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2 Samuel 19:24
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22 And David said, a“What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? bShall any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?”  
23 Therefore athe king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore to him.  

David and Mephibosheth Meet

24 Now aMephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. And he had not cared for his feet, nor trimmed his mustache, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he returned in peace.  
25 So it was, when he had come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said to him, a“Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?”  
26 And he answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For your servant said, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go to the king,’ because your servant is lame.
27 And ahe has slandered your servant to my lord the king, bbut my lord the king is like the angel of God. Therefore do what is good in your eyes.  
28 For all my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king. aYet you set your servant among those who eat at your own table. Therefore what right have I still to1 cry out anymore to the king?”  
29 So the king said to him, “Why do you speak anymore of your matters? I have said, ‘You and Ziba divide the land.’ ”
30 Then Mephibosheth said to the king, “Rather, let him take it all, inasmuch as my lord the king has come back in peace to his own house.”

David’s Kindness to Barzillai

31 And aBarzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went across the Jordan with the king, to escort him across the Jordan.  
32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. And ahe had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man.  
Commentaries:
Matthew Henry
<< 2 Samuel 19:23   2 Samuel 19:25 >>


2 Samuel 19:1-43

Joab causes David to cease mourning. (1-8) David returns to Jordan. (9-15) He pardons Shimei. (16-23) Mephibosheth excused. (24-30) David's parting with Barzillai. (31-39) Israel quarrels with Judah. (40-43)

Verses 1-8 To continue to lament for so bad a son as Absalom, was very unwise, and very unworthy. Joab censures David, but not with proper respect and deference to his sovereign. A plain case may be fairly pleaded with those above us, and they may be reproved for what they do amiss, but it must not be with rudeness and insolence. Yet David took the reproof and the counsel, prudently and mildly. Timely giving way, usually prevents the ill effects of mistaken measures.

Verses 9-15 God's providence, by the priests' persuasions and Amasa's interest, brought the people to resolve the recall of the king. David stirred not till he received this invitation. Our Lord Jesus will rule in those that invite him to the throne in their hearts, and not till he is invited. He first bows the heart, and makes it willing in the day of his power, then rules in the midst of his enemies, psalms 110:2,3 .

Verses 16-23 Those who now slight and abuse the Son of David, would be glad to make their peace when he shall come in his glory; but it will be too late. Shimei lost no time. His abuse had been personal, and with the usual right feeling of good men, David could more easily forgive it.

Verses 24-30 David recalls the forfeiture of Mephibosheth's estate; and he expressed joy for the king's return. A good man contentedly bears his own losses, while he sees Israel in peace, and the Son of David exalted.

Verses 31-39 Barzillai thought he had done himself honour in doing the king any service. Thus, when the saints shall be called to inherit the kingdom, they will be amazed at the recompence being so very far beyond the service, matthew 25:37 . A good man would not go any where to be burdensome; or, will rather be so to his own house than to another's. It is good for all, but especially becomes old people, to think and speak much of dying. The grave is ready for me, let me go and get ready for it.

Verses 40-43 The men of Israel though themselves despised, and the fiercer words of the men of Judah produced very bad effects. Much evil might be avoided, if men would watch against pride, and remember that a soft answer turneth away wrath. Though we have right and reason on our side, if we speak it with fierceness, God is displeased.


 
<< 2 Samuel 19:23   2 Samuel 19:25 >>

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