Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
2 Samuel Ch.16 / 24 Ch.s
2SA:16
* Ziba's falsehood. (1-4) David cursed by Shimei. (5-14)
Ahithophel's counsel. (15-23)
#1-4 Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be
jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both
sides.
#5-14 David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's
flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on
another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the
world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and
again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But
innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we
to think it strange, if we are charged with that which we have
been most careful to keep ourselves from. It is well for us,
that men are not to be our judges, but He whose judgment is
according to truth. See how patient David was under this abuse.
Let this remind us of Christ, who prayed for those who reviled
and crucified him. A humble spirit will turn reproaches into
reproofs, and get good from them, instead of being provoked by
them. David the hand of God in it, and comforts himself that God
would bring good out of his affliction. We may depend upon God
to repay, not only our services, but our sufferings.
#15-23 The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and
Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has
both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had
that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai
would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him
to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did,
who was designedly false to him: for they that advise men to
sin, certainly advise them to their hurt. After all, honesty is
the best policy, and will be found so in the long run.
Ahithophel gave wicked counsel to Absalom; to render himself so
hateful to his father, that he would never be reconciled to him;
this cursed policy was of the devil. How desperately wicked is
the human heart!