CONTENTS
The afflictions of David are not over, and therefore in this chapter we are presented with the preliminary step leading to a new scourge. By the ministry of Joab methods are adopted for a reconciliation between David and his son Absalom. The king permits him to come back, and after some little difficulty a good understanding is established between them.
(1) В¶ Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.
Observe, that it was David's natural tenderness to his son which Joab took advantage of. If the Reader will take the pains to examine David's history more closely, he will find that, for the most part, his sins and consequent chastisements, were induced by consulting the feelings of nature more than the glory of God. His winking at Absalom's murder was contrary to God's law. Alas! how little do we keep a steady eye to what the Lord hath said, instead of what we feel.