Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
2 Samuel Ch.4 / 24 Ch.s
2SA:4
* Ishbosheth murdered. (1-7) David puts to death the murderers.
(8-12)
#1-7 See how Ishbosheth was murdered! When those difficulties
dispirit us, which should sharpen our endeavours, we betray both
our heavenly crowns and our earthly lives. Love not sleep, lest
thou come to poverty and ruin. The idle soul is an easy prey to
the destroyer. We know not when and where death will meet us.
When we lie down to sleep, we are not sure that we may not sleep
the sleep of death before we awake; nor do we know from what
hand the death-blow may come.
#8-12 A person may be glad to obtain his just wishes, and yet
really regret the means by which he receives them. He may be
sorry for the death of a person by which he is a gainer. These
men shed innocent blood, from the basest motives. David justly
executed vengeance upon them. He would not be beholden to any to
help him by unlawful practices. God had helped him over many a
difficulty, and through many a danger, therefore he depended
upon him to crown and complete his own work. He speaks of his
redemption from all adversity, as a thing done; though he had
many storms yet before him, he knew that He who had delivered,
would deliver.