2 Sam. 11 Whilst Joab besieged Rabbah David committeth adultery with Bath-sheba, 2 Sam. 11:1–4. And hearing that she was with child, he sendeth for Uriah her husband out of the camp, to cover his shame. He will not go to his own house, neither sober nor drunk, 2 Sam. 11:5–13.

After the year was expired; when that year ended, and the next begun, which was in the spring time, Ex. 12:2. When kings go forth; which is when the ground is fit for the march of soldiers, and brings forth provision for man and beast. To battle: these words are to be understood here, as Gen.

From off his bed; where he had lain and slept for some time; being possibly disposed to sleep after dinner, by reason of some excess committed in eating or drinking; and indulging himself in his lazy humour, which may seem very improper for so great a prince and captain, who had so many and great…

Instead of suppressing that lust which the sight of his eyes had kindled, he seeks rather to feed it; and first inquires who she was; that, if she were unmarried, he might make her either his wife or his concubine. Bath-sheba, called also Bath-shuah, 1 Chron. 3:5, where also Eliam is called Ammiel.

David sent and took her from her own house into his palace, not by force, but by persuasion, as desiring to speak with her. She came in unto him; into his palace and chamber, as he desired. For she was purified, to wit, from her menstruous pollution, according to the law, Lev.

Consider therefore what to do for thy own honour, and for my safety, whom thou hast brought into a most shameful and dangerous condition.

Frivolous questions, which any common messenger could have answered; which probably made Uriah suspect that there was some other secret cause why he was sent for. And he might understand something, either by David’s messengers, 2 Sam.

Go down to thy house; not doubting but he would there converse with his wife, and so cover their sin and shame. Wash thy feet; as travellers there used to do.

With all the servants of his lord; with the king’s guard. This he did, either upon some suspicion of the matter; see 2 Sam. 11:7 or by the secret direction of God’s wise and irresistible providence, who would bring David’s sin to light.

When they had told David; whether of their own accord, or being first asked by David, it doth not appear. Camest thou not from thy journey, wearied with hard service and travel, and therefore didst need refreshment? nor did I expect or desire that thou shouldst now attend upon my person, or keep…

The ark, it seems, was now carried with them for their encouragement and direction, as was usual: see Num. 10:35, 1 Sam. 4:4. In the open fields, to wit, in tents which are in the fields.

When David had called him, i.e. being invited by David. He made him drunk, or, he made him merry, as the word oft signifies. He caused him to drink more than was convenient.

So far is David from repenting upon these just and great occasions, that he seeks to cover one sin with another; and to hide his adultery with murder, even the murder of a most excellent person, and that in a most malicious and perfidious manner.

Placed there to defend it, because that part of the city was supposed either the weakest, or the place designed for the assault. Joab having formerly committed a base murder upon Abner, was ready to execute this wicked command of the king; that so he being involved in the same guilt with him, might…

Jerubbesheth, called also Jerubbaal, Judg. 9:1. See Poole “2 Sam. 2:8”. Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also; which he knew would be acceptable news to the king, and therefore allay his wrath.

We beat them back, and pursued them even to the gate.

Let not this thing displease thee; be not dejected or discouraged by this sad occasion. Encourage thou him, i.e. Joab, to proceed in the siege.

When the mourning was past; which was seven days, Gen. 1:10, 1 Sam. 31:13. Nor could the nature of the thing admit of longer delay lest the too early birth of the child might discover David’s sin.