Wesley Corpus

Chapter XV Absalom steals the hearts of the people, ver. 1 - 6. He conspires against David, ver. 7 - 12. David flies from Jerusalem, ver. 13 - 18. He confers with Ittai, and passes over Kidron, ver. 19 - 23. Sends back Zadok with the ark, ver. 24 - 29. His prayer on this occasion, ver. 30, 31. He concerts with Hushai, ver. 32 - 37. Prepared - As being the king's eldest son, now Amnon was dead; for Chileab, who was his eldest brother, 2Sam 3:3, was either dead, or incapable of the government. And this course he knew would draw the eyes of the people to him, and make them conclude that David intended him for his successor. Early - Thereby making a shew of solicitude for the good of the public, and of every private person. Called him - Preventing him with the offers of his assistance. And as if he were ready to make particular enquiry into the state of his cause. See - Upon some very slight hearing of their cause, he approved it, that he might oblige all. No man - None such as will do thee justice. The other sons and relations of the king, and the rest of the judges and rulers under him and them, are wholly corrupted; or, at least not careful and diligent as they should be: and my father being grown in years, is negligent of publick affairs. It is the way of turbulent, aspiring men, to reproach the government they are under. Even David himself, the best of kings, could not escape the worst of censures. After forty years - From the change of the government, into a monarchy, which was about ten years before David began to reign. So this fell out about the thirtieth year of his reign. Hebron - This place he chose as being an eminent city, and next to Jerusalem, the chief of the tribe of Judah, and the place where his father began his kingdom, which he took for a good omen. And where it is probable he had secured many friends. It was also at a convenient distance from Jerusalem.