Part 4

When Ishbosheth and his friends heard of the fate of Abner, who had been the very life of their cause; it dejected all their spirits; and two villains, named Rechab and Baanah, hoping to make their fortunes by the public calamity, went and murdered their master king Ishbosheth, as he was reposing himself during the heat of the day, and brought his head to David*. But not reflecting on an obvious maxim in politics, they like the Amalekite before, who claimed the merit of killing Saul, soon found that, he thought it adviseable to punish the traitors, whatever he thought of the treason.**

* 2 Sam. iv. 5, &c.

** Ver. 12.

Had David reflected on all the circumstances which led to this murder, with that tenderness becoming a person professing so much piety, his compunction would have greatly embarrassed him in the proper behaviour on this occasion. For if these two execrable villains deserved punishment, what did _he_ merit who was the primary cause of so nefarious an action? Two poor rogues from subordinate views, effected by assassination what David sought at the head of an army, which naturally reminds us of the pirate and Alexander. So strangely do relative circumstances bias our judgment of things essentially alike. Had David aspired to no other sceptre than his shepherd's crook, the villains had not presumed on the usurper's gratitude; and Ish-bosheth, who was a quiet prince, might have reigned long an honour to himself and a blessing to his country.

Ish-bosheth does not appear to have been a man of parts, qualified to contend with such an antagonist as David; for nothing is recorded of him: Abner was the person who raised him; and had he lived, would as easily have deposed him, and though no qualifications are a security against assassination, yet, as in the case of another unfortunate monarch, Darius, king of Persia; such cowardly wretches generally take the advantage of precipitating misfortunes already commenced, that they may pay their court to the rising sun.

The murder of this unhappy son of an unhappy father, advanced David to the dignity to which he aspired,* (though we shall see in a passage which reflects no great honour on him, that Saul had more sons yet living.) He was now in his thirty-eighth year; having reigned seven years and an half in Hebron** over the tribe of Judah.

Although David was now invested with that supremacy which had been the aim of his endeavours since the time that Samuel inspired him with the spirit of ----- ambition; yet could not his enterprising genius continue satisfied with such an exaltation. The first object of his attention now, was the city of Jerusalem, then inhabited by the Jebusites; (but it was of no importance who inhabited it, if David conceived a desire for it): this city he besieged and the inhabitants relying on the strength of their fortifications, out of derision planted cripples on their ramparts to guard their walls; saying "except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither."*** Nevertheless David carried the place, and made it his chief city.****

N. B. He supplied himself with, more wives and concubines out of his new acquisition.(5)

While he was thus amorously engaged, the Philistines hearing that he Was made king over all Israel, came and disturbed him; but David according to the usual term _smote them_;(6) and his strokes were always sufficiently felt.

The comic tale of David's bringing home the ark will not be long dwelt upon; it may only be remarked, that it was brought on a new cart, drawn by oxen; and that Uzzah some way or other lost his life, to, as the text reads, was smote _by the Lord_,(7) for his impiety in saving the ark from being overturned.(8)

* 2 Sam. v. 3, 1 Chron. xi. 3.

** 2 Sam. ii. 11.

*** Chap. v. 6. Josephus.

**** Ver. 7. 9., 1 Chron; xi. 5. 7.

(5) 2 Sam. v. 13.

(6) Ver. 20, 25., 1 Chron. xiv. 11.

(7) Query, whether the Lord did not sometimes smite by the hands of the priest.

(8) Sam. vi. 7.

But if "the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looked on the outward appearance, but the Lord looked into the heart." the intention of Uzzah was indisputably good, and the alledged crime surely pardonable; the seeming exigency precluding all hesitation and reflection. Had the ark been really overturned for want of this careful prevention, Uzzah might then, it would be naturally imagined, have been rather _smote_ for neglecting to save it. However, it was no longer trusted to prophane hands, but carried the remainder of the way upon the more holy shoulders of the Levites,* with great parade: attended by musicians, and by David himself who, dressed in a linen ephod, _danced before the Lord with all his might_ and this, in such a frantic indecent manner, that he exposed his nakedness to the bye-standers. Wherefore his wife Michal sneered at him: "How glorious was the king of Israel today, who uncovered himself to-day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself."** David, it seems, was of a different opinion; for he told her he _would_ play before the Lord; and would be yet _more vile_ than she had represented him;--adding, "and of the maid-servants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour."*** Some staunch zealots have very prudently spiritualized this part of David's answer, and given the mystical sense of it; the prophane, who are content with the evident signification of words, having construed it no otherwise than into an insinuation that he had no cause to be ashamed of what he exposed. Fie on them!

This story is concluded with a remark as odd as the rest of it:--"Therefore Michal, the daughter of Saul, had no child until the day of her death.(5)

* 1 Chron. xv. 2, 15.

** 2 Sam. vi. 14.

*** Ver. 20.

**** Ver. 22.

(5) Ver. 23.

For, if Michal had hitherto borne no children, neither to David, nor to her immediate husband, her barrenness must have been constitutional; and, preceding her offence, could not be a punishment inflicted in consequence of it. Moreover, if, on the other hand, she _had_ borne him children, and this disgrace to her was the consequence of a resolution made by her husband David, that she should have no more children _by him_: her quiet resignation, under this imposed widowhood, is by inference a high compliment on this poor woman's conjugal virtue! which was far from the historian's intention to bestow. Indeed there is great reason to credit Michal, and to believe that David really behaved with all the extravagance she ascribes to him: for she appeared before this affair as a discreet kind of a woman; no instance of folly being produced in her, unless the contrivances she made use of to save her husband from the effects of her father's rage may be allowed to bear such interpretation. Whatever judgment however is passed upon Michal's censure of David's behaviour in this procession, it showed great cruelty and ingratitude in him to fix so disgraceful a stigma on her; and not to make allowance for female indiscretion, the worst name that could be bestowed on her fault.

After this, David smote the Philistines, not sparing even Gath, that city which had so humanely protected him.* He then smote the Moabites, putting to the sword two-thirds of the nation, by causing them to lie prostrate on the ground, and measuring them by lines; "even with two lines measured he to put to death; and with one full line to keep alive:"** so systematic was his wrath! Hadadezar, king of Zobah, was the next whom he smote; who being assisted by the Syrians of Damascus, he next smote them.*** Yet all this smiting and slaying is so obscurely mentioned, that we know nothing of the offences committed against this mighty chief, to excite such blood-thirsty indignation.

* Sam. viii. 1., Chron. xviii. 1.

** 2 Sam. viii. 2.

*** Ver. 3. 5., 1 Chron. xviii. 3, 5.

Indeed, the cause is, without much difficulty, deducible from the produce of these wars, which sufficiently indicate the nature of David's _thirst._ Great quantities of gold, silver, and brass, are said to have been brought to Jerusalem;* and the priests may with reason be supposed to be the instigators to these wars; since we find all the plunder surrendered to them.** We have therefore no cause to wonder at the exalted praises they have bestowed upon the instrument of their wealth. He is said to have "gat him a name, when he returned from smiting the Syrians."*** --This may very easily be credited; but it is to be feared, that if the name he gat from the Jews, and that which he gat from the Syrians were compared, they would not accord extremely well together.

David was at this time seized with a _temporary_ fit of gratitude toward a lame son of his old friend Jonathan, named Mephibosheth, to whom he restored all the private patrimony of his grandfather Saul, and took him into his family;**** not without due consideration, it is to be supposed; since by that means he kept him under his own eye. But this gratitude, was not lasting; for upon an accusation preferred against him by his servant, David readily bestowed all Mephibosheth's possessions upon that servant;(5) yet, when the accusation was found to be false, instead of equitably punishing the asperser of innocence, and reinstating Mephibosheth in his former favour, he restored to him but half the forfeiture of his supposed guilt,(6) leaving the villain Ziba in the quiet possession of the other half, as the reward of his treachery.--But of this in its proper place.

The next memorable act recorded of David, is the only acknowledged crime that he ever committed; all his other transactions being reputed "right in the eyes of the Lord."(7)

* 2 Sam. viii. 7, 8, 10., 1 Chron. xviii, 2, 4, 8, 10.

** 2 Sam. viii. 11., 1 Chron. xviii. 11.

*** 2 Sam. viii. 13.

**** Chap. ix. 1.

(5) Chap. xvi. 4.

(6) Chap. xix. 29.

(7) 1 Kings xv. 5, compared with 1 Chron. xxi. 1.

In the midst of an obscure detail of smiting and slaying; in revenge for the contemptuous treatment of some ambassadors, sent by him with compliments of condolence; but who, perhaps deservedly, were considered as spies; while Joab was with the army prosecuting the siege of Rabbah, a chief city of the Ammonites; David, then at Jerusalem, walking one evening on the roof of his palace, perceived from that eminence a handsome woman bathing herself.* Fired with the sight, he sent to enquire who she was: and understanding she was Bathsheba, wife to Uriah, who was at that time opportunely absent in the army under Joab, he caused her to be brought to him directly, (no ceremony in the case) and after gratifying his inclination, sent her home again.** Some time after, the woman finding herself with child, naturally informed the king of it. He, never at a loss for ways and means, immediately ordered Uriah home;*** of whom he enquired news concerning the operations of the campaign, and then dismissed him to his own house, sending after him a present of victuals.**** David intended the good man a little relaxation from the fatigues of war, that he might kiss his wife, and be cheated into a child more than he had a natural right to; but whether Uriah had received any intimation of the honour his Majesty had done him; or whether he honestly meant the self-denial which he professed, we are not advertised: however, Uriah would not go home but slept in the guard-room, with the king's servants.(5) David took care to be informed of this, and questioned Uriah concerning the reason of it. Uriah urged a scruple of conscience against going to enjoy any indulgence at home, while the ark, Joab, and the army remained in tents in the open field.(6) He was detained another night; when David made him drunk,(7) waiting to see what effect that might have. It was still the same; Uriah, like many other drunken men, was resolved not to go home.

*2 Sam. xi. 2.

** Ver. 4.

*** Ver. 6.

**** Ver. 8.

(5) Ver. 9.

(6) Ver. 11.

(7) Ver. 35.

David, finding him so obstinate, altered his plan of operations, and determined then to get rid of him for ever. To which intent, he sent him back to the camp, with a letter to the general. "And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the fore-front of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten and die."* This instruction was accordingly complied with;** and then Bathsheba, like another Abigail, was taken into David's seraglio.***

Nathan the prophet read David an arch lecture upon this subject;**** and he, who took care not to disagree With his best friends, bore with the reproof, and humbled himself accordingly.

This complicated crime committed by David is universally allowed; but people think so little for them selves, that even _this_ would be qualified, were it not found ready condemned to their hand in the relation of it. This crime is given up too, as the _only stain_ in David's character: but the circumstances of it will not permit this to be granted, abstracted from any consideration of the man. For, though a generally good man may, in a sudden start of any of the passions, lose government of himself so far, as to violate conjugal fidelity, or perhaps suddenly to kill another; yet a deliberate scheme, including _two_ such crimes, can be concerted only by a _bad heart_. It is also to be remarked respecting his famous repentance of this black transaction, that he shewed no tokens of relenting until it was extorted from him by artifice! and that even then, though he mourned his crime, he never entertained a thought of relinquishing future commerce with the woman so wickedly obtained, but kept her until he died! and altered the regular course of succession, in favour of a son he had by her.(5)

It is hoped the supposition may be allowed, that the noise this righteous affair made, might be one motive for Joab's desiring David to come and partake some of the honours of the campaign:(6) an opportunity of which he prudently laid hold: but--fatal was his presence wherever he appeared.

* 2 Sam. xi. 15.

** Ver. 17.

*** Ver. 27.

**** Ch. xii. 1.

(5) Kings i. 13.

(6) 2 Sam. xii. 27, 28.

How shall a person subject to the feelings of humanity, (a security of more avail among men than the most binding laws) how shall a man, not steeled to a very Jew, find expressions suited to the occasion, when he relates the treatment of this poor city, Rabbah? The study would be as difficult as unnecessary; the simple unexaggerated tale, if seriously attended to, will shock the humane reader sufficiently. The city was taken and plundered; and David "brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brick-kiln, and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon."**

* It is supposed that the ancient slavery of the Jews to the Egyptians, and the labour they were employed in by their lordly taskmasters, the making bricks, might be a current reproachful jeer upon the Jews, when any quarrel happened between them find their neighbours; and that the making their prisoners pass through the brick-kiln, was a cruel method of revenging such affronts. A conjecture not improbable.

** 2 Sam. xii. 31., 1 Chron. xx. 3.

The precise punishments here alluded to are not understood at this time: writers being much divided in their expositions of these words; but that extraordinary punishments are meant, cannot admit of a doubt; for though _believers_ expound the putting the Ammonites _under_ saws and harrows, into the making slaves of them, and that these were the tools with which they laboured; yet this will not agree with the latter of the texts whose authority is mentioned in the note; where it is said, that he [David] "cut them with saws and with harrows of iron, and with axes." And should more evidence be yet required, Josephus also writes, that "the men were put to death by exquisite torments." The general truth of the fact stands therefore unimpeached. And is it thus the people of God, headed by a man styled, in a peculiar manner, _the man after God's own heart_, used the prisoners of war? _Bella! horrida bella!_

It would not be easy to select any period of any history more bloody, or abounding more in wickedness of various dyes than that which is the object of the reader's present attention. Instances succeed so quick that the relation of one is scarcely concluded, but fresh ones obtrude upon notice.--But now horrors of a different hue demand our attention.

Ammon, one of our hero's sons, ravished his sister Tamar, and then turned her out of doors.* Absalom, her brother by the same mother, seemingly took no notice of it, until two years after; when he invited all his brothers to a feast at his sheep-shearing; where he made Amnon drunk, and murdered him** in so deliberate, and yet so determined was his revenge! Absalom on this account, fled out of Judea, for three years*** until, at the entreaty of Joab, he was invited home again by his father, whose favourite he was.**** But though he returned to Jerusalem, yet would not his father see him for two years more.(5)

Absalom, during his exile, conceived a design of deposing his father; for after their reconciliation, his first attention was to render himself popular. To this end he set up a splendid equipage:(6) but politically increased his affability with his magnificence: rising up early, and planting himself in the way, to salute all who came to his father's levee. Of these he kindly enquired their business, or grievances; throwing out hints of the king's remissness in the execution of justice, and how uprightly he would conduct himself, were their causes to be determined by him.(7)

* 2 Sam. xiii. 14

** Ver. 28.

*** Ver. 88.

**** Chap. xiv. 21, 24.

(5) Ver. 28.

(6) Chap. xv. 1.

(7) Ver 2, 4.

The profession of piety is universally, and was in particular a-mong this people, the most successful disguise for crafty designing men to assume. When Absalom, therefore, thought his scheme sufficiently ripe for execution, he desired leave of his father to go to Hebron, to perform a vow made by him while a refugee in Syria.* At Hebron he set up his standard, and his followers assembled in such numbers, and the defection was so general, that David thought it adviseable to retire from Jerusalem.**

With him he took all his family and dependants, except ten concubines, whom he left in his palace to keep house.*** The priests, Zadock and Abiather, with the ark, would also have gone with him; but he thought it would be more for his service for them to remain in the city as spies; to send him intelligence how matters went.**** It is no inconsiderable part of politics to know how to suit men with proper employments, Ahitophel, his prime minister, joined the malecontents;(5) to balance which misfortune, David prevailed on Hushai, a trusty man of some importance, to remain in the city, that he might ingratiate himself with Absalom, thwart the counsels of Ahitophel, and transmit intelligence to him from time to time through the conveyance of the priests, whose sons were to carry on the correspondence.(6) Having concerted matters thus, he evacuated Jerusalem, and Absalom entered(7) it.

When David was upon his journey from the city, he was met by Ziba, servant to Mephibosheth, with asses and provisions for his majesty's accommodation in his retreat:(8) of whom, when David enquired why Mephibosheth did not come with him; this treacherous servant told him that he staid behind at Jerusalem, hoping to obtain the kingdom of his grandfather, during this disturbance:(9) by which lying aspersion, he gained a grant of all his master's possessions.

* 2 Sam. xv. 7.

** Ver. 12,14.

*** Ver. 16.

**** Ver. 27,28,

(5) Ver. 12, 31.

(6) Ver. 32, &c.

(7) Ver. 37,

(8) 2 Sam. xvi. 1.

(9) Ver. 3.

Here we may introduce a circumstance, which is so far material, as it serves to shew, that the sanctity of David was not quite so universally assented to, as may be imagined, while he was living; and his actions not only fresh in memory, but more perfectly known, than possibly, was prudent to transmit to these distant ages.

As David prosecuted his flight, he was met by a man of Saul's family, whose name was Shimei. This man as he came on, kept muttering curses between his teeth, and at length cast stones at the King and his attendants, calling out to him, "Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial; the Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned, and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son; and behold thou art taken in thy mischief because thou art a bloody man."* This is pathetic, and truly characteristic of the person to whom the speech was addressed. Some of his retinue were at the point of silencing; this brawler with the "ultima ratio regum;"** but David prevented it,*** wisely considering this not to be a season for proceeding to extremities.

Absalom, in the mean time, being come to Jerusalem, like a buck of spirit, took the damsels which his father had left to keep house, and cuckolded the old man by way of bravado, on the top of it****; in a tent erected for this heroic purpose!

Ahitophel advised Absalom to select twelve thousand men, and pursue David directly, before he had time to recover his surprize;(5) which was certainly the best resolution that could have been formed. But Hushai, as was concerted, proposed a different plan of operations; opposing to the former, the well known valour and military skill of the old king; and the hazard of making him and his men desperate.(6)

* 2 Sam. xvi 7, 8.

** The motto on French cannon.

*** 2 Sam. xvi. 9, 10.

**** Ver. 21, 22.

(5) Chap. xvii. 1.

(6) Ver. 8.

He advised a collection of all the troops in the kingdom; that success might be in a manner insured; and that Absalom should command them in person. By which means, he affirmed that they should overwhelm David and his party, wherever they found him.* Hushai gained the ascendancy; and when he knew that his scheme was accepted, he gave immediate notice to the priests:** with instructions for David how to conduct himself.*** David divided his forces into three bodies; commanded by Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: but by the prudent care of his men, was not permitted to hazard his person, by being present in action.**** When he had reviewed his army, he gave his generals especial charge to preserve the life of Absalom; and with a policy that reflects honour upon his military knowledge, expected the enemy in the wood Ephraim:(5) a covert situation, being the most judicious that could be chosen, for a small army(6) to encounter one more numerous. David's men were tried veterans, among whom were the remains of those who served under, and lived with him at Gath;(7) whereas, Absalom's army must have consisted chiefly of fresh men. The battle decided in favour of David(8) with great slaughter of the rebel army: and as Absalom fled on a mule, his hair, which is celebrated for its beauty and quantity, entangled in the boughs of an oak, and he remained suspended in the air; while his mule ran away from between his legs.(9) He was observed in this condition by a man who went and told Joab; and he, who consulted the safety of David, rather than his parental weakness in behalf of an unnatural son, killed Absalom with a dart.(10)

David grieved immoderately for this reprobate son, on whom he had misplaced a great affection:(11) and though he had _acted_ the mourner on several former occasions, this is the only one, in which his sincerity need not be questioned.

* 2 Sam. xiii. 11.

** Ver. 15.

*** Ver. 16.

**** Chap. xviii. 1-3

(5) Ver. 4-6.

(6) According to Josephus, David had but four thousand men.

(7) 2 Sam. xv. 18.

(8) Chap. xviii. 7.

(9) Ver. 9.

(10) Ver. 14.

(11) Ver. 33., Chap. xix. 4.