2 Samuel 17:24-29. - (MAHANAIM.) Shobi (2 Samuel 10:1-4; 2 Samuel 12:26-31); Machir (2 Samuel 9:4); Barzillai (2 Samuel 19:31-40). On hearing of the arrival of David at Mahanaim, these three men came with one accord, brining presents, and "provided the king of sustenance while he lay" there (ch. 19:32). "We are inclined to regard them as representative men: Shobi, of the extreme border inhabitants, or rather foreign tributaries; Machir, of the former adherents of Saul; and Barzillai, of the wealthy landowners generally" (Edersheim). Whilst acting, specially, from feelings of loyalty, gratitude, and affectionate regard, they displayed a hospitality such as is often enjoined (Leviticus 25:35; Isaiah 58:7; Luke 14:13; Romans 12:13), but frequently omitted (Hebrews 13:2). It was: 1. Much needed by David and his followers, "who were like a band of beggars or marauders (Delitzsch), driven from their home, in a comparatively strange land (Psalm 61:2), beset by hostile forces (ver. 25), in want of shelter, rest, and provision (ver. 29). "The Son of man had not where to lay his head" (Luke 9:58); and in his "brethren" he is often persecuted and in want of all things (Matthew 25:35; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 5:10 3John 5, 6). 2. Admirably exemplified. (1) Spontaneously, without being solicited. (2) Promptly, without delay. (3) Cordially, with sympathy and pity; for they said, "The people have become hungry, and weary, and thirsty in the wilderness." (4) Considerately; those things which were most necessary and agreeable being supplied. (5) Generously; according to ability, and "without grudging" (1 Peter 4:9). (6) Disinterestedly, unselfishly, with self-denial and at no little risk. (7) Perseveringly; not (as in another familiar instance) for three days (Acts 28:7), but for nearly as many months. It not unfrequently happens that the poor and the stranger receive the most hospitable treatment from those on whom they have the least claim. 3. Eminently helpful, comforting and encouraging; a sign of the Divine care for him (Genesis 32:2) - a proof that he was not forsaken by all the people, and an influence adapted to gather others around him. "The faithfulness of human love, strengthening in need and cheering in misfortune is not only the copy, but also the means and instrument of the faithfulness of the Divine love, granted to those who bow humbly beneath God's hand and wholly trust him" (Erdmann). 4. Abundantly requited. Those who exercise it "are blessed in their doing" (James 1:25); and receive unexpected honour and benefit from their guests (2 Samuel 19:33, 38, 39; Genesis 18.; Acts 28:8) and from the Lord himself (Hebrews 6:10; Matthew 25:34). - D.
And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed. As in Ahithophel's ease, the most subtle counsels of evil men are often most unexpectedly overthrown. It was so with the men who plotted against Daniel, Jeremiah, and Mordecai. So the Armada was overthrown in the days of Queen Elizabeth, though it had been planned in the most deliberate and sagacious manner. So the invasion of England by Napoleon the First came to nought, though a most consummate tactician was directing it.People Abiathar, Abigail, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Amasa, Ammiel, Ammonites, Arkite, Barzillai, Dan, David, Hushai, Ithra, Jesse, Jether, Joab, Jonathan, Machir, Nahash, Shobi, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Bahurim, Beersheba, Dan, En-rogel, Gilead, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Lo-debar, Mahanaim, Rabbah, RogelimTopics Abigail, Abigal, Ab'igal, Absalom, Ab'salom, Amasa, Ama'sa, Appointed, Army, Captain, Daughter, Host, Instead, Ishmaelite, Ish'maelite, Israelite, Ithra, Jesraelite, Jesse, Jether, Jithra, Joab, Jo'ab, Joab's, Jo'ab's, Lover, Man's, Married, Nahash, Named, Sister, Zeruiah, Zeru'iahOutline 1. Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's15. Secret intelligence is sent unto David 23. Ahithophel hangs himself 25. Amasa is made captain 27. David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisions Dictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:23 4633 donkey Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and … Thomas Champness—Broken Bread The Nations of the South-East Barzillai Continued. David and Jonathan's Son Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings. Letter xxxvi (Circa A. D. 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope. King of Kings and Lord of Lords Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Samuel Links 2 Samuel 17:25 NIV2 Samuel 17:25 NLT 2 Samuel 17:25 ESV 2 Samuel 17:25 NASB 2 Samuel 17:25 KJV 2 Samuel 17:25 Bible Apps 2 Samuel 17:25 Parallel 2 Samuel 17:25 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 17:25 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 17:25 French Bible 2 Samuel 17:25 German Bible 2 Samuel 17:25 Commentaries Bible Hub |