A Complete History and Mystery of the Old and New Testament

2 Sam. CHAP. I.

WHICH declares the state of Israel after this their direful defeat by the Philistines, the Tidings whereof David received with deep deploration; yea, the Death of Saul, though' he was his Capital Enemy, yet he profoundly bewailed it.

Remarks hereupon are, First, The Messenger of those sad Tidings is described by sundry Circumstances. As (1.) When he came to David, it was three days after David had returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, v. 1. And (2.) Whither he came, to wit, unto Ziklag, for it was not so burnt, but David and his Men might refresh themselves in it after so long an harrase, until God provided them better Quarters. (3.) Who he was, an Amalekite, v. 8. the Son of a Stranger, v. 13. (4.) In what posture he came, pretending sorrow for the loss of God's People, with his Cloaths rent, and earth upon his head, and falling down at David 's feet, to humor and honor the Rising-Sun, v. 2. and (5.) He is described by his Age, he was a young Man, v. 5, 13.

The Second Remark is, This Amalekite 's Narrative of the effect of the Fight of the Philistines against Israel, wherein he gives David a distinct Account upon David 's diligent Enquiry, v. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. wherein Observe,

First, He declares to David the flight of Israel, the slaughter of the Army, and the death of Saul and Jonathan, v. 4.

Secondly, To confirm his Story of Saul 's death (which mostly concerned David ) he confesseth himself to be the Author thereof by a Casualty of coming to the place where he was, v. 6. and

Thirdly, To qualify his Crime, he saith Saul called me, v. 7. chose me, v. 8. and requested me to be his Executioner, v. 9.

He adds Fourthly, a comparing Saul 's desperate Case, saying (as Josephus and others do relate)

Fifthly,

The Third Remark is, a Scrutiny touching the veracity of this Amalekite 's long Harangue: Tho' I find some Learned Men Patronizing this Amalekite, and purging him from lying to David, saying, his Story was a Real Truth, for Saul had indeed fallen upon his own Weapon, but his Coat of Mail had hindered it from piercing deep enough to be so speedily a mortal wound, but that the Philistines might come and catch him alive and abuse him; and though' it be said, [ when his Armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead ] he slew himself, 1 Sam. 31.5. Which yet Dr. Lightfoot Senseth thus: [When he saw Saul had given himself so deadly a wound, he did the like, and died indeed, but Saul 's wound was not of so quick a dispatch, therefore he desired this Man to kill him outright.]

N. B. Notwithstanding all this, yet upon a more serious inquest into Particulars, this whole story seems more probably to be a pack of Lies, one stitched to another for these Reasons:

The First is, 'It is altogether improbable, either that Saul, after he had given himself such a deadly wound, whereof he was ready to die, should be able to call him, and spend so many words in talking with him; or that this Man should dare to stay so long in this Discourse with Saul, seeing he also was fleeing (with the whole Army) to save his own life, which he might have lost by making this halt, had the Philistines overtaken him in their pursuit (which Saul feared for himself) during this Parly.

The Second Reason is, Nor can it be probable that Saul should desire to die rather by the hands of an uncircumcised Amalekite, than of the uncircumcised Philistines which he so much feared: He could not put any such difference between them, seeing Amalek was more accursed and devoted to destruction than the Philistines.

The Third Reason is, 'It is expressly said, that Saul fell upon his own Sword, 1 Sam. 31.4 but this Fellow saith, he fell upon his own Spear, v. 6. here Gnal Chanatho Hebr. whereas it is [Ethbachereb] his Sword.

The Fourth Reason is, 'It is as expressly said, that Saul 's Armor-bearer being yet alive, saw that Saul was dead, 1 Sam. 31.5. which doubtless he would thoroughly know before he did kill himself.

The Fifth Reason is, Had the Armor-bearer been yet alive when Saul called this Amalekite to dispatch him, he would certainly have hindered him from doing that which himself durst not do, 1 Sam. 31.4.

The Sixth Reason, Nor could that be more probable, which he told David [I took the Crown that was upon his head] v. 10. but looked rather like a Lye, for 'tis not likely Saul would wear his Crown upon his head in Battle; this would have made him a fair Mark to his Enemies, whom they chiefly aimed at: A Wise General will rather disguise himself as 1 King. 22.30. than be so fondly exposed, &c.

The Seventh Reason, The Scripture of Truth doth manifestly ascribe Saul 's death to be his own action, 1 Sam. 31.4, 5. even to his falling upon his own Sword, which must be of more credit with us, than an artificially composed speech of an accursed Amalekite, who had taught his tongue to tell Lyes, Jerome. 9.5. and all to curry favor with David, from whom he promised to himself some great preferment by thus glozing with him.

N. B. Note well; First, Thus far it is true, that this Fellow brought Saul 's Crown. &c. to David: How he came by it is the question?

The Rabbins relate, that as the Armor-bearer was Doeg, so this Man was his Son, and as the Father had the Crown in his Custody, to carry it before the King in State, and now seeing Saul was like to wear it no longer, and that himself was resolved to die with the King, he gave Saul 's Royal Crown and Bracelets to this Fellow his Son, advising him to carry them to David, ut in ejus gratiam se insinuaret, so to win the favor of him whom he calls his Lord, whom he owned as King, now Saul was dead.

N. B. Secondly, This very Sword wherewith at God's Command Saul should have cut off the Amalekites, but spared them, was the Instrument of his own death, and (as some say) an Amalekite (one whom Saul had spared with Agag ) must push it forward, and Saul, who had been so Cruel to David all along, is now become cruel to himself. Thus God fills Men with the Evil of their own ways, Prov. 14.14.

The Fourth Remark is, the effects of this Relation, which be twofold; First, What David did, v. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. And Secondly, What David said thereupon, v, 17, 18. &c. First, What David did: as (1.) He rent his Cloaths, v. 11. which was usually done in those days, to testify an extremity of passion, without regard either to damage or decency, & Regis ad exemplum, his Men did the same with David. (2.) They all Mourned, Wept, and Fasted until Even, v. 12. though upon their own private accounts they had but small cause to do so: Yet upon the public account, there was great reason for so doing, because a great blow now was given to the Church of God, and that by the hands of the uncircumcised, who would by this means exalt their Dagon above the God of Israel: and there was cause enough of this Humiliation, because Israel had brought this fatal Overthrow upon their own heads for their many grievous sins; yea, though' Saul was their Capital and irreconcilable Enemy, yet was he the Lord's Anointed, and one that had Fought the Battels of the Lord with good success.

Therefore it may not be marvel'd at, that though' David was so well pleased with Nabal 's death, yet he thus mourned for Saul 's, because the case was not alike; beside, many brave Men were fallen in Battle out of Israel, but above all, David 's dear Jonathan, as afterwards. (3.) David did after all this Arraign, Examine, Condemn, and Execute the Amalekite that came to curry favor with him, v. 13, 14, 15, 16. wherein David, like a Just Judge, gives him a fair Trial in a Judiciary way; and though' the Fellow had told him that he was an Amalekite, v. 8. yet David asks him again who he was? either for fear of his mistake in not minding his story well enough because of his great grief, or it was to try the man whether he would agree with himself in telling his Tale: then David said [Why didst not thou refuse to kill the King as his Armourbearer had done, how knowest thou but some Providence might have happened for saving his life, notwithstanding his most eminent danger, &c. Thou confessest thou killed the King, thou shalt be killed. ]

N. B. Note well; A just hand of God on this Amalekite for his Lying.

As David before had, as it were, Sacrificed a whole band of Amalekites to Saul 's Funeral, 1 Sam. 30.17. before he had intelligence of Saul's death; so now he Sacrificed this Intelligencer thereof on the same account, which David might lawfully do, both because God had commanded that all the Amalekites might be slain as before; and because David at Saul 's death was now virtually the King. (2.) What David said as well as did, namely David's Elegy or Funeral Song upon the death of Saul and his dear Friend Jonathan, together with Israel 's Choicest Worthies, and Men of their Chiefest Chivalry, v. 17, 19, 20. to 27. wherein is Remarkable,

First, David is the Author of this lamentable Epitaph, because he had both a Poetic and a Prophetick gift and because he was most deeply concerned, as Son-in-Law and Successor to Saul, and as a great loser in the loss of his best beloved Jonathan, who was the next subject of this sad Tragedy.

Secondly, The Matter of this sad Sonnet is a mixture of Poetical Exclamations, and Hyperbolical imprecations all composed in a concise Meter, which makes the meaning thereof the more cloudy, being the extatick expressions of one overwhelmed with grief for the death of his dearest Friends.

Thirdly, Beside these general Raptures, David particularly bewails,

First, The death of Saul, commending him for the laudable Virtues which he had, which made him amiable and obliging to his Subjects; as for those foul affronts offered to himself and to Jonathan, he candidly covers them, as being only the efforts of his sudden passion, by which his ordinary temper ought not to be measured, and of his jealousy of a Corrival to the Crown, for which he ought to be excused; but not one word of any piety in Saul (which he had not) doth David mention.

N. B. Note well; A fair Caution for flattering Preachers of Funeral Sermons; 'It is too Pharisaical to beautify the Tombs of the dead whose lives were bad, Mat. 23 29.

Secondly, the death of Jonathan he more passionately deplores, because frater quasi fere alter, he almost lost himself in the loss of him, who, had he lived, would assuredly have given David a peaceable possession of the Kingdom after his Father's death, according to the Covenant between them; whereas by the death of Jonathan, he looked for long interruptions from it by Abner, &c.

And he makes Rhetorical Flourishes upon Jonathan 's Cordial Love to him, as transcending the Love of Women: Naturalists say of Females [quicquid volunt, valde volunt,] their affections are more earnest than those of Males: Yet Jonathan loved David more affectionately than ever did any Woman either her Child, or her Husband.

Fourthly, David did not so despond with dolour, but being now King he Commands, that the Men of Judah, (his own and now the Royal Tribe ) should learn the use of their Armor, v. 18. because they bordered upon the Philistines, upon whom they might retrieve their lost Honor; and he instances in the Bow, both in Honor of Jonathan who was so skillful at it, ver. 22. and that they might match the Philistines Archers who had beeen so mischievous to their Mighty ones: This the General Chronicle amplifies, Josh. 10.13. mentions this Book of Jasher, which signifies Recti, the Book of Right or of the Law; a Directory for Prince and People to right Duties on both sides. The Jews take it for Genesis, the story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, those three Righteous Men; but then it should not be Jasher, but Jasharim plural: it is Rather the Blessing of Jacob, Gen. 49.8. Judah's Hands shall be on the Neck of his Enemies; so David of that Tribe was to be. In this was inserted this Song, the foot and burden whereof was, [How are the Mighty fallen?] oft repeated, v. 19.25, 27. This Book taught the use of the Bow and Artillery, but is now lost, being no part of the Canonical Scripture, &c.

2 Samuel, CHAP. II.

THIS Chapter contains David 's coming to the Kingdom of Judah, and the beginning of his State of Exaltation; as before is recorded the whole History of David 's State of Humiliation, a perfect Type of Christ his Antitype who passed likewise out of the one into the other. This Chapter consists of three Parts, Antecedents, Concomitants and Consequents. First, The Antecedents have these Remarks, as

First, David 's beginning at the right end, and laying the foundation of his promised Kingdom in consulting with God according to God's own Ordinance, Numb. 27.21. and notwithstanding all his peerless persecutions, he dare not now stir one step without Divine direction, v. 1. having smarted so much for following his own Human Policy and Prudence, 1 Sam. 27.1. He asks God, [ To what City of Judah shall I go? ] God Answers [To Hebron] Ziklag was only Achish's Donative to David, a remote place, so not for his present purpose: But God's gift to him was Hebron, the Metropolis of Judah, more ancient than Zoan of Egypt, Numb. 13.22. a City of Refuge, Josh. 20.7. and more Renowned because the Patriarchs, (to whom Canaan was promised) lay Buried there, and thereby, as it were, held possession of it.

The Second Remark is, Thither David went, as God directed him into the very heart of his own Tribe, whence he expected most Acceptance and Assistance, and his two Wives with him, ver. 2. to share with him in his Prosperity, as they had done in his Adversity.

N. B. Note well. Wherein we have a Type of Christ and his Church, which when It hath Suffered with him, shall also Reign with him, 2 Tim. 2.12. Luk. 22.28, 29. Our Lord will remove his Spouse from the Land of her Banishment, from the Ashes of her forlorn Ziklag, to the Hebron of her Peace and Glory; he hath taken order for it already, Joh. 17.24. and is gone a little before to Prepare Mansions for her, Joh. 14.2, 3. yea and counteth not himself complete, Till he hath us all with him, Ephes. 1.23. Nor doth David Cashier those his Men that had Mutinied at Ziklag, but brings them all along with him, ver: 3. and Billets them in the Country-Villages, that he might not be burdensome to Hebron in Quartering too great a Company upon them: Thus our Lord forgets and forgives our many Murmurings, &c. and leads us into the Land of Bliss.

The Third Remark is, Not only the Men of Judah Universally, v. 4. but also many Worthies out of several Tribes resorted to David, 1 Chron. 12.1, 2, 3, 22. who all joined together to Elect him King over Judah; which Act might have been of pernicious consequence, seeing the Right of Election belonged to all the Tribes, had not the Oracle of God directed David hereunto; and therefore it was no Sinful Schism: Yet notwithstanding, not only Ambitious Abner took advantage at this Act to raise a Rebellion against David among the other Tribes, v. 8, 9. but also it became an ill president, and as it were a preparative to that fatal Schism in Rehoboam's Reign, which could never be patch'd up again.

The Second Part is the Concomitants. The Remarks of it are,

First, The Elders of Judah with the Concurrence of the Worthies out of other Tribes, Anoint David King over Judah, v. 4. This was David 's second Anointing to be King: Samuel had Annoited him privately before, which only gave Jus ad Rem, not Jus in Re, a Right Title to it, but not an Actual Possession of it, as this second Anointing did: Now David was King both de Jure and de Facto. David had yet a Third Anointing after this by the whole Body of the People, chap. 5.3. which was Seven Years after this Second Anointing; as the Second had been Seven Years after that First by Samuel.

N. B. As God was pleased on the one hand to exercise David 's Faith with Seven Years Persecution, Untill his Soul became a weaned Child, Psal. 131.2, 3. So on the other hand God was pleased to vouchsafe him Three Anointings to confirm his Faith in assurance of establishment.

The Second Remark is, David 's first Action after this his Solemn Inauguration at Hebron, namely, His Amicable Embassage to the Men of Jabesh-Gilead about their Burying of Saul with an Honorable Burial, though in Peril of their own Lives, ver 4, 5, 6, 7. Some suppose they were Pick-thanks that out of ill will told David this story, to exasperate him against them, as Favorites to his Capital Enemy; but on the contrary, so far was David from grudging it, that he not only Cordially Prays that God would requite their Labor of Love to their Dead Sovereign, but also Royally Promises that himself would Reward them for this kind Act in Burying Saul, as he had Punished the Amalekite for Killing him; and farther lets them know that the Men of Judah had made him their Liege-Lord, and if the Men of Jabesh would do so, he would Protect them from the Philistines, (whom they had provoked by stealing Saul 's Body from them,) as Saul had done for them from Nahash the Ammonite, 1 Sam. 11.11. Thus David useth lawful Policy, subservient to God's Promise in obliging this warlike People.

The Third Remark is, Abner's seditious Defection from David, so soon as he saw David 's Election to the Kingdom by the Tribe of Judah, ver 8, 9, 10, 11. Wherein Mark,

First, Abner raises a sedition against David, either (1.) From his Fidelity to Saul as nigh of Kin to him; or (2.) From Envy to David, a Rising Sun of another Tribe, or (3.) From his Ambition of Rule, and retaining his place of Generalissimo, which he could not expect to hold under David.

Mark Secondly, Abner passeth by Mephibosheth, (the right Heir as the Son of Jonathan ) because he was Young and Lame, so not fit for his Ambitious design: But he pitcheth upon Ishbosheth, that Man of shame (as his Name in Hebrew-signifies) a Son of Saul, yet a weak and worthless person, but could better color Abner's haughty Aims and Ends, than the Lame Child of Jonathan could do; so that Ishbosheth shall only have the Name of a King, but Abner will have the power.

Mark Thirdly, In order hereunto he carrries this Wooden-Tool beyond Jordan to proclaim him King there, not only because it was far from the Philistines so might recruit his Forces without disturbance from that Enemy; but more especially to secure to himself, those brave valiant men of Jabesh-Gilead, whom David had courted into a compliance with him by his Ambassadors as above.

Mark Fourthly, Here Abner Proclaims Ishbosheth King over all Israel, who was yet but his Stalking Horse to serve his own turn; whence it is not said that Ishbosheth but that Abner made himself strong for the House of Saul, chap. 3.6.

Mark Fifthly, Abner acted all this, not only against the express command of God, (declared by Samuel, that David should Succeed Saul, ) but also against the Light of his own Conscience, as himself, (in a pang of Passion against his Mock-King) doth plainly acknowledge, chap. 3.9, 10, 18.

Mark Sixthly, Though it be said Ishbosheth Reigned but Two Years, it must be meant quietly and peaceably, before the ensuing War broke forth between him and David; for there was War betwixt the House of Saul and the House of David during Five Years till Ishbosheth's Death, chap. 3.1. and 'tis said here, v. 11. that David Reigned in Hebron Seven Years and Six Months: So long was God pleased to exercise David's Faith and Patience still, before he brought him to the full possession of the Crown and Kingdom over all Israel. God left Abner to the Pride of his own Heart, to cross David in his progress.

The Third Part is the Consequents, following the aforesaid Concomitants of David 's coming to the Crown at Hebron, namely, The Civil Uncivil -Wars betwixt Judah and Israel. Remarks hereupon are.

First, Abner's undertaking this War against David, ver. 12, 13. Where Mark,

First, Mahanaim (a place so named by Jacob, Gen. 32.1, 2.) was the place of Rendevouze of Abner's Army, which he Marcheth to Gibeon in the Country of Benjamin, Josh. 8.25. near Judah, to reduce that Tribe from their Revolting from the House of Saul to David.

Mark Secondly, David makes defense by Joab (his Sisters Son) whom he appointed his General, and though he had but one Tribe to stand by him, and many Tribes to withstand him, yet seeing Judah's Tribe excelled the other both in strength and number, and the followers of David had been oft Victorious, yea and many of the Ten Tribes were now come to join with David, 1 Chron. 12. per Totum But above all David having the Promise of God, dare oppose Abner in his Carier, though he had the greater Army; yet David not judging his Presence necessary, commanded Joab not to begin the Battle, but to act the Defensive part, because he had sworn to Saul that himself would not cut off his Seed, &c.

The Second Remark is, Abner's carrying on this Civil-War against David, ver. 14, 15, 16, 17. Wherein Two parts are very Remarkable, First, The Praelude to the Battle, and Secondly, The Battle itself. In the praelude Mark,

First, Abner trusting to his greater numbers, makes the first Challenge: Joab (as before) was only upon the Defensive part.

Mark Secondly, Abner was [ Ish Dammim, Hebrew] A Man of Bloods, and like a Soldier of Fortune, challengeth a Duel betwixt Twelve and Twelve on each side, saying. [Let them hack and hew one another, and make us sport.]

Mark Thirdly, Joab was True Touch, as the Mad Gallants call it, and soon accepts of Abner's Challenge in this Desperate Trial of Skill, ver. 14. As to the Battle Mark,

(1.) It was at the first a Duelling Fight betwixt an equal number on both sides, one to one, to try their Valour, v. 15.

Mark (2.) This Duel was Cruel, Bloody and Barbarous, that Brethren should sheath their Swords in one another's Bowels, v. 16. This was Doghood rather than Manhood, borrowed from Goliath the first Challenger to a Duel we read of, and who said to David [am I a Dog?] wherein he gave himself a right Little, as the first founder of that Dogged practice; for Men like Dogs to tear the Flesh one of another; So much contrary to the Law both of God and Man, to the righteous rule of Piety, Charity and Right-reason, that it was rather downright Madness and a Furious Frenzy than any true Man-hood, or Genuine Courage and Valour. Though these two Bloody Generals (who had been so much flesht with such sad Acts and Aspects ) could make a sport to see it acted in others, till at last it came upon themselves, for their thus tempting of God, and thus Trusting in an Arm of Flesh, 2 Sam. 3.27. and 1 King. 2.34.

Mark (3.) Therefore the place was called Helkath Hazzurim, ] a Field of Rocks; for a Monument of their Phrantick Madness (saith Peter Martyr ) and not of regular Magnanimity.

Mark (4.) After this out-ragious frolic, [Ecce hic Duellum transit in Acre Bellum] a sore Battle followed betwixt the two whole Armies, wherein Abner was beaten, v. 17. Josephus saith, (with whom Rabanus and other Learned Men concur) that Abner's Twelve Men only were slain, restraining the word [Everyone] to Joab's Champions who caught them by the Long Hair of their Heads and stabbed them: And Abner (after the manner of the Hebrews observing Omens, as 1 Sam. 14.9, 10. 〈◊〉 did hence prognosticate his own Defeat, so sled away in the Night when this was done by Day.

The Third Remark is, Joab's pursuit of Abner, wherein Asahel was slain, (1.) By his own swiftness, out-running all that should have saved him, v. 18, 19. (2.) By his own rashness, in daring to meddle with one above his match, Impar congressus, Troilus cum Achille. (3.) By his own pertinency, in obstinately provoking Abner against all his diswasives either to Kill or be Killed, v. 20, 21, 22, 23. Abner was Conscious of the badness of his Cause, and thought David would Conquer, then Joab David 's General would revenge his Brother's Death, therefore presseth he upon Asahel, not To contend with one Mightier than himself, Eccles. 6.10.

N. B. But when forced to it, He smote him under the Fifth Rib, where the Liver and Gall lay, a sure killing place.

The Fourth Remark is, Abner's sounding a Parley for ceasing Acts of Hostility, which Joab accepts, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32. Where Mark,

First, Abner was not so routed, but he could rally, and having got the Hill, he stands upon his guard, and tells Joab all Wars are woeful, especially Civil War; 'twas no policy to provoke a desperate Enemy, rather make a bridge of Gold for his departure, than force him to fight; and that it must be bitter at last to Butcher poor Brethren, &c.

Mark Secondly, Joab owns the Truce, after he had chidden Abner for making the Challenge first, and after that Abner (as Josephus saith) had excused himself to Joab for his killing Asahel his Brother.

Mark Thirdly, Abner departed to Mahanaim, and as soon as got over Jordan, found he had lost three hundred and sixty Men, and Joab returned to Hebron to tell David the glad Tidings of his Victory, and then went to bury Asahel (whom he had lost, and only Nineteen Men more) in a solemn Funeral at Bethlehem: Thus War was a Slaughter-House on both sides, so Lactantius (that Milky-Man ) as his Name signifies, condemns it as unlawful.

2 Sam. CHAP. III.

THis Chapter contains David's growth and progress in the Kingdom of Judah; as on the other hand Ishbosheth's did decrease, v. 1. as appeareth more particularly Chap. 4. mentioned only in the general here.

The increase of David is expressed here by three means. First by a large Progeny of six Sons, v. 2, 3, 4, 5. Secondly, By the restitution of his Wife Michal, v. 13, 14, 15, 16. and Thirdly, by Abner 's League with him, &c.

Remarks upon the first means are,

First, While David was an Exile and persecuted by Saul, God (by his good Providence) gave him no Children by his two Wives, because that him have been troublesome to him; but now when chosen King, and settled in Hebron, he is made the Father of Six Sons.

The Second Remark is, David 's Polygamy did not multiply his Posterity, though' tolerated in those times, for one Man joined to one Wife according to God's Institution, may, and oft hath as many Sons as David had by six Wives; God did not multiply David 's Sons, as he multiplied his Wives, and those he had by so many were none of the best, but rather Corrosives than Cordials to him, and this is more evident in his Son Solomon, who had a thousand Wives and Concubines, yet but one Son from them all, and he but a Child at Forty Years Old, to show God blest not Polygamy as his Ordinance.

Remarks upon the second means are,

First, Michal was restored to David by a wonderful Providence of God, in sending an Evil Spirit betwixt Ishbosheth and Abner, the occasion of the difference was, Ishbosheth chargeth Abner for being too familiar with his Father's Concubine (who had two Sons by Saul ) as if he had aspired to climb up to the Throne by her Bed: Abner was too great to be reproved by a Tool of his own setting up, and could not brook such an heinous affront, v. 6, 7, 8. thereupon resolves Revenge by a defection to David, whom he knew God had ordained to be Saul 's Successor, as he confesseth, v. 9. and therefore what he had done for Ishbosheth was against the Dictates of his own Conscience; hereupon he like a proud Bragadocio (as if he had carried the Crown in his Pocket) threatens his King to translate the Kingdom from him. In order thereunto he sends Ambassadors (as if he had been King, mopish Ishbosheth not daring to cross him) unto David, and treats for effecting it, v. 10, 11, 12. but Pious and Prudent David (after a due pause of admiring how God had over-ruled the Lusts and Passions of those two Wicked Men) will make no League with Abner, unless he brings Michal with him; and that this might be done more effectually, he sends his Ambassadors to Ishbosheth, to demand her as his by right of Covenant, as well as by right of Marriage, v. 13, 14.

The Second Remark is, Ishbosheth being forsaken by Abner, durst not deny David; so by his Kingly Authority did Divorce her from Phaltiel, to whom Saul had (in his discontent to David ) given her, 1 Sam. 25.44. and this Ishbosheth the sooner did, that she being his Sister, might be an happy instrument to reconcile him to David, into whose hands he now saw (upon Abner's revolt from him) he must unavoidably fall: and David did demand her, not only from that delight he had in her, but also to deliver her from the reproach of Adultery wherein she lived with another Man; but more especially upon a Politick Account, that she might strengthen his Title to the Kingdom, v. 15. when Regal Authority had disannulled that unlawful Matrimony.

N. B. Michal is content to go with Abner to David, who could now make her a Queen, which so obscure a Man as Phaltiel (her pretended Husband) could not do; but Phaltiel was loath to lose such an Honorable and Beautiful a Lady, and no wonder: therefore doth he express his great grief with tears, and followed her as far as Abner would permit, and when forced to forsake her, no doubt but he lent many a long look after her, until she was got quite out of his sight, v. 16.

The Remarks upon the third means of David 's Establishment and Progress are,

First, Abner (having got so acceptable a Present as Michal ) goes to David at Hebron, and there makes a League with David to bring about all the Tribes to him, that He might become the King of the whole Kingdom. All this Abner did the more freely to David, because he had felt the pulses of all the Israelites in general, canting them into a compliance by the cogency of three flying Arguments.

His First is a Jucundo, saying [Ye sought to make David King heretofore] v. 17. now this will gratify all your desires: Had he spoke out, he might have added [but I have hitherto hindered you.]

His Second Argument is, Ab Honesto: The Lord hath declared it to be his will that David should Reign, v. 18. here he Hucksters God's word for his own ends, pretending Religion and Divine Authority for David, but intending satisfaction to his own Pride, and Revenge against Ishbosheth, whom he would sell with the word of God, and buy David therewith, saith Peter Martyr; this is the guise of Hypocrites thus to Huckster with the word of God, 2 Cor. 2.17. and to color over their wicked designs; as if all Abner did here was only in obedience to God's Command.

Abner 's Third Argument is, Ab Utili; He tells all the Tribes that David was the Man whom God had designed for their Deliverance; not only from the Philistines, but also from all other their Enemies, therefore saith he, turn to David your Deliverer, and this will be your advantage, v. 18.

Nor was this all, but he applies himself to the Tribe of Benjamin in particular, v. 19. because they were of Saul 's Kindred, and would be least willing the Kingdom should go out of their Tribe into Judah 's. This shows what a notable Artist Abner was in endeavoring to win this Valiant Tribe so much addicted to Saul, into a compliance with David; for though' he had got a satisfactory Answer from all the other Tribes, yet this Tribe (so nigh Judah, and of so much Prowess, once won over to David ) would gain the whole Point. And notwithstanding, all Abner 's Rhetorical Oration to them, it appeareth from 1 Chron. 12.29. that three Thousand of them stood off from David, and endeavored to keep the Kingdom in their own Tribe,

The Second Remark upon the third means is, Abner 's Address to David, having Michal with him, and twenty Men for a Guard; and being flush'd with fair Promises from the Elders both of Israel and Benjamin, it may easily be supposed he was welcome to David, who both made a League with him, and a Feast for him, (as was Customary at Covenant Contracts, Gen. 26.30. & 31.44.46.) and no doubt but there was mirth and joy enough at this Feast, v. 19, 20. Some do reckon this as a fault in David, for though he might well be merry for both the recovery of his beloved Michal, and the hope he now had of the whole Kingdom, yet did he over-familiarly Feast this Wicked Man. Semper Deo displicet Societas piorum cum impiis, saith Peter Martyr, God never likes Plowing with an Ox and an Ass yoked together; though' this his Feasting Abner for Civil Ends was not sinful in itself (seeing it was not David 's free choice, nor out of any love to his Company, &c. )

N. B. Yet because David did all this without once consulting with God for direction, herein he failed, and therefore this whole Transaction had a most Tragical Conclusion. God would frustrate David 's Carnal Policy here, that David might acknowledge himself bound to God for promoting him to the Kingdom of Israel, and not to Abner who was a Traitor to his King Ishbosheth; God would not suffer such a Man on such grounds to promote David.

The Third Remark is, The Death of Abner, wherein a marvelous Contexture of Divine Providence is very obvious to observation; for no sooner is Abner departed from David, to perform what he had promised in bringing about all Israel to him, v. 21. but Joab returns with Rich Spoils taken from the Philistines; who, taking the Advantage of this discord betwixt the two Houses of Saul and David, had made a new Incursion into Judah, v. 22. Presently the Courtiers (to curry favor) tell Joab the story of Abner 's Noble Reception and Amicable Dismission by David, &c. v. 23. Joab immediately runs to David, and over-boldly, bluntly, and boisterously chargeth him with indiscretion, in dismissing so dangerous a Person in peace, who assuredly came as a Spie and Traitor, &c. v. 24, 25. interpreting Abner 's League to be put a Plot of Treachery; and thus sweetening his over-saucy reproof with a pretence of his love to David, whereas his intent indeed was self-love, lest Abner by this Eminent Service should worm him out of his place of being Chief General of the Royal Army.

Hereupon Joab flung out in a great Fury, because (saith Peter Martyr ) David would not answer him, or because his rage would not suffer him to stay for the King's Reply, but hasten'd to his Revenge; so sent Messengers in the King's Name, to recall Abner, saith Josephus, as if David had forgot himself in something of importance, v. 26. Thus Joab feared neither the displeasure of God, nor of David; and hence was it that David did so diligently excuse himself from having any hand in designing Abner 's Death afterward, v. 28.

The Fourth Remark is, Abner 's Treacherous Murder; wherein,

Mark First, The Murderers are the two Brothers, Joab, and Abishai, v. 27, 30. for though' it was Joab 's sole Act, yet Abishai was an Abettor of the Act, it was not done without his privity and consent: there is little difference [faveàsne sceleri, an scelus facias,] to hold the Bag, is as bad as to fill it.

Secondly, The Cause of their murthering Abner was, because he had slain their Brother Asahel, Chap. 2.23. but this was no just cause, for what Abner did was in the heat of War, and with protested reluctancy as before, but now that matter was amicably composed, and it was also a time of sublime peace, so it ought not to be done in cold blood.

Thirdly, The manner how he was murdered, Joab calls Abner aside (when he had recalled him by the King's Warrant) as a Friend, and as if he had some Secret to whisper into his ear about the King's Affairs, but instead thereof he most treacherously, smote him under the fifth rib (as he had done to Asahel, Chap. 2.23.) whereof he died, &c.

Mark (4.) The place of the Murder: It was the gate of the City, the place of Judicature, which made Joab less suspected, and Abner less suspicious, and more careless of his own defense, otherwise he might have made his part good against Joab, and not have died as a Fool, v. 33.

The last Remark is, David 's Apology about the death of Abner, wherein,

(1.) He protesteth his own and his Kingdom's innocence from so heinous and crying a Crime, v 28. making his solemn Appeal to an all-knowing God concerning it, and therefore he feared not that God would punish him or his Kingdom for it.

(2.) He demonstrates his innocence to Men by many means, as first, by Cursing the Murderer, v. 29. where Joab 's Children have a lamentable Legacy left them by his iniquity: Secondly, In not only making a public lamentation at Abner 's Funeral, but also in causing Joab to join therein, that he might both expose him to public shame, for being the Actor of it, and more especially to bring him to a sense and sight of his heinous sin (in committing it) and to a true repentance (if possible) for it, which was the cause of such a public lamentation both of King and Kingdom, that had no hand in it, v 3 • . Thirdly, in giving Abner such a Pompous Funeral at Hebron, where he watered Abner 's Sepulcher with his own tears, which was a further Testimony of his innocence in it, v. 32, 33. Fourthly, In branding Joab before all the People for his sordid Assassinating such a Man of Valour as could and would have matched him, had they fought upon equal terms, bewailing Abner that he died not as the fool Nabal did, nor were his hands manacl'd, nor his feet fettered, &c. v. 34. Tho' his hands were tied from slaying the Lord's Priests at Saul 's Command, yet was it not so now. Fifthly, In his Fasting as well as Mourning, his Chieftains entreated him to allay his great grief with the Funeral Feast, and a Cup of Consolation according to Custom, Jer. 16.7. & Ezek. 24.17. but he refused until Sun-setting, v. 35.

N. B. Note well. First all these Evidences of David's innocence were an high point of Prudence as well as Piety, the People were well pleased, v. 36, 37. to see David strip himself of his Royal Robes, and follow the Corps as a true Mourner, from which Kings are usually exempted. He truly mourned not only for the loss of Abner (in whom he lost the present project of gaining all Israel to his side) but also for Joab 's murder, defiling the Land.

N. B. Note well, Secondly, His Courtiers objected [ Why dost thou not punish the murherer of this Great Man, v. 38. David Answered, v. 39. I am forced to forbear Justice, least with my right hand I cut off my left; those Sons of Zeruiah are so Potent in the Army, they may serve me as Abner served Ishbosheth, but David was weaker in Faith than in Force; this was but Carnal Reason; for he having God's Promise for the Kingdom, should have done justice upon Joab, and have cast himself upon God's Providence for the Issue. David had God's Warrant for it, Gen. 9.6. Exod. 21.14.

Justice must be done whatever come; but David turns him over to God to punish him, 1 King. 2.5, 6. &c. 28.34.

2 Sam. CHAP. IV.

THis Chapter gives an account of the decrease of the House of Saul, as the former did of the increase of the House of David, which two Houses are Allegories; for as there was constant opposition and continual skirmishing for a long time between the two Houses of Saul and David, even so in a double Emblem, there is first betwixt Christ, and Antichrist while the World endures; and Secondly, betwixt the Spirit and the Flesh, in the Souls of the Saints while their lives do last. This double Type holds forth a double Mystery in the History, both in a general and in a particular respect.

First, As to the General, Ishbosheth 's Kingdom was founded upon an Arm of flesh, namely Human Power and Policy, and not any Divine Word to warrant it, but rather on the contrary to abolish it; therefore must it in God's time decrease though' it look never so big with so many Tribes of Israel in the belly of it at its first beginning: Whereas David 's Kingdom was founded upon a sure word of Prophesy and Promise of God, which was at the first supported with one Tribe only at Hebron, yet must it in God's time greatly grow, having both the Promise and the Providence of God to warm, water, and nourish it into a kindly growth. Even so the Kingdom of Satan, though' at the first it be enlarged almost over the face of the Earth, the whole World lying in wickedness, 1 John 5.19. yet the Lord hath spoken, it shall grow weaker and weaker as the House of Saul did, Ch. 3.1. until at last, our Lord shall destroy the Man of Sin utterly, with the breath of his mouth, and with the brightness of his coming, 2. Thes. 2.8. Whereas the Kingdom of Christ (our blessed David ) though' it be but as a little stone, the Kingdom of a Stone at the first, yet shall it become the Kingdom of a Mountain, to fill the whole Earth, Dan. 2.35.45.

In like manner, if those two Houses of Saul and David be particularly considered, they represent the two opposites, the Flesh and the Spirit in our Spiritual Warfare: what can we see in the Shulamite (or one at peace with God as the word signifies, and so is every true Believer) but as it were the Company of two Armies, Cant. 6.13. and these two are contrary each to other, Gal. 5.17. So that we cannot do the things that we would; as we cannot do the good things we would, because of the Army of the Flesh (which is Satan 's Lieutenant General ) consisting of innumerable Lusts and Corruptions that do oppose us, so we cannot do the evil things we would, because of the Army of the Spirit which is God's Lieutenant General, consisting of a Company of Evangelical Graces that do stop us in the way of sin, as the Angel of God stopped Balaam in his perverse way. Now because he that is in us is greater than he that is in the World against us, 1 Joh. 4.4. therefore the Kingdom of the Flesh (like that of Saul ) grows weaker and weaker (though it seem never so invincibly strong in the beginning of this Christian Warfare ) and is at the last finally abolished; whereas the Kingdom of the Spirit (like that of David ) grows stronger and stronger, though' it seem at the first but as little as a grain of Mustard-seed, yet grows it into a great Tree, Math. 13.31, 32. in the Kingdom of Grace, and so into the Kingdom of Glory.

The Remarks upon the Particulars of his Chapter, after this general double Allegory are,

First, The Death of Abner did not only dispirit Ishbosheth, but also put all the People into a deep consternation, v. 1.

N. B. Note well, The most Wise God would never suffer evil to be done, unless he knew how to bring some good out of that evil: Indeed Joab had his ends in thus basely (under color of friendship) to stab such a Prince in Israel as Abner was, namely to revenge his Brother Asahel 's death by him, and to secure his own place of Generalship from him; but God had his ends also, as well as Joab his, and that was,

First, To punish Abner justly, as for all his other sins, so more especially for his Rebellion against David his Lawful Lord and Sovereign, contrary to his own Knowledge and Conscience, Chap. 3.9. for compassing his Worldly Honors and Wicked Designs, in which unlawful War, though' much precious blood was spilled, yet that was but a sport to this bloody Man, Chap. 2.4. but

Secondly, God's end was to take Abner out of David 's way, not only that he might not be beholden to so bad a Man (upon whom he now too much depended) to bring all Israel under his Government, for God will have David to come to his Kingdom over all the Tribes by a better way as followeth.

The Second Remark is, The Death of Ishbosheth by two of his own Captains, ver. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. wherein,

Mark First, The Motives that induced those two Traitors to Murder Ishbosheth were because

(1.) Abner 's death (upon whom he wholly depended) had disabled him for any Royal duty, so was become an insignificant Cypher.

(2.) All the Tribes were in a confusion to hear their Peace-maker was slain (while he was negotiating their Covenant of Peace with David ) and that by Joab when he came home drunk with a successful Victory over the Enemies of Israel: hereupon they now doubted of obtaining David's favor.

(3.) None of Saul 's House (beside Concubine Sons uncapable of the Crown) were alive to revenge Ishbosheth 's murder, save only Mephibosheth, who was lamed by a fall, and but five years old, so neither fit to Reign, nor likely to Revenge his Uncle's Death.

(4.) These two Traitors therefore thought that by their removing useless Ishbosheth out of David 's way, the Crown of the whole Kingdom must needs come to him without any contradiction; Hereupon these two Benjamites of Ishbosheth 's own Tribe, and Captains of his Guard (so had free egress and regress) came into his Chamber, and slew him sleeping at Noon time a day.

N. B. 'It is a wonder he could sleep at all by night, considering he had lost his right hand in the loss of Abner. Alexander said he could sleep soundly while Antipater was his Guard; but Ishbosheth 's sleeping at Noon, and without a Guard under all his present sad Circumstances, bespeaketh him a sluggish, sapless, and a secure fool, unfit to wield the Scepter of Israel: while he dreaded no danger, they smote him under the fifth rib, where there was no bone to hinder the Stab, took off his head, and away they went that Night from Mahanaim to Hebron, with this Present to David.

The Third Remark is▪ What Reception these two Traitors found with David when they presented Ishbosheth 's head to him, v. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. wherein,

Mark First, Their starch'd Oration to David, highly commending their own Damnable Deed to him upon Three Topics.

• 1. A Jucundo [lo here's the Head of thine Enemy] and can there be a more sweet Spectacle than this?
• 2. Ab Honesto, We did it by God's Authority, who set us on work to avenge my Lord the King, &c.
• 3. Ab Utili, Now thine Enemy is removed, thou shalt Reign without a Rival: Thus those Wretches do Rhetoricate to make their heinous fact not only Lawful, but Meritorious, and all to ingratiate themselves into David 's favor, which was indeed the grand inducement of this their desperate Exploit.

Mark Secondly, David abhors the Villany, and resolves with an Oath to execute the Villains, as he had done to that pick thank Amalckite, who did but (upon Saul 's Request) help only to kill him: How much more such Traitors as you (saith David ) to a Righteous Man. Grotius Observeth here how David doth not call Ishbosheth King (because he was not so by right) but Man only, yet doth he aggravate the fact as far worse than that of the Amalekite in many respects, as

First, He was an Amalekite, so (by birth) an Enemy to Israel, and therefore no better could be expected from him, especially by Saul, who had lately slain almost all their Nation; but you are Israelites, Brethren of the same Religion, and therefore bound to do all good Offices one to another; yea, you are Benjamites of the same Tribe with Ishbosheth, which was yet an higher obligation upon you to the contrary; but the highest bond of all was, you were his Servants, and he had been a good Master to you, in preferring you to be Captains of his Life-guard, so his life was your trust, where in to find Treason makes a most treacherous Traitor.

In a Second Respect, The Amalekite did but hasten Saul 's death whom he found deadly wounded to his hand and without hope of recovery, so that what he did, was both to ease him of his pain, and to prevent his shame by the Philistines, &c. but you killed a Man in perfect health, in his own house (which is a Man's Castle ) while he was taking his repose, and not pursued by his Enemies in the Field, &c.

In a Third Respect, The Amalekite did it (as he pretended) at Saul 's earnest request out of mere compassion to him to shorten his torment and to free him from dishonor, &c. but you of your own will fell in a violent way upon this man (whom you should have guarded safe) and slew him against his will, not fearing any danger, &c.

Mark Thirdly, Hereupon David justly commanded their execution, and cut off their hands that had done the deed, and their feet that carried them away with this Present; God punishes those offending Members 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Weapons of Wickedness, Rom. 6.13.

Mark Fourthly, Ishbosheth's head was buried with Abner 's to be Partners alike in the same Sepulcher, as they had been in the Usurpation, and both fallen by treacherous bands; yet in Hebron where the Patriarchs lay buried.

2 Sam. CHAP. V.

THis Chapter is a Narrative how David came to be King over Israel as well as over Judah, and that without the assistance of Abner, or the treachery of those two late executed Traitors; the Lord stirring up the hearts of all the Tribes to come unto David in Hebron, and to Anoint him King over them, and blessing David with success in the beginning of his Kingdom over all the Tribes &c. Remarks upon this Chapter are,

First, The Free Choice of David to be King over all the Kingdom of Israel by the Elders of every Tribe, making a League with him in Hebron, v. 1, 2, 3. wherein they constitute him King by Unction, not only as near a kin to them, but because he had been a most successful Captain over them, and all this was done solemnly before the Lord, Swearing reciprocally on both sides in God's presence, whereby David on his part obliged himself to Rule the People according to God's Law, and the People on their part promised Allegiance and Fidelity to David as their Liege Lord and Lawful Sovereign.

The Second Remark is, Both the time of David 's Age at this his Coronation, and the time of his Reign in all, v. 4, 5. where 'tis said he was thirty years old when he began to Reign, and he Reigned seven years over Judah, and thirty three years (after the round number) over all Israel. David is held forth as a Type of Christ here in several Respects, as,

Mark First, Israel stood out long in opposition to David, but at last come in and submit to his Government; so all Nations, Jews and Gentiles (after a long reluctancy) shall at last submit to Christ's Scepter; Christ as David had both a Kingdom of Patience, Revel. 1.9. & 3.10. and a Kingdom of Power: When this latter comes, all his People shall be willing in the day of his power, Psal. 110.3. and then shall the Gentiles flock like Doves to the Windows of his Temple, Isa 60.8. and he will graciously receive them, Hos. 14.2.

Mark Secondly, Israel said to David [behold we are thy bone and thy flesh] so Christ is our Goel, Hebr. our near Kinsman, our Redeemer, we may well claim Kindred, seeing by his Incarnation he is become bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh, and is not ashamed to call us Brethren, Hebr. 2.11.15.18. he is the Head of that Body whereof we are Members, Eph. 5.30. and we may boldly say, he is that near Kinsman of ours, that Redeemed Mortgaged Heaven for us, &c. Ruth 3.9. & 4.6, 8, 9. & Jer. 32.7.

Mark Thirdly, As Israel calls David their Shepherd in time of Peace, and their Captain in time of War, so no less is Christ to his Church (called the Israel of God, Gal. 6.16.) in both those Titles he is our good Shepherd that leads us into green pastures, &c. Psal. 23.1, 2, 3. Joh. 10.3, 4, 10, 11. and he is the Captain of our Salvation in our Spiritural Warfare, Heb. 2.10, 11. our King, Ruler, and Law-giver, Psal. 2.6▪ Isa. 33.22, &c.

Mark Fourthly, As the Congruity and Parity betwixt the Type and the Antitype runs in parallel lines both as to Conquest, at the last, near alliance in Kindred, and in Titles of Honor, so in their three-fold Unction also; for as David was three times Anointed, (1.) by Samuel, 1 Sam. 16.13. The (2.) by the Tribe of Judah, 2 Sam. 2.5. And the (3.) here by all Israel; even so Christ had first his Secret Unction being born by the overshadowings of the Holy Spirit, so was said to be Anointed, Psal. 2.6, 7. With the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows, Psal. 45.7. Secondly, At his Baptism, when the Holy Spirit in the form of a Dove did Anoint him and Proclaim him King also; Mat. 3.16, 17. and again, Thirdly, At his Transfiguration, Mat. 17.5. &c.

Mark Fifthly, The Parallel holds a parity in the Age of their lives also; for as 'tis expressly said here that David began to execute his Kingly Office at the Age of thirty years, v. 4 even so was Christ of the same Age when he entered upon his Kingdom, Luke 3.22, 23. and had the double Kingdom of Patience and of Power as David.

N. B. A Sixth Parallel is added by Angelomus, saying, David Reigned four tens, which signified fullness and perfection of times and things, this also is most applicable to the Kingdom of Christ, &c.

The Third Remark is, David 's Conquest of the Tower of Zion for his Royal Palace at Jerusalem, v. 6.7, 8, 9. wherein,

Mark First, The Opportunity David takes for this Expedition: He had now an Army of Three Hundred Thousand Brave Men well Armed, &c. as they are summed up, 1 Chron. 12.23. to v. 40. Feasting three days with David at his Coronation; David was loath to lose so happy a Season, when so well fitted and furnished for any Noble Exploit; hereupon he marches away from Hebron to Jerusalem, designing to make it his Metropolis, but yet could not, because the Jebusites still held the Tower of Zion there, Judge. 1.23. and still in the time of the wandering Levite, Judge. 19.10, 11. therefore David began his Auspicious Reign with this Eminent Action of Besieging this strongly fortified Tower, being a nest of many infamous Persons, and such as boasted so in their impregnable Fort, that they scoffed at David in his undertaking to take it from them, saying, [the Blind and the Lame were sufficient to defend it,] which some interpret.

First, Their Idols whom David had ridicul'd or derided, as God's that have eyes and see not, hands and act not, feet and walk not, &c. Psal. 115.5, 6. as if they had said, thou David reproaches our Tutelar Daemons, as if they could neither direct nor protect us, but we will set those our Images in the front against thee, and we bid thee defiance; they will defend us well enough though we strike not one stroke for our own defense. These might well be the hated of David 's Soul, as v. 8.

N. B. Some say (as Pareus reporteth) that they were the Images of blind Isaac, and of lame Jacob, in contempt of those Holy Patriarchs, or to mind them of the Covenant betwixt Abraham and Abimelech, Gen. 21.27.32. These are but Suppositions; but

Secondly, The literal sense seems most natural and less forced than the former which is metaphorical only; for those insolent Jebusites were so confident of the invincible strength of their Tower (so well fortified both by Nature and Art ) that they verily thought a few really Blind and Lame Persons would be powerful enough to protect it against all David 's Assaults.

Now these might be the hated of David 's Soul, not because they were Blind and Lame (for so they were undoubtedly the Objects of David's Compassion, as was lame Mephibosheth, and Sense-failing Barzillai, &c.) but because they were Jebusites accursed of God, and such as were set up to deride David 's Army, and to defy the God of Israel; yea (worst of all) to defend this place which God had designed for the place of his Worship in the Temple, &c.

Mark Secondly, The Action of taking this Fort, the carnal Confidence of those Cursed Jebusites did not weaken but rather waken David 's Courage; nor did their scornful Scoffs so much discourage, but rather did enrage both him and his Army; for no sooner had David proposed his Royal Offer [that whoever getteth up to the Gutter should be his General] v. 8.1. Chron. 11.6. but presently Joab accepts of the Exploit, and finds followers enough to Conquer it by Scaling.

N. B. This Bold and Daring Enterprize Joab was obliged to manage with more undaunted Gallantry, to redeem his lost Reputation with King David, who had lately so dreadfully Cursed both his Person and Posterity for his sordid murthering of Prince Abner under a color of Friendship, before this famous fact of storming this strong Fort; Joab was one of David 's Chief Captains, and General of the Forces of Judah, Chap. 3.22, 23. but now for confuting the carnal confidence of those cursed Idolaters, he is made Captain General of all the Forces of Israel and Judah; and when this Tower was taken, the City soon yielded to David, which he repaired in that part that he called the City of David, but Joab (out of the generosity of his new Generalship ) repaired other parts, 1 Chron. 11.8.

The Fourth Remark is, The Contrary Events that David 's Settlement over the Kingdom of Israel in the Metropolitan City (Jerusalem,) produced; namely, The Congratulation of the Tyrians towards him, v. 10, 11, &c. And the Emulation of the Philistines against him, v. 17, 18, 19, to the end. The first is the Amicable Resentment that Hiram King of Tyre made of David 's present Prosperity: He hearing of David 's Valour, and Virtues, and of his growth and greatness in glory, (which could not otherways be Because the Lord of Hosts was with him, v. 10.) the fame hereof did so far prevail with this King's truly noble mind, that (as Lavater tell us,) he wrote a most Loving Letter to David, wherein he expressed much Candour and Kindness towards him: This Letter, (with David 's Answer to it) were both extant in Josephus's time. However The Scripture of Truth tells us, that this Hiram was so candid a King to David, that he sent Ambassador to him with Cedar Trees from Lebanon, (a great part whereof lay in that King's Country) and Carpenters to build him an House:

N. B. For David had demolished the Old Fort (after he had slain all the Jebusites that had defiled it with their Idolatry) save only Araunah, (saith Josephus ) who afterward proved a kind friend to David, chap. 24.18, 22. When he became a Proselyte to God's true Worship.

N. B. To this New House David gave a new Name, that all the Monuments of abomination in the Old House might utterly be abolished; and perhaps the Blind and Lame were interdicted entrance into David 's Royal Palace; not out of pride and state (as that of the Persian King's interdiction, Esth. 4.2.) but that it might be a lasting memorial of this famous Victory: Nor was this Rule so general, as to admit of no exceptions, for Lame Mephibosheth was admitted upon another account, that he might be a standing Remembrancer of David 's dear Friend Jonathan. It could not but be some content to David in demonstrating his favor to a Lame living Son, in thankfulness to his now deceased Father.

N. B. We may suppose that while all Israel was with David at Jerusalem, David consulted with the Chief Captains about a convenient time for fetching up the Ark, 1 Chron. 13.1, 2, 3, 4. and until that appointed time all the Tribes went to their own homes. After their departure Hiram sends betimes to enter Amity with him, and to build him an House to Live in; and then it was that David multiplied his Marriages (contrary to God's Law, Deut. 17.17.) to build up himself a living House, v. 13, 14, 15, 16. and 1 Chron. 14.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. This David did to enlarge his Family, and to increase his Alliances with so many considerable Families; yet may it well be reckoned amongst David 's miscarriages: For beside his leaping over the Pale of God's Law, in Multiplying his Wives to strengthen himself in the Kingdom as above, he was afterward punished in his Concubines. He was made, (saith Peter Martyr ) to Vomit them up again which he had swallowed down with so much delight, chap. 20.3. 'It is no good policy to break God's precepts upon any pretence.

The Fifth Remark is, The Second Event of David's Inauguration over all Israel, namely, The Emulation of the Philistines, who hearing of David 's splendid Coronation (quite contrary to the Tyrians ) looked upon David 's settlement with an envious Eye, and took this timely opportunity when all the Armies of Israel were returned home, and before Jerusalem was fully fortified, they came once and again to the Valley of Rephaim (which lies near Jerusalem ) to catch David at unawares, but he beats them back with a sore slaughter both times, v. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 1 Chron. 14.7. to the end. Wherein Mark,

(1.) The Philistines had not stirred against Israel during their Civil-Wars betwixt the the House of Saul and the House of David; they craftily forbore all acts of Hostility those Seven Years, hoping they would destroy one another, and so make for them a more easy Conquest of both: But now all being ended and Amicably composed unanimously under David, they began to fear his growing greatness, especially by Hiram a rich King of a Neighbor-Nation, now entered into a League with him; they thought it now high time to bestir themselves (which they durst not do before, for fear of making both parties of Israel and Judah to unite against a common Enemy-Invading their Land ) but now they must pluck up this new plant before it were too much fortified both at root and top, &c.

Mark (2.) It may be supposed that Achish King of the Philistines (who had been so kind to David in the time of his banishment by Saul ) was now Dead, for we read not one word of him in this expedition, wherein 'tis said [That all the Philistines came to find him out, and fight against him;] or if yet alive, the other Four Lord's of the Philistines over-ruled him now, as they had done in Cashiering David and his Men out of their Army, when he had Ziklag bestowed upon him.

Mark (3.) So tender was the Lord of his Servant David 's Reputation and Honor that the Philistines must first Invade him, and not he them, lest they should have for so, doing basely branded him with the brand of Ingratitude to Invade them first, who had given him such Courteous entertainment in the times of his troubles: He will not therefore be the first Aggressor.

Mark (4.) David secures his Forces in the Cave of Addullam, till he had consulted God by Abiathar; which being done, with God's warrant he falls upon the Philistines in the Valley of Giants, and smote them with as much facility as a Man can scatter weak Waters with his Foot or Finger; hence David called the place of this Victory Baal perazim, The Lord of Breaches.

Mark (5.) These Philistines had brought their Images into the Field to fight for them, in hope of help by them; perhaps in imitation of the Hebrews who had formerly frighted them with their Ark among their Army, 1 Sam. 4 6, 7, 8. those Mawmets they left behind in their praeposterous flight to save their Lives, or out of contempt, because they had helped them to no better Success; David takes and burns them as God had commanded, Deut 7.5, 25. 1 Chron. 14.12.

Mark (6.) Those Fool-hardy Philistines will needs stumble the second time upon the same stone, spreading themselves again in the valley of Giants, doubtless with greater force. v. 22. as if they had been of the Race of those Old Giants who waged War against God himself: David still (not flush'd witht he former Victory) depends upon God for Direction: God Directs David not to fight them by open War as in the first, but now to use a stratagem of Fetching a compass, v. 23. God's Promise must be trusted, yet the best means must be used, [ Come on them unawares, &c]

Mark Lastly, The Season of David's Acting: God must go before, and Man must follow after, [ When thou hearest the sound of a going on the tops of the Mulberry Trees, then fall on, v. 24.] Such a sound as utterly frighted the Syrians, 2 King. 7.6. shall now fright the Philistines: The sound of a shaking Leafe shall chase them, Levite. 26.36. [Then shall the Lord go out before thee.] God the Father speaks this of God the Son, the Captain of Salvation, Josh. 5.14. Heb. 2.10, &c. David did so, and Defeated them the second time, and pursued them home, which he did not do in the first Defeat, v. 25.

N. B. Note well, Oh! that we could mind the motions of Christ's Spirit in our Spiritual warfare when he lifts up his Standard, Isa. 59.19. These are the sounds of God's goings, Psal, 89.51. then is the Conquering time.

2 Sam. CHAP. VI.

THIS Chapter relateth the Honorable Transportation of the Ark of God from Kiriath-Jearim, (where it had been above Forty Years ) in order to bring it to Jerusalem to the place which David had prepared for its settlement there. Where note the Three General Parts of this Chapter, the First is, The bringing up of God's Ark from the House of Abinadab: The Second is, The Seating of it in a strange place, in the House of Obed-Edom, and the Third is, the Carriage of it at last to its proper place, &c. Remarks upon it are,

First, David called all Israel together again, to fetch up the Ark, which hitherto could not be done because of the Invasion of the Philistines, though David would have begun with Religion, had he enjoyed peace; but Reformation will meet with opposition: David was now no sooner settled again in his Kingdom, (after this double Defeat of the Philistines ) but he resolves upon settling Religion and the sincere Service of God. Seek first the Kingdom of God and all things else shall be added, Matth. 6.33.

The Second Remark is, As David called this great Assembly together, not only to put an honor upon the Action (it being done thus by general consent, and so magnificently attended) but also in defense of the Ark in case the Enemy should make any attempts to interrupt them for their passage: So his design was to redeem the Ark of God's Presence from that sordid neglect all Saul 's time, possibly because it was so long in a private House; He intends now to carry it up to Jerusalem, the Royal City in the very middle of the Land, far more convenient both for himself and all his Subjects to resort to it for the Worship of God, and to consult with it in all Arduous and importunate Emergencies.

The third Remark is, The Journey from Kiriath-Jearim, to Jerusalem, might be looked upon as too long a Journey for the Levites to carry the Ark of God upon their Shoulders according to God's command, Numb. 4.14, 15. & 7, 9. therefore out of their prudentials (which oft spoils true Piety ) they provide a New Cart, and lay the Ark of God upon it for its more currant Conveiance to its proper and appointed place. This mode of carriage they had learnt from the Philistines, a bad president, who had done so before this without damage or any token of Divine Displeasure, they doing so at the direction of their Diabolical Diviners, 1 Sam. 6.2, 7.

N.B. No good patterns for Israel's practice: They did not so well consider that God would wink at this disorder in the Philistines because they were ignorant of God's Laws. But he would not brook it in his own People to whom the Oracles of God were committed, Rom. 3.2. And one would think the very Staff-Rings upon the Ark might have minded the Levites of their Duty: But 'tis likely they loved their own ease too much at this time, so were too willing to spare their own Shoulders, ver. 1, 2, 3, 4.

The Fourth Remark is, The Great Joy that David and his Thirty Thousand Nobles and all Israel