Absalom’s name signifies “the peace of his father,” yet he proves his greatest trouble; so often are we disappointed in our expectations from the creature.

Absalom is no sooner restored to his place at court than he aims to be in the throne. He that was unhumbled under his troubles became insufferably proud when they were over; and he cannot be content with the honour of being the king’s son, and the prospect of being his successor, but he must be…

We have here the breaking out of Absalom’s rebellion, which he had long been contriving. It is said to be after forty years, 2 Sam. 15:7. But whence it is to be dated we are not told; not from David’s beginning his reign, for then it would fall in the last year of his life, which is not probable;…

Here is, I. The notice brought to David of Absalom’s rebellion, 2 Sam. 15:13. The matter was bad enough, and yet it seems to have been made worse to him (as such things commonly are) than really it was; for he was told that the hearts of the men of Israel (that is, the generality of them, at least…

Here we have, I. The fidelity of the priests and Levites and their firm adherence to David and his interest. They knew David’s great affection to them and their office, notwithstanding his failings.

Nothing, it seems, appeared to David more threatening in Absalom’s plot than that Ahithophel was in it; for one good head, in such a design, is worth a thousand good hands.