20 Then said H559 Absalom H53 to Ahithophel, H302 Give H3051 counsel H6098 among you what we shall do. H6213
21 And Ahithophel H302 said H559 unto Absalom, H53 Go in H935 unto thy father's H1 concubines, H6370 which he hath left H3240 to keep H8104 the house; H1004 and all Israel H3478 shall hear H8085 that thou art abhorred H887 of thy father: H1 then shall the hands H3027 of all that are with thee be strong. H2388
22 So they spread H5186 Absalom H53 a tent H168 upon the top of the house; H1406 and Absalom H53 went in H935 unto his father's H1 concubines H6370 in the sight H5869 of all Israel. H3478
23 And the counsel H6098 of Ahithophel, H302 which he counselled H3289 in those days, H3117 was as if a man H376 had enquired H7592 at the oracle H1697 of God: H430 so was all the counsel H6098 of Ahithophel H302 both with David H1732 and with Absalom. H53
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 2 Samuel 16
Commentary on 2 Samuel 16 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 16
In the close of the foregoing chapter we left David flying from Jerusalem, and Absalom entering into it; in this chapter,
2Sa 16:1-4
We read before how kind David was to Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, how he prudently entrusted his servant Ziba with the management of his estate, while he generously entertained him at his own table, ch. 9:10. This matter was well settled; but, it seems, Ziba is not content to be manager, he longs to be master, of Mephibosheth's estate. Now, he thinks, is his time to make himself so; if he can procure a grant of it from the crown, whether David or Absalom get the better it is all one to him, he hopes he shall secure his prey, which he promises himself by fishing in troubled waters. In order hereunto,
2Sa 16:5-14
We here find how David bore Shimei's curses much better than he had borne Ziba's flatteries. By the latter he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by the former to pass a right judgment on himself. The world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Observe here,
2Sa 16:15-23
Absalom had notice sent him speedily by some of his friends at Jerusalem that David had withdrawn, and with what a small retinue he had gone; so that the coasts were clear, Absalom might take possession of Jerusalem when he pleased. The gates were open, and there was none to oppose him. Accordingly he came without delay (v. 15), extremely elevated, no doubt, with this success at first, and that that in which, when he formed his design, he probably apprehended the greatest difficulty, was so easily and effectually done. Now that he is master of Jerusalem he concludes all his own, the country will follow of course. God suffers wicked men to prosper awhile in their wicked plots, even beyond their expectation, that their disappointment may be the more grievous and disgraceful. The most celebrated politicians of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai. The former Absalom brings with him to Jerusalem (v. 15), the other meets him there (v. 16), so that he cannot but think himself sure of success, when he has both these to be his counsellors; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he has that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both; for,