Say ye to Amasa, &c.— David did not suffer himself to be conducted home by a deputation from the tribe of Judah; for it appears from 2 Samuel 19:17; 2 Samuel 19:40 that there were a thousand men of the tribe of Benjamin under Shimei, and also half the people of Israel. All the tribes in general, except that of Judah, were in motion to bring the king back to his capital: but as this tribe had not yet declared in his favour, as they were in possession of Jerusalem, and as Amasa himself was there present, and had a great interest in the affections of the people, it became absolutely necessary to David's restoration, to gain over that city, and secure the friendship of Amasa.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, Deep was the gloom which obscured this day of victory.
1. The king's unutterable distress was noised in the camp, and damped the joy of the returning conquerors; with his face covered, he refuses to see his generals; and, with the most passionate exclamations bewailing his son, seems insensible to every other emotion than inconsolable grief. Discouraged by such a reception, the soldiers, instead of a triumphant entry, steal into the city as if from a defeat, and seem ready to desert a cause where they met so ill a reception for having hazarded their lives.
2. Joab, vexed at the king's indiscreet behaviour, with an unbecoming disrespect goes in to expostulate with him on the error and danger of his conduct; he remonstrates how ungrateful it was to shew such neglect of those who, at the hazard of their own, had saved his life and the lives of all his family, whom Absalom would have murdered; that it appeared as if he had so loved the traitor, as to hate his best friends for his sake, and could have been pleased if they had all perished so Absalom had lived. He therefore urges him to appear in public instantly, and speak comfortably to the people, thanking them for their fidelity, and congratulating their victory; with a solemn oath declaring, that if he did not, every soldier would desert him, himself give him up, and a worse rebellion arise than had just been suppressed. Note; If by our own folly we bring ourselves into danger, we shall justly be upbraided with it.
3. David is convinced of the necessity of submitting to the advice, and, restraining his anguish, washes, anoints, and sits in public, to the great joy of his army, who approach his throne, and congratulate him on the success of his arms. Note; Good counsel, though bluntly given, should be thankfully received.
2nd, David, with a victorious army at his beck, had no more to do than to march and seize the capital, and execute condign punishment on all who had appeared in arms against him; but as he chose to rule by love, not force, he waited to return amidst the congratulations of his subjects, rather than amidst the shouts of his warriors.
1. The tribes of Israel, before in rebellion, now cast the blame of their ill conduct one upon another, and mutually upbraid each other that they are not more eager in returning to their allegiance, and in bringing back their king. His former high deserts are now remembered, and their folly in trusting to Absalom evidenced by the event; therefore, though there were perhaps some rebellious spirits averse to it, his restoration is resolved, and notice given him of their resolution. Note; (1.) When we have done ill, we cannot too soon seek to amend it. (2.) We naturally desire to exculpate ourselves, by casting the blame on our neighbour.
2. The people of Judah, who might be expected the first, are the last in their application, fearing perhaps, as deepest involved in guilt, that they should suffer for it. But David, to silence their fears, and engage them in his cause, sends to Zadok and Abiathar a very kind message, for them to report to the elders, that he looked upon himself as their brother, hoped for a like affection from them, and thought that it was highly unbecoming them to be the last; and to Amasa he sends a particularly gracious message, with the promise not only of pardon but the best preferment, even to be his captain in Joab's room, whose haughtiness was no longer to be borne. Such a kind message, or Amasa's influence, who exerted himself on this occasion, gain him the unanimous suffrage; and messengers are instantly dispatched, with an invitation to him to return, whilst in a body the elders and people come to Gilgal to welcome him. Note; (1.) The ministers of Christ should be preachers of loyalty. (2.) When we are backward to a good work, we need being stirred up. (3.) Christ chooses to reign over a willing people, and, when he bows our hearts, expects we should invite him to come and make his abode with us. (4.) No argument so effectual to gain the sinner's heart, as the love of his Lord. He is become our bone and our flesh.