Wesley Corpus

Chapter III David's success and sons, ver. 1 - 5. Abner's quarrel with Isbosheth, ver. 6 - 11. His treaty with David, ver. 12 - 16. He undertakes to bring Israel over to David, ver. 17 - 21. Joab murders Abner, ver. 22 - 27. David's concern and mourning over him, ver. 28 - 39. Long war - For five years longer: for it is probable, Isbosheth was made king presently upon Saul's death; and the other tribes did not submit to David before seven years were expired. Geshur - A part of Syria, northward from the land of Israel. Her he married, as it may seem, in policy, that he might have a powerful friend and ally to assist him against Ishbosheth's party in the north, whilst himself opposed him in the southern parts. But he paid dear for making piety give place to policy, as the history of Absolom sheweth. Eglah - This is added, either because she was of obscure parentage, and was known by no other title but her relation to David: or, because this was his first and most proper wife, best known by her other name of Michal, who, though she had no child by David after she scoffed at him for dancing before the ark, chap.6:23, yet might have one before that time. And she might be named the last, because she was given away from David, and married to another man. Six sons in seven years. Some have had as numerous an offspring, and with much more honour and comfort, by one wife. And we know not that any of the six were famous: but three were very infamous. Strong - He used all his endeavours to support Saul's house: which is mentioned, to shew the reason of his deep resentment of the following aspersion. Messengers - Who in his name might treat with David concerning his reconciliation with him. Thus God over - rules the passions of wicked men, to accomplish his own wise and holy purposes. And who then dare contend with that God who makes even his enemies to do his work, and destroy themselves Whose, &c. - To whom doth this whole land belong, but to thee Is it not thine by Divine right Ishbosheth - Whose consent was necessary, both to take her away from her present husband, and to persuade her to return to David.