The words of the men of Judah were fiercer, &c.— It was a natural contest between greater power and nearer relationship; both claim a preference which both cannot have; and which those of nearer relationship in this case should have yielded, both in point of prudence and affection for their friend; which the men of Judah did not.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, The aged and good Barzillai, after all the kindnesses he had shewed to the king at Mahanaim, comes to pay his last respects to him, and accompany him as far as Jordan on his return.
1. David had been greatly indebted to him during his exile; for, being a man of vast estate, and generous as he was great, he had liberally ministered to the wants of the king and his servants during their encampment at Mahanaim. Note; Riches are then truly blessings when possessed by men of generous minds, and liberally ministered to the support of oppressed innocence, and the deserving indigent.
2. David, sensible of his kindness, resolves now to make him ample amends, invites him with him to Jerusalem, with the kindest assurances that he should want no comfort which his palace could afford, and be a constant and welcome guest at his table. Note; A grateful heart is happy to have it in its power to recompense its kind friends.
3. Barzillai professes the deepest acknowledgments for the king's generous offer, a recompense so far exceeding his poor services: but, sinking now under age and infirmities, begs the king to excuse his not accepting the kind invitation; he should be but an useless burden on the king; the time for relishing the delights of a court was past with him; at fourscore, dainties had lost their flavour, and the songs of melody were no longer enchanting: it became him now not to set out in life, but prepare for death, and to be gathered to the sepulchre of his fathers. But not to slight the king's favours, if he chooses that his son Chimham shall attend his majesty to court, he will commend him to his regard. Note; (1.) Noble minds count all they do to serve their friends but little. (2.) In the day when the Son of David shall appear in his kingdom, his saints will be filled with wonder at the surpassing recompense bestowed on their worthless services. (3.) It is time for the aged to have done with courts, and the delights of sense; they who are so near the grave have but one proper business, which is, to retire and provide for it.
4. David embraces the proposal gladly, and assures his aged friend, that he can ask nothing which he will not do for him; then with a kiss of affection dismisses him with his blessing, thanking him for past kindness, and praying that God would be with him. On which the good Bar-zillai returns to his happy retirement at Rogelim.
2nd, David now is peacefully advancing to take possession of his kingdom, when an unexpected incident interrupts and damps his comfort.
1. The men of Judah and part of the men of Israel were advanced to Gilgal, when the rest of the tribes met them; thinking themselves slighted, and jealous withal that they intended to engross the king's favour, they angrily objected to their conduct. Note; Only from pride cometh contention.
2. The men of Judah answer with warmth to the charge, that as the king was near of kin to them, and his home in their tribe, they were especially bound to conduct him: and, far from the insinuation of self-seeking being true, they had neither eaten at the king's cost, nor received any present from him. Note; True patriots detest a mercenary spirit.
3. The men of Israel reply to this vindication, that they had ten parts in the king, Simeon being reckoned with Judah; that, as being more numerous, they had more right to be consulted, and looked upon it as a marked contempt thus to be neglected. The men of Judah, exasperated, rejoin, and one high word brings on another; but the men of Judah were fiercest, and the end of their hot dispute proved a new rebellion. Note; (1.) Even when we are in the right, we should rather yield than contend. (2.) Leave off meddling betimes, lest mischief ensue. (3.) They who are in a passion, are sure to speak wrong, even though they have truth on their side.