Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-10-29
THE SABBATH SCHOOL
International Lesson Comments Tor
November |.
Subiec.: David and Absalom, 2 Sam xv., l'iE
Golden Text, Ex. Xxx, l.-Mem0ry
Verses, 4.6-Commentary on
the Days Lesson.

n:dn AS rs stealing A Tie h sSs Of A tes
Absalonh,'s return from Geshur and his res.
toration and reception by David (chap. IA:
2l.33). "Chariots and horses Absalom
initiated the magniicence Of foreign mon
archs in order to make m impression on
the people. Horses were a novelty among
the Hebrews, only recently introduced
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
3. Rose up early" Pubic business in
the East is in many places transacted early,
before the heat OF the day. Possibly his
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 no.
Bile king, just suited to their present needs.
Those in trouble were likely to fear that
would eagerly extend their support to one
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
80. Good and right" Thus to win fla.
vor he gave decision before an invest.
CATION was made. Thy case is u worthy
and righteous one and ought to be tried.
and all thy grievances redressed mo
accusing the king himself OF injustice, but
he excitcs in the mind of the people dis
trust of the kings whole judicial practice
w saying that there was no regular judlcia:
process for a just cause. The "hearer, IL
the judicial officer whose duty it was first
to hear and understand the peoples and
then lay them before the king. "Oh, that
T." Thus he protested extraordinary gen
erosity and interest in public affairs, vet
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
that every man who had any cause would
come to him. "Obcisance.' 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
did not gain their hearts by eminent serv-
ices, or by wise and virtuous conduct. Alb.
SALON. suggested that ii he could be Judge
suits would not then be so tedious, cxpen-
sve aud 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.
t. An'ai"m reDellGh vs. ri|l' ~.
After torty wears; hatter aIteI ,"",
years III Is SeOrFalN aulhltIe" 'na' i"i't
wears IS mistake IN the text Inc lIine
must be ne years attcr AbHaom return
ia ,Jrrusa, lem and his beginning to practice
the base arts OF gaming p99puIaTity' ray
my vow; 1t seemed to Davio that con.
science had AT IdNt preNahe"' anu 'naC
right was to he done, Local sacrIices were
suil customary, ana the NiSlt OF the KING :
son Tor Such 4 pnrpoSc would ne celebrated
~ a G5ncr3i hohdaN nnd mrCh easing a"
Hebron. DAVID was g'ad at TINS lhdicam9h
or RELIGIOUS 'ee-nI on ,Ab~aiom part. Inc
deccitiul son pretended to nave been
strict follower OF Jehovah even wliiie ne
was IN heaih"n country. TO IN peace
J. hese were DaN.d last word" 70 AbHa'om'
lhey EXPIRE. 5cd IN strong conhdchcc IN MS
son, as wei as WISH 1of MS happiness
lie seems to nave been utterly without Sus'
nlclon that black conspiracy was hlddeh
under Absalom' 2yoWed object ct gong 10
otter sacrifice at me pace OF ms bIr'n' ana
where he himself had LelEned over Jndah
Tor seven years. David was pTohaniE' at
'''tN 'i.'' '''' ~ ~ '''D'''''>' -
went To perform the most unman'y ana
base act son could commit against
father.
TO- sent spies. To una out puollc
opinion and prepare to proclaim Ansa.om
king when the signal was given. "AbSalom
reigneth, On tn" sudden spreading OF
this procIamau3n some would conclude
DAVID was dead, Others that ne hnd re-
signed and thus they that were III the Sc
crct s>uid draw IN many t. appear Tor AID,
SALON., who, II they had rightly understood
the matter would have abhorred the
thought OF IT.. =,
II, -. with AbSa!om went 2o0 men.
These were courtl,rS slich as usually ac-
rompaEled l:lng3 and KING sous on thelr
journeys. They werr probably OF the prin,,
cjpal men OF ''crnaa'cn, whom he invited
70 Join him IN the feast on his sacrIhce,
They were kept Ignorant OF Ao-aiolh
wicked plot. "Ahlthophei- Davids ronn.
sclOr,' II Is supposed ~ the Jews mat
AhlthopheI was mctn'cd against DaVld Tor
abusing BatlisheOa, ms granddaughter, lie
had been DlNid's most trusty counsellor;
so highly valued was his advice that men
regarded il a, an oracle ot God tchap. 10;
G3). and long had the king prohted by his
wisdom and experience until the outrage
upon his family made him retire llom 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 The
people increased. This shows that deep