The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1903-10-28
TnE SABBATH SCHOOL
International Lesson Comments for
November |.
Su5jce: David and Absalom, Q Sam. xv., liz
Golden Text, Ex. Xxx, l2-Memory
Verses, 10 Commentary on
the Days Lesson.

I. Absalom stealing the hearts Of the
people (ys. l-G). !. after this" After
Absalom's return from Geshur and his res
toration and reception by David (chap. IA:
2l-33). "Chariots and horses" Absalom
initiated the magnhcence Of foreign mon.
archs in order to make an impression on
the people. Horses were a novelty among
the Hebrews, only recently introduced
Fifty" son on of tho king king riding in a
state chariot with fifty footmen as attend:
ants would prove great attraction. David
was so indulgent that he seems to have
taken no notice Of it.
q. Rose up early" Public business in
the East is in many places transacted early,
before the heat of the. day. Possibly his
carly rising was intended to forestall the
king, who was certain to sit in the gate
during part Of the day. 1t would thus ap-
pear that he had the real good of the peo-
pie upon his heart, and would make a no.
be king, just suited to their present needs.
! Those in trouble were likely to fear that
justice would not be shown them, and
would eagerly extend their support to one
who appeared concerned for their interests.
Absaloom relied greatly upon his own pow
ers. Though his father was indeed very
forgiving he despised him in his heart.
$40. Good and right, Thus to win fa-
vor he gave decision before an investi-
CATION was made. Thy case is worthy
and righteous one and ought to be tried,
man deputed.6 Absaiom guards against
accusing the king himself of injustice, but
he excites in the mind of the people dis
trust of the kings whole judicial practice
by saying that there was no regular judicial
process, for, Just cause. The "hearer'' is
the judicial officer whose duty it was first
to hear and understand the peoples and
then lay them before the king. ooh, that
l." Thus he professed extraordinary gen.
erosity. and interest in public affairs, yet
appearing to have no selfish desire in the
virtue or learning in the laws. nor had he
given any. proofs of his love of justice, yet
he wished to be judge, and such a judge
that every man who had any cause would
come to him. "Obeisance." The custom
SSTyy greeting, gleg as boYing to the ground.
friend or brother, apparently forgetful of
his position and honor. "Stole the hearts"
BY his beauty and pretended friendship
with them and anxiety for them he turned
the people from his father to himself He
did not gain their hearts by eminent serv-
ices, or by wise and virtuous conduct. Alb
SALON. suggested that if he could be judge
suits would not then be so tedious, expen-
eive and partially decided as they were.
Thus he imposed upon many all over the
land, and led them to prefer worthless
character to the wise, righteous and pious
David.
II. Absalom's rebellion Tvs. 7-l2). 10.
After forty years" Rather after four
years. 1t is generally admitted that forty
years is a mistake in the text. The time
must be the years after Absa.om's return
to Jerusalem and his beginning to practice
the base arts of gaining popularity PAY
my VOW" 1t seemed to David that con.
science had at last prevailed and that
right was to be done. Local sacrifices were
still customary, and the visit of the kings
son for such purpose would be celebrated
by a general holiday and much feasting at
Hebron. David was glad at this indication
of religious feeling on Absaiom's part. The
deceitfnl son pretended to have been a
strict follower of Jehovah even while he
was in heathen, country. GO in peace"
These were David's last words to Absalom.
They expressed his strong confidence in ha
son, as well as a wish for his happiness.
He seems to have been utterly without sus-
pcion that black conspiracy was hidden
under Absalom's avowed object of going to
offer sacrifice at the place of his birth. and
for seven years. David was probably, at
this time. a rather lax monarch. $50 he
went" To perform the most unmanly and
base act a son could commit against a.
father.
10. "Sent spies" To find out public
opinion and prepare to proclaim Absalom
king when the signal was given. "Absalom
reigneth" On the sudden spreading of
this proclamation some would conclude
David was dead, others that he had re-
signed, and thus they that were in the Sc
cret would draw in many to appear for Alb.
salon, who, If they had rightly understood
the matter would have abhorred the
Ii, IL. "With Absalom went 200 men,"
These were, courtiers such as usually ac-
companied kings and kings sons on their
journeys. They were probably of the prin-
cipal men OF Jerusalem, whom he invited
to join him in the feast on his sacrifice.
They were kept Ignorant of Absalom's S
wicked, plot. "Ahithophel-,David's coun.
Ahithophel was incensed against David for
abusing Bathsheba, mis- granddaughter. He
had been David's most trusty counsellor;
so highly valued was his advice that men
regarded it as an oracle of God (chap. IS:
23), and long had the king Profted by his
wisdom and experience until the outrage
upon his family. made him retire from the
kings court to his native city, Giloh, near
Hebron. The manner OF Absalom's send
ing for him seems to indicate that he was
already connected with With the plot. The
and general dissatisfaction existed at this
time against the person and government of
David.
III David's fight from Jerusalem Tvs.
1929. The rebellion proved popular. And
Absalom moved swiftly to Jerusalem. As
|
flee from Jerusalem and leave the city and
the kingdom to his son. This action SEEING
very. strange. But, politically considered,
David's action was the wisest that could
be taken. For Q) so sudden was the out
break that the city was not in a condition
to stand a siege, and the popular excite
ment had so seriously affected the citizens
that David scarcely knew whom to trust.
He might be betrayed ii he remained (2)
He would not fight against his own loved
IN. ~. l. -. i
to spare Jerusalem the horrors of siege
and the risk of being taken by assault. az
He probably judged, too, and rightly, that
delay would be unfavorable to Absalom'a q
plan, an opinion which Ahithophel held,
must a Ana aIso aiSS Se nassai VA
TINT in time Of peace David had no stand.
ing army with which to resist this sudden
attack from SO unexpected a quarter. (6)
Possibly too, the remembrance of NAthan'a
1 n. l.. q