The History of the Old Testament Methodized
The first thing here related is how the tidings of the death of Saul and his Sons were brought to David whilst he was yet at Ziklag , whether he was newly returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and had been preparing and sending away presents to his friends in Judah of the spoils he had taken in that Expedition; on the third day after, a young man came out of the Camp with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head, to testify the dismalness of the tidings he brought; and when he came to David, he fell on the earth and did obeisance. David understanding he came out of the Camp of Israel, asked him how matters went? He told him the Israelites were vanquished, many of them killed, and Saul and his Son Jonathan slain. David astonished at this, asked him how he knew it to be so? This young man to ingratiate himself with David (who was by general fame known to be the man whom Samuel had anointed to succeed Saul ) and apprehending that if he should carry the first tidings of Saul 's death to him, he should not miss of a great reward, he tells him that being on mount Gilboa he found Saul leaning on his Spear , as not being able to stand, because of the deadly wounds the Archers had given him, and the Chariots and Horsemen pursuing him so fast, he called unto him and desired him to stand over him and slay him (for he was in great anguish and trouble that his life was yet whole and entire in him) and accordingly he dispatched him as Saul desired of him, for he was sure he could not live after he was fallen. And he took off the Coronet he wore on his head, and the Bracelets which he wore on his arm, and here (says he) I present them unto my Lord the King.
David then took hold of his Clothes, and rent them, and so did all the men that were with him, and they mourned and wept, and fasted unto the evening, for Saul and Jonathan his Son, and for the people of the Lord that were fallen in the battle, and that by the hands of the Uncircumcised Philistines, which was an evidence of God's wrath against the Land. David angrily asked this young man how he durst presume to stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed? 'It is like the Amalekite thought David would have been highly pleased with him for doing it, but David upon Saul 's death being come into the actual possession of the Regal rights, and this man having confessed the crime himself, David bad one of the young men about him to fall upon him, and kill him, which he accordingly did, and David said, thy blood be upon thy own head , for thy own mouth hath testified against thee, that thou hast slain the Lord's Anointed.
2 Sam. Ch. 1. from v. 1. to 17.
SECT. CLXXV.
DAvid now laments the death of Saul and Jonathan, and the men of Israel in a Funeral Song, having first given order that the children of Judah should be taught the use of the bow, and the rather because Saul and Jonathan had been overcome by the Archers among the Philistines, therefore he desired they should be expert in that Art, that they might match their enemies in that military skill for time to come. Which order is further recorded in the Civil Annals, or the General Chronicle of the Memorable Acts of the Nation, called the Book of Jasher , which was continued (as is probable) from time to time by the Prophets. See Note on Josh. 10.13.
David begins his Funeral Elegy thus: O how are Saul, Jonathan, and many other valiant men of Israel (who were the beauty, ornament, and glory of the land) fallen on the mountains of Gilboa! O tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askalon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph, as they used to do in their dances and songs, [see Note on 1 Sam. 18.6.] O if it were possible that this thing might be concealed from the enemies of God and his people, lest they triumph and insult over them, [see Judge. 16.23. Mich. 1.10.] ascribing the glory of this victory to their Idol-gods, to the great dishonor of the only true God, the God of Heaven and earth. O ye unfortunate mountains of Gilboa, let no dew or rain ever fall upon you more; be ye cursed with drought and barrenness as a sad and woeful monument of this calamity, and let there be no fruitful plots or fields found among you, that may yield offerings of first fruits and Tythes. May those hills which have given so much occasion of sorrow never afford any matter of rejoicing, for there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, viz. when the Israelites were routed in the field, yea the shield of Saul as though he had not been anointed with oil, that is, there Saul himself dropt his shield, and fell contemptibly, as though he had been a common ordinary man, and not a King. It was far otherwise formerly. For Jonathan 's bow, and Saul's sword used not to return empty from the blood of the slain, and from the fat of the mighty; that is, they did usually devour the blood and flesh of their stoutest enemies. Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives; that is, they dearly loved one another, though Saul in his frantic fits was sometimes enraged against Jonathan, yet no doubt he dearly loved him when those fits were over. And in their deaths they were not divided, that is, they fell together in the field. They were swifter than Eagles, and stronger than Lions; that is, they were nimble and active in pursuing their enemies, and strong and valiant in subduing them. Ye daughters of Israel weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, and gave you ornaments of gold upon your apparel; remember the peace you enjoyed under his Government, which was accompanied with great plenty and abundance of all things both for necessity and delight; remember how he enriched the land with the spoils of the enemy. But O sad and deplorable! how are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle? O Jonathan how wert thou slain upon those cursed high mountains? I am distressed, exceedingly distressed for thee my Brother Jonathan: Very pleasant hast thou been unto me: Thy love to me was wonderful, exceeding the love of women, whose affections usually are very strong. How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war lost, viz. the arms that were brought by the Israelites to the battle, and became a spoil to the Philistines, to the great dishonor and weakening of God's own people. O tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askalon.
2 Sam. Ch. 1. from 17, to the end.
SECT. CLXXVI.
DAvid now inquires of the Lord by the Ephod, whither he should go up to any of the Cities of Judah, and he receives directions from God to go up to Hebron ; accordingly he with his two wives, and his followers with their families went up to that City. The men of Judah presently flocked thither and anointed David King over them. For though before he had been anointed by Samuel, yet that they might testify their approbation of what God had appointed, they cheerfully now consent to accept him for their King and Sovereign, and he reigned over them in Hebron seven years and six months before the rest of the Israelites did generally submit to him. Soon after the men of Judah had thus acknowledged him, he made inquiry after the Bodies of Saul and his Sons, intending (as 'tis probable) to have honourably buried them, and he was told what had been done concerning them by the men of Jabesh Gilead, of which before, 1 Sam. 31.11, 12, 13. Hereupon he sent Messengers to them to thank them for the kindness they had shown to Saul, desiring the Lord to recompense it unto them, and to manifest his mercy and faithfulness to them for it. And he being now anointed King over Judah, would not have them entertain any thoughts of jealousy, as if he would bear them any spleen or ill will for their kindness shown to Saul, but to believe that he would the rather endeavor to manifest all kindness to them, and to requite them for it.
2 Sam. Ch. 2. from 1, to 8.
SECT. CLXXVII.
ABner, Saul 's Cousin-german, who in Saul 's life-time had been General of his Army, fearing that if David were made King, he should be displaced, or disregarded; and knowing he could not in reason expect that favor and preferment under David, which he might under a King of his own kindred and family, especially if he himself were the chief instrument to make him King; and further considering that Mephibosheth, Jonathan's Son, (the heir apparent to Saul ) was but five years old, and now lately lamed in his feet, and so unfit for his purpose, [see Ch. 4.4.] therefore he thought it best to take Ishbosheth (who was the only Son of Saul that was now left, except those he had by his Concubines) and to make him King, and to that end he took and carried him to Mahanaim a City in Gilead in the Tribe of Gad beyond Jordan, choosing there to settle his new King, where he might be safest, and at the greatest distance from David's party. Abner well knew that David was anointed by Samuel to succeed Saul in the Throne, [see Chap. 3.4.] but being an ambitious and atheistical man, he regarded not what God had appointed, and seeing Ishbosheth to be a weak and poor-spirited man, he thought he might make use of him as a shadow, and in the mean time rule all himself. And accordingly in that City he made him King over all Israel, Judah excepted, who to their great praise stuck to David (whom God had appointed to be King ) though they knew it was like to prove the occasion of a Civil War, and of much danger to them; however they resolved to do their duty and to leave the event to God. Ishbosheth was forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years quietly without any quarrel with the house of David.
2 Sam. 2. from 8, to 11.
SECT. CLXXVIII.
DAvid now the better to strengthen himself in his new Kingdom contracts affinity with Talmai King of Geshur , a City lying in the North, in the borders of Gilead, and marries his daughter Maacha, who bare him Absalom, and a fair daughter called Tamar.
2 Sam. Ch. 3.3. and Ch. 13.1.
SECT. CLXXIX.
AFter Ishbosheth 's two years quiet reign there grew a long war between those that adhered to him, and those that adhered to David. Joab the Son of Zeruiah ( David's sister) bearing up the one side, and Abner the other. And accordingly Abner led forth an Army from Mahanaim to Gibeon to fight against David, where Joab with an Army met him; the one pitching on the one side of the pool of Gibeon, and the other on the other side. The Armies being thus near together, Abner sent a Challenge to Joab, to wit, that a certain number of their young gallants on each side might come forth and skirmish together, and by a trial of their valor, and skill in Arms show both Armies some sport and pastime. And this no doubt he did in a bravery, as hoping by this vaunting flourish of the courage of his men to daunt those that were with Joab; but Joab no way discouraged readily accepted the Challenge, and sent forth twelve of his men to enter the lists with twelve of Abner's. These young men running fiercely upon one another, and catching everyone his Antagonist by the head, they thrust their swords into one another's sides, and so fell down dead all together. By which sad event of this combat, God declared how much he abhorred such vain glorious Challenges. The field where they fell was from henceforth called Helkath-hazzarim, or the field of strong and valiant men. The two Armies being enraged at the death of their fellows slain in this Combat, they presently with great fury fall upon each other, and so there was a sore battle, and at last Joab and his men won the field; and Abner was beaten, and his Army put to flight. In the pursuit Asahel, Joab 's brother, who was as light of foot as a wild Roe, and also a man of his hands, and valiant , hotly pursued Abner ambitiously aspiring (as it should seem) to take the General of the field prisoner. Abner looking behind him, and seeing him thus hotly pursue him, he called to him and bad him turn either to the right hand or the left, and lay hold on one of the young men that followed him, and take his Armor. As if he should have said, set upon one that is thine equal, and content thyself with taking the spoil of his Armor from him, and do not provoke an old experienced Soldier to thy great danger and peril. I am loath to kill thee, if thou dost not too much provoke me to it, for thy brothers sake: For if I should kill thee how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother, and how could I expect any peace or reconciliation with him? But Asahel would not turn aside from pursuing him; wherefore Abner turned upon him, and with the hinder end of his Spear smote him under the fifth rib, and he fell down dead immediately. Joab 's Soldiers who pursued, when they came to the place where Asahel lay dead, they stood still and ceased their pursuit, gazing upon this sad spectacle, and lamenting his death; Joab also himself and Abishai his brother pursued after Abner, and the Sun went down when they were come to the Hill of Ammah whither Abner had retreated, and there the children of Benjamin, and his other broken companies rallying themselves together, and having the advantage of the upper ground, made head again against Joab. Then Abner as it seems desired a parley with Joab, and spake to him after this manner, What shall the sword devour forever? Knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? the shedding so much Israelitish blood, whatever you now may think of it in the heat of pursuing your victory, yet it will prove like such meats as are sweet in the mouth, but breeding choler are bitter in the stomach; slaughter and revenge may now seem sweet unto you, but the effects thereof will be sad and bitter; therefore I advise thee rather to desist from the pursuit, and to command thy Soldiers to return from following their brethren. Joab replied, as sure as God liveth, if thou hadst not sent us a Challenge, and provoked us to the Combat of the young men, the people with me were so far from desiring to shed the blood of their brethren, that purposely to prevent it we were minded to have retired in the morning before the battle was fought. And to show thee that I am more for peace than war, I shall now give over the chase of you. So Joab caused his Trumpeter to sound a retreat, and they ceased from pursuing, and fought no more with Israel at this time, though afterwards the War was renewed again. And Abner and his men marched back to Mahanaim, and Joab mustering his forces upon the place, found he had lost but nineteen men besides Asahel, but of Abner's men they found there were three hundred sixty slain. Joab then took up the body of Asahel, and buried it in the Sepulcher of his Father at Bethlehem, and so marched back with his Army to Hebron.
2 Sam. from v. 12, to the end.
SECT. CLXXX.
AFter this there was long War between the house of Saul, and the house of David, which lasted five years and odd months from this time to the death of Ishbosheth; David's house waxing stronger and stronger, and Saul 's weaker and weaker. David whilst he was exiled and persecuted by Saul had no children, though he had two wives with him, God in his wise Providence so ordering it whilst Children might have been an occasion of much care and incumbrance unto him; but when he was chosen King over Judah, and settled in Hebron, he had six Sons born to him in his seven years and six months reign there. His first born was Amnon by Ahinoam; his second Chileab (called Daniel, 1 Chron. 3.1.) by Abigail; his third Absalom by Maacha, daughter of the King of Geshur; his fourth Adonijah by Haggith; his fifth Shephatiah by Abital; his sixth Ithream by Eglah .
2 Sam. Ch. 3. from 1, to 6.
SECT. CLXXXI.
ABner during the War between David and Ishbosheth acted very valiantly and strenuously for the house of Saul, and stored himself with Arms and Ammunition for that purpose, so that he had cause to think he deserved well of Ishbosheth; but at last it seems Ishbosheth began to be jealous of him, and to look upon him as one that aspired to the Crown, and charged him (whither he had ground for it or no is uncertain) that he had gone in to his Fathers Concubine, which he took to be a dishonor to Saul his Father, and a sign that he had some high thoughts in his mind (a). . Abner was exceedingly provoked and enraged at this, and angerly replied, What, am I a dogs-head? am I so mean and vile a person in thine eyes that I should be school'd and reprehended for such a matter as this? I, that have shown such kindness unto the house of thy Father, and to his brethren and friends, and have so strenuously stood up against the Tribe of Judah who made David King, and have made thee King over the rest of Israel, and hitherto supported thee in thy Kingdom, and have not delivered thee into the hands of David, as I might have done: What! am I so mean and contemptible a person that thou shouldst think it a disgrace to thy family that I should lie with one of thy Fathers Concubines? God do so to me and more also, if I do not translate the Kingdom from the house of Saul to the house of David, and make him King over all Israel, even from Dan to Beersheba as the Lord hath sworn he should be. So that it is plain that Abner knew very well that God had chosen and appointed David to be King, and yet all this while he had opposed him against his own knowledge and conscience for his own worldly and wicked ends. But though he behaved himself thus insolently, yet Ishbosheth being a low and poor-spirited man durst not answer him a word, he stood in such fear of him.
Abner pursuant to what he had threatened, sent messengers to David by whom he made his acknowledgment that the whole land did indeed belong to him, whom God by Samuel had anointed to be King over Israel, and therefore he resolved his hand should be with him to bring all Israel to be subject unto him, provided he would make a League and Covenant with him to pardon all that was past, and to receive him into his favor. David returned him an answer that all that he desired was granted, only he must not expect to see his face except he brought Michal Saul 's daughter along with him. That David insisted upon this condition needs not seem strange if we consider first that she had beeen his first wife, and had been faithful to him in preserving his life, [1 Sam. 19.11, 12.] and had been forced by her father to marry another man when he was fled, 1 Sam. 25.44. And 2ly, David could no way better express his love to her than by rescuing her from the sin and misery of living in adultery. 3ly, He saw in policy it imported him to ingratiate himself with and gain the love of Saul's kindred and allies, which he could no way better do than by this means. 4ly, He thought he should hereby try the fidelity of Abner. Abner (it seems) hereupon advised David to send to Ishbosheth for his wife, and then he would second the motion, and procure it to be done. David accordingly sent Messengers to Ishbosheth, desiring to have his wife Michal delivered to him, which he had espoused to him for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines. Ishbosheth (being persuaded by Abner to gratify David therein) immediately sent and took her away from Phaltiel her husband, who went along with her as far as Bahurim (a Town in the Tribe of Benjamin) weeping and lamenting that a wise so noble and beautiful should be taken away from him. But Abner bad him return and comfort himself, for 'twas in vain to weep for that which could not be helped. Then Abner in pursuance of his design to come in to David, had communication with the Elders of Israel, and said to them, Many of you long ago sought to have David to be King over you, now then I pray let us all agree to it, for the Lord hath spoken of David, saying, by the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hands of the Philistines, and out of the hands of all their enemies. He having thus spoken, received a satisfactory answer from them, viz. that they would receive David for their King. Then he addresseth himself to the Tribe of Benjamin, speaking to them to the same purpose, and he thought it needful to address himself in an especial manner to them, because Saul had been of their Tribe, and so was chiefly in their favor, and therefore if they gave way to David's Title, and submitted to his government, little doubt was to be made but that the rest of the Tribes would submit also. Having therefore received such an answer from the Elders of Israel and Benjamin as satisfied him, he to show his great diligence and faithfulness in managing David's business, went himself to carry the news of his good success to David at Hebron, (reporting to him all that Israel, and especially Benjamin had said) being attended with twenty men, and (as 'tis probable) carried Michal along with him. David received him very graciously, and made a great feast for him and his company; when that was over, Abner told him he would go and endeavor to get all Israel to accept him for their King, and to make a league with him to be subject to him that he might reign over them all, even according to his own hearts desire; so David dismissed him in peace. Joab with a Brigade of his Soldiers now returning home from pursuing a Troop of the Philistines, or some other enemies that had invaded the land, and bringing a great spoil along with them, he was told that Abner had been newly with the King, and had been graciously received by him▪ and honourably dismissed. Joab was enraged at this, and therefore in a bold and insolent manner he came to the King, and asked him what he had done? He wondered at his imprudence in sending away so dangerous an enemy as Abner was, when he had him in his hands. Thou mightest well have known (says he) if thou hadst considered it, that Abner is a subtle and politick man, and came not for any good end but to deceive thee, and as a spy to discover thy counsels, and the course of thy actions and proceedings. Thus he pretends only David 's good, but 'tis like he feared lest Abner by this important service of coming in to him himself, and bringing in the other Israelites, should insinuate himself into David's favor, and so prove a corrival to him in his honors and preferments; and besides the death of his brother Asahel killed by Abner stuck in his stomach. David (it seems) was not much moved by what he said, wherefore Joab flinging away in a discontent, when he was come out from the King, he sent Messengers after Abner (and possibly in the Kings name who knew nothing of it) who brought him back from the Well Sirah situate on the North of Hebron. Abner being returned, Joab took him aside in the Gate ( Abishai being by, who (it seems) was also in the Plot, see v. 30.) under pretense to speak with him peaceably and privately about the Kings affairs, and on a sudden (he little suspecting any such thing) smote him under the fifth rib, so that he fell down dead. By this means (though the fact in Joab was base and villainous ) God punished Abner for his rising up against David, (contrary to his own knowledge and conscience) to compass his wicked end, and for being the occasion of shedding so much blood in this war, at which he so little scrupled. When David heard of the murder of Abner he was extremely surprised at it, and cried out, I and my Kingdom are guiltless before the Lord forever from the blood of Abner, let it rest on the head of Joab and all his Fathers house, and let there not fail from the house of Joab (as long as his family continueth) one that hath a running issue, (for which persons were debarred from entering into the Congregation, and partaking of the public Ordinances, Levite. 15.21.) or a leper, or one that leaneth on a staff, (by reason of feebleness and lameness) or that falleth by the sword, (and so dieth an untimely death ) or that lacketh bread, and so is brought to beggary; let there be ever in Joab's family some person that is under one or more of these Plagues. Then David commanded Joab and all the people that were with him to rend their clothes, and gird themselves with sackcloth, to intimate that their hearts were rent with grief for this horrid fact. Then he made a solemn and public Funeral for Abner, and he himself followed the Bier with great expressions of grief. So they buried Abner in Hebron, and the King lift up his voice at his grave and wept, and the people wept also. And the King lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner like as a fool dieth, that is, as a weak and cowardly man that yieldeth himself to be slaughtered by his enemy, making little or no resistance. No surely, thou didst not die like a base weak captive taken in war, nor as a malefactor bound in chains and fetters, and so led out to execution; no, but thou wast basely and treacherously slain. As a man falleth before wicked men so fellest thou; as it might happen to the most wise and valiantest man in the world that hath to do with false, cowardly, and treacherous men, so it hath happened unto thee. And this David spake before Joab 's face, and branded him with dishonor and reproach before all the people as a part of his punishment for his wicked fact. It seems it was the manner at solemn Funerals to have a Feast provided to refresh and cheer the guests in the time of their mourning, see Jer. 16.7, 8. Ezek. 24.17. And such a Feast was now provided. But David to express his great and extraordinary grief for Abner, refused to eat at it; whereupon the Commanders of the Army, and heads of the people came to him and entreated him not to lay the matter so much to heart as to forbear his food. But David sware to them, saying, God do so to me and more also if I taste bread, or ought else till the Sun be set. The people observing his carriage therein were highly pleased with it, and were glad to see him so much to resent the base murder of Abner, and with so much earnestness to seek to clear himself thereof; they saw plainly that it was not by David's counsel or instigation, either directly or indirectly that Abner was slain, but it proceeded merely from Joab 's malice and revenge. And not only David 's carriage in this matter concerning Abner pleased the people, but generally all things else that he did (through his prudence and wise conduct ) were very pleasing to them. Indeed whither they liked his not executing justice upon Joab at this time is uncertain, but however he was fain to apologize for himself, and he said to his servants about him, You see there is Prince and a great man this day fallen in Israel, whose blood I would revenge on him that shed it, but that he and his Brother Abishai (these Sons of Zeruiah ) are at this time too potent for me, they being in so great favor with the people, and commanding the Army, and I myself (though anointed King ) yet am at present but unsettled in my Kingdom; however the Lord will reward the evil doer at one time or other according to his wickedness. But this excuse was below pious and valiant David, and savoured too much of carnal fear, worldly policy; for he having God's promise to establish him in the Throne, he needed not to fear the executing of justice upon so heinous a malefactor as Joab was, notwithstanding all his power, and the power of his allies. And if justice had been now executed on him, Amasa 's death had been prevented, whom Joab afterwards slew in a like treacherous manner. See 2 Sam. 20.10. But some will ask, Why did not David execute justice upon Joab afterwards when he was established in his Throne? Doubtless it was a great fault in him, and before his death he seems to have repented of it, which the charge given to his Son Solomon seems to imply, 1 King. 2.5, 6. ziz. That he should not let Joab's hoary head go down to the grave in peace.
2 Sam. Ch. 3. from v. 6, to the end.
SECT. CLXXXII.
Ishbosheth, and the Israelites that adhered to him were wonderfully perplexed and dismayed when they heard of the death of Abner, he being their General on whose counsel and conduct they had hitherto so much depended. Things going thus badly with them, two of Ishbosheth 's Captains conspired against him, whose names were Baanah, and Rechab the Sons of Rimmon born in Beeroth a City of Benjamin; but the inhabitants of that City after Saul 's discomfiture fled out of it to Gittaim another Town of Benjamin, and the Philistines possessed it, and so they were still called Beerothites, after the place of their former habitation, and lived but as sojourners in Gittaim among their Brethren the Children of Benjamin. And that which encouraged these Captains (as it seems) to conspire the death of Ishbosheth was, because he being taken away there would be no legitimate issue of Saul 's race, but only Mephibosheth, who being but a child of twelve years of age, and withal lame in his feet was altogether unfit to succeed in the Kingdom. Whence they imagined how advantageous their intended fact would be to David, and how likely they were to be rewarded by him for it, and lastly how safely they might do it, because there would be none left of Saul 's race to revenge Ishbosheth 's death. Accordingly these Conspirators came to Ishbosheth 's house, who was then reposing himself on his bed, and they came (it seems) in the disguise or habit of Country men or Merchants that came to buy wheat , (whereof Ishbosheth 's lands yielded great store) or of Porters that came to carry some away that had been bought; and by this color having free access into his house, and finding him asleep upon his bed, they desperately murdered him, and cutting off his head took it away with them, and travelling all night from Mahanaim through the Plain of Jericho to Hebron, they brought it to David, and presented it to him, saying, Behold the head of Ishbosheth thine enemy who sought thy life, and the Lord hath avenged my Lord the King this day on Saul and on his seed. David being enraged at this their desperate wickedness and treachery against their Lord and Master, said, As sure as the Lord liveth who hath hitherto delivered me out of all my troubles, I will inflict upon you the punishment that your heinous crime deserves; when the Amalekite came to me and told me that Saul was dead (thinking to have brought me acceptable tidings ) and said moreover that upon Saul 's request he had helped to kill him, and rid him out of his pain. [See 2 Sam. 1.10.] I took hold of him and slew him in Ziklag, though he thought I would have given him a reward for his tidings; how much greater reason then have I to execute severe justice on such bloody and wicked Assasinates as you are who have murdered one that was just and innocent as to you, having done you no wrong, but contrary deserved well of you, and that so basely and treacherously in his own house, and upon his bed where he lay secure, suspecting no such danger? Have not I reason therefore to require his blood at your hands, and to take you away from the earth for committing such an abominable villainy? Having thus spoken, he commanded the young men about him to fall upon them and slay them, which they immediately did, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the Pool in Hebron, that all men might see how much David abhorred this fact of theirs, and how far he was from knowing anything of it, or giving the least encouragement to them that did it. As for the Head of Ishbosheth they took and buried it in the Sepulcher of Abner in Hebron.
2 Sam. Ch. 4. whole Chapter.
SECT. CLXXXIII.
IShbosheth being dead, the Elders and Heads of the several Tribes of Israel, and the Captains, and many thousands of the people that bare arms came unto David to Hebron, to settle the Kingdom of Saul upon him, as God had appointed; and some of them addressing themselves to him in the name of the rest, spake after this manner, We are thy bone and thy flesh, that is, Israelites as thou art, and therefore doubt not but we shall find favor with thee. And when Saul was King over us, thou wast our Captain, and didst lead forth our Armies against our enemies, and broughtest them back again crowned with victory, and laden with spoil. And therefore the experience we have had of thy wisdom and prowess moves us to desire thee for our King. And further God did by Samuel appoint thee to rule over us, and said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and be a Captain over them. And we are bound to accept him for our King, whom God shall choose for us. Deut. 17.15. upon all these accounts we are willing to accept of thee, and submit to thee as our King. David graciously received them and their address, and declared himself ready to forget all that was past, and to receive them as his subjects into his protection. And so he made a league with them, promising to govern them according to the rule prescribed in God's Law, and they promised to obey him as his loyal and liege people. And this being done with invocation of God as a witness of their league, it is said to be done before the Lord; and so they anointed David King over all Israel. He was thirty years old at this time; he had reigned seven years and six months over Judah in Hebron before; and after this he reigned over all Israel thirty three years, so that his whole reign was almost forty years. In the 1 Chron. 12.23. we have the number of those who out of the several Tribes came to Hebron upon this solemn occasion: Of the Children of Judah, six thousand and eight hundred ready armed; they had before anointed David King over them, therefore it was not necessary they should appear in greater numbers at this time. Of Simeon, seven thousand one hundred mighty men of valor. Of Levi, four thousand and six hundred; though this Tribe was set apart peculiarly for the service of God, yet many of them (being men of valor) did (it seems) go out into the wars, and David being now to be inaugurated and anointed King, the Levites were willing to show their forwardness also to establish him in his Kingdom. Of the Aaronites or Priests, three thousand and seven hundred, with Jehoiada their leader. And Zadok a young man of great valor was another leader among the Sons of Aaron, and with him came twenty two Captains that were Priests, and of his Fathers house. Of the Chilren of Benjamin, three thousand; no more of them (it seems) appeared, because they being of the same Tribe with Saul, a multitude of them endeavored to continue the Kingdom in Saul's race , and were unwilling the Royal dignity should go from them. Of the Children of Ephraim, twenty thousand eight hundred, mighty men of valor, and famous in their Tribe. Of the half Tribe of Manasseh that was seated within Jordan, eighteen thousand, which were chosen by name to be employed in this service. Of the Children of Issachar, that were singularly prudent, and able to give advice for the doing of anything that was to be done in the fittest time , and season , and whose brethren were at their command, out of the high esteem they had of their prudence and wisdom; of these the Heads or Captains were two hundred, and therefore undoubtedly had divers thousands under their command who came along with them. Of Zebulon no less than fifty thousand, (the greatest number that came out of any one Tribe ) men expert in war, and armed with all Military instruments, and who could keep rank and order, and were not of a divided or double heart, but men of great singleness and sincerity. Of Naphtali, a thousand Captains, and with them thirty seven thousand, armed with Shield and Spear. Of the Danites, twenty eight thousand, and six hundred expert Soldiers. Of Asher forty thousand. Of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half Tribe of Manasseh an hundred and twenty thousand, furnished with all manner of weapons and military instruments. All these (which are reckoned to be in all three hundred, twenty two thousand, two hundred twenty two ) being men of war, (who knew how to keep rank, and observe Military order and discipline ) are said to have come with an upright heart to Hebron to make David King over all Israel; and those that came not up with them, yet joined in heart and affection with them therein. And there they stayed with David, eating and drinking and feasting three days together, their brethren of Hebron making what preparations for them they could, and others that were nigh unto them sending in provisions; yea as far as from Issachar , Zebulon and Naphtali, they brought bread and other provisions, some on Asses and Camels, and Mules, and some drawn by Oxen, and meat, and meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, wine and oil; they brought also oxen and sheep in great abundance to make the Feast, for there was then great joy in Israel.
2 Sam. Ch. 5. from v. 1. to 6.
1 Chron. Ch. 11. from v. 1, to 4.
1 Chron. Ch. 12. from v. 23, to the end.
SECT. CLXXXIV.
DAvid having now so many of his subjects together, and most of them armed, he resolved to make some good use of them to the taking of Jerusalem, which stood in the confines of Judah and Benjamin; the men of Judah had taken that part of it which belonged unto them, [see Judge. 1.8.] but the Children of Benjamin could not drive out the Jebusites out of their part, [see Judge. 1.21.] no not when they had the help of their brethren the men of Judah, [see Josh. 15.63.] and therefore we read that afterwards it was a City of strangers, when the Levite with his Concubine went that way, [Judge. 19.] and so it continued to this time. It was a place (it seems) of very great strength, because the Jebusites had held it ever since Joshua had entered the land, and it was even in the heart of the Country. David having therefore so vast a number of his subjects that were men of war about him, (who on this solemn occasion had come up to him to Hebron ) he thought fit to take this opportunity to lead them forth against Jerusalem, viz. that part of it that was held by the Jebusites, resolving that the wresting of that place out of their hands should be his first enterprize, after his being anointed King over all Israel, and intending when he had taken it to make it the chief seat of his Kingdom. Accordingly he led his Army up thither, but when he had laid siege thereto, the Jebusites that were within ( presuming upon the strength of the place) in a flouting manner told him, That except he could take from them their Tutelar gods, that is, their Idols and Images in which they put their trust, (though he and his people counted them, and in contempt called them blind and lame gods ) he must not expect to come in thither. And so confident they were of the power and protection of their Idols, that they thought David and all Israel could never take their Fort or Castle. David hereupon to encourage his Captains in the enterprize, promised them that whoever with his Soldiers did first scale the walls, and get into the Gutter, and kill the Jebusites, and destroy the lame and blind Idols, they so much trusted in (which his soul hated) he should be chief Captain and General of his forces. Joab (possibly that he might recover the Kings favor whom he had highly offended by killing Abner ) did hereupon first scale the walls, and so was made Lord General of the Kings forces, [see 1 Chron. 11.6.] And David did the rather promise this reward to him that should take the Fort, because the Jebusites had said in scorn, the blind and the lame (as you call them) being here, we need not fear that you shall ever come into this house . David having thus taken the Fort, he built it round about from Millo inward; that is, he did at his own cost and charges build and re-edify the inside of the City from Millo, and left the care of building the out-walls to Joab, 1 Chron. 11.8. Millo was a deep and broad ditch that separated Mount Zion from the lower City, which Solomon afterwards filled up, 1 King. 9.15, 24. And so David dwelt in this City, and it was called the City of David, no less than Bethlehem where he was born; and he grew great, and the Lord of Hosts by his especial favor was with him, and blessed him. And as an effect thereof at this time Hiram King of Tyre a stranger, sent Ambassadors to him to congratulate his settlement in the Kingdom, and upon David 's request he sent him Cedar-trees, and Carpenters, and Masons to build him a Palace. And David perceived by his own experience, and the inward persuasion of God's Spirit, that it was the immediate hand of God that had established him King over all Israel, and that God had exalted him to the Kingdom, and made his Kingdom famous for the good of his Church and people. And David took to him more Concubines and Wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron, and this (it seems) he did that thereby he might multiply his friends and allies for the strengthening of him in his Kingdom. But herein he shown much human frailty and weakness, in making use of that as a means to establish him in his Kingdom, which God had expressly forbidden to the Kings of Israel, viz. the multiplying of wives. See Deut. 17.7.
2 Sam. Ch. 5. from 6, to 17.
1 Chron. 11. from 4, to 10.
1 Chron. 14.1, 2.
SECT. CLXXXV.
THE Philistines who during the Civil Wars between David and Ishbosheth were content to look on, when they saw that Ishbosheth was dead, and the people had generally received David for their King (who was a great warrior ) and that he had driven the Jebusites out of the strong Fort of Zion, and that the King of Tyre had made a league with him, they thought it was time for them to bestir themselves, and to oppose his growing power. And herein the Providence of God was remarkable, that they began with him, and not he with them, (to whom he had been formerly obliged ) and so might have seemed ungrateful if it had been otherwise. They therefore having raised a great Army, invaded the land of Israel, and came to seek David to fight with him. When David heard of it he went to a Fort or strong-hold near the Cave of Adullam, [see 2 Sam. 23.13.] there to muster, and arm his Soldiers, and the Philistines spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim, which was in the way to Bethlehem, and they had their Head-quarters in Bethlehem itself. The Israelites being (as it seems) at this time something distressed through want of water, (it being hot weather, and harvest-time) David wished he had a draught of the well of Bethlehem, but not with any intent (as 'tis probable) to stir up any of his Soldiers to adventure to fetch it for him; however three of his valiant Commanders (who are supposed to be Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah, see 1 Chron. 11.19. 2 Sam. 23.13. who were the chief over the thirty Colonels or Commanders ) having heard him express his desire of that water, they ventured to break through the host of the Philistines, and came to Bethlehem and drew of the water which was by the Gate, and brought it unto him; but David when he understood the extreme danger they had gone thorough to procure it, was very sorry he had given occasion to such a rash enterprize, and had thereby so dangerously exposed the lives of his great Captains, therefore he would not drink of it, but took it and poured it on the ground as an offering of Thanksgiving unto God for delivering them from that great danger, saying. Far be it from me, O Lord, to drink that water which was procured with the extreme hazard of these men's blood and lives .
Then David inquired of the Lord by Abiathar the High Priest, whither he should go up against the Philistines or no? For though he had a great Army, yet he relied not upon it but seeks to God for direction, and without that would not stir. He receives answer from God, that he should go up and be victorious. Then David came to Baalperazim (whether the Philistines were now come from the valley of Rephaim, 1 Chron, 14.11.) and David smote them there with a great slaughter, whereupon he said, the Lord hath broken in upon mine enemies by my hand like the breaking forth of waters; signifying thereby the sense he had of God's hand, and power in driving away his enemies as waters, when they break through the bank do sweep away all before them. Thence this place was called afterwards Baal-perazim , see Is. 28.21. And there the Philistines left their Images and Idols which they had brought with them, and trusted in as their Titular God's, which were neither able to defend their vain worshippers, nor themselves, and David commanded his men to burn them, see Deut. 7.25. 1 Chron. 14.12. The Philistines shortly after recruiting their scattered Army came again to provoke the Israelites to fight with them in the very same place where they had received their former defeat, though they had no provocation from David to do so, he having not hotly pursued his former victory; but though David had gotten a great victory over them before, yet he was not so puffed up with it as to rely on his own strength, therefore he would not engage with them again without first inquiring of the Lord. The Lord bids him not go up openly and directly against them as formerly, but to fetch a compass, and so to come upon them behind over against the Mulberry Trees, where they looked not for him; and when he heard the sound of a going on the tops of the Mulberry Trees, viz. of an Army of Horsemen and Chariots marching over the tops of the Trees, (like that 2 King. 7.6.) which should be a sign to him that the Lord is gone forth with his holy Angels to destroy the Philistines before him, then he should bestir himself and fet upon them, for says the Lord, I will give thee victory over them. And David did accordingly, and smote the Philistines from Geba, or Gibeah in Benjamin, where the fight began, unto Gazer, situate in the west of Ephraim, which was then possessed by the Philistines. So that the fame of David went into all lands, and God brought the fear of him upon all Nations round about him.
2 Sam. Ch. 5. from v. 17. to the end.
2 Sam. Ch. 23. from v. 13, to the 18.
1 Chron. Ch. 11. from v. 15, to the 20.
1 Chron. Ch. 14. from v. 8, to the end.
SECT. CLXXXVI.
DAvid now enjoying peace and quietness began to take into his pious thoughts the bringing up the Ark from Kirjath-jearim▪ and placing it in the Fort of Zion, which he had lately taken from the Jebusites. The Tabernacle was now at Gibeon, [2 Chron. 1.3.] whither it had been removed from Nob, after that bloody slaughter of the Priests by Saul, 1 Sam. 22. And there was the great Altar for Burnt-offerings, to which the people frequently went, contenting themselves therewith, and not regarding the Ark (the principal evidence of God's presence among them, and whereat Divine Oracles and directions were given) it being now lodged in a private house. Upon what occasion the Ark was removed to the house of Abinadab in Kirjath-jearim, we may see Sect. 153. and 1 Sam. 7. where it continued about fourtysix years (saving only when upon extraordinary occasions it was brought into the Camp, see 1 Sam. 14.8.) viz. thirtynine in the days of Samuel and Saul, and seven in the days of David. David therefore judged it more for the honor of God, and of the Ark, that it should not lie hid in a private family (which possibly had occasioned the people so much to neglect it) but be settled in the chief City of the Kingdom, in a place purposely appointed for it, that the people might more conveniently resort unto it; wherefore calling his great Commanders, and the Elders, and Heads of the people together, he imparted his design unto them, and desired their advice upon it. He told them that if it seemed good to them, and they apprehended it to be agreeable to the will of God, he desired the Ark might be brought up to Jerusalem. For (says he) from the days of Saul hitherto we have suffered the Ark to continue in a private house, and have not inquired at it, nor sought Oracles of God from it as we should have done, but have contented ourselves to worship God at the Tabernacle in Gibeon, though the Ark (the Testimony of his Presence) was not there. Let us therefore send to our Brethren in the land, and to the Priests and Levites to gather themselves to us, that we may in a solemn manner bring up the Ark of God hither. The proposal highly pleased all the Congregation there present, and they declared themselves very willing to have it done. Sometime after therefore David sent forth his Messengers through all the land of Israel, from Shikar a river of Egypt, (which was the utmost Southern bound) unto the entering of Hamath, (which was the utmost Northern ) to invite them to come up to Jerusalem upon this solemn occasion. And the people came in a vast number, no less than thirty thousand of Nobles, Magistrates and chief men, with many of the common people. David being come with all that great multitude to Baal of Judah, that is Kirjath-jearim, [see 1 Chron. 13.6.] he arose and went with them from thence to carry the Ark to Jerusalem, (at which the name of the Lord of hosts, who dwelleth between the Cherubims was called upon) intending to place it in a Tabernacle or Tent that he had prepared for it. In order hereunto they having taken the Ark out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah, (viz. an hill so called in Kirjath-jearim ) they placed it in a new Cart (as the Philistines had before done, 1 Sam. 6.7, 8.) therein manifestly transgressing the Law of God, which required that the Levites should carry it upon their shoulders, see Numb. 4.15. & 7.9. Uzzah and Ahio (the Sons of Abinadab ) drave the Cart; Ahio went before to look to the Oxen, and Uzzah behind to take care of the Cart and the Ark that was in it. And David and all this great company went before the Ark (the Symbol of the Divine Presence) playing on all sorts of Musical instruments then in use among them, and praising the Lord, and singing (probably) the first verse of the 68 Psalm, Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered, and let them that hate him flee before him; which was to be used (as appears Numb. 10.35.) at every removal of the Ark. When they came to Nachons threshing-floor the Oxen stumbling shook the Ark, whereupon Uzzah laid hold on it to stay it, for fear it should have fallen; and God smote him dead upon the place for his rashness in laying hold on the Ark, which no man might touch but the Priests only, see Numb. 4.15. David was much disquieted and startled at this heavy judgment, wherewith God had broken forth upon Uzzah, and he called the name of the place Perez-Uzzah, or a breach upon Uzzah, in memorial of God's judgment upon Uzzah. And David was sore afraid lest the anger of the Lord should fall upon himself that day, and that he was not pleased that the Ark should be carried to Jerusalem. But it was not the act itself, but the ill manner of performing it, that displeased God. However David thought it safer at present to desist from his purpose, and so he carried it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite, (that is of Gath-rimmon, a City of the Philistines near Gath, and appropriated to the Levites, Josh. 21.24.) who considering there was no danger in harbouring the Ark, provided they carried themselves with that respect and reverence towards it which God required, he gladly received it into his house, where it continued three months, and God wonderfully blessed him and his house, viz. his wife, children, servants, cattle, and all that he had, and all his affairs for the Arks sake. And this blessing was so remarkable that it was not only discerned by himself, but by his neighbors also, who acquainted David therewith. David now saw there was no danger in removing or entertaining the Ark, but only in the miscarriages about it, which he now purposed to avoid; for he saw that none ought to carry the Ark of God but the Levites, whom God had appointed to that ministry as long as the Mosaical dispensation lasted; therefore setting afresh upon the work, and assembling the people, he taketh order to have it brought from Obed-Edom 's house to Jerusalem with all solemnity, as is more fully expressed, 1 Chron. Ch. 15. & Ch. 16. In order hereunto he calls for Zadok the High Priest, and Abiathar his Deputy, and the heads of the Priests and Levites, and requires them to sanctify and prepare themselves for this holy service by outward ceremonial purifications, and by inward purifications of soul. For because it was not so done at first, he says, God had made a breach upon them, even because they had not Religiously examined what the Law of God required of them in that case, and had not performed this service in a right manner according to his will. Accordingly the Priests and Levites did sanctify themselves, and then the Levites did bear the Ark upon their shoulders. He appointed also that some of the Levites should go before the Ark sounding with Psalteries, Harps, and Cymbals, and singing thereunto with joyful and cheerful spirits. The several Singers played upon several instruments, some with Cymbals of brass, and some with Psalteries on Alamoth (singing the Treble ) and others on Sheminith, or an instrument of eight strings (playing the bass ) to make the Music more excellent and delightful; and some of the Priests did blow with Trumpets. And Berechiah and Elkanah were appointed to do the office of Door-keepers to keep the people off from pressing upon the Ark, and so were Obed-Edom and Jehiah, two of them going before, and two behind. And when the Levites who carried the Ark perceived after they had gone a little way with it, that God was with them, and did not strike them with death, as he did Uzzah, but manifested his favor to them, so that they went on without interruption, (see 2 Sam. 6.13.) they made a stand, and offered Sacrifices to the Lord by way of thankfulness. David ordering it to be done by the Priests, who no doubt made an Altar there according to the Law, Exod. 20.24. David also clothed himself with a robe of white linen, like to a Priests Ephod, and girded it to him with a linen girdle, and so also the Levites and Singers were clothed with robes of white linen; and David transported with an holy joy danced before the Ark of the Lord with all his might. It was in those days usual to testify their thankfulness and joy by dancing , and so David did here, dancing gravely and decently, answerable to the Religious Music, and testifying his zeal for God and his Worship with all his might, and his thankfulness that the Lord would please to settle the Ark in his City. Thus David and all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with joyful acclamations and singing, and the sound of Cornets, Trumpets, Cymbals, Psalteries, and Harps. And when the Ark came into the City of David in this solemn manner, Michal, Saul 's daughter looking out at a window, and seeing David dancing and playing on his Harp before the Ark, she despised him in her heart. So they brought the Ark and set it in the place or Tabernacle David had prepared for it, and then they offered Burnt-offerings, and Peace-offerings before the Lord, and then David like a pious Prince blessed the people in the name of the Lord, and prayed for their peace and prosperity. Then he royally feasted them, appointing to each person both man and woman a loaf of bread, a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine, and so he dismissed them, and they departed to their own houses with great content and satisfaction, having performed this public service. David then returned to bless his own house, viz. to pray with and for his family as he had done for the people. But Michal, Saul 's daughter (too much resembling her Father in evil qualities ) goes out to meet him, and being no longer able to suppress her disdainful thoughts, she cries out, O how glorious was the King of Israel this day, who uncovered himself in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself; intimating that by laying aside his Princely attire, and mixing himself with the multitude, and dancing and leaping in the open streets as vain fellows use to do, he had thereby exposed himself to the scorn and contempt of every girl that came to see the pomp of this removing the Ark. He tells her that what he had done, he had done as in the sight and presence of God, and for his glory; and he could never honor him sufficiently who had chosen and appointed him to be King and Ruler over Israel, and had rejected her father and his house. And (says he) I am so far from thinking it a disgrace to me to honor and glorify my God, though among the meanest of his people, and making myself therein (as it were) equal with them, that if that be to be vile, I will yet be more vile, and will be ready to humble and abase myself more that I may glorify him. And as to the Maid-servants of whom thou speakest as if they laughed at this my carriage, I doubt not but the more I humble myself for God the more I shall be had in honor of all my servants: For God hath promised that those that honor him he will honor, 1 Sam. 2.30. Whither Michal was anything moved with what David said is uncertain, but certain it is, she got nothing but a curse for this her scorning of him, for the Lord adjudged her from henceforth to perpetual barrenness , which was looked upon as no small curse among the Hebrew women, but must needs be accounted a greater curse in a Kings wife, and the daughter of a King, who being of a more Illustrious family than any other of David 's wives; if she had brought forth a Son he might in likelihood have been heir to the Crown.
2 Sam. Ch. 6. whole Chapter.
1 Chron. Ch. 13. whole Chapter.
1 Chron. Ch. 15. whole Chapter.
1 Chron. Ch. 16. from v. 1, to 7.
SECT. CLXXXVII.
DAvid now deputes certain of the Levites to attend upon the Ark of the Lord, and to declare and publish his great and glorious acts in their Songs and Hymns, and to praise him with their voices and Musical instruments (namely such as were appointed for his servic ,) and that constantly every day at the hour appointed. Then David (who in regard of that Divine skill he had in composing Psalms, was styled the sweet Singer of Israel, 2 Sam. 23.1.) delivered to Asaph and his Brethren a Psalm to have a Tune put to it, and to be sung in the service of God, which is here recorded; the several parts whereof were afterwards much enlarged by him, and reduced into several Psalms (as we may see Psal. 105. & 96.) the former part of it to v. 23. is part of Psal. 105. and the sum of it is to praise the Lord for public benefits afforded to his Church and people, in regard whereof in times of great joy they used (it seems) to sing this Psalm, as may be gathered from Isa. 12.4. it begins, Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people; set forth his glorious Attributes; seek to know the Lord, and his strength, and resort to the Ark (from whence he uses to give forth his Oracles, Exod. 25.22. and is the Symbol of his Almighty presence among us, and therefore called the Ark of his strength, Psal. 132.8.) yea, seek his favor continually day after day as occasion requires. Remember the judgments of his mouth (which he first threatened and then executed) O ye seed of Jacob, who are his adopted and peculiar people, freely chosen by him. He is our God, he executeth his judgments on his enemies throughout the whole world: O let us be mindful always of his Covenant, wherein he hath declared what duties he expects from us, and what rewards we may expect from him upon our obedience, [Gen. 17.7, 9.] which Covenant he hath commanded to be observed by us, and the generations following us, even the Covenant which he made with Abraham, [Gen. 17.7. & 15.18.] and his Oath unto Isaac, [Gen. 26.3, 4.] renewing the same Covenant to him which by Oath he had confirmed unto Abraham, [Gen, 22.16, 17.] and which he gave to Jacob for a Law or Statute, and to Israel for an everlasting Covenant, [Gen. 28.13] saying unto thee and thy seed will I give the land of Canaan for an inheritance: And this promise he made to them when they were but few in number, and strangers in the land; and when they travelled from Nation to Nation, and from one Kingdom to another, his Providence was visibly and remarkably over them: He suffered not the Inhabitants of the places where they sojourned to do them wrong, but reproved Kings for their sakes, (as particularly Pharaoh, Gen. 12.17. and Abimelech, Gen. 20.3.) saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my Prophets no harm; that is, wrong not those whom I have consecrated to myself by the anointing of my holy Spirit, and to whom I do familiarly reveal my will in dreams, visions, and by the ministry of my holy Angels, that they may teach and instruct others; and God did thus defend them because by special Covenant he had taken them under his protection.
That which follows from hence to the 34 ver. the Psalmist (it seems) afterwards made a new Psalm of, viz. the 96, the drift of which is to stir up all Nations to praise the Lord, and consequently includes a Prophesy of Christ, and the gathering all Nations into the Church by the Preaching of the Gospel. It begins, Sing unto the Lord all ye Nations of the earth, show forth from day today, and time to time (as occasion is offered) his salvation, viz. the redemption and salvation purchased by the Messias. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be feared above all God's. For the God's of the heathen are Idols, but our God made the Heavens. God is a King of infinite Majesty, Glory and honor, most strong and mighty, the fountain of all strength and gladness to his people; such his people find him in his Sanctuary (where he reveals himself unto them) and such with glad hearts they acknowledge him to be. See Psal. 96.6. O ye kindreds and families of the earth ascribe unto the Lord glory and strength, give unto him the glory due unto his name; that is, which is due unto him in respect of his Glorious Attributes; bring an offering, and come into his Court, the place appointed for his solemn Worship; and worship him in his glorious holy Sanctuary . Fear before him all ye inhabitants of the earth; by him the world was made at first, and by his supporting Providence it is established, and firmly settled, and therefore we need not fear but he will also support his Church and people. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice, and let men say one to another, the Lord reigneth. Let the Sea roar with the fullness thereof; that is, with all that therein is, thereby as it were expressing its joy. Let the fields also rejoice, and the trees of the wood sing out before the Lord when he cometh to judge the world; that is, to rule and govern it, which he will do with righteousness and faithfulness. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, his mercy endureth forever. Save us O God of our Salvation, and gather us together, and firmly unite us, who have been before too much rent and divided, and deliver us from the Heathen, that we may glory in thy praise-worthy works, and count it our happiness and glory, that we may serve and praise thee. Blessed be God forever and ever, and let all the people say, Amen.
1 Chron. Ch. 16. from v. 4, to the end.
SECT. CLXXXVIII.
DAvid at this present enjoying peace and quietness, being not disturbed with the invasion of neighbouring Nations, he began to take into his pious thoughts the building of a Temple for God and his Ark. In order hereunto he sent for Nathan the Prophet to advise with him about it. He tells him he was come to dwell in a stately house which he had built for himself ( Hiram King of Tyre having furnished him with Cedar-trees, and Carpenters, and Masons for that purpose) but he thought it unfit that he should dwell in so stately a Palace, and the Ark of God should be lodged in the mean time only in a Tabernacle covered with Skins and Curtains. Indeed while the Israelites were in the Wilderness in a flitting condition, the public place of God's Worship was only a Tent or Tabernacle, which might easily be removed with them, but now they were settled in Canaan, he thought it more suitable to their present state that the house allotted to God's service should be no longer a Moveable Tabernacle, but a standing Temple, especially considering that he had said that when they were come into the land of their inheritance, he would choose out a place for them to cause his name to dwell there, Deut. 12.10, 11, 14. And therefore upon these considerations, and in zeal to the honor of God he had thoughts of building a Temple for his public Worship. Nathan was much pleased with the design, and greatly encouraged him in it, saying to him, Go on , build an house for the Lord as thou hast designed, he seems to have moved thee to it, and undoubtedly will answer thee in it. This approbation of Nathan so far encouraged David that (as some think) he bound himself by a solemn vow that he would not rest till he had set himself upon the accomplishment of it, as they gather from Psal. 132.2, 3, 4. But God delayed not to bring David quickly out of his mistake, and therefore that very night he spake to Nathan to go to him and to speak to him after this manner, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart, [1 King. 8.18.] but it shall not be done by thee, but by thy Son, 2 Chron. 6.7, 8, 9. it is not my pleasure that thou shouldest do it, and that for these reasons:
1. Because thou hast been a martial man, and hast shed much blood , which though it was the blood of mine and my people's enemies (and so was a service well pleasing to me) yet the Temple being to be a Type of the Body of the Messias the Prince of Peace, it shall be built by a Peaceable Prince.
2ly. Though thou enjoyest peace now, yet thou hast many wars to wage with the Nations about thee, that are not yet subdued, and so canst not have leisure to go through with so great a work as that is.
3ly. I have not made choice of any standing permanent house wherein to manifest my gracious presence to this day, but have manifested myself in a Tabernacle, flitting and removing from place to place, yet all that while I have been present with my people ever since coming out of Egypt as their God All-sufficient; therefore there is no absolute need at present of building any other house for me, which shall be done when my own time is come.
4ly. I did never speak to any of the Tribes of Israel, or to the Judges whom I appointed as faithful shepherds to govern and provide for my people, that an House of Cedar should be built for me. Moreover do not think that my forbidding thee to do it proceeds from want of love to thee, for thou mayest remember how I have taken thee from the sheep-coat from following the sheep to be ruler over my people, and have prospered thee in all thine enterprises, and have destroyed all thine enemies that rose up against thee, and have made thee famous and formidable to the Nations round about thee, and have given thee a name like the name of the great Princes and Potentates of the earth. And as I have already multiplied many blessings upon thee, so I am still ready to do it for time to come. Moreover I have not only blessed thee, but I will bless the whole Nation under thy Government. As I have appointed a place , a good land for them, so I will plant them there, and so settle them in the land that they shall quietly enjoy it as their own lawful inheritance, and not be dispossessed of it, and tossed up and down as formerly they have been, neither shall they be molested and vexed continually by their oppressing neighbors the children of wickedness, as they have been ever since I appointed Judges to rule over them even unto this time that I have set thee over them, and have given thee rest from all thine enemies round about. And seeing thou hadst a purpose to build an house for me, I will (saith the Lord) make thee an house, that is, I will establish and continue thy Kingdom in thy posterity, and (which is far more) raise up out of thy seed the Messiah, who shall be an everlasting King over his people. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy Fathers, I will set up one of thy Sons (viz. Solomon ) on the Throne after thee, and will establish his Kingdom, and he shall build an house for my name, for my worship and service, and I will establish the Throne of his Kingdom forever ; I will be to him a Father , and he shall be my Son, and if he commit iniquity , I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men; that is, I will correct him for his sin, as a loving Father doth his beloved Son, with Fatherly chastisements for his amendment, and not in wrath for destruction, but I will not quite cast him out of my favor, and deprive him of his Kingdom as I did Saul. And thine house and thy Kingdom shall be established forever before thee; that is, thy Kingdom shall be established in thyself unto the day of thy death, and shall in thy sight be settled upon Solomon thy Son, 1 King. 1.28. whence thou mayest assure thyself of the continuance of it in thy posterity for a long time . Thus Nathan faithfully delivered unto David all that was revealed unto him in the vision he had from the Lord, though it was contrary to the advice which he himself had before privately given him. David having received this message went into the Tent where the Ark was, and having for some time sat down, and meditated on the great goodness and mercy of God to him, he then addressed himself in prayer unto the Lord after this manner: Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my Fathers house that thou hast brought me hitherto, and so highly advanced me? And yet as if this were but a small thing in thy sight, thou hast promised to continue thy favor not only to me, but to my posterity after me for many generations. And is this the manner of men, O Lord God, to deal so bountifully with them that have no way deserved of them; surely such love as this is not to be found among mortals, but is only peculiar to thyself, who art God omnipotent. And what can I speak more to thee, or ask more of thee for my honor or benefit, than thou of thy free grace and mercy hast already promised me, and art ready to confer upon me, [see 1 Chron. 17.18.] For thou knowest thy servant, and what is good for me better than I myself. And thou knowest the desire of my heart is to praise thy name, though with my tongue I am not able sufficiently to do it. Thou hast conferred all these benefits on me, not for any desert in me, but of thy mere grace and love, and for thy truth and promise sake, that thy servant might know what thou meanest to do for him and his in time to come. Thou art the great and only true God; there is none like thee, nor besides thee, according to all that we ever heard or understood. And what one Nation is there in all the earth like unto thy people so advanced in high and holy privileges, whom God came (as it were) down from heaven to redeem and separate for a people to himself, for the glory of his great name, and hath done such great and terrible things for them openly in their sight, whereby he hath delivered them out of Egypt, and subdued their enemies in the land of Canaan, and rescued them from all Nations that sought their ruin, and from their false gods, on whom they foolishly relied for help. And thou hast confirmed and established the people of Israel for a people to thyself forever, that is, the natural Israel for a very long time, (viz. to the coming of the Messiah ) and the spiritual Israel consisting of true converts both among Jews and Gentiles forever. And now O Lord let the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house be established forever, and do as thou hast said, and let thy name be magnified forever, that it may be said, the Lord of hosts is God over Israel. Yea let the house of thy servant be established before thee, for thou Lord hast made known to me what was formerly hidden from me, saying to me, I will build thine house, and continue the Kingdom to thee, and thy posterity after thee; therefore thy servant hath found his heart moved to make this prayer unto thee, that it may be so, having thy promise as a sure ground of his faith and confidence, and cannot doubt of obtaining his request, for thy words are true and sure to be performed, and thou hast faithfully promised this goodness unto thy servant. Let it therefore please thee so to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue before thee forever. Thou hast, O Lord, spoken it, and I firmly rest on thy promise for the performance of it. Thou hast promised to bless my house, and I firmly believe it shall be blessed.
2 Sam. Ch. 7. whole Chapter.
1 Chron. Ch. 17. whole Chapter.
1 Chron. Ch. 22. v. 8, 9, 10.
2 Chron. Ch. 6. v. 8, 9.
1 King. Ch. 8. v. 18, 19.
SECT. CLXXXIX.
WE shown in the former Section that one reason among others, why the Lord would not permit David to build him an house, was because he would not have leisure to do it, by reason of the many wars he was to be engaged in.
Indeed from this time to the birth of Solomon, most part of his time, (as we shall see afterwards) was spent in wars, wherein he was very victorious and successful, and therein God made good to him the promise concerning the prosperity and flourishing estate of his Kingdom, and the enlarging of his Dominion, which by these conquests stretched not only from Shicor a river in Egypt in the South, to Hamath in the North, [see 1 Chron. 13.5.] but from thence to the river Euphrates, which was the utmost bound of all that land which had been formerly promised to the seed of Abraham, [Gen. 15.18. compared with Deut. 11.24. and Josh. 3.4.] and was never possessed by any of them, save only by David and Solomon, see 1 King. 4.21, 24. There are in this Chapter five wars mentioned that he was engaged in.
The first was against the Philistines descended from the Egyptians, whose Progenitor was Mizraim the second Son of cursed Cham; they were Heathens, and commonly bitter enemies to the Israelites; these therefore David now set upon and subdued and took their strong City Gath (with all the Towns under its jurisdiction, see 1 Chron. 18.1.) called Metheg-Ammah, or the Bridle of Ammah, because it bridled and kept in awe all the Country round about it.
His second war was with the Moabites descended of Lot 's Incest with his daughter, Gen. 19.37. At the coming of the Israelites out of the Wilderness, they were forbidden by God to invade the Moabites land, or do them any hurt, because he had given it to the children of lot for a possession, Deut. 2.9. and God restrained them from distressing them, because they had not then done them any wrong, but afterwards they proved malicious enemies, and thereupon were interdicted from entering into the Congregation unto the tenth generation, Deut. 23.3. They shown their ill will to them in not relieving them with bread in their necessity, and afterwards they hired Balaam to curse them, and when that would not do, they followed his cursed counsel in tempting them by their women to commit fornication, and to join with them in their Idolatrous feasts, Numb. 25. whereby a great plague was brought upon them. They oppressed them also by Eglon their King in the time of the Judges. 'It is true the King of Moab gave entertainment to David 's Father and Mother, [1 Sam. 22.3, 3.] looking upon him at that time as an enemy to Saul and his people; but when David was once established King over all Israel, it seems the Moabites expressed the same hostile mind against him, which they had formerly against Saul. But what particular provocation they gave now unto David to make war upon them, is uncertain. Some Jewish Writers think that David having left his Father and Mother under the protection of the Moabites, they treacherously murdered them after he was departed from them; but the Scripture affording us no ground for such a conceit, we dare not entertain it. However undoubtedly David had just cause now to make war upon them, they still continuing in their former enmity against the Israelites, though his end was not wholly to dispossess them of their Country, but to make them Tributary. He therefore absolutely vanquishing them, and levelling their Cities to the ground, he measured their Country with a line, dividing it into three parts, and two thirds of the people he doomed to destruction, and preserved one third part of them alive to inhabit there, and till the land, and pay him Tribute. And so that Prophesy was in part fulfilled, Numb. 24.17. There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, &c. And so Moab became his Wash-pot, as he himself sang, Psal. 60.8.
His third War was with Hadadezer King of Zobah, a Country in Syria, lying between Damascus and Euphrates. Saul (it seems) had had a war with this King, 1 Sam. 14.47. and had prevailed against him, but he was now grown very potent and formidable, and David knowing how dangerous it was that the Syrians who were professed enemies to the Israelites, and dwelt so near them should grow powerful, he made war upon them, intending to enlarge his bounds , and recover the utmost border appointed by God to the Israelites, which reached to the river Euphrates, Gen. 15.18. And David took from him a thousand Chariots, and seven hundred Horsemen, that is, seven hundred Companies, or ranks of Horsemen, having ten in each rank. And David houghed or ham-string'd all the Chariot-horses, excepting only so many as would serve for air hundred Chariots, which he reserved for himself, having regard therein to what God had commanded the Kings of Israel, [Deut. 17.16.] viz. not to multiply horses to themselves, lest putting confidence in their horses of war, they should leave off trusting in the Lord. And therefore this houghing was put in execution by Joshua, Ch. 11.6. And besides these Chariots and Horses, David took also from Hadadezer twenty thousand footmen.
His fourth war was with the Syrians of Damascus, who came to succor Hadadezer, of whom he slew two and twenty thousand, and he put Garrisons into that part of Syria , and they became Tributary to him. Thus the Lord preserved and prospered David in all his enterprises. And David took the shields of gold which he found with the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem, and there laid them up for the building of the Temple; and from Betah and Berothai (Cities of Hadadezer ) he took very much Brass wherewith Solomon afterwards made the Brazen Sea, and the pillars and vessels of Brass. Then Toi King of Hamath sent his Son Joram (called Adoram, 1 Chron. 18.10.) to David to congratulate his victory over Hadadezer, who was his enemy, and with whom he had had wars. And Joram brought with him rich presents, viz. vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and of brass, which David consecrated to God for the building of the Temple, as he did the other silver and gold which he had taken from other Nations. And David by his many victories became renowned for a great Captain, and victorious Conqueror, having all his enterprises crowned by God with success.
His fifth War was against the Edomites. When he returned from conquering the Syrians, he led the Army (which under himself was commanded by Joab and Abishai ) into the Country of the Edomites, (with whom many of the Syrians as it seems now joined) and in the valley of Salt (situate on the East of Mount Seir, and on the South of the Dead Sea, 2 King. 14.7.) he engaged with them, and slew of them twelve thousand, and afterwards in the pursuit by Abishai, six thousand more, in all eighteen thousand. Which victory being obtained by Joab and Abishai as Generals under David, it is ascribed to them all three, see 2 Sam. 8.13. Psal. 60. in the Title, and 1 Chron. 18.12. Joab after this victory employed himself first in burying the slain, and then staying there six months, in that time he made a full conquest of them, and slew every male that he could lay his hands on from whom he apprehended any danger. In this time Hadad (who was of the seed royal of Edom, a youth of about twelve years of age) with several of his fathers servants fled into Egypt, and there was kindly received and entertained by Pharaoh, and married the Queens sister, and afterwards returning into Edom in Solomon 's reign, was a bitter enemy to him, see 1 King. 11. from v. 14, to 22. The Edomites being thus conquered, David put Garrisons into all their strong holds, and they became Tributary unto him, and he placed a Viceroy over them to govern them as his Deputy, which continued unto Jehorams time, 2 Chron. 21.8. compared with 1 King. 22.47. And thus that Prophesy, Gen. 25.23. that the elder should serve the younger was fulfilled, though that other Prophesy, Gen. 47.40. that Esau's posterity should break the yoke from off his neck, was also afterwards accomplished in the days of Jehoram.
David returning from making these Conquests, behaved himself as a wise and just King, executing judgment and justice to all his people. His chief Officers were these, Joab was the General of his Army, Jehoshaphat, Recorder and writer of the Chronicles and things that were to be registered. Zadok (of the stock of Eleazar, 1 Chron. 6.4, 8) and Ahimelech (of the stock of Ithamar, and Son of Abiathar the High Priest) were the two chief Priests of their several stocks, and had the chief command (under Abiathar ) of the other Priests, each over the Priests of his own family. For David divided the Priests into two parts according to the two families of Eleazar and Ithamar, as we may see 1 Chron. 24.3, 4. And Benaiah the Son of Jehoiada was over two bands of select Soldiers appointed to attend upon the Kings person in their courses as his Guard, see 2 Sam. 15.18. and Ch. 20.7. and 1 King. 1.38, 44. 'It is probable that these Cherethites were such Garrison-Soldiers of the Israelites as were placed in Chereth of the Philistines, see 1 Sam. 30.14. and that the Pelethites were also such Garrison-Soldiers as quartered among the Japhlithites, Josh. 16.3. And David 's Sons were chief about the King, and chief Rulers. But that policy or Paternal affection of his did not succeed well with him, for two of his Sons, viz. Absalom and Adonijah having their spirits thereby highly raised, at last they presumptuously affected the Sovereignty.
2 Sam. Ch. 8. whole Chapter.
1 Chron. Ch. 18. whole Chapter.
1 King. Ch. 11. from 14, to 26.
Psal. 60. & Psal. 108.
SECT. CXC.
DAvid having subdued his bordering enemies, and settled the affairs both of Church and State in his Kingdom, he begins now to call to mind the Covenant he had made with his dear friend Jonathan, wherein he had engaged himself to show kindness to him and his posterity. It may indeed seem strange he did not long ago think of it, and that he should know nothing of Mephibosheth, Jonathan 's Son, who was but five years old when Saul and Jonathan were slain, [2 Sam. 4.4.] and now was come to those years that he was married, and had a young Son; but being hitherto busied in settling his Kingdom at home, and subduing his enemies abroad, and Ishbosheth (Saul's Son) having raised a rebellion against him (pretending a right to the Crown, and denying his right which God himself had given him) and all that family (as 'tis like) having sided with him in that cause, for these or the like reasons, David 's head might possibly for some time be so filled with jealousy of State, that he had no great mind to show kindness to any of Saul 's posterity; but being now well settled in his Kingdom, and freed from such jealousies, he calls to mind the great love that had been formerly between him and Jonathan, and the Covenant he had made with him in the presence of the Lord, and confirmed by solemn Oath, that he would show kindness to him and his posterity after him, [1 Sam. 18.3. & 20.14, 15.] and thereupon he inquires whither there were any remaining of the house of Saul that were fit persons for him to show kindness unto for Jonathan 's sake. Ziba an old servant of Saul 's informs him that Jonathan had a Son named Mephibosheth , that was lame of his feet, who abode in the house of Machir in Lodebar, a little Town in the land of Gilead beyond Jordan, where he lived in a private and obscure manner, desiring to be concealed as much as he could, and expected nothing higher than to have his life saved. David presently sends for him, and when he came before the King he fell on his face, and did reverence. David receives him very kindly, and bids him be of good courage; for he did not send for him for his hurt, but for his good. I will surely (says he) show kindness to thee for thy Father Jonathan 's sake, and will restore to thee all the proper lands of thy Grandfather Saul, and will repute thee as one of my own Sons, and thou shalt constantly eat bread at my Table.
Mephibosheth ravished at this great and unexpected munificence and favor of the King, he cries out, What is thy servant that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? Then David calling for Ziba, said to him, Behold I have given to Mephibosheth all that land that pertained to Saul; Thou and thy Sons, and thy servants shall till the land for him, and bring in the fruits that he may have food in his house for his family to eat. But for himself he shall eat at my Table continually. Ziba replied, that all that the King had commanded should be done. So he with his whole house, viz. his fifteen Sons, and twenty servants, became servants to Mephibosheth. After this Mephibosheth dwelt at Jerusalem, having a young Son whose name was Micah .
2 Sam. Ch. 9. whole Chapter.
SECT. CXCI.
AS David had thus shown himself kind to Jonathan 's Son, so he was also ready to show kindness to any others who had been kind to him; a particular instance whereof we have in this Chapter, Nahash the King of Ammon had (it seems) shown David some kindness; possibly when he fled from Achish King of Gath, he had entertained and protected him, though (as 'tis like) not so much out of love to David, as hatred to Saul, who had given him a great defeat before Jabesh-Gilead, 1 Sam. 11. But whatever the particular kindness was, Nahash now dying, and Hanun his Son succeeding him, David sent his Ambassadors to this new King to condole with him for the death of his Father. The Princes and Courtiers of Hanun begin to be full of jealousies upon this, and strangely misinterpret this kindness of David, and judge it to be only counterfeit: What (say they to Hanun ) dost thou think that David by this Ambassie intends to honor thy Father? Never imagine that he really intends any such thing; undoubtedly he hath sent these men as spies to search and observe our Country, and to discover some advantages for the conquering of it, that he may serve us as he hath done other Nations. Besides, we have heard that by their Law they are forbidden to seek our prosperity all their days; and therefore what reason have we to trust them? Thus some Politicians think themselves most wise when they are most suspicious, but such wisdom often proveth mere folly, and bringeth upon men those very evils which they so unreasonably feared. Hanun like a young foolish King hearkens presently to the rash counsel of these unadvised Courtiers, and instead of kindly entertaining David 's Ambassadors (as he ought to have done) he resolves to put all indignities upon them, and to expose them to the derision and scorn of everyone that should see them, and according first causes one half of their beards to be shaved off, partly to deform and disgrace them, and partly to put a scorn on their Religion, the Jews being by the Law forbidden, even in their greatest mournings to cut or shave their beards, Levite. 19.27. In regard to which Law the Israelites (it seems) forbare to shave their beards at all. 2ly, Whereas in those Countries they used to wear long loose garments, not only for ornament and comeliness, but also to hide their nakedness, and keep their uncomely parts from open view, Hanun caused their garments to be cut off at the middle, (even to the buttocks ) that those parts which nature itself teacheth men to hide, might lie open to their shame, herein also crossing the Law of God which so carefully provided that such nakedness might not be discovered, see Exod. 20.26. Exod. 28.41, 42. So that the Ammonites in thus maliciously and despitefully abusing these Ambassadors, offended against the Law of God, of Nature, and of Nations, and thereby deserved most severe punishment. David being informed of these insufferable injuries done to his Ambassadors, he sent some of his servants to meet them, and to comfort them, and to cloth them anew, and appointed them to stay by the way at Jericho , till their beards were grown, and then to return to him. The children of Ammon (who were descended of Lots Incest with his younger daughter, as the Moabites were of his Incest with the Elder ) began now to be sensible that by this abominable abuse of these Ambassadors, they had made themselves so odious to David, that he would certainly seek to be revenged on them, and therefore they thought it needful to make all possible preparations against him; and accordingly they hired with a thousand talents of silver the Syrians of Bethrehob (a City at the foot of Libanus ) and the Syrians of Zoba (a City lying between Damascus and Euphrates ) and the people of the King of Maacha another part of Syria near Gilead Trachonitis, and the people of Ishtob where Jephthah dwelt, Judge. 11.3. and some also of the Syrians of Mesopotamia , in all thirty three thousand, whereof some rode and fought in Chariots, and the rest were Footmen, who were all ready enough to engage in this war against David, that thereby they might deliver themselves from the yoke which he had lately put upon their necks, and revenge themselves on him. David hearing of these vast preparations against him, thought it best policy to be beforehand with them, and accordingly sent Joab with a great host to invade them, and to make their Country the seat of the war. The Israelites drawing nigh unto them, the Ammonites put themselves in battle array before their City Medba, that if they were beaten they might retreat into it; and they caused the Syrians and their Auxiliaries to put themselves in battle array in the fields, that so they might hem in the Israelites, and engage them both in front and rear. Joab seeing this, he thought with himself that the Syrians being Mercenaries were not like to stand to it if courageously assaulted, and if they were once beaten, the Ammonites would quickly be put to flight; wherefore he chose the flower of his Army, (whom he himself led) to set upon the Syrians, and the rest he put under the command of his Brother Abishai, with them to engage the Ammonites, telling his Brother that if the Syrians were too hard for him he should come and help him, and if the Ammonites were too hard for him, he would accordingly come and help him. And then he spake to his Soldiers after this manner, Let us be of good courage fellow-soldiers, and play the men for our people, and for the Cities of our God, and then let the Lord do that which seemeth him good. Joab accordingly drew up his forces against the Syrians, and they soon fled before him, which when the children of Ammon saw, they fled also before Abishai, and retreated into the City. Joab having now obtained a great victory, yet did not think it fit at present to pursue it any further; possibly the season of the year was not then fit for the keeping of the field any longer, and so he returned triumphantly to Jerusalem.
The Syrians being thus shamefully beaten by the Israelites, and having no hope that David would ever make peace with them, they having rebelled and joined with the Ammonites against him, they gathered themselves together and recruited their Army, resolving there was no way for them but to stand it out, and to do their utmost to shake off his yoke. Hadadezer accordingly sent out his Agents and hired the Syrians that inhabited beyond Euphrates, and they marched to Helam a Town (as it seems) not far from Jordan, and Shobach was the General of this Army. David hearing of it, mustered a great Army out of Israel, and passing over Jordan fought them at Helam, and totally vanquished them. He slew seven thousand men which fought in Chariots; and besides these, the greatest part of the Army both Horse and Foot, to the number of about forty thousand . And when all the Kings and Princes that were subject to Hadadezer, and which were engaged with him in this war saw how they were beaten by David, they sought and made peace with him, and came under his protection, and paid him tribute, and they were afraid to assist the Ammonites anymore.
2 Sam. Ch. 10. whole Chapter.
1 Chron. Ch. 19. whole Chapter.
SECT. CXCII.
THE Winter having hindered David and his Captains from prosecuting their victory in the land of the Ammonites, in the Spring of the next year (which was the usual time that Kings went out to war) David sent Joab with a great Army to perfect their begu • conquest of them, and accordingly he laid siege to Rabbah their chief City, afterwards called Philadelphia. David staying at home at his house during this siege, and giving himself to ease and idleness . (contrary to his former practice) and having spent some part of a day in stretching himself upon his bed, in the evening he arose and walked upon the roof of his house (houses being among the Jews flat roofed ) from whence he saw a woman washing herself to purify herself from her menstrual uncleanness according to the Law, Levite. 15.27, 28. Some think she washed herself in her Garden near adjoining to the Palace, which if she did she was not free from fault and blame in not taking care to wash herself more privately. Others think she washed herself in her Chamber which was opposite to the Kings Palace, and some window or casement being accidently open, David with the quick sight of his lustful eye gazed upon her, and so was ensnared with her beauty. His heart being thus inflamed with lust (the first sparks whereof he should have resolutely quenched) he sends and inquires after the woman, and was told her name was Bathsheba the wife of Uriah the Hittite , who was so by Nation, but now a sincere Proselyte to the Jewish Religion, and one of David's Worthies, as we may see 2 Sam. 23.39. David sends for her notwithstanding he understood she was another man's wife, and he had so many wives of his own. What is man if left to himself? She being come to him he used such allurements and persuasions to her that not having the fear of God before her eyes, nor that conjugal love and faithfulness which she should have had to her brave and worthy husband, she consented unto him, and so she became the Harlot of a King instead of being the loyal wife of an honest subject, and she who had newly cleansed herself from her legal uncleanness, now defileth her soul and body with moral filthiness. However she having now conceived by him, shortly after (when she perceived it) wrote unto him that she was with child. This she did (its likely) that he might consider of some way how their sin and shame might be covered and concealed, and that she might escape the rage of her husband at his coming home, and also the punishment by Law due unto her, which was no less than death. David upon this instead of repenting of his sin, and humbly seeking pardon of God for it, sets himself in the hardness of his heart to contrive and plot how it might be concealed from the knowledge of man, not considering the all-seeing eye of God which beheld all his close actings, nor his severe threatenings against all such great and heinous transgressions. Therefore he immediately sendeth for Uriah from the Camp to come to him, that so he coming home might go to his wife and lie with her (as 'twas likely he would do) and so cloak and cover the business. Uriah accordingly is sent by Joab from the Army to him. When he was come, David asked him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war went on? 'It is like Uriah wondered that he should be sent for in all hast from his service in the Army only to answer such questions as these, which every Messenger that came from the Army might easily have satisfied the King in. And thereupon possibly he did suspect that there was some other cause of his sending for, and began to have some jealousy of his beautiful wife, and to think that all was not right with her, and that might be the true reason why he would not be persuaded to go home and accompany with her. However when he had answered these questions, the King kindly dismissed him, telling him that it was fit for him after such a journey to go home and refresh himself, and wash his feet, as in those hot Countries after a journey they used to do. And presently after he was gone out, there followed him a mess of meat from the King, which 'tis like was so ordered that