(9) В¶ And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom. (10) And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back? (11) And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house. (12) Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?
I think it is very evident from this strife among the tribes of Israel, that the rebellion by Absalom was deeply laid, and very strong and formidable; for we see, even after such a victory as David's army had obtained, his way to Jerusalem needed opening by favour. But, Reader! is there not spiritual instruction for you and me in this place? Did David send to the elders of Judah through the priests, that an invitation might be made him to return: and doth it not bring to our recollection how GOD the FATHER everlastingly speaking to us, through him who is an everlasting Priest upon his throne, and Intercessor, that we may ask our GOD to come and make his abode with us? Doth not our JESUS, the Son of David, graciously condescend to call us his brethren, his flesh, and his bones; and doth he not say, Have I been a wilderness to my people, that they say, We will come no more to thee? Jeremiah 2:31.