* 2 Sam. xv. 7.
** Ver. 12,14.
*** Ver. 16.
**** Ver. 27,28,
(5) Ver. 12, 31.
(6) Ver. 32, &c.
(7) Ver. 37,
(8) 2 Sam. xvi. 1.
(9) Ver. 3.
Here we may introduce a circumstance, which is so far material, as it serves to shew, that the sanctity of David was not quite so universally assented to, as may be imagined, while he was living; and his actions not only fresh in memory, but more perfectly known, than possibly, was prudent to transmit to these distant ages.
As David prosecuted his flight, he was met by a man of Saul's family, whose name was Shimei. This man as he came on, kept muttering curses between his teeth, and at length cast stones at the King and his attendants, calling out to him, "Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial; the Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned, and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son; and behold thou art taken in thy mischief because thou art a bloody man."* This is pathetic, and truly characteristic of the person to whom the speech was addressed. Some of his retinue were at the point of silencing; this brawler with the "ultima ratio regum;"** but David prevented it,*** wisely considering this not to be a season for proceeding to extremities.
Absalom, in the mean time, being come to Jerusalem, like a buck of spirit, took the damsels which his father had left to keep house, and cuckolded the old man by way of bravado, on the top of it****; in a tent erected for this heroic purpose!
Ahitophel advised Absalom to select twelve thousand men, and pursue David directly, before he had time to recover his surprize;(5) which was certainly the best resolution that could have been formed. But Hushai, as was concerted, proposed a different plan of operations; opposing to the former, the well known valour and military skill of the old king; and the hazard of making him and his men desperate.(6)
* 2 Sam. xvi 7, 8.
** The motto on French cannon.
*** 2 Sam. xvi. 9, 10.
**** Ver. 21, 22.
(5) Chap. xvii. 1.
(6) Ver. 8.
He advised a collection of all the troops in the kingdom; that success might be in a manner insured; and that Absalom should command them in person. By which means, he affirmed that they should overwhelm David and his party, wherever they found him.* Hushai gained the ascendancy; and when he knew that his scheme was accepted, he gave immediate notice to the priests:** with instructions for David how to conduct himself.*** David divided his forces into three bodies; commanded by Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: but by the prudent care of his men, was not permitted to hazard his person, by being present in action.**** When he had reviewed his army, he gave his generals especial charge to preserve the life of Absalom; and with a policy that reflects honour upon his military knowledge, expected the enemy in the wood Ephraim:(5) a covert situation, being the most judicious that could be chosen, for a small army(6) to encounter one more numerous. David's men were tried veterans, among whom were the remains of those who served under, and lived with him at Gath;(7) whereas, Absalom's army must have consisted chiefly of fresh men. The battle decided in favour of David(8) with great slaughter of the rebel army: and as Absalom fled on a mule, his hair, which is celebrated for its beauty and quantity, entangled in the boughs of an oak, and he remained suspended in the air; while his mule ran away from between his legs.(9) He was observed in this condition by a man who went and told Joab; and he, who consulted the safety of David, rather than his parental weakness in behalf of an unnatural son, killed Absalom with a dart.(10)
David grieved immoderately for this reprobate son, on whom he had misplaced a great affection:(11) and though he had acted the mourner on several former occasions, this is the only one, in which his sincerity need not be questioned.
* 2 Sam. xiii. 11.
** Ver. 15.
*** Ver. 16.
**** Chap. xviii. 1-3
(5) Ver. 4-6.
(6) According to Josephus, David had but four thousand men.
(7) 2 Sam. xv. 18.
(8) Chap. xviii. 7.
(9) Ver. 9.
(10) Ver. 14.
(11) Ver. 33., Chap. xix. 4.
It is true, he might be really concerned at the murder of Abner; but men circumstances ought to be attended to; Abner was killed prematurely; he had not finished his treacherous negociation; David had much to hope from him; but—when his expectations had been answered, it is far from being improbable, that he would have found an opportunity himself to have got rid of a man, on whom he could have placed no reliance. But to return.