Verse 1

at the time, &c.: i. e, the next spring.

children = sons.

Rabbah. The capital of Ammon (Deuteronomy 3:11. Joshua 13:25).

But David tarried. Note contrast with "kings" going forth, above, and this word "But".

Verse 2

washing = bathing. Probably in the court below.

Verse 3

Bath-sheba. Called Bath-shua, 1 Chronicles 3:5.

Eliam. Called "Ammiel", 1 Chronicles 3:5. The son of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 23:34).

Uriah. One of David"s faithful soldiers (2 Samuel 23:39. Married the daughter of Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3), who was the son of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 23:34). This relationship probably led to Ahithophel"s disloyalty (2 Samuel 15:12).

Verse 4

for = and when.

purified. Compare Leviticus 15:18. It is possible to be more punctilious about the ceremonial Law than the moral Law.

Verse 5

sent and told: that David might shield her from the death penalty (Leviticus 20:10).

Verse 9

door = entrance.

Verse 11

thy soul = thou (emph.) Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

men. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.

Verse 17

men. Hebrew. "enosh. App-14.

Verse 20

from = from off, as in 2 Samuel 11:24.

Verse 21

Jerubbesheth (Judges 9:1) = Jerubbaal. Baal-lord, Bosheth = shame; changed by Holy Ghost here to suit his idolatry (Judges 8:27), and now David"s sin. a woman, one of the ten deaths caused by a woman. See note, Judges 4:21,

piece = upper piece.

millstone. One of the "despised" things used. See note on Judges 3:21; Judges 9:53.

Verse 23

entering = entrance.

Verse 25

displease thee = be evil in thine eyes. This event put David in Joab"s power, which Joab freely used. David was not tongue-tied in 2 Samuel 3:29; but from now he had to endure Joab"s insolence, being too suspicious to trust him, and too weak to dismiss him. Compare 2 Samuel 14:19; 2 Samuel 19:7. 1 Kings 2:5, 1 Kings 2:32, 1 Kings 2:33.

one as well as another = now this one, now that one.

Verse 26

mourned = made lamentations.

Verse 27

sent. Not till nine months after.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.