Does it appear that the number of David's followers considerably increased during his stay in Ziglag? 1 Chron. 12.
What came to pass after the death of Saul, and David's return from the slaughter of the Amaiekites? v. 1,2.
What enquiries did David make of him, and what were his replies? v. 3—10.
How does this account of Saul's death agree with that before given? 1 Sam. 31.5. N. B. It may be supposed that the Amalekite fabricated some of the principal circumstances in his story with the vain hope of ingratiating himself into the favor of David.
How were David and his men affected by this intelligence?
What said David to the Amalekite, and how did he see fit to deal with him? v. 13—16.
Of what duty are we reminded by this severe punishment? 1 Pet. 2. 13—17.
How is David's act on this occasion to be justified? N. B. The man was an Amalekite, one of a nation who were judicially doomed to destruction—by his own confession he had been guilty of a base murder, seeing a man's desire to die cannot authorise another to kill him—and his death would operate as a salutary warning to others to look for no favor from his hands for harming any of the house of Saul, A subsequent event shewed that David intended it should be viewed in this light, ch. 4. 8—12.
By what method did David express his lamentations over Saul and over Jonathan? Ans. By a sacred elegy.
How does the poem commence, what charge does he give as to publishing the event, and what wish does he intimate as to the scene of the catastrophe? v. 19—21.
How does David celebrate the valor of the slain, and the circumstances of their death?
Upon whom does he call to join in the lamentation, and why?
How does he vent the affectionate sentiments of his heart in memory of the friendship of Jonathan ?
Does he shew throughout this composition a peculiarly generous spirit in concealing the faults, and displaying the virtues of a fallen enemy ?
What says the wise man applicable to this conduct? Prov. 24. 17.
What direction did David receive after this from the Lord, and what is said of his compliance with it? V. 1—3.
By what ceremony was he then declared king of Judah, and what information was then given him?
What respectful and grateful message did he thereupon send to the men of Jabesh-Gilead V. 4—7,
What rival successor to the crown now appeared, by whom and where was he brought forward, and with what success? v. 8—11. N. B. Mahanaim was on the east side of Jordan where it is supposed David had the least interest. But great numbers from all the other tribes, except Judah, soon flocked to Ishbosheth.
How long a time elapsed before hostilities commenced between them? N. B. David and Ishbosheth seem to have commenced their reign about the same time, and to have reigned together as long as David had his kingdom in Hebron, which was seven years and six months. The two first years of this period passed peaceably, but war broke out at the end of that time which continued during the remaining four years and six months, When Ishbosheth was slain, and David began to reign over the rest of Israel.
Relate the circumstances which gave rise to the unhappy contest here recorded, and the issue of it. N. B. As Gibeon was in the tribe of Benjamin, it appears that Abner had marched his army over the Jordan, no doubt with the intention of provoking a quarrel.
Is this a specimen of the slight and trivial causes from which bloody wars have often risen?
What may we suppose to have been David's reasons for not being the first to commence hostilities against his rival? 1 Sam. 24. 16—22.
Were the three young men mentioned v. 18. related to David, and how? 1 Chron. 2. 16.
What is said of Asahel and his fate, and what stopped his pursuers, except Joab and Abishai? v. 18—24. N. B. As Abner slew Asahel in self-defence, he cannot be blamed for the deed any farther than as he was the original cause of the contest.
Where did Abner rally his scattered forces, and what did he say to Joab in begging for a cessation of arms ?
Does he seem to cast the whole blame upon Joab, and to adopt a far more serious style than that which he used at the commencement of the contest?
How did Joab reply, and what was the import of his words? N.B. "Unless thou hadst spoken," undoubtedly refers to Abner's original banter at the pool of Gibeon ; " Unless thou hadst bidden the young men to rise up, and play before us, none of us had struck a stroke, or drawn a sword against our brethren."
What did he then generously do to stop the pursuers, and afford their brethren an opportunity to escape?
Whither did they respectively return, and what was found to be the loss on both sides?
Did the civil war continue between the houses. of David and Saul, and what was the result on the whole?
Does this afford a representation of the conflict between the flesh and the spirit in the hearts of believers?
How many children had David born to him in Hebron?
What was the occasion of a rupture between Ishbosheth and Abner, and to what sharp words did it give rise? v. 7—10.
What proposals did Abner make to David, and on what terms was he willing to accede to them?
What means did David employ, probably by Abner's advice, to obtain his wife, and with what success?
How did Abner exert himself to bring over the nation at large to the interest of David? V. 17—19.
Why may we suppose he was particularly anxious to secure the tribe of Benjamin? 1 Chron. 12. 29.
With what retinue did he go to David, and how was he entertained by him? N. B. This was in all probability a "feast upon a covenant," like those mentioned Gen. 26.30. and 31.54.
With what promise did Abner go from the presence of David?
Where was Joab while Abner was thus negotiating with David, and what did he do upon receiving intelligence, after his return, of what had taken place?
Was not his address to David highly presumptuous and insolent?
Does he appear to have made use of David's name, unauthorised, in recalling Abner?
Of what barbarous deed was he guilty after Abner's return, and how did he effect it? Was any one else privy to the murder, if not concerned in it? v. 30.
What were the peculiar aggravations of this bloody act? 1 Kings 2. 5. Deut. 27. 24.
Was the judgment upon Abner a righteous one as coming from the hand of the Lord? N. B. Besides transgressions known only to the Searcher of hearts, he had for several years, against the declared and known will of God, persevered in supporting the pretensions of Ishbosheth to the throne in opposition to those of David.
How was David affected by this cruel assassination, and how did he express his detestation of it?
Where was Abner buried, and what marks of grief attended his funeral ? v. 32—34. N, B. "Abner died not as criminals do, who are bound, fettered, put to shame, and executed for their offences; nor as a rash man who had needlessly run himself into danger, but as an honest man who is unexpectedly set up by ruffians, and murdered." Scott.
What other tokens of respect did David pay to the memory of Abner, and how did the people stand affected towards him on this account?
Did his conduct and declarations entirely satisfy the people that he was guiltless of Abner's blood ?
What did he say finally to his servants, and what was the import of it? N.B. He admits that a great man has fallen by the hands of a wicked assassin, and supposes that the natural inference would be, that condign punishment ought at once to be inflicted upon him : but he here pleads that his kingdom is yet weak and in its infancy his nephews men of rank and influence, and that the bringing to justice of persons of so much consequence would be too bold a stroke for him in his present circumstances.
Notwithstanding this plea of policy, what wad David's evident duty in the case according to the law? Num. 35. 31—34.
Did Joab eventually meet with the punishment which his crimes deserved? 1 Kings 2. 32—34.
How were Ishbosheth and his adherents affected by the news of Abner's death?
What son did Jonathan leave, by what infirmity was he marked, and to what was it owing?
What was the fate of Ishbosheth, and what the circumstances?
What were probably the motives which urged them to this deed?
How did it appear in the issue that they entirely mistook David's character? v.6—11.
Will a similar disappointment befall all those who think to serve the interests of the son of David by sinful practices, such as war, persecution, truce-breaking, &c.? Is. 66, 5.
What sentence was executed upon them, and what was done with the head of Ishbosheth?
What application did the assembled tribes make to David after this, and what were the two arguments employed by them to enforce it?
Is it implied, by the expression, that every individual of Israel was present at Hebron on this occasion?
Have we elsewhere a more detailed account of the gathering of the tribes to Hebron at this time? 1 Chron. 12. 23—40. N. B. This "gathering of the people" to submit themselves to David was a partial fulfilment of the ancient prediction of Jacob respecting the "sceptre of Judah," Gen. 49. 10. which was to be more perfectly accomplished in the future flocking of the nations to the standard of the son of David under the Gospel dispensation.
What is said by the Prophet respecting the Messiah's government, which strikingly corresponds with this gradual enlargement of David's kingdom ? Is. 9. 7.
Was David now anointed again?
What is said of his age, reign, &;c. ?
What correspondencies to this may be mentioned? Num. 4. 3. Luke 3. 23.
What expedition did he engage in shortly after his inauguration, and what is said of the progress and result of it? v. 6—8. N. B. It is supposed that the Jebusites had such confidence in their strong-holds, that in derision of their invaders they placed a company of invalids, the blind and the lame, upon the walls, as if to defend the fortress against them !
Did David succeed in taking it, what did he call it, and how did he fortify it?
Did David's greatness increase and from what cause?
What neighboring king sent to congratulate David on his accession to the throne, and in what other way did he shew his regard for him?
Of what is this typical? Is. 60. 10. N. B. It is worthy of consideration whether this and other similar predictions are not beginning to receive an accomplishment at the present day in those munificent donations made for the building up of Zion in the world.
To what firm conclusion did David come in his own mind from his growing experience of the Lord's mercies?
How was his family multiplied and increased?
Does he not appear in this respect to have regarded too little the divine injunction delivered by Moses? Deut. 17. 17.
What new invasion was David now called to oppose, and where did they respectively choose their stations?
What encouragement had David to engage the enemy, and how did the event correspond? V. 19—21.
What did he thence call the place, and what is signified by the name? N. B. Baalperazim signifies, Lord, or Master of Breaches.
Did the Philistines subsequently renew the invasion, and what was there peculiar in the engagement which followed?
Are we taught by this the necessity of our own active concurrence with divine interpositions in our behalf? Phil. 2:12, 13.
What new gathering of the people, or a part of them, did David make, and for what purpose?
How does this account vary from that given in 1 Chron. 13?
Where was the ark stationed at this time, and by what means did they undertake to transport it?
Did they in this follow the injunctions of the law, or the example of the Philistines? Ex. 25.14 Num. 7.9
With what tokens of joy was the removal accompanied?
What Psalm is supposed to have been written or sung on this occasion? N. B. Compare the first verse of this Psalm with Numbers 10.35.
What solemn event took place on the way ?
What express command did Uzzah violate in this instance? Num.4. 15.
Do right intentions ever excuse a departure from God's revealed will ?
Are men, and especially ministers, liable to contract an unhallowed familiarity with sacred things, and thus expose themselves to divine judgments? Lev. 10. 3.
What were David's feelings on this occasion, and what name did he give to the place ? N.B. The name signifies, the breach of Uzzah.
Was he hereby deterred from executing his purpose at this time ?
How long did the Ark remain with Obed-Edcm, and with what effects?
Is this emblematical of the happy consequences of giving welcome to the Gospel into our hearts and families?
What induced David to resume his purpose of removing the ark?
What Psalm is supposed to contain special reference to this event? Ps. 132.
How are we told that he went about to rectify the errors of the former attempt? v. 12, 13,See also 1 Chron. 15. 12—15.
With what expressions of joy did David evince his pious emotions at this time ? N. B. This was by no means a measured or artificial dance, but a simple leaping for joy.
How was Michal impressed on seeing the king demean himself in this manner?
What did they do with the ark, and with what ceremonies, and presents to the people, was the location of it attended?
What sacred song was composed for the occasion? Compare 1 Chron. 16. with Ps. 105.
For what purpose did David return to his own house, and what reception did he there meet with?
How did he reply to her taunting reproach, and what punishment did her impiety bring upon her?
What consultation had David with Nathan when the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies?
Did Nathan speak this by revelation, or merely according to his own private judgment?
Recite the introduction of the message which came that night to Nathan, and which he was commanded to declare to David? v.4—7.
Was David however accepted in his intentions, though not permitted to go on with the work? 1 Kings 8. 18.
What splendid preparations was he permitted to make for the building? 1 Chron. ch.22—29.
Of what does the prophet then go on to remind David, and what promise is made as to the establishment of his people?
What promises and blessings does God then proceed to entail upon his family and posterity?
In whom are these promises to be considered as having been fulfilled? N. B. Partly in Solomon, but more fully and appropriately in Christ.
Is it any where said that Christ should build a house for God's name? Zech. 6. 12, 13.
Does the New Testament inform us how this prophecy is fulfilled ?
Is it said that Christ should inherit the throne of his father David? Luke 1. 32.
To whom are the promises in v. 14. elsewhere applied? Hcb. 1. 5. Ps. 89,30—33.
In what other sacred writer do we find a most striking prediction of the Messiah's future kingdom? Dan. 7. 13, 14. N. B. The expectation which had long prevailed among the Jews prior to the advent of Christ of the coming of some kind of heavenly reign or kingdom, and to which John the Baptist and our Saviour himself alluded in their preaching, is to be traced to these and similar predictions. But by strangely overlooking that whole class of prophecies which spake of the necessary humiliation and sufferings of the Messiah, they had grafted upon these Scriptures, the most vain and extravagant anticipations, and flattered themselves, even to their undoing as a nation, with the delusive hope of a glorious worldly king who should exalt them to a high rank among the nations of the earth, and consequently rejected the Son of God, because his lowly appearance did not correspond with their expectations.
How did David receive this message, and how did he utter his grateful and adoring sense of the divine goodness?
To what does he ascribe the Lord's kindness towards him, and does he in this speak the language of every christian?
What part of this prayer is omitted in the corresponding passage? 1 Chron 17. 21.
What conquests did David make after this, and how did he deal with the vanquished? v.1.2.
What place is meant by Metheg-Ammaht 1 Chron. 18.1.
Have we any where else a probable allusion to this threefold division? Zech. 13.8.9. Rev.8.6—12.
What king of Zobah did David defeat, and how did he improve his victory?
How does this agree with the account in 1 Chron. 18. 4? N. B. They are supposed to have been divided into seven hundred companies of ten men each.
What was the fate of the people that came to the succor of Hadadezer, and what did David do with the shields taken from the latter?
What messenger was sent with congratulations and gifts to David, and what did he do with the presents?
Are there multitudes who in one way or other contribute to the up-building of Zion, who still have neither part nor lot with the people of God?
What gave David great renown, and how did he keep the Edomites in subjection?
What ancient prediction now began to be signally fulfilled? Gen. 25. 22, 23.
What were the names of David's principal officers, military, sacred, and civil? N. B. The Cherethites and Pelethites are supposed to have been the King's life-guards, or standing force that attended his person.
What enquiry did David make respecting the house of Saul, and for what purpose? Prov. 27.10.
Is it our duty to enquire for opportunities of doing good as well as to improve them when offered? Is. 38. 8.
Of whom did he seek information, and what did he learn? v.2—4.
Had Mephibosheth a son at this time? v. 12.
How did he carry his kind purpose into effect, and what occurred at the meeting? v. 5—8
What commission did David give to Ziba, and what did he say on accepting it?
How was Mephibosheth himself entertained?
What is Mephibosheth called in Chronicles, and was his posterity by Micha very numerous? 1 Chron. 8. 33—40.
To what neighboring king did David propose to shew kindness, and why?
How was his message received, and the messengers treated?
Was this one of the greatest indignities and insults that could in that age have been offered? Lev. 19.27. Is. 15.2.
What word did David send to them, and what measures did the conscious guilt of the Ammonites lead them to adopt?
To whom did David entrust the business of resisting them, and what is said of hie arrangements? V. 7—10.
What address did he make to his brother, and what was the result of the engagement?
Did the Syrians make a new attempt on this occasion to repair their former disgrace, and what was the consequence? v. 15-—19.
In what respect does David seem to have been out of the way of his duty at the time to which the history refers?
Was he thereby exposed to the inroads of a successful temptation?
What rendered his sin in this matter of a peculiarly aggravated character? Ex. 20. 14, Lev. 20. 10. Job 32. 7. 2 Sam. 12. 8.
What measures did David adopt to cover his guilt and shame?
What was Uriah's noble answer to David?
When all other plans failed what was David's final resort to have Uriah put out of the way?
Do we see in this the natural course and progress of Satan's temptations? James 1.13—14.
Did the scheme succeed, and what message did Joab send back to David?
How did David reply, and what other incidents connected with the affair are mentioned in this chapter?
What useful lessons are to be drawn from this melancholy page of David's history ?
What is to be thought of those who make use of David's example to embolden themselves in transgression ? N. B. David's case affords encouragement to return from the most awful relapses, but none to fall into them.
Does David appear to have remained a long time impenitent after this event?
By what means did it seem good to infinite wisdom to bring him to repentance ? v.l—12.
What effect had this pointed rebuke upon David, and what other evidence have we that his repentance was deep and sincere? Ps.51.
What assurance did Nathan give him, and how was it qualified?
What was the first stroke of divine judgment that fell upon David, and what did he do on the occasion?
Does he seem to have thought there was a secret condition in the threatening which afforded him a little hope?
To what degree did he humble himself, and what was the result both as to the child, and as to himself? v. 16—20.
What account did he give of his conduct to his servants?
Is there reason to hope that Bathsheba also was brought to repentance ? v. 24.
What was the name of David's child by her, and what is he otherwise called? N. B. Solomon signifies Peaceable; Jedidiah, Beloved of the Lord.
What was the issue of Joab's expedition against the Ammonites?
What was the probable reason of David's extreme severity towards this people? ch. 10.2—4.
In what way did the ill-boding words of Nathan soon begin to take effect?
Is it probable that David was by far too indulgent a father towards his children? 1 Kings 1.6.
How did Absalom succeed in inflicting vengeance on Ammon ?
How was David affected by the event, and what became of Absalom?
What plan did Joab devise for bringing back Absalom?
Relate the circumstances of the woman's interview with the King? v. 4—8.
Was her address artfully managed, and yet in what respects did the two cases materially differ?
What promises did she solicit from David?
How did she then proceed to apply David's concessions to the case of Absalom?
What said David when he perceived the drift of her discourse, and what did she answer him?
What commission was then given to Joab, and how did he receive it?
What method did the king take to express his abhorrence of the murder, and to humble Absalom? v. 24.
What is said of Absalom's personal accomplishments, and how long did he remain without seeing his father?
What was the occasion of a rupture between Absalom and Joab, and how did it terminate? v.28—33.
What equipage had Absalom, and what was undoubtedly his design in keeping up such a pompous establishment?
Did David do right in allowing such ostentation? Was this extravagance among the grievances of royalty foretold by Samuel? 1 Samuel 8.11.
By what artful policy did Absalom ingratiate himself into the favor of the people?
Were not his insinuations a gross libel on his father's government? ch.8. 15.
Are these the usual arts of demagogues?
What request did Absalom make of his father near the close of his reign, and was it granted? N.B. Some of the ablest critics have attempted to prove that the phrase "after forty years" may properly be rendered "about the end of forty years"-—i. e. the forty years of David's reign; and as it appears that Absalom's conspiracy occurred within the three or four last years of that period, the rendering appears very probable, as otherwise it is wholly uncertain from what time the forty years are to be dated.
Did he thus cloak the design of treason and rebellion under the shew of religion?
What steps did he then take in the prosecution of his scheme? v. 10—12.
What Psalm appears to have special reference to Ahithopel's conduct in this rebellion? Ps. 109. Has this Psalm moreover a prophetic allusion? Acts 1.20.
What news was soon brought to David, what measure did he propose, and how was it received?
What part of his household did he take with him, and what did he leave behind?
What other retinue went with him, and what conversation had David with Ittai the Gittite or Gathite?
What brook did they pass over on the way and how were the people of the adjacent country affected?
In what way did this stream subsequently become distinguished? John 18.1.
What persons of the sacred order were with him, and what directions did he give them with which they complied? v. 24—28.
Does the meek submissive spirit of David appear to great advantage on this occasion?
In what humble and mournful style did the procession pass up the hill of Olivet?
What said David when informed that Ahithopel was among the conspirators?
What did he do when he came to the top of the hill, and who met him there?
What Psalm was written on this occasion, and what is the general strain of it? Ps.3.
Is the proposing of such gross dissimulation as that here suggested by David to be altogether justified?
Was Absalom's unnatural conduct towards his father, calculated to teach David the vileness of his own deportment towards his heavenly Father?
Who met David a little past the summit of the hill, and with what was he furnished, and for what purpose? v. 1.2.
What information did David then seek of Ziba and what did he reply?
Was this a false accusation of Mephibosheth, and a foul slander upon him? ch. 19.26.27.
What sinister motive had Ziba in all this?
What was David's reply, and what is to be thought of it? Prov. 18. 13.
What happened to David as he passed through Bahurim? v. 5—8.
Were not Shimei's insinuations utterly false?
How did Abishai propose to avenge this insult, and how did David address him? v. 10. 11. N. B. It is not to be understood that Shimei had received any positive command from God to this effect, but simply that the Most High, in his righteous Providence, had brought David into circumstances that afforded Shimei an occasion for venting the spite and malice of his heart against the afflicted king. God's sovereign permissions are sometimes spoken of as his positive acts. Accordingly in the present case, as far as this contemptuous treatment was Shimeis sin, it was wholly from himself and the wicked one, and made him guilty before God ; but as far as it was David's affliction, it was from the Lord, and he acknowledges it with the pious spirit of Job, who when the bands of the Sabeans and Chaldeans had robbed him of his flocks and herds, and slain his servants, instead of uttering his indignation against them, exclaimed, " The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord."
Did Shimei add insulting usage to his words?
What was the tenor of Hushai's conference with Absalom?
Were his expressions taken by Absalom in a sense different from his real intentions?
What was Ahithopel's character as a counsellor, and did Absalom in complying fulfil the prediction of Nathan ch.12.11,12? N.B. Ahithopel's design was to urge Absalom on to such a step as would shew that he was in earnest in his usurpation, and such an one as would preclude all hope of reconciliation between him and David. His followers would thus have a security that he would not flinch from his purpose, and leave them exposed to punishment from David
What farther politic, but barbarous measure, did Ahithophel suggest to Absalom?
How was his advice received, who was next consulted, and what did he propose? v.4—13.
How was his counsel listened to, and what was the secret reason that it prevailed? Prov. 19.21. and 21.30.
How was information of these proceedings conveyed to David, and what directions to him accompanied it?
How did the messengers get the word to David, and what happened to them and to others concerned before the business was accomplished?
Did David follow the advice given him? What became of Ahithopel, and whom did he resemble in his end?
Whither did David resort, and what is said of Absalom?
Whom did Absalom make captain of his host, and where did the two armies pitch?
What instance of kindness and liberality was shewn to David and his friends in their distress?
What disposition did David make of his forces after numbering them, what did they say to his proposal to head them, and what did he reply?
What special charge did he give to the three generals, and what was the scene of the battle?
What is said of the engagement, and what was the unhappy dilemma that befel Absalom?
How did Joab become informed of it, and what conversation had he with the man? v.10—13.
What was finally the fate of Absalom, and how was the battle then brought to a close?
What is to be thought of Joab's conduct in this affair?
Was Absalom buried and honored at his death in the way he had expected?
What was Ahimaaz's proposal, and what Joab's reply to it?
Did he at last obtain his request, and what ensued?
What were his first tidings to David, and how did he evade his anxious interrogation?
What did the king soon learn from Cushi, and how did his overwhelming grief vent itself?
What was David's conduct on this occasion, and what effect had it upon the people?
Was it both ungrateful and impolitic, under present circumstances, to give way so much to parental weakness?
By what language of Joab was he aroused out of his ill-timed lamentations?
Did not Joab go much farther than the plain remonstrance which was proper on this occasion?
Did David wait for a public invitation to resume the reins of government, and why was it not at once given? v. 9, 10.
How was his restoration at length brought about? v. 11—14.
Who was appointed chief captain instead of Joab?
By whom was he met as he crossed the Jordan, and how did Shimei accost him? v. 15—20.
For what reason does he, being a Benjamite, say that he was "first of all the house of Joseph to meet the king?" N. B. By Joseph here is meant the eleven tribes of Israel in opposition to Judah. Ephraim is sometimes to be taken with the same latitude of meaning.
What did Abishai propose, and how did David answer both him and Shimei?
Was this a pardon, or a reprieve ? 1 Kings 2. 8.9.
In what circumstances did Mephibosheth meet him, and what account did he give of his conduct?
What further was said by each?
What aged friend attended David over the river, and what did he say to his generous invitation?
Did David do any thing for his family, and how did these venerable old men take their final leave of each other?
What altercation took place between the men of Israel and those of Judah? N. B. It would seem, from many circumstances, that a jealous rivalship between the tribe of Judah and that of Ephraim, with the latter of whom most of the other tribes ranged themselves, had subsisted for some time, and though it was for the present suppressed, and did not break out during the reign of Solomon, yet the fire was glowing under the ashes, and in the reign of Rehoboam ten tribes threw off their allegiance to the house of Judah, and had thenceforth a King of their own. Benjamin, from the circumstance of the royal city being fixed on the confines of that tribe, sided with the house of David, and firmly adhered to it.
What is said of Sheba, and what was the result of his disturbance? v. 1, 2.
What did David do with the ten women he had left at home? N. B. To feed, in scripture language, is to maintain.
What order did he give to Amasa, for the purpose of crushing the rebellion of Sheba, and what is said of his fulfilling it?
On Amasa's delay, to whom did he entrust the command of the expedition? Who went forth from Jerusalem, who met them at Gibeon, and what bloody deed was perpetrated there?
Did Joab probably contrive to let his sword fall out of its sheath as be approached Amasa, and with what design?
What means did one of Joab's men take to enlist the army on the side of Joab?
Whither did they pursue Sheba, and by what method did they besiege the place when he had shut himself up?
By what means was the entire destruction of the place prevented? N. B. The ancient saying which the woman quoted on this occasion, is supposed to have arisen from the fact, that the inhabitants of this place had long been famed for giving prudent counsel, so that it had become proverbial, "that the way to terminate disputes was to ask counsel at Abel."
Did she obtain her request, and on what conditions?
Were they complied with, and what ensued?
What judgment after this befel the land of Israel, and what did David learn to be the procuring cause?
Does the history of Saul give us any account of the transaction here alluded to? Ans. It does not.
Who were these Gibeonites, and what did David say to them when summoned into his presence, and what was their reply?
Who was spared of Saul's descendants, and what was done with those who were appointed to death ?
How did Rizpah show her unavailing grief over the dead bodies of her sons?
How did David relieve her from her melancholy charge?
What war broke out again in which David engaged, and what remarkable incident occurred in it? V. 15—17.
Were there several other engagements in which some of David's men remarkably signalized themselves?
How did David celebrate his deliverance from all his enemies?
Is this song found in the book of Psalms, and were there any variations between the two? See Ps. 18.
What were David's last words as given in ch.23. 1—7. N. B. As David plainly intimates that he delivers these his dying words in the name of the glorious persons of the Godhead, as the word of all the three, it can scarcely be imagined that so much solemnity was intended merely to usher in a description of the duty of ordinary rules, among men. It is therefore taken by many interpreters with great probability as a prophecy of the Messiah, and of the righteous, benign, and blessed character of his government over the sons of Adam. And David declares himself so well satisfied with that everlasting covenant made with him (ch. 7. 15, 16.) that although he had much to humble him, though his own character, and that of his family, were stained and disgraced by many infirmities and acts of transgression, and though his temporal house and kingdom should not be comparable in dignity and duration to the spiritual one promised ; though it should be diminished and not made to grow ; though the tree of his royal family should he cut down to the ground, yet it was enough for him that out of its roots should Spring forth the "Branch of Righteousness, the King that should reign and prosper." The two concluding verses describe the enemies of this glorious King and Kingdom, their power, stubbornness, and final destruction.
To what step was David prompted which was criminal in him, and yet the means of a righteous correction for the sins of the people? ch. 24. 1.
How is this same event spoken of in Chronicles? 1 Chron. 21. 1. N. B. David's purpose of numbering the people sprang from the suggestions of Satan working upon his own corrupt dispositions, but in as much as the affair was permitted and overruled by the Most High, for accomplishing his own wise and holy ends, it is here according to the common style of scripture, ascribed to Hinji as the first Mover of it.
In what consisted his sin in numbering the people? N. B. The design appears to have been prompted by an ostentatious pride with an improper dependence upon the number and valor of his forces. The actuating motive appears to have been very much the same with that of Hezekiah afterwards, in displaying his treasures to the messengers of the King of Babylon?
What command did he give to Joab, and how did he reply?
What do we elsewhere learn respecting Joab's view of David's conduct in this matter? 1 Chron.21. 6.
Did David's word prevail, and what were found to be the numbers of Israel and Judah?
Was David now brought to a sense of his sins, and what was his confession?
What message was the prophet Gad directed to communicate to David next morning, and how did he discharge the duty?
What was David's reply, and what took place accordingly?
To what was it owing that Jerusalem was spared, and what said David when the angel became visible?
What was he commanded by God to do, and what account is given of his performing it? v. 19—25.
Was the temple afterwards built in this spot? 2 Chron. 3.1
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