Bible Commentary

2 Samuel 16:21

2 Samuel 16:21

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom,.... Either immediately of himself, without consulting with others; or after a consultation had been held between them, he as the president of it, and their mouth, gave the following advice; though the former seems most correct:go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left, to keep the house; and lie with them; there were ten of them, 2Sa 15:16;and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father; this fact will be so abominable to him, and he will so highly resent it, as never to forgive thee, and be reconciled unto thee:then shall the hands of all that [are] with thee be strong; he intimates that they were now weak, and did not act with spirit; they were fearful that David and Absalom would be reconciled, and then they should be reckoned traitors, and fall a sacrifice to David's vengeance, for their treason against him: but by Absalom's taking such a step as this, which would make him for ever the object of his father's hatred, their hands and hearts would be strengthened, and their fears removed, and they would not have the least jealousy of a reconciliation between them, and of their being left to the resentment of David.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Recommended reading

More for 2 Samuel 16:21

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

2 Samuel 16 — Overview2 Samuel 16 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIn the close of the foregoing chapter we left David flying from Jerusalem, and Absalom entering into it; in this chapter, I. We are to follow David in his melancholy flight; and there we find him, 1. Cheated by…2 Samuel 16 — Overview2 Samuel 16 · Treasury of Scripture Knowledge2 Samuel 16:1, Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master’s inheritance; 2 Samuel 16:5, At Bahurim Shimei curse David; 2 Samuel 16:9, David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge; 2…2 Samuel 16 — Overview2 Samuel 16 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn this chapter is an account of Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, getting his inheritance by misrepresentation of him, and by presents to David, 2Sa 16:1; and of Shimei's cursing David as he passed along, which David…2 Samuel 16:1-232 Samuel 16:1-23 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION 2 Samuel 16:1 Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth. It is the misfortune of troubled times like those in which David found himself, that unscrupulous men use them for selfish purposes. For those in danger have…2 Samuel 16:1-232 Samuel 16:1-23 · The Pulpit CommentaryIV. THERE IS A DISTINCT RECOGNITION OF THE WILL OF GOD IN THEM. There is an instructive difference in the conduct of Abishai and David. The man of the world saw the passion and heard the voice of Shimei, and his anger…2 Samuel 16:1-232 Samuel 16:1-23 · The Pulpit Commentary4. Reverential; looking devoutly (as others did not) beyond Shimei to the All-seeing, All-holy, and Almighty One, by whom he was permitted to be an instrument of retribution, and even employed as such, although not…