Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-10-31
THE SABBATH SCHOOL
international Lesson Comments for
November |.

Sabiec: David and Absalon, 2 Sam. xv, liz
-GoIden Text, Elk. Xxx l2-Memory
Verses, 4.6-Commentary on
ths Days Lesson.
I. Absalom stealing the hearts Of tho
people Tvs. 10y. l. "After this" After
Absalo m's return from Geshur and his res.
toration and reception by David (chap. IA:
1883. "Chariots and horses" Absalom
initiated the magni6cence Of foreign mon
archs in order to make an impression on
the people. Horses were a novelty among
from Egypt, and were costly and rare.
Fifty" A son Of the 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.
2. "Rose. up early" Public business in
the East is in many places transacted early,
early 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 Il no.
be king, just suited to their present needs.
Those in trouble were likely to fear that
justice would not be shown them, and
who appeared concerned for their interests.
.Absalom relied greatly upon his own pow
ers. Though his father was indeed very
forgiving he despised him in his heart.
So Good and right" Thus to win ia
vor he gave decision before an investi-
CATION was made. Thy case is worthy
and righteous one and ought to be tried,
man deputed.S Absalom guards against
accusing the king himself of injustice, but
he cxcites 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 protested extraordinary gen.
crosby and interest in public affairs, yet
appearing to have no selfish desire in the
matter. We do not read of his wisdom,
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 Judge
come to him. "obeisance." The custom.
airy greeting. as bowling to the ground.
"He kissed him." Embraced him as a
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-
salon suggested that il he could be judge
suits would not then be so tedious, expen-
sive and partially decided as they were.
Thus he imposed upon many all over the
land, and led them to prefer a worthless
character to the wise, righteous and pious
David.
:, II. Absalom's rebellion Tvs. 7-l2). 70.
After fnrtv 1.aora ~ Rafhor aftnr cc,,p
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 a purpose would be celebrated
by general holiday and much icasting at
Hebron. David was glad at this indication
of religious feeling on Absalom's part. The
deceitfnl son pretended to have been
strict follower of Jehovah even while he
was in a heather country. Go in peace"
These were David's last words to Absalom.
They expressed his strong confidence in his
son, as well as wish for his happiness.
He seems to have been utterly without sus-
picion that black conspiracy was hidden
under Absaiom's avowed object of going to
offer sacrifice at the place of his birth, and
where he himself had reigned over Judah
for seven years. David was probably, at
this time. rather lax monarch. $50 he
went" To perform the most uuman,y and
base act son could commit against a
father.
TO-. "sept 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 come would conclude
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
thought of it.
IL, IL. "With Absalom went 200 men,"
These were courtiers such as usually &C.
companied kings and kings sons on their
journeys. They were probably of the prin-
to join him in the feast on his sacrifice.
They were kept ignorant of Absalom's
wicked plot. "Ahithophel-Davi coun-
sellor." It is supposed by the Jews that
Ahithophel was incensed against David for
abusing Bathsheba, mis- granddaughter. He
SO highly valued was his advice that men
regarded it as an oracle of God (chap. l6:
23). and long had the king pro6ted 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 the plot. "rhe
people increased" This shows that deep
and general dissatisfaction existed at this
time against the person and government of
David.
III. David's flight from Jerusalem Tvs.
1929. The rebellion proved popular. And
Absa!om moved swiftly to Jerusalem. As
soon as David heard Of it he proposed t,
flee from Jerusalem and leave the city anc
the kingdom to his son. This action seems
very strange. But, politically considered,
David's action was the wisest that could
be taken. For ID so sudden was the out
break that the city was not in 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 if he remained (2)
He would not fight against his own loved
son. ~ ,David's kind nature induced him
to spare Jerusalem the horrors of siege
and the risk of being taken by assault. a.
He probably judged, too, and rightly, that
delay would be unfavorable to Absalom's
plan, an opinion which Ahithophel held,
too (see II: l, p, and also Hushai III:
7.l3(. ~ 1t must also be remembered
that in time Of peace David had no stand
ing army with which to resist this sudden
attack from so unexpected quarter. Co.
Possibly, too, the remembrance Of Nathan's
Ill