, as a judge,* 1.214 to admi|nister justice. He likewise appointed overseers of the king's treasury, vineyards, lands, flocks, herds, &c.

Having made these regulations, David called to|gether an assembly of the magistrates, princes of the tribes, the officers of the army, and those who had the care of the revenue; when, placing himself on an eminence, he addressed them as follows:

Brothers, and countrymen,

The reason of my having called you together is to inform you of my ardent desire that a temple should be erected to the honour of God;* 2.1 for the do|ing of which I have laid up great quantities both of

gold and silver. God, by his prophet Nathan, has forbid me doing it myself, on account of my having embrued my hands in the blood of your enemies; but he has appointed my son and successor to execute it in my stead. Now, since you know our forefather Jacob had twelve sons, and Judah was appointed king over them; and that I, having six brothers, was preferred to them, and received the kingdom at the hands of God, to their satisfaction; I therefore en|treat my sons not to be concerned in any rebellion against Solomon, who now hath received the go|vernment, but to believe God chose him to be king, and, on that account, with pleasure, pay obedience to his authority. If God had been pleased that a stranger should have enjoyed the chief command, it would have been the duty of every one chearfully to have owned their allegiance to him; but now a bro|ther has arisen to so high a pinnacle of honour, how great ought to be your joy at so happy an appoint|ment! My prayer is, that the promises God has vouchsafed to make, may have the desired effect; and that the peaceful administration under the reign of Solomon,* 2.2 my son, (said David, addressing him|self to Solomon) will be assuredly confirmed to you, if you live an holy life, do justice, and preserve the laws of your country; but if you do not, you will live miserable, and die unlamented."

* 2.3When David had finished his speech, he gave his son, in the presence of all the people, a plan of the intended temple; the foundation and superstructure of it; the heighth and breadth; the number of pri|vate cells, with their dimensions; and how many ves|sels should be provided of gold and silver, with the precise weight of each; after which he exhorted him to undertake the building with the utmost chearful|ness.* 2.4 He then desired the princes of the tribe of Levi to give their assistance in the undertaking, not only in regard to his son's youth and inexperience, but in reverence to the Divine commission. He told them the work could not be attended with any great diffi|culty, he having already provided many talents of gold, but still more of silver; great store of wood, emeralds, and all other kinds of precious stones; with a prodigious number of masons, carpenters, and other workmen.

I have, likewise, (says he) re|served 3000 talents of the purest gold, out of my own store, for adorning the holy place, and the chariot of God, that is, the ark, which is to be ornamented with a cherub at each end, whose expanded wings will cover the whole.

* 2.5As soon as David had done speaking, not only the princes and priests, but likewise the whole multi|tude, shewed their zeal for promoting the work, every one contributing something in proportion to their circumstances. They likewise promised to contribute 10,000 talents of gold, as many of silver, and the like number of shekels. In short, so great was the zeal of the people for having the work executed, that if any person had in his possession a precious stone, he brought it to David to be put into the treasury, the care of which was entrusted to one Jalus, a descen|dant of Moses.

David was so pleased at this great readiness of the people to facilitate the work, that he offered up his prayers to God on the occasion, calling him the Fa|ther and Creator of the universe; the Master of all things both divine and human; the preserver of the Hebrew nation, and the fountain of all that happy and peaceable government they had so long enjoyed. He then wished all happiness to the people in future, and commanded them to ofte•• up their praises to God They immediately obeyed his commands, sell on the ground and worshipped;* 2.6 after which they unani|mously returned their thanks to David for the great benefits they had received under his administration.

The next day (after offering up sacrifices in abun|dance) Solomon was again anointed, and acknow|ledged by all the people, their lawful king. He was afterwards conducted to the palace, and placed on his father's throne, from which time the people paid him their true allegiance. Zadock, by the ge|neral voice of the people, was declared high-priest, in the room of Abiathar, who had publicly espoused the interest of Adonijah.

CHAP. XII.

David's last charge to his son Solomon. His death and burial.

A SHORT time after this, David perceiving his dissolution was near at hand,* 2.7 called for his son Solomon, and gave him this his last exhortation:* 2.8

I am now (says he) going a journey common to all, but to a place from whence no traveller returns. Wherefore, while I am yet living, let me remind you of those things I have before said to you; namely, that you exercise your authority with justice over your subjects, humbly obey God, who has been pleased to bestow the government on you, and carefully observe those laws and com|mandments which he has transmitted to you from our great legislator Moses. Be careful that you are not induced to violate these injunctions, either from the flatteries of your courtiers, your own corrupt desires, or any other cause whatever. If you do, be assured your great and Divine Pro|tector will immediately forsake you; whereas, on the contrary, if you behave yourself towards him as you ought, and as I most sincerely wish, you will confirm the kingdom to your posterity; no other house but ours will sway the sceptre of the Hebrews, but it will be continued to you and yours for ever. Forget not the crimes of Joab, who, through jealousy put to death two just and faithful generals, namely, Abner, the son of Ner, and Amasa, the son of Ithra: punish him for their deaths, as you shall think fit; for being more powerful than myself, he has hitherto escaped the threats of justice. I beseech you to do all the good offices you can for the sons of Barzillai, the Gileadite, not under the light of an obligation, but as an acknowledegment for the great benefits I received from their father during my banishment, which I reckon as a debt incum|bent on our whole family to discharge. As for Shimei, the Benjamite, who reviled me in the days of my persecution, and whom I after|wards pardoned, you may act with him as you think proper; but I would not have him escape unpunished.

* 2.9

A short time after David had delivered this ex|hortation to his son, he gave up the ghost,* 2.10 in the

71st year of his age, and 40th of his reign; seven of which he governed in Hebron, and thirty-three in Jerusalem * 2.11.

He was a man of most distinguished courage, and possessed all the qualities necessary for the forming of a great king. He was temperate, meek, boun|tiful, and humane, and never stained the greatness of his authority in any instance, except in the case of Uriah's wife. He left a greater treasure behind him than had been done by any of his predecessors; and the purposes to which he assigned the greater part of it rendered his name immortal * 2.12.

He was buried at Jerusalem with great pomp and magnificence; and his son Solomon deposited in his monument an inestimable treasure. Some idea may be formed of the great riches Solomon deposited in his father's tomb from the following circumstances.

When Antiochus, surnamed the Pious, the son of Demetrius, laid siege to Jerusalem, Hyrcanus, the high-priest, offered him a certain sum of money if he would raise the siege, and draw off his army. This proposition was accepted by Antiochus; upon which Hyrcanus, not having any other method of fulfilling the treaty, broke open David's tomb, from whence he took 3000 talents of gold, with part of which he paid the sum agreed on, and Antiochus immediately raised the siege.

Many years after this king Herod opened another part of David's tomb, from whence he took treasures of great value; of which we shall speak more at large in the Sixteenth Book of this work.

END OF THE SEVENTH BOOK.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sam ••e Ama|••••kite▪ ••••ing ••••s••••ed ••gainst 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ••bled ••sel•• ••fore 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.2

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.3

  David la|ments Saul's death, but more par|ticularly Jonathan's.
• * 1.4

  David gives or|ders for executing the Ama|lekite as a regicide.
• * 1.5

  Resides at Hebron, and chosen king una|nimously by the people.
• * 1.6

  The city of Hebron stood in the midst of the tribe of Judah, and being the metropolis of the whole tribe, it was very commodious for David's residence at this juncture; for he could not be insensible that the determination of the people of that metropolis in his favour, would be of the greatest weight to influence the whole tribe.
• * 1.7

  Abner sets up Isho|sheth as king of all Israel. Judah ex|cepted. 2 Sam. ii.
• * 1.8

  Ishbosheth was forty years of age at the time he was elected king. He reigned (properly speaking) only two years, though seven years and a half elapsed before David (who resided all the time at He|bron) was made king by the general voice of the people. As Ishbosheth was a very weak and inactive prince, when the war broke out with Judah, Abner took the government upon himself; so that the other five years and a half, which passed before David ascended to the throne of Israel, is not reckoned as part of Ishbosheth's reign, because he was only a nomi|nal king, not having the least authority.
• * 1.9

  Mahanaim was a place belonging to the tribe of Gad, and had its name from the appearance of an host of angels to Jacob, as he went with his family from Pa••an aram, Gen. xxxii, 1. The reasons why Abner retreated hither in the beginning of Ishbosheth's reign were, that he might secure the people on that side the Jordan, especially the gal|lant inhabitants of Jabesh-gil••ad, who were firmly attached to the house of Saul; and, chiefly, that he might be at a greater distance from David, have the new king, made more absolutely under his command, and better opportunity of recruiting his army among a people, who were not only very courageous by nature, but likewise well aff••cted to the cause he had espoused.
• * 1.10

  Abner com|mences hos|tilities against the tribe of Ju|dah.
• * 1.11

  Joab, as commander of David's army, op|poses him.
• * 1.12

  Twelve men select|ted from each army to decide the contest who slay each other.
• * 1.13

  Abner's ar|my routed.
• * 1.14

  He is pur|sued by Asahel, Jo|ab's young|er brother.
• * 1.15

  Strikes Asa|hel dead in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.16

  Abner call•• a parley with Joab.
• * 1.17

  Joab sounds a retreat.
• * 1.18

  A civil war among the Hebrews.
• * 1.19

  Abner, 〈…〉〈…〉 for the ••|proach cast 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him by I••hbo|sheth, po••se•• •• intere•••• David.
• * 1.20

  He p••••••••••ses con••••••tions to David.
• * 1.21

  David ••code•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prov•••••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 Micha•• rest••••••
• * 1.22

  Abner 〈…〉〈…〉 for that 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.23

  Bring•• them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••en•••• David.
• * 1.24

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 p••••••y 〈…〉〈…〉 i•• 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.25

  Joab 〈…〉〈…〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.26

  Joab ••unds for Abner in David's name.
• * 1.27

  Per•••••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 him
• * 1.28

  Dav•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the death of Abner.
• * 1.29

  D••e•• him all ••••neral 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.30

  David ••es|•• 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ha|racter.
• * 1.31

  Pr••s•••••• ••hment on 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ma••••e••er.
• * 1.32

  2 Sam. iv.
• * 1.33

  Ishbosheth is slain by treachery and his head pre|sented to David.
• * 1.34

  David re|prehends the regi|cides in the severest terms.
• * 1.35

  Commands them to be put to death, and the funeral obsequies of Ishbo|sheth to be honour|ably per|formed.
• * 1.36

  The heads of the peo|ple pay court to David. 2 Sam. 1.
• * 1.37

  Are sump|tuously en|tertained. David sum|mons a ge|neral as|sembly at Hebron. A general m••ster. 1 Chr. xii.
• * 1.38

  David an|ointed in the pre|sence of the whole people.
• * 1.39

  Forms a design of attacking Jerusalem.
• * 1.40

  Advances and sum|mons the inhabitants to surren|der.
• * 1.41

  Is set at defiance.
• * 1.42

  The low town taken by assault.
• * 1.43

  Joab first mounts the walls.
• * 1.44

  The castle is abadon|ed by the garrison.
• * 1.45

  Jerusalem called the city of Da|vid.
• * 1.46

  Hiram forms a league of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with David.
• * 1.47

  Solyma the anci•••••• ••ame of Jerusa••••••
• * 1.48

  Orphan•• Jebusites, David's friend.
• * 1.49

  The Ph••••••••stines ad|vance to|wards Je|rusalem.
• * 1.50

  David con••sults the Divine wall.
• * 1.51

  Receive•• di••coura••••••ment.
• * 1.52

  De••e•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 enemies.
• * 1.53

  Phil••stine•• and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rene•• the attack
• * 1.54

  David s•• farther ••|structio•••• from God▪
• * 1.55

  David over…comes the Philist••nes in a second engage|ment which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••n end to the war.
• * 1.56

  2 Sam vi.
• * 1.57

  ••id ••do a ••••••••tati|•• about ••rem••|•• o•• the ••••o Je|••••••••••em.
• * 1.58

  ••nner of ••re••ing 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.59

  ••••dgment 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Uzzah 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pro|••••••ion
• * 1.60

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.61

  ••moved 〈…〉〈…〉 to Je|••••••em.
• * 1.62

  David laid aside his royal ornaments, and was girded with a sim|ple ••yhod, which was used by those who were not priests. His moving in certain solemn measures, soiled to m•• sick of the same character and tendency, was highly to the purposes of piety; and his mixing with the public festivi••ies of the people was a condescension not unbecoming the greatest monarch. Policy taught Augustus to put himself on a level with his subjects in their public rejoicings; piety taught David that all men were upon a level in the solemnities of religion.
• * 1.63

  ••poi••ed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••a••er|•• made 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.64

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.65

  ••ebuked 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wi••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.66

  ••id 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a de|•• of ••ing a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ple.
• * 1.67

  At what time this prophet began to appear in Israel we are not any where informed. He was a man of great prudence and fine address, who knew how to mitigate the rigour of his reproofs with a great deal of sweetness and wisdom, which qualified him so well for the conversati|on of kings, and other great persons. He was equally esteemed and beloved by David; and, in his conduct towards him, maintained a just medium between an inflexible ansterity, and a servile flattery.
• * 1.68

  The Di|vine w••ll 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commu|nicated to David by the pro|phet Na|than.
• * 1.69

  David as|cribes praises to the Al|mighty for his mani|fold fa|vours.
• * 1.70

  2 Sam. viii. David de|feats Adad.
• * 1.71

  Account of Nicholaus the histo|rian.
• * 1.72

  David hav|ing van|qui••hed the enemy, obtains an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••••ory.
• * 1.73

  The Idu|maeans are subjected.
• * 1.74

  The king of Hamah sends to congratu|late David.
• * 1.75

  David's officers of state.
• * 1.76

  David's ••••••••lness to Jonathan's 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.77

  King Na|hash dies. David sends to congra|tulate his son.
• * 1.78

  M••phibosheth was very young at the time his father was slain at the battle of Gilbo••: the news of which threw the noise into such cons••••ration, that, as she was endeavouring to make her escape with him she let him fall, and he received such injury as to be lame ever after.
• * 1.79

  His ambas|sad••rs are tr••••ted with ••gno|••iny.
• * 1.80

  The wearing of long beards and garments was then (as is still) the fashion of the east, where they were deemed badges of honour, and cons••quently, the cutting off, or curtailing of either, was considered as the greatest indignity. Nay, in some places, the cutting off the beard was not only looked upon as a matter of the highest reproach, but also of the severest punishment. It was the same thing anciently among the Indians, and is at this day among the Persians. It was one of the most disgraceful punishments for cowardice in Sparta; for those who turned their backs in the day of battle, were obliged to appear abroad with one half of their beards shaved, and the other half unshaved. There were two reasons which caused the easterns of old, as well as at present, to look upon the beard as venerable: in the first place, they considered it as a na|tural ornament designed to distinguish men from women: secondly, it was the mark of a free man in opposition to slaves: so that, in every view, the insult of Hanun to the ambassadors of David was capital. It was a violation of the law of nature, of hospitality, and of the right of nations.
• * 1.81

  Dav•• ter•• res•• ind•• 〈…〉〈…〉 ••dom.
• * 1.82

  The 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.83

  2 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.84

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.85

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.86

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.87

  〈…〉〈…〉 up 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.88

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 XI
• * 1.89

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ts ••ry 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bath|••.
• * 1.90

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.91

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.92

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 neg|•• the ••g's ••or|••.
• * 1.93

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.94

  〈…〉〈…〉 Uriah Joab 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.95

  〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.96

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 af|•• behav|•••• with ••tmost ••ry, 〈…〉〈…〉 w••th 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.97

  Joab certi|fies David of his death.
• * 1.98

  David takes Bath|sheba to wife, and hath a son by her.
• * 1.99

  Nathan, by an allegori|cal 〈◊〉〈◊〉, convi•••••••• David of the ••••••••|ousness of his crime.
• * 1.100

  Nathan fo••••••e••s David of the Divine vengeance.
• * 1.101

  David re|pents.
• * 1.102

  David's son by Bath|sheba dies.
• * 1.103

  The word Solomon is properly derived from Schalem, which sig|nifies peace, intimating that his reign should be peaceable•• but Nathan gave the name of Jedid••••, which signifies the beloved of God. The scriptures, however never call him by this name▪ only by that of Solomon; but for what reason we cannot tell, unless we may sup|pose that the people, being harrassed in war during his father's reign, might be pleased with his name, and use it rather than the other to inti|mate their hopes and long desire of peace. And for this reason, among others, it may be inferred, that Solomon was born after the conclusion of the Ammonitish war; though the sacred history takes occasion, from the death of Bethsheba's first-born, to relate that event first. Bethshe|ba had some time after another son, whom David called Nathan; and it is in him that the two lines of Our Saviour's genealogy unite themselves, who, on Joseph's side descended from Sol••mon, and on Mary's, from Nathan. See M••tth. i.6, 7. Luke iii.31.
• * 1.104

  Birth of Solomon.
• * 1.105

  David re|pair in person to the siege of Rabbah.
• * 1.106

  Takes it by assault, and divides the spoil.
• * 1.107

  The Am|monites are totally de|feated.
• * 1.108

  Amnon is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with his sister Ta|mar.
• * 1.109

  It is natural to think that the passion of love is no where so wast|ing and ••exations, as where it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉. A quick s••use of guilt, especially where it is enormous, as in the present inst••nce, strikes the the soul with horror; and the impossibility of an innocent gratification loads that horror with desperation. A conflict too cruel and too dread|ful for human be ring. Witness the two most remarkable instances of it found in history; that of Antiochas for S••ra••onice, his mother in law; and this of Amnon for Tamar, his sister. Indeed, that of Antiochas ap|pears the less criminal of the two, insomuch as he seemed determined to conceal his till death▪ and at the same time to hasten that death to pre|vent its publication, had not the sagacity of his physician discovered it. Though po••si••••ly Amnon had done the same, had not the importunity of his fa•••••• and subtle friend Jonadab, the son of Sh••meah. David's bro|ther dr••wn the secret from him. It is lamentable to think that the heirs of royalty, whose virtue is of infinitely more consequence than that of m••••ner men, should yet be under more temptations to taint it.
• * 1.110

  Ravi••hes her, and afterwards treats her most in hu|manly.
• * 1.111

  Absalom endeavours to pacify her.
• * 1.112

  Concerts a plan to take off the sp•• of his sister's honour.
• * 1.113

  Absal•• brother repair 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their f••••ther.
• * 1.114

  David 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈…〉〈…〉 appre••••••••sion 〈…〉〈…〉 ••val.
• * 1.115

  Absa•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.116

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.117

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.118

  Absalom ••••••stated in the king's favour.
• * 1.119

  Absalom ••••res to the crown
• * 1.120

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.121

  ••oes to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••on on preco••|••••ted 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.122

  Ahitoph•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 ••rincipal 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.123

  ••bsalom ••••oclaime•• ••g.
• * 1.124

  ••d de|•• from ••••r••salem
• * 1.125

  The high priest and Levites de|••••re to ac|company him, out are ••e••••sed.
• * 1.126

  David hears of the defec|tion of Ahitho|phel.
• * 1.127

  Encoun|ters Hushai, a confiden|tial adhe|rent. 2 Sam. xvi.
• * 1.128

  Ziba falsely accuses his master, & gains his estate.
• * 1.129

  Shimei curses David who ••••••••ains the resent|ment of Abishai.
• * 1.130

  Hushai perfidious|ly goes over to Absalom.
• * 1.131

  Ahitho|phel's treache|rous coun|sel to Absalom.
• * 1.132

  Absalom 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.133

  Ahitho|phel's counsel for taking off the king sud|denly.
• * 1.134

  Hushai op+poses the counsel o•• Ahitho|phel.
• * 1.135

  It is univer|sally ap|proved.
• * 1.136

  Hushai ac|quainteth David with wh•••• pas|sed, by me••ns of the high-priest's sons.
• * 1.137

  They are co••••ealed in a well.
• * 1.138

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.139

  〈…〉〈…〉 ••ver•• order
• * 1.140

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.141

  2 Sam ••••.•• Absalom pur•• father.
• * 1.142

  David sen•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.143

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.144

  The 〈…〉〈…〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.145

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 arm•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 defen•• and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.146

  Absa•••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.147

  Absalom, having lost his sons, and being desirous to perpetuate 〈…〉〈…〉, had erected a pillar, which, no doubt, he designed as a mansolenm, or burying place, and which, it is, reasonable to imagine, was equally magnificent with the ambition of him who reared it. But see how short sighted are mortals. The same Absalom, so far from be|ing buried in this proud monument which he had erected, was killed and buried like a traitor, thrown into a pit, and covered with no other monument than a heap of stones.
• * 1.148

  Absal•••• marbl•• pillar.
• * 1.149

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 xviii. ••ght to ••••d of victoryAbsa|••••••.
• * 1.150

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 de|••re•• the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.151

  Repre|••••••ted by 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.152

  Joab's hold and ani|mated re|proof has a good ef|fect on the mind of David.
• * 1.153

  The insur|gents re|cant.
• * 1.154

  The tribe of Judah luke warm in the interest of David.
• * 1.155

  Amasa, thro' means of the high priest, is brought o|ver to David:
• * 1.156

  As also the tribe of Ju|dah.
• * 1.157

  Shimei meets Da|vid, and humbles himself be|fore him.
• * 1.158

  Obtains the royal pardon.
• * 1.159

  Mephibo|sheth's hu|miliation and apolo|gy for the want of loyalty.
• * 1.160

  By David's disposal of half Mephibosheth's estate to Ziba, one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 im••••ine that he was much dissatisfied, and doubtful whether Me|phib••••heth's 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was entirely true or not. Nor does David now invite 〈…〉〈…〉, asked before, but only forgives him as if he had been 〈…〉〈…〉. Nor is this old way of mourning that Mephibosheth made use of, here, and 2 Sam, xix.24. wholly free from suspicion of hypocrisy. If Ziba neglected or refused to bring Mephibosheth an ass of his own on which he might ride to David, it i•• unreasonable to suppose that so great a man as he was should not be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to procure some other beast for the same purpose.
• * 1.161

  Barzillai congratu|lates David on his re|storation.
• * 1.162

  It promi|sed great things by the king, but desires to go home
• * 1.163

  Leaves his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at the court. Contention between the princes of Israel and the tribe of Judah.
• * 1.164

  An insur|rection of the other tribes, he••ded by Sheba.
• * 1.165

  The tribe of Judah adheres to David's in|terest.
• * 1.166

  David ex|pects the concubines from court.
• * 1.167

  Amasa made com|mander in chief in|stead of Joab.
• * 1.168

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.169

  Joab 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.170

  Joab 〈…〉〈…〉 Sheba 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.171

  The 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.172

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.173

  Joab 〈…〉〈…〉 to 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.174

  〈…〉〈…〉 account 〈…〉〈…〉 the Gi|••••••••••••es.
• * 1.175

  David had given Saul his oath "that he would not cut off his seed after him nor destroy his name out of his father's house," Had Saul's family committed crimes worthy of death, David's oath would have been no reason against punishing them according to their deserts: and such punishment, if deserved, had been no breach of his oath. If David did not cut off his seed after him, so as to destroy his name out of his father's house, he did not violate his oath to Saul. Now David did not cut off one single person of Saul's family, whose death had a tendency to destroy his name out of his father's house. The seed is always reckoned by the males, and not the females of a fa|mily; and the name in a father's house could only be preserved by the male's descendants. But David gave up only two bastards, the sons of Rizpah, Saul's concubine, who were not the legal seed of Saul; and five of the sons of his eldest daughter by Adriel (who could only keep up Adriel's name and not Saul's and hereby observed, without the least violation, his oath to Saul. Not one of the persons he surrendered was capable of succeeding Saul, especially whilst any of the male branches were alive. Now at this very time, Mephibosheth, Jonathan's eldest son, dwelt in David's family at Jerusalem; and though lame in his feet, yet he was found enough to be father of a son named Micha, who was at this time old enough to have children, and indeed had afterwards four sons from whom descended a numerous posterity, amounting in the whole (sons and grandsons included) to not less than one hundred and fifty. This was undoubtedly a farther proof that David did not violate his oath to Saul in his treaty with the Gibeonites▪ but, on the contrary, that he took every measure his thoughts could project of strictly preserving it.
• * 1.176

  The sacred text informs us, that as soon as Rizpah knew of this, she had a tent, made of sackcloth, pitched near the place, in which she resided and kept watch night and day, to prevent the birds and beasts from doing any hurt to the dead bodies. That when David was in|formed of her pious care, he was moved thereby to take up the bones of Saul, and Jonathan his son, (which had been buried under a tree at Ja|besh Gilead) and, together with these seven sufferers of the same family, gave them an honourable interment in the sepulchre of Kish, the father of Saul, at Zelah, in the country of Benjamin.
• * 1.177

  When the 〈…〉〈…〉 receiv|•••• s••••••fac|••▪ the 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.178

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ad|•• a|•• the ••nes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••o••••s 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.179

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.180

  The prohibition of David's going again to battle is thus beautifully expressed in the scriptures: "Thou shall go no more out with us to bat|tle, that thou quench not the light of Israel;" 2 Sam. xxi.17. Good kings are in scripture, justly called the light of the people, (1 kings xi 39.) because the beauty and glory, the conduct and direction, the com|fort and safety, and welfare of a people, depend on, and are derived from, good kings.
• * 1.181

  The Phili|••••••••es rally 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but defeat|••d 〈◊〉〈◊〉 three engage|ments.
• * 1.182

  David ap|•• him|••••••f to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of ••ody.
• * 1.183

  David's mighty men with their gal|lant ex|ploits.
• * 1.184

  1. Issam.
• * 1.185

  2. Eleazar.
• * 1.186

  3. Sebas.
• * 1.187

  4. Abishai.
• * 1.188

  5. Benaiah.
• * 1.189

  2 Sam ••xiv. David or|ders the people to be num|bered.
• * 1.190

  David re|pents and implores forgiveness
• * 1.191

  The pro|phet pro|poses three judgments.
• * 1.192

  David choses the judgment of the pes|tilence.
• * 1.193

  Dire effect of the pe|stilence.
• * 1.194

  A general humilia|tion.
• * 1.195

  The judgment against David for his transgressions was sufficient|ly visible▪ otherwise he could not have seen the form that the destroying an••el assumed; but here we find, that as a most pious man and a good sove|reign, he repents of those sins he had committed in the most voluntary manner; and while he looks upon himself as the procuring cause of all the evils that had happened, he begs that God would wreak his ven|geance upon him, and not upon his people, who were innocent.
• * 1.196

  Upon Da|vid's ••••••••n|••ence the pestilence ceases.
• * 1.197

  David 〈◊〉〈◊〉 altra 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.198

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.199

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.200

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.201

  David engages to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ma|•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for b••••ding the temple.
• * 1.202

  Exhorts the princes of the tribes to assist in the undertak|ing.
• * 1.203

  Adonijah aspires to the th••••••e.
• * 1.204

  It is remarkable of David, that one of his great faults, and what led him into many premunites, was, his extraordinary indulgence of his children, of whom he was so fond, that he seems to have overlooked their errors, and not reproved them, though he was bound to do it by a plain law, (Levit. xix.17.) and could not but know that the high priest, Eli, was severely punished for such neglect.
• * 1.205

  Gives an entertain|ment.
• * 1.206

  Bathsheba 〈◊〉〈◊〉 David to confer the king|dom on her son.
• * 1.207

  Nathan•••• cont••••••s the 〈…〉〈…〉 Beth|sheba's story.
• * 1.208

  In these days it was a capital offence to ride upon the king's ass or mule, to sit upon the throne, or to handle his sceptre, without his or|ders; whereas, on the contrary, to have the honour to ride on the king's beast, by his appointment, was the highest dignity that could be bestowed on a subject. It was always considered in this light by the Persians, as appears from the story of Mordecai, in the sixth chapter of the Book of Esther.
• * 1.209

  David gives orders for anointing and pro|claiming Solomon.
• * 1.210

  Adonijah, alarmed, flies to the altar.
• * 1.211

  Obtains forgive|ness.
• * 1.212

  David dis|tributes the priests, & Levites, & porters in|to classes, and assigns them their several offices.
• * 1.213

  Takes the like me|thod with the army.
• * 1.214

  Appoints revenue officers.
• * 2.1

  Addresses the lead|ing men concerning the temple.
• * 2.2

  David's particular addresses to Solomon.
• * 2.3

  Delivers him the model of the temple and the or|der and form of the nece••sary apparatus.
• * 2.4

  Enjoins the princ••pal of the tribe of Levi to lend their aid ••••on the occa|sion.
• * 2.5

  The 〈…〉〈…〉 David's ••d|dress is universally approved.
• * 2.6

  Solemn•••••• anointed king a se|cond ti•••• and the people swear ••••••|giance.
• * 2.7

  1 King ••
• * 2.8

  David's 〈◊〉〈◊〉 advice 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his servant succ••••••••.
• * 2.9

  The sense of the two charges given by David to his son Solomon re|lative to Joab and Shimei, are thus expressed by the learned Bishop Patrick. Speaking of the first, he says, "Thou rememberest what

  Joab did unto me; with what insolence he treated me in the time of war against Absalom, how, contrary to my orders, he slew him, and afterwards talked to me in a menacing and imperious manner. Thou rememberest what he did to Amasa, whom I intended to have put in his place, and made the general of all my forces; and what to Abner, who adhered to the house of Saul. The injury done to these two brave men redounds upon me, since they were both under my protection, and both murder|ed ••••sely murdered, because I had an esteem for them; and till justice be done to their murderer, (which I, in my life time, have not had power to do) their innocent blood will not depart from my house. Do thou, therefore, take care to assoil it, and whenever he commits any transgression against thee, let the blood of these two valuable men be charged to his account; and let him as he long deserved, be put to death.

  Speaking of Shimei, he says,

  Thou hast Shimei with thee, and some share perhaps he may have in thy favour; but trust him not; he is no friend to kings, or kingly power. Remember what he did to me in my distress; how bitterly, how virulently he cursed me to my face; and I make no doubt but that he would do the same to thee in the like circumstances. I forgave him in my exile, because I looked upon him, as an instrument in God's hands, to humble me for my great offence. I forgave him in my return home, because he came to me when my heart was open, and unwilling to damp the joy of my restoration with the effusion of any blood, I promised him his life; and let not that pro|mise be violated in my days: but what I did is no rule or obligation to thee. Let him not die, however, for his offence against me; but ra|ther watch his conduct, and, if he should chance to give thee a fresh occasion, be sure to lay hold of it, because it is not in his nature to be a good subject.
• * 2.10

  David 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parts 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 2.11

  David was buried, with great pomp, in that part of the city of Jerusalem which himself had taken from the Jebusites, and called, after his own name, The City of David. His sepulchre was always held in the greatest veneration by the Jews. It was in being in St. Peter's time; for so he tells the people, Acts ii.29. Dio (in the life of Adrian) informs us that part of it was fallen down in the emperor Adrian's reign. Modern travellers describe some magnificent monuments hewed in a rock not far from Jerusalem, which are doubtless very antient; but they do not agree that they are the sepulchres of the kings of Judah. It is, however, somewhat strange, that the place of David's sepulchre (which both the Chaldeans and Romans, when they took Jerusalem, thought proper to spare) should now be so entirely lost, that, for many years past, not the least traces of it have been to be found. But though Providence has so ordered it, that the place of David's sepulchre should not at present be known, yet there does not want an eternal monument of his most excellent genius. The Book of Psalms, which, for the most part, was composed by him, doth publish the glory of its author more than the most pompous eulogies; and the son of Sirach has consecrated an epitaph to his memory, which will remain when brass and marble shall be no more.

  As the fat (says he) is taken away from the peace-offer|ing, so was David chosen from the people of Israel. He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with lambs. He slew a giant when he was young, and took away reproach from the people; for he called upon the Most High Lord, and he gave strength to his right hand to slay this mighty warrior, and to set up the horn of his people. So the people honoured him with ten thousands, and praised him in the bles|sings of the Lord; for he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to nought the Philistines his adversaries. In all his works he praised the Holy One Most High, and blessed the Lord with words of glory. He set singers also before the altar, that, by their voices, they might make sweet melody, and daily sing praises in their songs. He beautified their feasts, and set their solemn times in perfect order. The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever. He gave him a covenant of kings, and a throne of glory in Israel.

  —Eccle|siasticus, chap. xlvii.••, &c.
• * 2.12

  A very learned and celebrated writer, in describing the character of David, says, that his life was loaded with such a multiplicity of the most singular transactions, that, to give it in a compass usual to other distinguished characters, would not be to do him that justice his great merit deserves. He then proceeds to relate the principal incidents that occured from his first becoming popular to the period that produced his dissolation; and concludes with the following observations:

  Such (says he) are the outlines of a Jewish prince, whom Christians justly extol as a man after God's own heart▪ whom God himself called to be king over Israel; who faithfully answered the purpose for which God raised him; in whose family he established the throne; with whom he made an everlasting covenant; and who was the great progeni••or of the Messiah himself, who now reigns over all, and shall reign till all his enemies are put under his feet.