II. Samuel.

2949. A. M. 1055. B. C.

394. THE Second Book of Samuel is supposed to have been written by the prophets Gad and Nathan, and contains the history of DAVID, the second king of Israel, during a period of nearly forty years, from 1055. B. c. to 1017. B. C.

395. David Chosen.-DAVID was the son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah, of the town of Bethlehem, and was born 1085. B. C.; he was anointed king by Samuel at the direction of God, in preference to his seven brothers, at the age of about 15 years, for said Samuel 'the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward ap'pearance but the Lord looketh on the heart.' (1 Sam. xvi. 7.) God chose David to be His servant, and took him from the sheep-folds to be king over Israel. (1 Sam. xvi. 11-13; Psal. lxxvii. 51.).

396. While King-elect.-After being anointed, on account of his skill in music he was chosen to play before Saul when in a state of deep melancholy. After a few years, David went forth and slew the giant Goliath (1064. B. C.); but the praises of the people excited the jealousy of Saul. (1063. B. C.) David, on the return of the king's malady, again played before him, and twice Saul attempted his life. He also refused David his daughter unless he slew 100 Philistines; but having accomplished this, he received Michal in marriage; but Saul continuing to seek his life he fled, first to the high-priest Abimelech at Nob, where he eat the shew-bread; and thence he retired to Achish king of Gath (1062. B. c.). Here to save his life, he was obliged to feign madness. He then went to Adullam, where he gathered 400 men, and proceeded afterwards to Maon, and thence to Engedi, (1060. B. C.) whither Saul followed

394. Who were the authors of the Second Book of Samuel? what does it contain? 395. Who was the father of David, and where did he dwell? Of what tribe was he? When and by whom was David anointed king? 396. Give the life of David up to his accession. What was his character, and for what were his early years distinguished?

him with 3000 men. The king entered a cave in which David was secreted, who cut off the skirt of Saul's robe unperceived. David next threatened the life of Nabal for refusing him sustenance, but he died a few days after, when David married his widow, Abigail (1059. B. c.). After this, while concealed in the hill of Hachilah, David by night got into Saul's camp, and took away his spear and cruse of water unperceived. David sought shelter again with Achish king of Gath; who gave him Ziklag to reside in. The Philistines now renewed their attack on Saul at Gilboa; when the Israelites were worsted, and Saul and his three sons slain. (1055. B. C.). DAVID lamented the death of Saul, and Jonathan (2 Sam. i.), and directed by God, he proceeded to Hebron, where the tribe of Judah acknowledged him king. (2 Sam. ii.).

397. Ishbosheth. The 11 other Tribes by the advice and assistance of Abner, Saul's general, raised ISHBOSHETH, the only son of Saul, to the throne; he reigned at Mahanaim; Abner some time after marrying Rispah, a concubine of Saul's, brought down upon him the anger of Ishbosheth. Abner eventually deserted to David; but he soon fell by the hand of Joab (1048. B. C.) in revenge for his slaying Joab's brother, Asahael. Ishbosheth himself was murdered not long afterwards by two of his captains, Baanah, and Rechab. David punished the assassins, and was now proclaimed at Hebron king over all Israel, at the age of 37 years. 1048. B. c. (2 Sam. v. 1-3.).

398. Jerusalem taken.-DAVID now marched against Jerusalem, which was in the possession of the Jebusites. (Judg. i. 8. 21.) Jerusalem comprized the four hills of Zion, Acra, Moriah and Bezetha. The strong-hold of Zion was well fortified by nature, so that DAVID promised that he who would first storm its walls should be chief-captain of his armies. Joab performed the exploit, and became the chief-captain. DAVID made Jerusalem the capital of his kingdom, and Hiram king of Tyre, having supplied him with workmen and materials, he built a royal residence on Mount Zion, whence it was called the 'City of David.' He next prepared for the performance of religious services within it by bringing the Ark from Kirjath-jearim.

397. Who was Ishbosheth, and what befel him? What side did Abner take? 398. Give an account of Jerusalem? when did it become a royal residence?

399. Uzzah, and the Ark. After two successful engagements with the Philistines at Rephaim, (1043. B. c.) David now attempted to bring the 'ARK' to Jerusalem from Kirjath-jearim; where it had remained in the house of Abinadab, under the care of his son Eleazar. (1 Sam. vii. 1.) But instead of having it carried on the shoulders of the Kohathites as directed in the Law, he had it placed on a new cart under the care of Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab. The movement of the vehicle causing it to be shaken, Uzzah put forth his hand to steady it, when he immediately fell dead. (1 Chron. xiii. 9.) DAVID alarmed, directly ordered the 'Ark' to be placed in the house of Obed-Edom. But while here it brought such blessings and prosperity to that family, that after three months, David following the requirements of the Law, put it under the care of the Levites, and brought it safely to the tabernacle which he had prepared on Mount Zion. (2 Sam. vi; 1 Chron. xv.) 1042. B. C.

400. The king now proposed to Nathan, the prophet, to build a Temple for the Ark of the Lord: but this was forbidden, and the honour transferred to his son, because David 'had shed blood abundantly, and made great 'wars.' Yet God promised-'I will raise up thy seed after 'thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his 'kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will establish 'his throne for ever."

401. David's successes.-The king now subdued the Philistines, and the Moabites, and Hadadezer, king of Zobah, submitted to him. DAVID then chastised the Syrians and made Damascus tributary and returned to Jerusalem with immense booty. In his march he encountered the Edomites, and made them tributary. (1040. B. c.) 2 Sam. viii.; 1 Chron. xiv. xviii.

402. Mephibosheth. — DAVID remembering his pledge to the affectionate Jonathan, discovered that he had a son named MEPHIBOSHETH, so called from being lame in both his feet. (2 Sam. iv. 4.) He placed him under the care of Ziba, an old servant of the late king; appointed him a seat at the royal table, and restored to him the property of Saul. (ib. ix.) 1040. B. C. Subsequently, at the time of the rebellion of Absalom, Ziba having represented Mephi

399. What occurred to Uzzah ? to Obed-Edom? 400. Why was not David allowed to build the Temple? 401. Relate some of David's successes. 402. Who was Mephibosheth? what befel him?

bosheth as taking part in that revolt, David transferred to Ziba all the property (ib. xvi.); but eventually, discovering the deception of Ziba, the king restored to Mephibosheth half of the possessions. (ib. xix.) There was another Mephibosheth, a son of Saul by Rizpah, who was sacrificed to the vengeance of the Gibeonites. (ib. xxi. 7, 8.)

403. Ammonite War. On the death of Nahash, the Ammonite king, DAVID sent a message of condolence to the young king Hanun; but his servants being treated with indignity, he despatched a large army under the command of Joab to punish the Ammonites. They hired an immense body of Syrian soldiers, and Joab sending his brother Abishai against the Ammonite division of the enemy, he himself fell upon the Syrian allies. The Israelites were victorious. (1037. B. C.) But Hadadezer the Syrian king, sent Shobach to redeem their defeat. DAVID went in person to oppose the Syrians, who were completely subdued, and the country made tributary. 1036. B. C.

404. Uriah slain.-Joab was next sent to complete the subjugation of the Ammonites; and he began by besieging Rabbah. David was in Jerusalem, and was now tempted to commit the great sin of his life. He took Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, a captain in the army before Rabbah, and to conceal the infamy, DAVID summoned Uriah home; and sent him back to Joab with a letter in which he wrote-'Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him that he may 'be smitten and die.' Joab obeyed, and Uriah fell a sacrifice to the wickedness of the king. 2 Sam. xi. 1034. B. C.

405. Bathsheba.-The mourning for her husband was scarcely passed, when Bathsheba was married to DAVID 'but the thing that DAVID had done displeased the 'Lord'; and Nathan was sent to reprove the king. The prophet laid before DAVID in a parable the wrongs of a poor man robbed of his ewe lamb by a rich, cruel, and licentious neighbour. David indignant at the injustice, exclaimed, 'as the Lord liveth the man that hath done this thing shall surely die.' Nathan astounded the king with the reply 'Thou art the man'; and proceeded to declare 'The sword 'shall never depart from thine house: I will raise up evil

403. Relate David's war with the Ammonites? 404. How came Uriah by his death? 405. Who was Bathsheba? How did Nathan reprove David?

against thee out of thine own house.' David's repentance however obtained for him personal forgiveness; and Bathsheba subsequently begat Solomon (1033. B. c.), called also Jedidiah. David now assaulted Rabbah in person, took an immense amount of booty, and completed the subjugation of the Ammonites. 2 Sam. xii.

406. David's sons.-David had 15 sons, six born in Hebron, and nine in Jerusalem; with some others. (1 Chron. iii.). The most noted were the four followingAmnon, Absalom, Adonijah, and Solomon.

407. Amnon was the eldest son of David, born of Ahinoam; he became deeply attached to his sister Tamar, which ended in her ruin. 1032. B. C. Absalom determined to revenge her injury. After the lapse of two years, he invited his brothers to an entertainment. During the festival, Amnon was assassinated by order of his brother. 1030. B. C. when Absalom hastily fled to Geshur. 2 Sam. xiii.

408. Absalom, the second son of David, was born of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; he was the handsomest man in Israel, and possessed of the finest head of hair (2 Sam. xiv. 25.). He stayed three years at Geshur under the protection of Talmai, his grandfather, (2 Sam. xiii.) when by the interest of Joab, and the widow of Tekoa, who had worked upon the King's paternal feelings, he was allowed to return to Jerusalem, (1027. B. C.) and ultimately was received again into favour. (ib. xiv.). But fearing he might be set aside on account of his wicked conduct, he aspired to the government: and even proclaimed himself king; DAVID took alarm, and fled from Jerusalem. (1023. B. C.). ABSALOM immediately went to Jerusalem, where he was also received as king. Ahithophel, urged Absalom to pursue his father immediately with 12,000 men; but this pursuit was over-ruled by the council of Hushai, who had been sent by David to counteract the intrigues of Ahithophel. Ahithophel foreseeing the result of Hushai's advice retired to Giloh, and there hanged himself (2 Sam. xv.; xvii. 23.). ABSALOM, however marched against David; an engagement ensued at Mahanaim, in which the rebel army lost 20,000 killed. ABSALOM fled through the

406. Who were the four most noted sons of David? 407. What was the fate of Amnon? 408. Give an account of Absalom, his wicked conduct towards his father, and his punishment. How did David receive the tidings of his death? Who was Ahithophel.