2 Samuel

Thirdly, the irrational or senseless creatures are cursed in reference to that which man suffers. Thus David cursed the mountains of Gilboa (2 Samuel 1:21), because there Saul and his beloved Jonathan were slain by the sword of the Philistines, because there the shield of the mi…

11. There is a wicked fearfulness in the heart to do evil (Jude 12), feeding themselves without fear. 2 Samuel 1:14: was you not afraid (says David to the Amalekite) to put out your hand to destroy the Lord's Anointed? It's a godly fear to tremble always, at feasting, speaking,…

And this is contradistinguished from the devils and hypocrites who cannot seek their lodging nor a hiding place against wrath in the Lord. 2. It is to lean and rest the body (2 Samuel 1:6): Saul leaned upon his spear, and by a metaphor it is to cast the burden upon the Lord (Isa…

5. Christ is lovely in his conversation. What was said of Saul and Jonathan, 2 Samuel 1:23. They were lovely in their lives; is much more true of Christ.

Remember you are no match for him (Isaiah 45:9): Woe to him, that strives with his maker; let the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth. As Abner said to Asahel (2 Samuel 2:21-22): Turn aside to your right hand, or to your left, and lay hold on one of the young men, a…

Goodness respects either the body, or the mind. Goodness concerning the body has many actions: as to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to harbor the harborless, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick, and them that are in prison (Matthew 25:35-36), to bury the dead…

For standing we find it (1 Kings 8:22) at the dedication of the temple, Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord, and made that prayer. For sitting we have (2 Samuel 2:18) when Nathan brought that message to David concerning the building of the house of God, that it should be…

The fish swim down pleasantly in Jordan, but fall at last into the dead sea: the black sea of eternal horror, is the conclusion of all these sweet delights. As Abner to Ioab, 2 Sam. 2:26 Knowest you not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? These are they who come to a f…

What is it that the poor soul wants? Behold it is here provided, set out in order in the promises of the gospel; which are as the beds wherein these spices are set for our use; and on the account hereof, is the covenant said to be ordered in all things (2 Samuel 2:3-4). 3. Emine…

But then there's the direction of his counsel, and the latter is promised here, if we acknowledge God, and declare our ways to him, God will counsel us. And David did thus declare his way upon all occasions (2 Samuel 2:1). David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into a…

Though others may outrun us, yet if we hold on to the end of the race we shall receive the reward. Some saints are like Asahel, light of foot as a roe (2 Samuel 2:18); they run swifter in the race of obedience, as Ahimaaz outran Cushi (2 Samuel 18:23). But this is the comfort of…

Use 2: May teach us to take heed of resting in the estate of nature, or in a course of sin, for make account this will be bitter in the end, it will either be bitter in your repentance, when God calls you home to himself, or bitter in the nethermost hell, when God's wrath breaks…

(4.) Sin defiles the soul, it is like a stain to beauty, it turns the soul's azure brightness into sables. (5.) Sin debilitates us, it disarms us of our strength (2 Samuel 3:39). I am this day weak though anointed King.

Grace is but in its infancy and minority, and we must be still adding a cubit to our spiritual stature; the Apostles said Lord increase our faith (Luke 17:5). Grace is but weak (2 Samuel 3:39). I am this day weak though anointed king.

Surely it is highly reasonable that you be subject to that will from where you proceeded, and that he who formed you and yours, should dispose of both as seems good to him. It is said (2 Samuel 3:36), That whatever the king did, pleased all the people: and shall anything the Lor…

The will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.] This word hand, is often taken for ministry: as where it is said, that the Lord gave the Law by the hand of Moses (Numbers 36:13). Also the Lord did this by the hand of David (2 Samuel 3:18), meaning, that he used his service. In…

Christ speaks in his ministers, as a king speaks in the person of his ambassador. When Samuel knew it was the Lord that spoke to him, he lent an ear (2 Samuel 3:5): Speak Lord, your servant hears. They who slight God speaking in his Word, shall hear him speaking in his wrath (Ps…

Such a one it seems to have been that we read of, 1 Samuel 2:27: "and there came a man of God to Eli," etc. But there was no such order of men upheld in Israel for any constancy, before Samuel; the want of it is taken notice of in 2 Samuel 3:1: "And the word of the Lord was prec…

Varro says, the word imports that which is not lawful to mention; or rather, abominable persons are such as are not fit for the society of men, such as should be [•]usht out of all mens company: They are rather to be reckoned to beasts than man. Indeed, the Scripture compares th…

Conscience tells us that such things must be done, and asked; thus we put a little of our conscience in prayer, but nothing of affection and serious desire. Many would be loath God should take them at their words, when they seem to resign up themselves to his will, and think of…

He has a due foresight of all possible difficulties, and needs not to alter his counsels. Not from impotency and weakness, as if he could not execute what he had promised, as the sons of Zeruiah were too hard for David (2 Samuel 3:39). All things are at the beck and significatio…

First, in a moral sense, when the action and the end, are to be measured or considered in reference to a moral rule, or Law prescribed to the Agent, then the means are the deserving, or meritorious cause of the end: as if Adam, had continued in his innocence, and done all things…

So did Ziba leave Mephibosheth in his greatest need: and the disciples flee from their master Jesus Christ (2 Samuel 19:26; Matthew 26:56). But what shall we say of those that take occasion from their master's impotence to murder him themselves, as Rechab and Baanah; or to betra…

Herein most Christians are defective; they have with Rachel good eyes, but they are barren. Mephibosheth caught a fall and became lame (2 Samuel 4:4); since Adam's fall men are lame on their feet — they walk not in the ways of obedience. Men know covetousness is a sin; the Greek…

The mariner may spread his sails, but the ship cannot get to the haven without a gale of wind; so we may spread the sails of our endeavor, but we cannot get to the haven of glory without the north and south-wind of God's Spirit blowing; how nearly therefore does it concern us to…

Which we see now fulfilled in the Papacy. For they stick not to belch out glorious titles without any shame at all, albeit the lamentable confusion [2 pages missing] to flight in the valley of Baal-perazim by the pursuit of David (2 Samuel 5:20-25; 1 Chronicles 14:11). Secondly,…

"As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day." But now David wholly subdued it, as we have an account in 2 Samuel 5. And now God proceeded to cho…

In the other (Romans 1:4), he is declared to be the Son of God with power — by the resurrection from the dead. He who took not upon him to be High Priest while God called him, and neither took upon him to be King, while God called him, and said (Psalm 2:6), "I have Anointed him…

O! was Christ content to be humbled and abased for us, to take our flesh, and to take it when it was in disgrace, let us not think much to be abased for Christ. Say as David (2 Samuel 6:22), If this be to be vile, I will yet be more vile. If to serve my Lord Christ, if to keep m…

Sixth sign, steadfast resolution; he is resolved never to part with his holiness: let others reproach it, he loves it the more; let water be sprinkled on the fire, it burns the more. He says as David when Michal reproached him for dancing before the Ark (2 Samuel 6:22), if this…

Only beware of offending him at whose word your lights and comforts come and go. Michal displeased the Lord, and therefore had no child to the day of her death (2 Samuel 6:23). Hannah waited humbly upon the Lord for the blessing of children, and the Lord remembered her.

Two words express Christ's old, and eternal love to men, his delights was with the sons of men, as Christ was his Father's delight, from eternity; so was Christ feasting himself on the thoughts of love, delight, and free grace to men; sure not to Pharaoh, Judas, and all the race…

Esteeming the reproach of Christ, greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; prefer it before all earthly honor (Acts 5:41). And they departed from the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name, and (2 Samuel 6:22), I will yet be more vile and…

Exodus 4. 24, 25. David had his scoffing Michal, 2 Samuel 6:20 And patient Job no small addition to all his other afflictions, from the Wife of his bosom, who should have been a support to him in the day of his trouble, Job 19:17 No doubt, but God sanctifies such rods to his Peo…

It's our corruption, and not the multitude of lawful employments, that distracts us: David went home to bless his own family, in the midst of public affairs (2 Samuel 6:20). Fourthly, from the consideration of the penman, (stained with such faults) made use of, by God in the com…

God was sanctified, and therefore Aaron was satisfied, and had not a word to say against it. Unlike to this was the temper, or rather the distemper of David, who then was not like a man after God's own heart, when he was displeased, because the Lord had made a breach upon Uzza (…

Such as is better than precious ointment. Though there be those that trample upon the meek of the earth, and look upon them as Michal upon David, despising them in their hearts, yet if this is to be vile, let us be yet more vile, and base in our own sight, and we shall find (as…

2. Let us not be deterred from serious godliness, or any of the instances of it, by the invidious name of a sect, which is put upon it. If a strict and sober and circumspect conversation, a conscientious government of our tongue, praying and singing Psalms in our families, a rel…

He knows that within a few days he shall be honored by those that do reproach him. As David said to Michal, 2 Samuel 6:22 when she told him of being vile in the eyes of the handmaids, Of the maid-servants which you hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honor: so even of thos…

For according to one's inward affection and disposition will the outward action and conversation be framed. Michal first despised David in her heart, and from there it followed that she uttered most unreverent and vile speeches of him, even to his face (2 Samuel 6:16). Therefore…

When that for which a wife is reproved is a truth, a known truth, and a weighty truth, the husband in performing this duty justifies his deed, shows that there was need thereof, and so gives evidence of his love, makes his reproof to pierce the more deeply, and so makes her the…

It is matter of thanksgiving, not of shame. David is an instance, when Michal scoffed at him, I will yet be more vile, (2 Samuel 6:22). It is an honor to be dishonored for Christ.

That no sin against a great God can be properly (though compared with a greater, it may be) a little sin; but be it never so little, to account it so, makes it greater: and the nature of the greatest sin is in the least; a spark of fire, a drop of poison has the nature of much m…

Though sinners are like devils, yet they would be thought saints: Saul's sin must needs be for a sacrifice, and so God must patron the sin that was committed against himself (1 Samuel 15). Absalom covers his rebellion and treason with the devotion of a vow (2 Samuel 6:6). Herod…

Seventh sign: a pure heart is so in love with purity that nothing can draw him off from it. 1. Let others reproach purity, he loves it; as David, when he danced before the ark, and Michal scoffed; if (says he) this be to be vile, I will yet be more vile (2 Samuel 6:22). So says…

It brings a kingdom; a man's sin brings him to shame (Proverbs 13:5; Romans 6:21): What fruit had you in those things of which you are now ashamed? But religion brings to honor (Proverbs 4:8); it brings a man to a throne, a crown, it ends in glory; it is the sinner's folly to re…

One day a Christian is quick and lively in prayer, another day like the disciples — heavy and sleeping (Luke 22:45). At one time a Christian is like David when he danced before the ark with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14); at another time like Samson when his hair was shaved and h…

A husband that loves his spouse, is exceeding readie to suffer any thing to enjoy her love, he is willing to suffer any displeasure of parents, of friends, to suffer the losse of his estate, he cares not for discredit in the world, he is ready to breake through thicke and thinne…

This would cheer the Christians heart, and confirme him when the fight is hottest, and the bullets flie thickest from men and devils, to think, 'tis heaven all this is for, where it's worth having a place, though we go through fire and water to it. 'Tis before the Lord, (said Da…

Resp. 1. These are but, [reconstructed: in non-Latin alphabet], castigations, those on the wicked are, [reconstructed: in non-Latin alphabet], punishments; these come from a Father, those from a Judge. 2. Afflictions on the godly are fruits of covenant-mercy (2 Samuel 7:14). But…

And as God's children wonder at the excellencies of God's mercies unto them, so also at their own baseness and unworthiness. Thus does holy David, 2 Samuel 7.18. (who as he was a man of much faith, so was he full of excellent meditations, and reverent speeches of God, which are…

Thus did Jacob when God had given him much substance (Genesis 32:10): 'And Jacob said, I am not worthy of the least of all your mercies, and all the faithfulness which you have shown your servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan, and now I have become two companies.'…

Now was there not one God, and one Mediator, in the Old, as in the New? And natural and universal desires and wills in God, to save men as men, and that God should save men as one God, do not rise and fall in God; but sure his will called his command, and revealed in the Gospel…

And this is for instruction to us, so Maschil signifies: Indeed he purposely compiles Psalm 102 as a pattern to all that may be in his case, that is solitary, As a pelican in the wilderness, an owl in the desert, or a sparrow alone upon the house top (verses 6-7). Then they are…

Thus Jonah, when he saw that Nineveh was not destroyed, was impotent in his anger. Nathan was deceived in giving advice to David, touching the building of the temple (2 Samuel 7). The Apostles at the ascension of Christ, still dreamed of an earthly kingdom, saying, When will you…

The keys of the house are given to such as are appointed the distributors of necessary things; so as they open and shut at their pleasure. The house of David signifies the kingly house: and this was a common speech among the people, because a promise was made to David, that his…

Neither does the Prophet propound him here as a private person, but as that holy king, whose throne was established by God, that under his government the Church might enjoy peace and safety. In a word, he was the mediator as it were between God and man, in which respect he was s…

He calls them mercies of David, because this covenant which was now so solemnly confirmed, was made in David's hand. True it is that the Lord made the covenant first with Abraham (Genesis 15:5 and 17:7), and afterwards confirmed it by Moses (Exodus 3:15), and lastly he establish…

As Jeremiah says, Correct me, O Lord, but in judgment, that is to say in measure (Jeremiah 10:24). For he opposes judgment to wrath, as in (2 Samuel 7:14) it is said that he chastises us with the rods of men, because he will not come against us himself to utter all his force in…

“I will set up your seed after you; I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son,” (2 Samuel 7:12-14.) “The Lord has sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of your body will I set upon your throne,”…

And Jacob said, I am not worthy of the least of all your mercies, and of all the truth which you hast shewed your servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan, and now am become two bands. Thus also it was with David, 2 Samuel 7:18 Who am I, and what is my Fathers house,…

One Word of God can do more, than ten thousand words of men to relieve a distressed soul. If Providence have at any time directed you to such Promises, as either assure you that the Lord will be with you in trouble, Psalm 91:15 or that encourage you from inward peace, to bear ch…

Note only this, that the Lord says here, He is in your hand, to prevent Satan's cavil: as if he had said, You move me to touch his bone and his flesh; well, lest you should say that I have dealt too gently with him, and have smitten him with favor, I will put the rod or staff in…

The third thing in the title, is the penman made use of by the Spirit, in the writing and recording this song: it is Solomon, a great man, rich, wise, indeed an elect saint; yet one, who had also fallen into many foul faults, whom the Lord has suffered to die, without recording…

This is the chief thing that God expects; and if a good heart be wanting, the work is as undone still. But a sincere Christian finds his prayer in his heart, which he utters with his lips (2 Samuel 7:27): Your servant has found in his heart to pray this prayer — he found it not…

Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world (John 14:22)! The right knowledge of our former estate, and a due consideration thereof, makes us ascribe all the glory of our present dignity, and happiness, to Christ that altered our estate, as Saint…

6. The continuance of Christ's love was without date: Having loved his own, he loved them to the end. His love was constant (not by fits, now loving, then hating) and everlasting (never repenting thereof, never changing or altering his mind) — no provocations, no transgressions…

David consults with Nathan, but he could give him no clear answer, what then? (2 Samuel 7:4) The word of the Lord came that night to Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, etc. So when we have been inquiring after God all day in public worship, all this while the oracle i…

In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established — that is, accounted valid and firm (2 Corinthians 13:1). And in 2 Samuel 7:25, when he speaks of God's promises he prays, "Establish it forever, and do as you have said." Look as on the one side, we are said…

Then let us plead promises; let not them lie by us as a dead stock, but put them in suit, and put God in remembrance: when the accomplishment is delayed, it is a notable way of raising and increasing our confidence. (2 Samuel 7:25) 'And now, O Lord, the word that you hast spoken…

Consider the person receiving so unworthy (Genesis 32:10): I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth which you have showed to your servant. (2 Samuel 7:19) Who am I O Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me this far? Consider the seaso…

5. Consider your unworthiness, (Genesis 32:10) I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth which you have showed to your servant. (2 Samuel 7:18) Who am I, O Lord? And what is my house, that you have brought me here?

But men in love with their lusts, make a woeful use of this consideration, hardening themselves in their conceit, that there shall never be a change, and so sin more securely. See the like in other things: (1 Corinthians 7:29), (1 Corinthians 15:32), (Jude 24), (Romans 6:2), (2…

See how David's heart was melted with God's kindness. 2 Samuel 7:18: Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me to this? There was a gracious thaw upon his heart.

Earthly princes may bestow great gifts on their subjects, but they keep the kingdom to themselves; though Pharaoh advanced Joseph to honor, and gave him a ring from his finger, yet he kept the kingdom to himself (Genesis 41:40): Only in the throne I will be greater than you; but…

How was David affected with God's goodness? (2 Samuel 7:19) You have spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come. So should we say, Lord, you have not only given us things present, but you have spoken of your servants for a great while to come, or rather, forever.

No, 'tis some noble enterprise I would have you think upon, how you may advance the Name of Christ higher in your heart, and world too as much as in you lies. O how kindely did God take it, that David (when peaceably set in his throne) was casting about, not how he might enterta…

How can the Lord say, blessed be Egypt, and though the whole seed be visibly in covenant, old and young, yet it follows not that therefore every promise that is absolute, that is, that of a new heart, is made to all and every one within the visible covenant: for it is promised (…

And (Genesis 22:17), in blessing I will bless you. And when the Lord says (Isaiah 19:25), blessed be Egypt my people; he should mean, he would bless Abraham, not his seed, and that he minds to bless the aged of Egypt, and of Assyria, but not their seed and infants, because they…

And so the stability and certainty of the decree and oath is not to make the children of David secure, but watchful in their duty: But this is not a condition without which the Messiah should not reign, but without this he should not reign to their comfort and everlasting good.…

Isaiah 9:7, of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end: upon the Throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth, even forever. Objection: But this Covenant is made to, and with David, t…

For the covenant continues that was made with us in our true Solomon: the truth of which he, that cannot deceive, has affirmed, that it shall never be made void. If (says he) his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments: if they defile my statutes, and keep not my c…

Jacob was a holy and humble man when he went out, and so he was when he returned: he saw a multitude of mercies about him, and among them all, not one but was greater than himself. I dare not say every Christian under prosperity can at all times manifest like humility; but I am…

It's true, he is called frequently the Son of man, but never when any prays to him: and he is reckoned in his genealogy, David's son, Abraham's son, the son of Adam; but the son of David is his ordinary style when prayers are directed to him in the days of his flesh. The reasons…

But afterward he rises up to some sense, then he falls to prayer (verse 12), then he begins to look up, and can pray to God to guide him by his counsel, and then receive him to glory; and then it is good for him to draw near to God: but he rises not up to matter of conference wi…

The Lord did not set his love upon you nor choose you (says Moses to Israel) because you were more in number than any people, but because the Lord loved you, that is the ground of making the promise, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn to your fathers, that was…

And thus does prayer sanctify the creature in the use of it. Lastly, and in one word, prayer sanctifies the creatures in the review and recognition of them, and God's mercy in them, with thanksgiving and thoughts of praise, as Jacob (Genesis 32:9-10) and David (2 Samuel 7:18, 21…

That prophecy of Jacob and Esau, that the elder should serve the younger, must not be restrained to the persons of Jacob and Esau, but referred to their posterity; especially in the days of David and Solomon: for then were the Edomites who came of Esau, in subjection to the Isra…

The first is, Subduing of Kingdoms; which serves chiefly for the commendation of the faith of the four Judges there named, and of David. For, as we may read in the books of Judges, and of Samuel, all these subdued Kingdoms; as, the Canaanites, Judges 4, the Midianites, Judges 6,…

It is said, 1. to be like the tower of Lebanon: There is no particular mention of such a tower, but, that Solomon built there a stately house (2 Chronicles 8:3), called the house of the forest of Lebanon, wherein (2 Chronicles 9:15-16) he put many targets and shields; and Lebano…

He does often punish the wicked in their kind, with their own sins: This is true even in the best, so far forth as they are sinful. The same injury which David did to Uriah, was done unto him, by his own son, even by his son Absalom, 2 Samuel 10 verse 10, 11 and 16.22. And this,…

Sixthly, seeing God's providence is manifested in ordinary means, it behooves every man in his calling to use them carefully: and when ordinary means be at hand, we must not look for any help without them, though the Lord be able to do what he will without means. Joab when many…

2. Christ's sacrifice is meritorious, he not only died for our example, but to merit salvation: The person who suffered being God as well as man, did put virtue into his sufferings; and now our sins are expiated, and God appeased. No sooner did the messengers say, Uriah is dead;…

(4.) Murder is committed with the pen. So David killed Uriah, in writing to Joab to set Uriah in the fore-front of the battle (2 Samuel 11:15). Though the Ammonites' sword cut off Uriah, yet David's pen was the cause of his death.

Idleness is the cause of sodomy and uncleanness (Ezekiel 16:49). When David was idle on the top of his roof, then he espied Bathsheba, and took her to him (2 Samuel 11:4). Jerome gave his friend this counsel, to be always well employed in God's vineyard, that when the devil came…

So while men sleep in sloth Satan sows his tares. When David was walking on the leads, and unoccupied, now the Devil set a tempting object before him, and it prevailed (2 Samuel 11:3). 3. Season. When a person is reduced to outward wants and straits, now is the Devil's tempting…

So for the second particular, in case a sin is not thoroughly humbled for and confessed, or if when we committed it we had shifts to keep us from thinking it was sin or not so heinous — or were doubtful whether it was a sin and so were loath to acknowledge it as such, to burden…

3. That no place is privileged from temptations, unless we leave our hearts behind us. David walking on the terrace or house top was ensnared by Bathsheba's beauty (2 Samuel 11:2-4). Lot that was chaste in Sodom, yet committed incest in the mountain, where there were none but hi…

So of Samson (Judges 16:1): He went to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in to her. David was ensnared by his eyes (2 Samuel 11:2): From the roof he saw a woman washing herself, and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. Naboth's vineyard was ever in Ahab's eye, as bein…

Meanwhile, the Evangelist adds a human disgrace, which might almost bring a stain on the glory of this divine blessing. David the King begat Solomon by her that had been the wife of Uriah; by Bathsheba, whom he wickedly tore from her husband, and for the sake of enjoying whom, h…

It must satisfy us that the will of God is so. The answer which David gave Joab's messenger is good settling counsel now (2 Samuel 11:25.) Let not this thing displease you (He speaks this after the fall of noble Urijah) for the sword (not by accident but decree, not casually but…

It will be an excellent means of preventing this sin. It is a good observation that one has; That Israel was safer in the Brick-kilns in Egypt, than in the Plains of Moab, 2 Samuel 11:2. And it came to pass in the even-tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the r…

Saul shall rise up in judgment against such: for he supposing that it was too hard a task for David to undertake combat with Goliath, was loath to put him to it (1 Samuel 17:33). David exceedingly failed in this, when he gave direction that Uriah should be set in the forefront o…

So, (1 Corinthians 7:5) lest Satan tempt you by your incontinency; sets lusts a boiling, either to vex the saints, or to ensnare them. It is possible he may sometimes prevail with God's own children, to draw them to some particular act of gross sin; as (2 Samuel 11:4) as when Da…

So of Samson, (Judges 16:1) Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in to her. So David was ensnared by looking on Bathsheba, (2 Samuel 11:2) and it came to pass in an evening tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house, an…

And if we lay down our weapons, he will fall on and wound us. After David's victory over the Assyrians he grew lustful and defiled Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:4); after we have gotten a victory over Satan in duty, now let us fear lest our hearts give us the slip. When God drove Adam…

Song of Solomon 5:6: My beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone, my soul failed when he spoke, remembering his speeches, when he knocked (verse 2). There may be some too lengthy security under sad falls, when he is not soon missed (2 Samuel 11:1-3; Psalm 26:15). Indeed a spi…

Objection 2. But the sins pardoned to the justified person after the first justification of his person, were never pardoned before, and they are now pardoned, therefore there must be two justifications. Answer: They were virtually pardoned, and so, as he shall never come to cond…

2. As sin is a blackness contrary to the innocency that the Law requires, and as it blots and defiles the soul, it is a Macula, a spot, a filthy and deformed thing, abasing the creature, making the creature black, crooked, defiled, like the skin of the Ethiopian, or spotted like…

A speech one would think savored of pride; but the Apostle pulls the crown from his own head and sets it upon the head of free grace, Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. As Joab when he fought against Rabbah, sent for King David that he might carry away the crown…

Quest. How and in what sense may we be said to partake and have a hand in the sins of others? Resp. 1. By decreeing unrighteous decrees, and imposing on others that which is unlawful: Jeroboam made the people of Israel to sin; he was accessory to their idolatry by setting up gol…

Pardon of sin is a mercy of the first magnitude; God seals the sinner's pardon with a kiss. This made David put on his best clothes, and anoint himself; his child newly dead, and God had told him the sword should not depart from his house, yet now he falls anointing himself; the…

If a Christian has any assistance in duty, any strength against corruption, he rears up a pillar, and writes upon it, Hitherto the Lord has helped me. As Joab when he had fought against Rabbah, and had like to have taken it, sent for King David, that he might carry away the hono…

Though the Ammonites' sword cut off Uriah, yet David's pen was the cause of his death. Therefore the Lord tells David by the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12:9): You have killed Uriah. (5.) Murder is committed by plotting another's death.

How did David disdain that the rich man should take away the poor man's lamb! As the Lord lives he shall surely die (2 Samuel 12:5). What is the enclosing of commons, but robbing of the poor?

Now what is it makes way for pardon of sin, but repentance? When David's soul was humbled and broken, then the prophet Nathan brought him that good news (2 Samuel 12:13): the Lord has put away your sin. Objection: But surely my sins are so great, that if I should repent, God wou…

Let us look to our ends in obedience; though we shoot short, let us take a right aim; one may do God's will yet not with a perfect heart (2 Chronicles 25:2): Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart; the action was right for the mat…

King Pharaoh and his people sin, because they will not let the Israelites go; but the punishment of their sin, is laid upon their children and cattle. The like we read of 2 Samuel 12.14, when David had committed those grievous sins of adultery and murder, a part of his punishmen…

He forbade Adam's fall, as it was sin: for so in every commandment sin as it is sin is condemned and punished: and yet because it was in a new respect, a means of manifesting his glory, who is able to bring light out of darkness; therefore he willingly decreed the permission of…

Could you not, like Shem and Japheth, go backward with a garment to cover the shame of many professors? How is that worthy name blasphemed — James 2:7; 2 Samuel 12:13-14! The hearts of the righteous are saddened — Psalm 25:3; Ezekiel 36:20.

Time may come, that you may earnestly wish you had that health and strength again to spend for God, which you now so lavishly waste, and prodigally cast away upon your troubles to no purpose, or advantage. It was therefore a high point of wisdom in David, and recorded no doubt f…

Rule 7. In the day of your mourning for the death of your friends, seriously consider your own death as approaching, and that you and your dead are distinguished by only a small interval of time. 2 Samuel 12:23: I shall go to him. Surely the thought of your own death as also app…

And if one and the same temporary judgment in the two thieves that were crucified with Christ, be so differenced, that mercy is stamped on the same death to the one, and wrath to the other; we may well say there is a temporary vengeance and wrath, that befalls both the saints an…

He is in this respect 'the beloved' as he is called in Ephesians 1:6, on whom originally and primarily all the beams of God's love fall. Solomon (the type of Christ) was the beloved of God (2 Samuel 12:24) and had his name from this (namely Jedidiah, that is, beloved of the Lord…

No, these he assaults many times very sorely. Pirates venture on the greatest booty: these he seeks to draw off from Christ, as Pharaoh sought to bring back the Israelites after their escape; or to foil them by some scandalous fall, to do religion a mischief (2 Samuel 12:14). By…

Well then, anticipate that sad severe judgment, by judging yourselves, and deprecating his righteous judgment: I may say to you, Soul, as Solomon bespeaks Shimei, You know all the wickedness which your heart is privy to: and where are your prayers, and tears, and groanings in se…

When Moses went into Egypt to be the guide of the Israelites, the Lord would have destroyed him, by reason of the bad example in his own family, namely, the uncircumcision of his child. David, for his evil example, whereby he caused the enemies of God to blaspheme, is punished,…

And this must not seem hard. For even the Jews, when the theft was aggravated with other circumstances, might punish it with death (2 Samuel 12:6). And it is in the power of the magistrate, when sins are increased, to increase the punishment.

Albeit the case may so fall out, that those of another Church, professing the same religion with us, may be reproved, and censured: indeed one Church may admonish another; for they being members one of another, are to procure the good one of another, as Paul teaches by the simil…

To be short, where the feeling of God's love takes place, so as this principle be once fixed in our hearts, that he is our father, it shall not much dismay nor trouble us to be heaved up, or cast down, according as it pleases him: for faith will teach us that there is nothing mo…

What was that which pierced the heart of David with such a deep sense of the evil of his sin, which is so abundantly manifested in Psalm 51. throughout? Why, if you look into the Title you shall find, it was the effect of what Nathan had laid before him: and if you consult 2 Sam…

Psalm 130:3 But this I say, that it's Gods usual way, to visit the sins of his people with rods of affliction, and this in mercy to their souls. Upon this account it was, that the rod of God was upon David in a long succession of troubles upon his kingdom and family, after that…

You having received this, you ought to have served me with it. You see how God upbraids David (2 Samuel 12:7-8): I anointed you King of Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul, and I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your bosom, and if this ha…

Seventhly, sins that bring scandal, seldom suffer the soul to escape depths. Even in great sins, God in chastening takes more notice oft-times of the scandal, than the sin: as 2 Samuel 12:14. Many professors take little notice of their worldliness, their pride, their passion, th…

Beside, these promises, (Psalm 89:31-33) (which are the same with these, (2 Samuel 7)) are looked upon as special evidences of God's love, and peculiar promises of his saving covenant. 2. When he is born, the Lord gives him his name, indeed, sends Nathan, (2 Samuel 12) with this…

Indeed, an Allegory may be in precepts, as 'Muzzle not the mouth of the Ox,' and 'cut off the right hand,' etc., which have an Allegorical sense in them. 4. Types are only historical as such, and the truth of fact agreeing in the anti-type, make them up, it being clear in Script…

And yet besides this restitution, it seems that sometimes the offenders were to be put to death, especially if the circumstances of their theft added cruelty and oppression to it. This appears in the parable of Nathan (2 Samuel 12). When he had most artificially aggravated the c…

And these temporal punishments are many times very sore and heavy; languishing diseases, racking and tormenting pains, loss of estate, sometimes ravished from them by violence, sometimes melting away insensibly: the father possibly by his unjust oppression and extortion, entails…

As, First, those who command or counsel it to be done: thus David became guilty of the murder of innocent Uriah; and God, in drawing up his charge, accuses him with it (2 Samuel 12:9): You have slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Secondly, those who consent to mur…

Now though it is certainly very unjust and unfair to impute the faults of professors to the religion they profess, and to reproach Christianity, because there are those that are called Christians who expose themselves to reproach; yet it is, without question, the sin of those wh…

And how was he slighted by his own Children and servants after he had committed this sin? Compare 1 Samuel 2:30. with 2 Samuel 12:10, 11. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

But thereupon to infer, that because he is guilty of such vices as are in his wife, he ought not to reprove her though she be worthy to be reproved, is scarce sound and good divinity: for thus he makes himself guilty of a double fault, one of committing the sin himself, the othe…

He will come and inquire into our ways; are you provided with an answer? David's sin was secret; his plot for the destruction of Uriah closely carried: Nathan tells him (2 Samuel 12:12), You did it secretly — But, against you have I sinned. Many escape blame with men, but God's…

So, (1 Corinthians 7:5) lest Satan tempt you by your incontinency; sets lusts a boiling, either to vex the saints, or to ensnare them. It is possible he may sometimes prevail with God's own children, to draw them to some particular act of gross sin; as (2 Samuel 11:4) as when Da…

And Paul was a zealous instrument, that went up and down doing good; he labored more abundantly than they all: Yet not I, but the grace of God, which was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10). In this case, if we would honor and glorify God, we must do as Joab did, when he was likely to…

In every sin we slight the Will of God, and set up our own. We despise the commandment (2 Samuel 12:9) — not grossly and formally; David did not slight the commandment, and say, "Tush, it is a foolish law" — but by necessary interpretation we slight the law of God, and set up ou…

This is not meant here, of every failing and slip, every sin of ignorance and incogitancy; no, nor every act of rebellion and perversness of affection which may be found in the children of God. Though there be a pride in all sins against knowledge and light; that kind of sinning…

Soul-troubles are the most pressing troubles; a child of God is as a lost man in such a condition. 2. In respect of the heavy weight of outward pressures: Thus David fasted, and lay all night upon the earth in his child's sickness (2 Samuel 12:16-17). David therefore besought Go…

So, a child of God when he has fallen into disorder, how will this furnish the triumphs of the uncircumcised? Blind Samson did not make such sport for the Philistines, as a child of God for a wicked man, when he has fallen into some notable excess (2 Samuel 12:14). By this deed…

No, no, we are to recover ourselves by repentance, to sue out the favor of God. When David humbled himself, and had repented, then says Nathan (2 Samuel 12:13), The Lord has put away your sin. Partly too, because their bent and habitual inclination is to do otherwise.

Use 2. It informs us of the heinous nature of sin; of sin in general, it is [in non-Latin alphabet], a transgression of the Law (1 John 3:4) — that is, a contempt of God's authority, it is an unlording of him, and putting him out of the Throne. Every sin is an affront to God's a…

It concerns princes to be instructed (Psalm 2:10): Be wise now therefore, you kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Few speak plainly and sincerely to them, as Nathan to David (2 Samuel 12:7): You are the man; and God to David (2 Samuel 24:13): Shall seven years of fami…

So (Joel 2:14): Who knows if he will return, and leave a blessing behind him? In this clause I put believers who have sinned away their peace and assurance (2 Samuel 12:22). Who can tell if God will be gracious to me, that the child may live?

Now though sinners do not say so in so many direct and formal words, yet this is the interpretation of their sinful actions. Whenever they sin, they despise the law which forbids that sin, and so by consequence the authority of him that made it; (2 Samuel 12:9-10). Why have you…

We are froward in our relations; Hagar was proud in Abraham's house (Genesis 16:4): her mistress was despised in her eyes; but very humble in the desert (Genesis 21:16). David's heart was tender and smote him when he cut off the lap of Saul's garment (1 Samuel 24:5), but how stu…

So again (Galatians 2:20), I live, and then presently, not I but Christ lives in me. Thus should we learn to be faithful and loyal to God, and deal with him as Joab did to David when he was like to surprise Rabbah and take it (2 Samuel 12:28): Encamp against the city, and take i…

But then the question returns, Is it a word of promise made to himself in particular, or God's servants in general? Some say the former (2 Samuel 12:13), the promises brought to him by Nathan; I incline to the latter, and it teaches us these three truths. 1. That God's servants…

What was in his tongue is in all men's hearts, they contemn God and his laws. Every sin has a degree of pride, and a depreciation of God included in it (2 Samuel 12:9). Therefore have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight?

Take heed of being an occasion of, a partaker of, or but accessory to other men's sins. God forbids it, that it may not be (Ephesians 5:7-11; 1 Timothy 5:22), and sharply reproves and punishes it, where he finds it to be (Psalm 50:18; 2 Samuel 12:9; 1 Kings 21:19), in which two…

Does your God smile on you? Cheer up, (2 Samuel 13:4) Why are you, being the king's son, lean? Are you the king's son?

Shall the sons of a king walk dejected? Why are you, being the king's son, lean? (2 Samuel 13:4). Is God an unkind Father, are his commands grievous?

It turns rejoicing in sin into sorrow for sin; it turns boldness in sin into holy shame; it turns the love of sin into hatred. As Amnon hated Tamar more than ever he loved her (2 Samuel 13:15), so the true penitent hates sin more than ever he loved it. (Psalm 119:104): "I hate e…

David thought it no small honor to be the king's son-in-law (1 Samuel 18:18): what an honor is it to derive your pedigree from heaven, to be born of God; why then are you troubled, and murmur at every slight cross? As Jonadab said to Amnon (2 Samuel 13:4): Why are you, being the…

When the people fell in idolatry (Exodus 32:25), Aaron made the people naked to their shame. So when Tamar dissuades her brother from incest (2 Samuel 13:13), she says, "And I, where shall I cause my shame to go? and as for you, you shall be as one of the fools of Israel." Shame…

Now when Christ shall speak for us, and speak God's own heart, how prevalent must those words needs be? David's soul longing to go forth to Absalom (2 Samuel 13, last verse), whom notwithstanding (for the honor of a father, and a king's state policy, and to satisfy the world) he…

As sweet perfumes are a reviving, so to be supported in good resolutions or directed and guided in our way to heaven by a faithful friend is very cheering and comfortable; and we read (1 Samuel 23:16-17), that Jonathan went to David and strengthened his hand in God. Whereas on t…

Neglect in this regard is a dishonor to God, and a disparagement to the treasures of grace. Why are you being the King's son, lean from day to day, said Jonadab to Ammon (2 Samuel 13:4). So say I, from where proceeds this leanness?

Or if the Scripture speaks of them as men, yet it allows them but the external shape of men, not the unde[•]standing of men. Among the Jews they were called Fools in Israel, 2 Samuel 13:13. and so Proverbs 6:32. Whoso commits adultery with a woman, lacketh understanding. And sin…

Though Samson saw a daughter of the Philistines which pleased him well, yet would he not marry her before he had his parents' consent (Judges 14:2). 4. These words of Tamar (2 Samuel 13:13), "Speak to the King" (who was her father,) "for he will not withhold you from me," show t…

Hence is it that many most vile and horrible things are commanded, because they are agreeable to the commander's humor. Absalom bid his servants commit a most detestable murder upon his own brother, and note how he presses it, Have not I commanded you (2 Samuel 13:28)? More pres…

Thus the Jews conspired to kill Paul; they looked upon him as one that had cried down the customs of their nation. This made Absalom plot the death of Amnon, because of the quarrel he had with him, and the dishonor he had done his sister; he bids him to dinner, and plies him wit…

It was a law among the Lacedemonians, Quicunque senum delinquentem puerum videns non increpat, eadem poena cum delinquente teneatur; That if any of the ancient saw a young one sinning, and did not reprove him, they should undergo the same punishment with the offender. But, 2. We…

We little think what secret sighs and groans are within, when wicked men are merry, or seem at least to be so from the teeth outward. In 2 Samuel 13 you will find no meaner person than a King's Son vexed and tormented with his own passion (2 Samuel 13): he was in a burning fever…

Now then if a man may forsake open sins, and retain secret sins; if he may forsake sin, but not as sin; if he may let one sin go to hold another the faster; if a man may let all sin go and yet be a sinner still; if sin may be left and yet be loved; Finally, if all sin may be cha…

You hold not your estate jure, but gratis, not by a juridical right, but upon favor and courtesy. 2. It is unworthy of the relation we stand in to God; a Christian is invested with the title and privilege of sonship; he is an heir of the promise: Oh consider the lot of free grac…

This is to make provision for the flesh: when one studies to gratify the flesh and lay in fuel for lust. Thus Amnon made provision for the flesh (2 Samuel 13:5): he feigned himself sick and his sister Tamar must be his nurse, must cook and dress his food for him, by which means…

7. Let us carry ourselves as the children of God in cheerfulness. It was the speech of Jonadab to Amnon, why are you, being the king's son, lean (2 Samuel 13:4)? Why do the children of God walk so pensively?

First, when a man mourns that he cannot satisfy his impure lust; this is like the devil, whose greatest torture is that he can be no more wicked. Thus Amnon mourned and was sick, until he had defiled his sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:2). Thus Ahab mourned for Naboth's vineyard (1 Ki…

They saw their blood poured forth, they saw the ravishing of their virgins, the slaughter of the whole city, the depopulation of church and temple, the laying waste and throwing down all the ordinances, and therefore they express a great mourning, as for the greatest and most pu…

Heaven itself would not satisfy without Christ; Christ is the diamond in the ring of glory. If God should say to the soul, I will put you into heaven, but I will hide my face from you, I will draw a curtain between, so that you shall not behold my glory — the soul would not be s…

If it were said, 'God will indeed pardon you, but he will never love you as he did; he will not look on you; you must not come into his sight' — this would grieve the soul more than the other would content it, and he would be troubled without end. I may allude to what Absalom sa…

The Loadstone of mercy does not draw us so near to God, as the Cords of affliction. When Absalom set Joab's Corn on fire, then he came running to Absalom, 2 Samuel 14.30. When God sets our worldly comforts on fire, then we run to him, and make our peace with him.

Now when Christ shall speak for us, and speak God's own heart, how prevalent must those words needs be? David's soul longing to go forth to Absalom (2 Samuel 13, last verse), whom notwithstanding (for the honor of a father, and a king's state policy, and to satisfy the world) he…

But wherever this is done, by and by the flesh is tickled with vainglory and grows proud. For there is none (no not among the godly) which would not rather be praised than dispraised, except perhaps some be so well established in this behalf, that he will be moved neither with p…

Thus, it may be my sons have sinned and departed from God in their hearts: and they bring some texts of Scripture wherein the word [Barach] signifies to depart, or to take leave, and go away: as (Genesis 47:10) Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from before Pharaoh, he blessed h…

He gives two directions, holding forth what was more proper, and fit for her case, 1. Let me see your countenance (says he) like one that is ashamed, you hide yourself, as if you dare not appear before me, but come (says he) let me see your countenance. This expression imports f…

A crazy body retorts and shoots back its distempers upon the soul with which it is so closely conjoined; but though now the soul (as Theophrastus speaks) pays a dear rent for the tabernacle in which it dwells, yet when death dissolves that tabernacle, all the diseases and pains…

A stone that falls on a wool-pack rests there, and rebounds not to do any further mischief, such is a meek answer to an angry question. It is observed in that encounter which was between the royal tribe, and the other ten, that the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the…

No principle has such a commanding influence upon the soul, as that which has a regard to God, and wherein we approve ourselves to him. It was a good hint which the woman of Tekoah gave to David, when she was suing for a merciful sentence (2 Samuel 14:11): I pray you, let the ki…

God sent a tempest after Jonah. Absalom set Joab's barley-field on fire, and then he came to him (2 Samuel 14:30; Isaiah 26:16). Lord in trouble have they visited you, they poured out a prayer when your chastening was upon them.

7 They must suffer the loss of God himself, who is the Heaven of Heaven: all good things are but as a drop to the Ocean, in comparison of him (Psalm 73:25) — "whom have I in Heaven but you" — as if all the rest were nothing. If a saint were to go to Heaven this very day, he woul…

Evangelical mourning is a spur to prayer; the child who weeps for offending his father goes into his presence, and will not leave until his father is reconciled to him. Absalom could not be quiet until he had seen the king's face (2 Samuel 14:32-33). Fourth, gospel-mourning is f…

Christ's beauty, like his coat, is woven without seam. We read of Absalom, 2 Samuel 14:25. In all Israel there was none to be so praised as Absalom for his beauty, from the sole of his foot, even to the crown of his head, there was no blemish in him.

It appeared Jacob loved Joseph better than all his other children, because when he was gone, though he had all his other children about him, yet could not be comforted by them all, and all because he wanted Joseph. So Joab said to David, I see you love Absalom more than the whol…

If the sinner could help it, God should no longer be God. 4. Sin is an act of disingenuity and unkindness; God feeds the sinner, keeps off evils from him, bedecks him with mercy, but the sinner not only forgets God's mercies, but abuses them: he is the worse for mercy; like Absa…

It was now a sad time with David, he was flying for his life from Absalom; it was no small affliction to think that his own son should seek to take away his father's life and crown. David wept and covered his face (2 Samuel 15:30). Yet at this time says he, I will lay me down in…

8. We highly take God's name in vain, when we prefix God's name to any wicked action. I say, the mentioning of God in a wicked design is taking his name in vain (2 Samuel 15:7). I pray, says Absalom, let me pay my vow which I vowed to the Lord, in Hebron.

Lying is a sin that does not go alone; it ushers in other sins. Absalom told his father a lie, that he was going to pay his vow at Hebron (2 Samuel 15:7), and this lie was a preface to his treason. Lying is such a sin as takes away all society and converse with men: how can you…

Lying is a sin that does not go alone, it ushers in other sins. Absalom told his father a lie, that he was going to pay his vow at Hebron (2 Samuel 15:7), and this lie was a preface to his treason. Where there is a lie in the tongue, it shows the devil is in the heart.

Let us be exhorted whatever troubles God does exercise us with, aequo animo ferre, to resign up our wills to God, and say, Your will be done: Which is fittest, that God should bring his will to ours, or we bring our will to his? Say as Eli (1 Samuel 3:18), It is the Lord, let hi…

See, Abraham's faith will lead him from country to country; and Job's will carry him through life and death. And noble David is not behind for his part; for he will lose his kingdom, if God will have it so: 2 Samuel 15:26. If (says David) God say, I have no delight in you, lo he…

The inhabitants of Jericho pay dearly for their disobedience in this case: God sets the Israelites as Lords over them: and because they will not yield to become their servants, they die for it. David's practice was commendable in this case: for, when he was put out of his own Ki…

Answer. We are to pray against their sins, counsels, enterprises, but not against their persons. Thus prayed David against Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31): Lord I pray you bring the counsel of Ahithophel to foolishness. And thus did the apostles pray against their persecutors (Acts…

Our Savior prayed that the cup might be taken away, but with submission to his Father's will (Luke 22:42). And this David had learned when he said, But if he thus say, behold I have no delight in you, behold here I am, let him do to me as seems good in his eyes (2 Samuel 15:26).

2. Grace is a well-advised and resolute thing, and has the eyes of providence to say in possible events, What if my scarlet embrace the dunghill, and providence turn the tables. 3. It is like wisdom (grace is wise to see afar off) to fore-act faith, and resolve to lie under God'…

Whereas there is no true Christian that does most esteem the having of Christ, but does not only seek Christ without respect of loaves, or money, or of a quiet conscience in time of death, but even in the very time of this life, when he seeks after the ordinances of God in this…

As sometimes the case so stands, that if a man do betake himself to spiritual duties, he shall perhaps find the more favor in the eyes of men, and to please authority, if it take the better side; and so from a heavy baseness of their hearts to such regards; they will have respec…

Secondly, our cries are to be directed to God with subjection to his will. Read the example of Christ (Mark 14:36) and of David (2 Samuel 15:26). This condemns the practice of many men.

It is here supposed to be the Christians great duty, under the apprehensions of approaching troubles to resign his will to Gods, and quietly commit the events and issues of all to him, whatever they may prove. Thus did David in the like case and circumstances, 2 Samuel 15. 25, 2…

Thus when the Sea divided it self, just upon Israels cry to Heaven, Exodus 14:10 When so signal a victory is given to Asa, immediately upon that pathetical cry to Heaven, Help us O Lord our God, 2 Chron. 14. 11, 12. When Ahitophel shall go and hang himself, just upon that prayer…

That is, You shall love and praise God rightly and straightly, neither bent to yourselves, nor your profits. Such spirit had David, when he being driven from Jerusalem by his son Absalom, was of that mind that he being cast away forever, would never look to come again, neither i…

Secondly, Sometimes the soul by says addresss it self in a peculiar manner to the Soveraignty of Gods will; whereby he is gracious to whom he will be gracious, and merciful to whom he will be merciful, which as was shewed, is another considerable Spring or principle of forgivene…

10:3, 4. And David when things were brought into extream confusion by the Rebellion of Absolom followed by the Ungodly multitude of the whole Nation, relinquishs all other arguments and Pleas, and lets goe complaints in a resignation of himself and all his Concernments unto the…

1. A shameful condition (Isaiah 20:4). 2. A present sad affliction, the sense whereof makes men careless of what is adorning; So David (2 Samuel 15:30), under heavy affliction, walks barefooted. 3. An unfitness for travel: Therefore, when the people were to be in readiness for t…

You know by what insinuations Absalom stole away the hearts of the people — by those of justice and kindness; he kissed them, he did perijcere oscula, adorare vulgus, as the historian says of Otho. And you know he said (2 Samuel 15:4), "Oh that I were a judge in the land, then I…

When God's anger is kindled, ours must be stifled; such is the law of meekness, that whatever pleases God must not displease us: David was in a better frame when he penned the 56th Psalm, the title of which, some think, speaks the calmness and submissiveness of his spirit when t…

But Moses seeing Gods mind, that he would rather have him venture himself in joining with his people in affliction, and that this was the way, whereby God would honor himself by him, he was content to let go all those reasonings, and yield up himself to Gods own way: God will so…

Expediency depends much upon circumstances, and consequences which may follow upon the doing of any thing: in observing which the wisdom of him who has power to have a thing done, or not done, especially appears. When David suffered not Hushai his good friend, and wise counselor…

And the elders of his house arose, and went to him to raise him up from the earth; but he would not: neither did he eat bread with them. And when he was driven from his palace by Absalom, and was in danger of his life every moment (which some interpreters think to be the case in…

See how he complains, verse 1: "Lord how are they increased that trouble me, many are they that rise up against me." You shall find in 2 Samuel 15:12: "The people increased continually with Absalom." A multitude against him, and the rest durst not be for him, their hearts were h…

Lord, if you will you can make me clean. (2 Samuel 15:25-26) And the king said to Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city; if I shall find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation: But if he thus say, I have no delight…

Applying it to David's case, some think it fulfilled when the Amalekites spoiled Ziklag (1 Samuel 30), and took the women captive, and the spoil of the city. Some understand it of the time when Absalom and his party rifled his house, and defiled his concubines (2 Samuel 15). 2.…

Pray mark, in the general case he observes justice, in his own faithfulness. The Book called Midrash Tillim refers these words to David's flight from Absalom, when he went to Mount Olivet weeping; it was an ill time then with David, he had no security then for his life; being dr…

First, the Saint improves his earthly things for an heavenly end, where layest you up your treasure? doest you bestow it on your voluptuous paunch, your hawks and your hounds, or lockest you it up in the bosome of Christs poor members? what use makest you of your honor and great…

It was no doubt great content to David, that he had the hearts of his people so, as Whatever the King did, pleased them all. And surely God took it as well, that what he did pleased David; for indeed David was as content under the rule and disposure of God as the people were und…

Philippians 4:12. I know both how to be abased, and how to abound: everywhere, and in all things I am instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. If I die, it is good; if I live, it is good; if I be full, and rich, it is good; if I be hungry,…

So the end which Noah proposed unto himself in the building of the Ark, was the preservation of himself and others, according to the will of God, he made an Ark to preserve himself and his family from the flood, according to all that God commanded him, so did he (Genesis 6:22).…

This word therefore, whether the act of God towards men, or of men towards God, or of men among themselves, or of one towards another be expressed thereby, is always used in a Forensick sense, and does not denote a Physical operation, Transfusion or Transmutation. 2 Samuel 15:4.…

1. Towards others, yet be proud; who more humble than Absalom in his outward behavior? 2 Samuel 15:5. When any man came near to do him obeisance, Absalom took him by the hand and kissed him.

There is a long chain, and concatenation of God's ways, counsels, decrees, actions, events, judgments, mercies; and there is white, and black, good and evil, crooked and straight interwoven in this web, and the links of this chain, partly gold, partly brass, iron and clay, and t…

Men create fools' paradises to themselves, and then walk up and down in them; as, if they had money enough, what pleasures they would have; if they were in such places of preferment, how they would carry themselves. To allude to that Absalom said (2 Samuel 15:4) — Oh if I were a…

Like the mule, who kicks the dam after she has given it milk. Vas pertusum, [in non-Latin alphabet] (2 Samuel 16:17), is this your kindness to your friend? God may upbraid the sinner: I have given you (may God say) your health, strength, and estate, you require me evil for good,…

3. By counseling, abetting, or provoking others to sin. Ahithophel made himself guilty of the fact, by giving counsel to Absalom to go in and defile his father's concubines (2 Samuel 16:21). He who shall tempt and solicit another to be drunk, though he himself be sober, yet bein…

6. God's wisdom is seen in befooling wise men, and making their wisdom a means of their overthrow. Achitophel had deep policy (2 Samuel 16:23). The counsel of Achitophel which he counseled, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: but he consulted his own shame, the Lo…

6. To join the serpent and the dove, prudence and innocency, consists in this, To know how to give counsel, and how to keep counsel. He has the wisdom of the serpent that can give counsel, he knows how to advise another in difficult cases, and speak a word in due season (2 Samue…

2nd Branch: To such whose lot it is to meet with slanderers and false accusers — (1.) Labor to make a sanctified use of it. When Shimei railed on David, David made a sanctified use of it (2 Samuel 16:10). The Lord has said to him, Curse David.

Did we look higher than instruments, our hearts would grow calm, and we would not meditate revenge. Shimei reproached David and cursed him; David looked higher (2 Samuel 16:11): Let him alone, let him curse, for the Lord has bidden him. What made Christ, when he was reviled, not…

So David in the greatest of his griefs was silent and spoke nothing; his reason was, because you Lord did it (Psalm 39:9). And when Shimei cursed David, Abishai would have had the king to have given him leave to have slain him: but David would not suffer it, but said, He curses…

There is as truly a principle of quietness in the permitting as in the commanding will of God. See it in David (2 Samuel 16:10): 'Let him alone; it may be God has told him.' And in Christ (John 19:11): 'You could have no power against me, except it were given you from above.'

Sad experience made a holy man once to say, It is better to weep for ten dead children, than for one living child: a living child may prove a continual dropping, indeed, a continual dying to the parent's heart. What a sad word was that of David to Abishai (2 Samuel 16:11), Behol…

Saltmarsh, when he wills the sinner as a sinner, a parricide, a man-slayer, a slave to his lusts, to believe and apply Christ as his Redeemer without any sense of sin or humiliation at all, and then says the man's blessedness is more to have the curse of sin, than the corruption…

With such minds he has no sympathy. He examines the Scriptures with the humility of one who inquires at the oracle of God, (2 Samuel 16:23,) and proclaims the reply with the faith of one who knows that the word of the Lord is tried, (Psalm 18:30.) Intimately connected with this…

Joseph had not a word of discontent to vent against his brethren, being thus resolved, It was not you that sent me here but God (Genesis 45). And David lays aside all revenge against railing Shimei on this ground, So let him curse, because the Lord has said to him, curse David (…

6. It is a notable and singular consolation for folks to have Christ their friend — it is comfortable in life, death, and judgment, in prosperity and adversity. It implies these things in which he is forthcoming to his friends: 1. Constant kindness and faithfulness at all times;…

Either by reviling and railing speeches. And thus Shimei barked at David (2 Samuel 16:7): "Come out, you bloody man, and you man of Belial." And I wish that our streets and houses did not, to their great disgrace and reproach, echo with such clamors; and that too many did not ra…

It was an evidence that Saul was acted by another spirit, in that when the children of Belial despised him, and brought him no presents, hoping by that contempt to give a shock to his infant government, he held his peace, and so neither his soul, nor his crown received any distu…

When Nabal's churlishness provoked him, yet Abigail's prudence soon pacified him, and it pleased him to be pacified. When Shimei cursed him, with a bitter curse, in the day of his calamity, he resented not the offense, nor would hear any talk of punishing the offender: so let hi…

Or what are our sayings that they must not be contradicted? Such affronts as these we should learn to bear as David did when Shimei cursed him, so let him curse (2 Samuel 16:10); and as the Son of David did when his enemies reviled him (1 Peter 2:23), blessing them that curse us…

3. A spirit of revenge against instruments; when we do not sweetly calm the heart with the remembrance of God's hand. (2 Samuel 16:9) Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over, I pray, and take off his head.

Thus Michal to save David from the fury of her father, feigned him sick (1 Samuel 19:14), and David advised Jonathan to an officious lie (1 Samuel 20:6-7), so verses 26, 28, 29. Thus Hushai by temporizing with Absalom preserved David (2 Samuel 16:17-19), to divide his counsels p…

The Lord will try whether we have this meek humble patience. (2 Samuel 16:7): When [reconstructed: Shimei] went about railing to the peril of his life, Come out, come out you bloody man, and [reconstructed: you] man of Belial) and reproached him for being treacherous to the hous…

You will hear bitter words, Christ himself was thus exercised, (Matthew 27:29) Hail King of the Jews, to be mocked and scorned we must expect and that men will insult. (3.) Or whether they be perverse applications of providence, thus Shimei insulted over David in his distress, (…

So in loss of good children, how do we rave against instruments, if we look no further? but if we consider the providence of God (Job 1:23): not Dominus dedit, Diabolus abstulit; but The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. So for contume…

Therefore while God continues them, they are observing what God will do by them. (2 Samuel 16:11) "Let him curse: for the Lord has bidden him." God has work for them to do, to mortify our wantonness, to break our stubborn humors.

Generally men are vindictive and transported with uncomely passions, when wronged by men. (2 Samuel 16:9) Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray you, and take off his head. This was the ruffling humor of Abishai.

It should be a Christian's ambition to wear his Savior's livery, though it be sprinkled with blood, and sullied with disgrace. 3. God will do us good by reproach; as David said of Shimei his cursing, It may be the Lord will requite good for his cursing this day (2 Samuel 16:12);…

Another eminent pattern of meekness was David. When Shimei cursed David, and Abishai, one of David's bodyguard, would have beheaded Shimei, King David said, Let him alone, and let him curse (2 Samuel 16:11). And when Saul had wronged and abused David, and it was in David's power…

Job on the dunghill was blessed Job. The saints are blessed when they are cursed; Shimei did curse David (2 Samuel 16:5), yet when he was cursed David, he was blessed David. The saints though they are bruised, yet they are blessed.

3. The actings of mortification are indifferent, not fixedly bent upon anything but God, no not upon the Ark and spiritual comforts. Weeping David (2 Samuel 16:25) says to Zadok, carry back the Ark of God into the City (better I want my comfort, than the Ark be taken); if I shal…

'The Lord has taken away,' said Job (Job 1:21). 'God has bidden him,' said David (2 Samuel 16:10). If the blow comes from the hand of a wicked man, yet he sees that wicked hand in God's righteous hand (Psalm 17:14).

We meditate how to requite it again. But see how naturally David's mind distills other thoughts from Shimei's cursing (2 Samuel 16:11): God has bidden him, and it may prove a good sign of God's favor; God may requite good for it. When we see judgments befall others, severe thoug…

Glorying is the height of confidence; many a man does make an idol of his wit and parts: he deifies himself: but how often does God take the [reconstructed: Wise] in their own craftiness (Job 5:13). Achitophel had a great wit, his counsel was as the oracle of God, but his wit br…

Achitophel had deep policy (2 Samuel 16:23). The counsel of Achitophel which he counseled, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: but he consulted his own shame, the Lord turned his counsel into foolishness (2 Samuel 17:23). Job 5:13. God takes the wise in their own…

Achitophel had high thoughts of himself, his words were esteemed oracles; and to have his wise counsel rejected, he was not able to bear it. (2 Samuel 17:23) He put his house in order, and hanged himself. 2. Discontent is occasioned from poverty.

Second, faith furnishes itself with a store of promises; the promises are faith's weapons to fight with. Now, as David, by five stones in his sling, wounded Goliath (2 Samuel 17:40), so faith puts the promises, as stones, into its sling: "I will never leave you nor forsake you"…

And thus it was with [reconstructed: Ahithophel], who for wisdom was as the oracle of God: yet because he rebelled against the Lord's anointed, God confounded him in his own wisdom. For when his counsel which he gave against David was not followed, he thought [reconstructed: him…

And indeed it was but meet, that he should eat the fruit of that tree which himself had planted, Esther 7:10 Ahitophel plots against David, and gives counsel like an Oracle, how to procure his fall; and that very counsel, like a surcharged Gun, recoils upon himself, and procures…

Great is the Priviledge to have the Lord of Hosts for us. 1. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side, he can discover the subtil plots of Enemies. Thus he detected the Counsel of Achitophel, 2 Samuel 17:16. And did not the Lord discover the Popish conspirators both in the Powder-Tre…

Trust in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. To make you more earnest in good works (2 Samuel 17), says David there, I dwell in a house of cedar, and the ark of God within curtains. When you have such kind of reasonings stirred up within you, What do I for G…

If he does but let a spark of his wrath into conscience, and hide his face from them, it's a greater burden to them than all the miseries of the world. David was a man valiant, that had a heart as the heart of a lion (2 Samuel 17:10). He was a man cheerful, called the sweet sing…

You shall find in 2 Samuel 15:12: "The people increased continually with Absalom." A multitude against him, and the rest durst not be for him, their hearts were hovering; and in another place (2 Samuel 17:11): "All Israel gathered to him from Dan to Beersheba." In what a sorry p…

There is no reason of altering our course, and why we should grow remiss, lazy, and changeable in God's service. What is more usual with men than to cast off their first faith (1 Timothy 1:12), and their first love (Revelation 2:4), and their first diligence and obedience (2 Sam…

To read at home when the Word is a-preaching, or the sacrament celebrating, is unseasonable — nay sinful. As Hushai said (2 Samuel 17:7): the counsel is not good at this time. One duty is to prepare for another, but not to jostle out another; fruit must put forth seasonably.

(2) We take not heed to the young births of the heart; with the concurrence of the mind, fancy and imagination, there are multitudes of forgeries, clay-pots, and imaginations framed, as a potter devises vessels of earth of many quantities, figures, shapes, great, small, narrow,…

Verse 30: Hoshea smote him, and reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet]. So also (Esther 2:4), (Ecclesiastes 4:15), (2 Samuel 17:25), (Genesis 30:2), (1 Kings 16:10): Zimri reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet] (Ezekiel 16:32). Joseph heard that Archelaus did reign in the room of Herod his…

A gracious soul thinks he can never kill sin enough. He deals with sin as Joab with Absalom (2 Samuel 18:14). He took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom.

For then Paul and diverse of the saints of God, should have done works of supererogation, more than the law requires, in loving their neighbors more than themselves (Romans 9:1). And if it were a rule, it were but a leaden and false rule: for we are in some cases bound to love o…

Yet I cannot admit this of Job's children: surely he who had bestowed so much care in their upbringing, and had them still under his eye, could not suspect them of degenerating so soon into such palpable idolatry. [in non-Latin alphabet] (Psalm 46:2). (2 Samuel 18:18). Secondly,…

The other word trembling added to fear, adds emphasis, showing that it is no small fear that is required of servants: and it gives them to know that their masters having a power to punish them, they must so carry themselves as they provoke not their master to wrath, but be very…

When David suffered not Hushai his good friend, and wise counselor, to go with him when he fled from Absalom, but bade him return to the city and there abide, he had an eye to the good consequence that might follow thereupon (2 Samuel 15:33-34). And when Joab commanded Cushi rat…

2. In deep sorrow, as Job 3:3, Elijah, 1 Kings 19:4: He requested for himself, that he might die; and he said, It is enough, now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am not better than my fathers. (3.) From the peevishness of fond and doting love (2 Samuel 18:33): And the King was…

It is a great remedy against all temptation of gain, and worldly profit, and temporal convenience. Look as that man that had a fear of the King upon his heart (2 Samuel 18:12): "Why did you not smite him to the ground?" says Joab; and the man answered, "Though I should receive a…

For his: the meaning of that particle is [reconstructed: in] two things. - 1. In their room, in their stead, (2 Samuel 18, last verse) would God I had died for you: (Romans 5:7-8) Christ [reconstructed: died] for us: we being sinners should have died and suffered ourselves; but…

Though others may outrun us, yet if we hold on to the end of the race we shall receive the reward. Some saints are like Asahel, light of foot as a roe (2 Samuel 2:18); they run swifter in the race of obedience, as Ahimaaz outran Cushi (2 Samuel 18:23). But this is the comfort of…

[In non-Latin alphabet] for notes most frequently vice, loco, in the place and stead. As also, [in non-Latin alphabet] (2 Samuel 18:33): would God I had died for you, Absalom. The Septuagint, the Syriac version, and the Chaldee paraphrase: in your stead, I would I had died, and…

He who is surety for another (as Christ was for us, Hebrews 7:22) is to undergo the danger that the other might be delivered. So David, wishing he had died for his son Absalom (2 Samuel 18:33), intended a commutation and substitution of his life for Absalom's, so that Absalom mi…

Who would plead for him that seeks his life? We are ready to say to the Minister concerning sin, as David to Joab concerning Absalom, 2 Samuel 18:5. Deal gently with the young man.

Washing in Jordan must do it, and there be better rivers in his own land, in Damascus: Not only God, but all his instruments, that he works by, must be eye-sweet to us, and carry God and omnipotency on their foreheads, else the mercy is no mercy to us. 2. Mercies cease to be mer…

David brought his will to God (2 Samuel 15:26): Here am I, let him do to me as seems good to him. And after he resigned his will, he had his will; God brought him back to the Ark, and settled him again in his throne (2 Samuel 19). Many a parent that has had a dear child sick, wh…

As rooted malice argues a stronger hatred than a sudden though more violent passion, so we must measure our love not by a violent motion of it now and then, but by the depth of the root and the constancy of its actings. Because David was so passionately moved for Absalom, Joab c…

Nor can it be doubted, that this divine intimation, which he received in his individual and private capacity, was intended generally for the confirmation of all the godly. Jesus is called the Lord's Christ, because he was anointed It is scarcely necessary to remind the reader, t…

So long as any splendor of royalty continued in the family of David, the kings were wont to be called χριστοί, anointed. Every reader of the Bible is familiar with the phrase, the Lord's anointed, as applied to David and his successors, (2 Samuel 19:21; Lamentations 4:20.) — Ed.…

By all these proofs it appears that if a master bids his servant come, go, do this, or that, he must obey. The contrary to this is the highest degree of disobedience, as when servants refuse to be at their master's command, and to do what they charge them to do: as Ziba, who bei…

Thus all earthly enjoyments have but some time (as foods) when they are in season but the graciousness of God is always sweet, the taste of that is never out of season. See how old age spoils the relish of outward delights in the example of Barzillai (2 Samuel 19:35). But it mak…

To our persons: (Acts 7:60) Stephen, when they stoned him, he said, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge: though they had done him so great an injury, as to deprive him of his life and service; yet, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. So to our names: When Shimei came bark…

Thus Joab very sharply reproved David, when he so immoderately mourned for Absalom. And I think it is one of the roundest checks that ever a dutiful subject gave to his prince; but if he had not taken that very time, the case had been desperate, and his people had all forsaken h…

Persons of quality and honor that are used to, and deserve civility, will not bear such provoking words, nor take them but on the point of their rapier, and return it to the giver's throat. Great sins are committed from such beginnings; therefore Solomon tells us (Proverbs 15:1)…

The Scripture compares the multitude of people to waters, the great ones of the world sit upon these waters; as the ship floates upon the waves, so do their honours upon the breath and favor of the multitude; and bow long is he like to sit that is carried upon a wave? one while…

16. We are called to be dead to honorable birth, blood, and noble families, when princes are filled with contempt, and those that were clothed in scarlet embrace the dunghill (Lamentations 5:12; Isaiah 40:23, 20). 17. And we must be dead to the vigorousness of youth, when we rea…

(1) In the imputation of sin, when the person guilty of it, is so judged and reckoned a sinner, as to be dealt withall accordingly. This imputation Shimei deprecated, 2 Samuel 19:19. He said unto the king, Let not my Lord impute iniquity unto me, ( the word used in the expressio…

To dissemble love is no better than a lie; for there is a pretence of that love which is not. Many are like Joab (2 Samuel 20:9): "And Joab said to Amasa, 'Are you in health, my brother?' and he took him by the beard to kiss him, and he smote him in the fifth rib that he died."…

(1.) With the hand. As Joab killed Abner and Amasa (2 Samuel 20:10): He smote him in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels. (2.) Murder is committed with the mind.

Counterfeiting of love is hypocrisy. It is too usual to betray with a kiss (2 Samuel 20:9). Joab took Abner by the beard to kiss him, and smote him in the fifth rib that he died.

Example and advice of one's equal prevails much with another, so as a fellow servant may in this kind do more good than the master himself: and if by his means he bring his fellow servants to be faithful, his own faithfulness is doubled and trebled; and his master receives a dou…

Persons of quality and honor that are used to, and deserve civility, will not bear such provoking words, nor take them but on the point of their rapier, and return it to the giver's throat. Great sins are committed from such beginnings; therefore Solomon tells us (Proverbs 15:1)…

5. The godly man abhors dissimulation towards men, his heart goes along with his tongue, he cannot flatter and hate, commend and censure, Romans 12. 9. Let love be without dissimulation. Dissembled love is worse than hatred; counterfeiting of friendship is no better than a lie,…

Our friends bring us to the grave and leave us there, but God will not: God will go to the grave with us, and watch over our dead bodies; and take care of our ashes. Rizpah watched over the dead bodies of the sons of Saul, and guarded them against the ravenous fowls of the air (…

2. To shed the blood of another contrary to promise. Thus after the princes of Israel had sworn to the Gibeonites that they should live (Joshua 9:15), Saul slew them (2 Samuel 21:1). Here were two sins twisted together, breach of oath and murder.

For, when they came to the Jews craftily, as though they had been men of a far country, and had brought them to swear that they would not hurt them: though the host of Israel murmured at it, when they came to their cities; and though they might have reasoned thus, that they got…

Secondly, consider what sins and afflictions providence couples in respect of similitude; God often stamps the likeness of the sin, upon the judgement, Iudges 1. 7, 8. Thirdly, enquire at the mouth of God, by prayer and humiliation, as David did, 2 Sam. 21. and Job cap. 10:2 and…

In Egypt God blessed Joseph with a faithful servant (Genesis 43:23). David, who ventured his life to save his father's sheep (1 Samuel 17:34), had many servants that ventured their lives for him (2 Samuel 21:17; 23:15). To this purpose may be applied that proverb which Christ of…

Eighthly, there is a Scriptureless zeal, that is not bounded by the Word, but by some base and low end, such was Saul's zeal, when God bids him destroy Amalek, and spare neither man nor beast, then contrary to God's command he spared the best of the sheep and oxen, under pretens…

And if the actual sin of Adam be imputed unto us all, who derive our nature from him unto condemnation, though he sinned not in our Circumstances and relations, is it strange that the actual obedience of Christ should be imputed unto them who derive a Spiritual nature from him,…

So Canaan was cursed for the sin of his father (Genesis 9:25). Saul's seven sons were put to death for their father's bloody cruelty (2 Samuel 21:8–14). For the sin of David, seventy thousand of the people were destroyed by an angel, concerning whom he said, "It is I who have si…

In uno Christo Angelus faederis completur, Fagius. The Angel of the Covenant (Malachi 3:1), a Lamp (2 Samuel 22:29), the bright Morning-star (Revelation 22:16). Jesus Christ is the great Prophet of his church; the woman of Samaria gave a shrewd guess (John 4:19).

A Christian has his aguish fits in religion, sometimes his faith is at a high tide, sometimes low ebb, sometimes his love flames, and at another time like fire hid in the embers, and he has lost his first love. How strong was David's grace at one time (2 Samuel 22:3). The God of…

Deliverances to the wicked are not given as pledges of God's love, but symptoms of his displeasure; as quails were given to Israel in anger. But deliverances of the godly are in love (2 Samuel 22:20): He delivered me, because he delighted in me. (Isaiah 38:17) You have in love t…

Or thus: 1. That we must have God for our God: 2. That we must have no other. 1. That we must have God for our God: It is manifest we must have a God, and who is God save the Lord (2 Samuel 22:32)? The Lord Jehovah (one God in three persons) is the true, living, eternal God, and…

As the sun has its brightness whether we admire it or no, so God's name is illustrious and glorious whether we hallow it or no. In God are all shining perfections, holiness, wisdom, mercy: he is worthy to be praised (2 Samuel 22:4). God is dignus Honore, worthy of honor, love, a…

He deserves more honor than men or angels can give him. 2 Samuel 22. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised. God is worthy of honor.

This is a bad choice. Affliction has a promise made to it (2 Samuel 22:28), but sin has no promise made to it. Affliction is for our good, but sin is not for our good; it would entail hell and damnation upon us.

This God that feeds all the Creatures, is your Father, and a Father that never dies; and therefore you shall not be as exposed Orphans, that are the Children of such a Father. For he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you, Hebrews 13:3. I have read of a good woman, th…

1. If we trust God we shall be often with him in prayer (Psalm 62:8). Trust in the Lord at all times, pour out your hearts before him (2 Samuel 22:2-4). The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, the God of my rock, in him will I trust; he is my shield, and the horn…

This is the rendezvous general for the wicked after the day of Judgment; and to express the dreadfulness of any condition or thing, the name of Hell is annexed to it (as to signify the excellency of a thing, the name of God and Heaven is joined to it, as Cedars of God, etc.) 1 T…

So by the rule of contraries, the blessings of the Almighty crown and encompass the merciful man. 2 Samuel 22:26; Psalm 37:26; Psalm 41:1: The merciful man is a blessed man. For the illustration of this, I shall show: first, what is meant by mercifulness; second, the several kin…

2. It is to lean and rest the body (2 Samuel 1:6): Saul leaned upon his spear, and by a metaphor it is to cast the burden upon the Lord (Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 55:22). Hence the word that notes a staff (2 Samuel 22:18; Isaiah 3): the Lord has broken the stay and the staff of bread…

In the covenant of grace, wherein we are weak, God will give strength, and wherein we come short, God will accept of a surety. 2. It is a better covenant, because it is surer (2 Samuel 23:5): You have made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure. The firs…

The word of a prince cannot always be taken, but God's promise is inviolable. God's truth is one of the richest jewels of his crown, and he has pawned this jewel in a promise; (2 Samuel 23:5) Although my house be not so with God, yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant,…

When once the sunshine of God's electing love is risen upon the soul, it never sets finally. (2.) A saint's perseverance is built upon the covenant of grace; [illegible] a firm, impregnable covenant: This you have in the words of the sweet singer of Israel (2 Samuel 23:5): "God…

And we are to show this thankfulness to him by doing anything in this world that may tend to his honor and glory, though it be with the adventure of our lives. When David desired to drink of the water of the well of [reconstructed: Bethlehem], three of his mighty men went and br…

There was incest, murder, and rebellion in his family — a far harder trial than death in their infancy could have been. And yet see how sweetly he relieves himself from the covenant of grace in 2 Samuel 23:5: Although my house be not so with God, yet he has made with me an everl…

Both these I shall put together promiscuously, for in laying down the reasons why God thus ordered our salvation to be brought about by intercession, the influence which intercession has into our salvation will appear therewith together. The reasons either respect first God hims…

He has either (1.) Strengthened your back to bear, or (2.) Lightened your burden, or (3.) Opened an unexpected door of escape, according to that Promise, 1 Corinthians 10:13 so that the evil which you feared, came not upon you. You read, that the Word of God is the only support…

I suppose here in this place, Job's three friends, were not friends at large, but intimate and special friends, or (as we use to say) bosom friends. And therefore when it is said, Job's three friends, we are not to understand it, as if Job had but three, as if these were all the…

I have blotted out as a thick cloud your transgressions, and as a cloud your sins; return unto me, for I have redeemed you. Actual pardon of sin is proposed to faith, as an encouragement unto a full returning unto God in all things, 2 Samuel 23:5. And the like may be said of all…

4. It may be said to be of the wood of Lebanon, that is excellent and durable, for so the wood of Lebanon was, for which cause it was made use of in building of the Temple; and so all the materials of this Covenant, and its properties are excellent and durable, it's an everlasti…

The ninth particular instance, brought to prove that he is the chiefest among ten thousand, is, that his countenance is like Lebanon: the word countenance, as it is in the original, comes from a root that signifies to see, therefore countenance is used in Scripture, not only to…

This is the way to conciliate reverence and veneration to the laws and government, which in our days are most contumeliously despised and vilified; and by this course judgment shall run down our streets as water, and righteousness as a mighty stream. In brief, because I would no…

Having answered these objections, let me re-assume the exhortation, pressing all Christians to this violence for the heavenly Kingdom. As David's three worthies ventured their lives, and broke through the host of the Philistines for water (2 Samuel 23:16), such a kind of violenc…

The way that this spirit influenced him was, to inspire him to show forth Christ, and the glorious things of his redemption, in divine songs, sweetly expressing the breathings of a pious soul, full of admiration of the glorious things of the Redeemer, inflamed with divine love,…

How was David's mind taken up in this subject! He declared that it was all his salvation, and all his desire; 2 Samuel 23:5. How did he employ his voice and harp in celebrating it, and the glorious display of divine grace therein exhibited!

The rain is most beneficial to the earth, when there come sweet, warm sun-blasts with it, or after it. This the scripture calls, a clear shining after rain (2 Samuel 23:4), by which the seminal virtue of the earth is drawn forth, and then the herbs and flowers, and corn sprout a…

He procures all the love and kindness, which are the fruits of the covenant; being himself the original promise thereof (Genesis 3:16). The whole being so ordered in all things, and made sure (2 Samuel 23:5), that the residue of its effects, should all be derived from him, depen…

It is the fear of God which moves men conscientiously to submit themselves one to another. This made David so well to rule the people of God (2 Samuel 23:3): and Joseph to deal so well with his brethren (Genesis 42:18): indeed, this is noted to be the cause of the righteous rule…

1. Many command things to the very utmost of their servants' strength, if not above it, (as Pharaoh) or else things dangerous, which may bring much mischief upon them (Exodus 5:7). David was touched in heart for moving only by a wish his servants to fetch him water with the dang…

Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant. See the amazing goodness of God to his People, to enter into Covenant with them, and say, Ye are mine, 2 Samuel 23:5. He has made with me an Everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things and sure.

David was a man valiant, that had a heart as the heart of a lion (2 Samuel 17:10). He was a man cheerful, called the sweet singer of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1), of a ruddy sanguine complexion, and a great master of music. He was no fool, but a man wise as the Angel of God; and yet y…

Use 1. Is to inform us, that religion has a great influence on the welfare of human societies; for it equally respects governors and governed, carving out their respective duties to them, causing the one to rule well, and the other to obey for conscience sake. The testimonies of…

In the gospel, still these three attributes appear — the wonderful wisdom, power, and goodness of God. His wisdom in the orderly disposure of the covenant of grace (2 Samuel 23:5): "Although my house be not so with God; yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in…

Naboth will hazard the Kings anger, (which at last cost him his life,) rather than sell an acre or two of land which was his birthright. The Christian will expose all he has in this wotld to preserve his hopes for another: Iacob in his march towards Esau, sent his servants with…

The Scripture is called the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 24:7; 2 Kings 23:4; 2 Chronicles 34:30, 21). The question is easily determined — it can be the Book of no Covenant, but of that made with Abraham, the oath to Jacob (1 Chronicles 16:16, 17; Psalm 105:9; Jeremiah 11:5; Dani…

With respect unto the declaration of it by especial Revelation. This we may call Gods making or establishing of it, if we please; though making of the covenant in scripture, is applied principally, if not only, unto its execution or actual application unto persons, 2 Samuel 23:5…

Herein have they regard to all the holy Relations that he has taken on himself towards them, with all the Effects of his Covenant in Christ Jesus. To that purpose were some of the last words of David, 2 Sam. 23. 5. Although my house be not so with God, yet he has made with me an…

It's true, he is called frequently the Son of man, but never when any prays to him: and he is reckoned in his genealogy, David's son, Abraham's son, the son of Adam; but the son of David is his ordinary style when prayers are directed to him in the days of his flesh. The reasons…

And if this faithful and sure word had not been David's delight and comfort, if he had not in all the changes and chances of his own life remembered, that all God's promises are made in heaven, where there is no inconstancy, nor repentance, he had perished in his affliction. Tho…

There is forgiveness with you. If pardon of sin were not possible, then it were not to be prayed for, but it has been prayed for (2 Samuel 24:10), I beseech you, O Lord, take away my iniquity; and Christ bids us pray for it, Forgive us our trespasses. That is possible which God…

Though it is true that he cannot turn the stream and current of our affections backward — God alone can turn this Jordan back — yet he can drive them faster and cause them to swell above their natural channels, so that the affections blown up by him shall have the strength of te…

And God sometimes gives to Satan power over the sons and daughters of Abraham (Luke 13) even as well as others, and as their bodies to be vexed by him, so their spirits; and as to provoke them to sin, so much more to terrify for sin — there being more of punishment than of sin i…

The like we read of 2 Samuel 12.14, when David had committed those grievous sins of adultery and murder, a part of his punishment was the death of his child. When he numbered the people, the plague lit on them, 2 Samuel 24. Now we must not too curiously pry into the reason of th…

Charity [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] is kind: Love hath not only a smooth tongue, but a kind heart. David's heart was fired with love to God, and he would not offer that to God which cost him nothing, 2 Samuel 24.24. Love is not only full of Benevolence, but Beneficence.

(Exodus 7:3) God is said to harden Pharaoh's heart. (2 Samuel 24:1) The Lord moved David to number the people. (2 Thessalonians 2:11) God sent strong delusions that men might believe lies.

So is the world — all nations — taken (Mark 14:9-10), and the word "world" (Mark 16:15). Second, taking away of sin is the actual, free, complete pardoning of sin, so that Judas's sin is sought and not found (Jeremiah 50:20), as (2 Samuel 24:10), David having numbered the people…

When we bring the strength of our hearts, the fat of our strength, this God accepts, and then we offer to him as to a Prince. Notable was that speech of David (2 Samuel 24:24): I will not offer to God, a sacrifice of that which will cost me nothing. A man offered royally to the…

For it was not by chance that he was moved to number the people, but it came to pass by the fault of Israel, whom the Lord meant by that means justly to chasten. The wrath of the Lord, says the text, was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to number the peopl…

His hand was heavy upon me, that is, the afflicting hand of God was heavy upon me. Let us fall into the hand of God (David chose that, 2 Samuel 24:14), that is, into the afflicting hand of God, rather than into the hands of men. It is put thirdly for a revenging hand, for a wrat…

[illegible] A whole city may be punished for the wickedness of one man; indeed we read of David, though so good a man, yet when he numbered the people (a small sin in comparison with the sins of some others in our days) God was provoked to send such a dreadful plague, not on him…

He was wounded for our transgressions. As David said, Lo I have sinned, but these sheep, what have they done? (2 Samuel 24:17) So we have sinned, but this Lamb of God, what had he done?

See it in Christ's instance (Matthew 4:1): It is said, "He was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the Devil"; that is, led by the Good and Holy Spirit, to be tempted by the evil spirit. So (2 Samuel 24:1) compared with (1 Chronicles 21:1): God moved David…

Kings do not give trifles. Araunah gave like a king to a king (2 Samuel 24:23). He was of the blood-royal of the Jebusites, and he gave worthy of his extraction: and so Christ will give like a King.

It concerns princes to be instructed (Psalm 2:10): Be wise now therefore, you kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Few speak plainly and sincerely to them, as Nathan to David (2 Samuel 12:7): You are the man; and God to David (2 Samuel 24:13): Shall seven years of fami…

He dispenses all things with respect to our eternal welfare. But I am afraid of myself, I have provoked the Lord to leave me to myself; but the Lord will pardon weaknesses when they are confessed; (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is just and faithful to forgive them, spea…

Fourthly, consider, it is a falling into the hands of the living God himself, and not of any creature. Indeed we read, David chose rather to fall into the hands of the Lord, than into the hands of men (2 Samuel 24:14). It is true, when there is repentance, and hopes of obtaining…

Is it not pity the fire on God's altar should go out for want of pouring on a little golden oil? David would not offer that to God which cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). 2. Encourage God's ministers by your fruitfulness under their labors; when ministers are upon the Mount, le…

All that I shall say from this, is to enteat you (Christian) to have a care of this kinde of pride. You know what Joah said to David, when he perceived his heart lift up with the strength of his Kingdom, and therefore would have the people numbered; The Lord God adde unto your p…

It is sinful doctrine to say that Christ takes away this sense of sin. For first, this is the very true tenderness and gracious smitings of heart under any guiltiness: As 1 Samuel 24:5; 2 Samuel 24:10. David's heart smote him after he had cut off the lap of Saul's garment, and n…

2 kings 24:25. without cause or merit or any means of procurement, 1 Samuel 19:5. 2 Samuel 24:24. Psalm 69:4.

Saul's seven sons were put to death for their father's bloody cruelty (2 Samuel 21:8–14). For the sin of David, seventy thousand of the people were destroyed by an angel, concerning whom he said, "It is I who have sinned and done evil; these sheep, what have they done?" (2 Samue…

Thus the soul becomes to be like Paul in another case, Philippians 1:23. He considered his own advantage on the one side by his dissolution, and the profit of the churches by his abiding in the flesh on the other; and taking in these various thoughts, he cries out he is in a str…

These things chiefly make sin vile; the folly, the unkindness, and the dishonesty of sin. First, folly will shame a man much (2 Samuel 24:10; Deuteronomy 32:6). Now when a man sees he has sinned against a good God, he sees himself a notorious fool; foolish creature I, thus to si…

But afterward he rises up to some sense, then he falls to prayer (verse 12), then he begins to look up, and can pray to God to guide him by his counsel, and then receive him to glory; and then it is good for him to draw near to God: but he rises not up to matter of conference wi…