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.
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