2 Samuel 19

These verses record the only time that Joab openly corrected David (compare 2 Samuel 24:3).

The argument among the tribes of Israel (possibly only the northern tribes) led them to agree that they should ask David to return as king. They may have preferred this option instead of returning to a time of weak shared leadership (the period of the judges; see 2 Samuel 20:1).

When David saw that the northern tribes would accept him (2 Samuel 19:9–10), he sent messengers to encourage Judah, his own people, to accept him too. See also study note on 2 Samuel 19:41–43.

Commander … in place of Joab: Amasa did not hold this position for long (see 2 Samuel 20:7–10).

Gilgal was an important city during the time of Samuel and Saul (see study note on 2 Samuel 19:40; 1 Samuel 7:16; 11:15).

When David returned to Jerusalem, he forgave Shimei. Shimei was a supporter of Saul who had cursed David during his escape (see 2 Samuel 16:5–14). However, Shimei's actions were eventually punished (1 Kings 2:8, 36–46).

Ziba: See 2 Samuel 16:1–4.

• your servant knows that I have sinned: Shimei might have truly repented, or he might have been trying to save his life. David's concern for Absalom's safety showed he was not the ruthless throne-stealer Shimei thought. Absalom did not replace David (2 Samuel 16:8), as Shimei claimed.

• all the house of Joseph: Just as Jacob's name could represent all Israel (for example, Numbers 24:19; Isaiah 10:20), Joseph's name could represent all the northern tribes (see study notes on Amos 5:6; Zechariah 10:6).

• Compare 2 Samuel 16:9–12.

• Abishai: See study note on 2 Samuel 16:9.

• Sons of Zeruiah: See study notes on 2 Samuel 2:18; 17:25. Abishai often wanted to kill those against David (compare 2 Samuel 16:9; 1 Samuel 26:8). David was also frustrated with Joab, Abishai’s brother (see 2 Samuel 3:28–29, 39; 19:13; 1 Kings 2:5–6).

David’s oath of protection was not binding on David’s heir, Solomon, who later ordered Shimei’s execution for far less serious crimes (1 Kings 2:36–46).

Mephibosheth did not care for his appearance while David was away from Jerusalem. This lack of grooming was a sign of mourning and showed his loyalty to David. If Mephibosheth had planned to claim the throne (2 Samuel 16:3), he would not have kept such an unkempt appearance.

See 2 Samuel 16:1–4.

• like the angel of God: See study note on 2 Samuel 14:17.

• deserves death … What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing?: If Mephibosheth had wanted to betray David, it would have shown deep ingratitude for all David had done for him.

Mephibosheth's lack of interest in claiming half of his property clearly showed his true happiness about David's return.

Gilead was part of Manasseh’s territory on the east side of the Jordan (Joshua 17:5).

Barzillai was old and weak, so he turned down David's invitation to the royal court in Jerusalem. This invitation was a reward for Barzillai's help. Instead, David took Barzillai’s son Kimham (see also 1 Kings 2:7).

kissed Barzillai: This kiss was sincere and showed real affection. It contrasts with David’s cold kiss for Absalom (2 Samuel 14:33) and with Absalom’s planned kiss to win the people’s favor (2 Samuel 15:5).

Gilgal, a natural stop along David’s westward route, was also a politically significant location: It was where the people had proclaimed Saul king (1 Samuel 11:15) and where Samuel later announced Saul's reign would end (1 Samuel 13:13–15). David’s kingship now had a new beginning at Gilgal.

• This disagreement started because David favored his own tribe, Judah. It shows the early signs of the split that eventually divided Judah and Israel into two nations (1 Kings 11:31; 12:16, 20).

• Were we not the first: See 2 Samuel 19:11–12.