Poole on 2 Samuel

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Study 2 Samuel with me!

Taking Matthew Poole as our guide, we are going to work our way verse-by-verse through the text.

Introductory material already available!

2 SAMUEL | from-ref-to-ref

Destined to be the largest, most comprehensive study of the Book of 2 Samuel online. Featuring Matthew Poole's Synopsis, practical comments from some of the great pastors and teachers of the past, lectures, and much more!

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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The study of 2 Samuel is too much neglected! Get in on the ground floor of this study of 2 Samuel, with Matthew Poole as our guide.

Poole works is rich and edifying, but not an easy-read. Let's prepare ourselves...

Reading Difficult Books: A Personal Reminiscence (by Dr. Steven Dilday)

Shortly after my conversion to Christ, I became a regular listener to the radio broadcast of Dr. R.C. Sproul. Through Dr. Sproul I was exposed to Reformed theology for the first time, and, from the first, I was captivated. I was quite interested, of course, when he mentioned that he thought...

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If you want to study 2 Samuel with Matthew Poole (and you do!), then you will want these hints on getting the most out of the study!

Poole's "Synopsis": Directions for Use

Each of the volumes in this series, Synopsis of Biblical Interpreters, is actually composed of two distinct works by Matthew Poole: Synopsis of Interpreters, Both Critical and Otherwise, of the Sacred Scriptures (known by its Latin title, Synopsis Criticorum Aliorumque Sacræ Scripturæ...

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Who wrote the Books of Samuel?

Matthew Poole explores the evidence. Interesting!

1 & 2 Samuel: Prolegomena

Question: Who is the author of these books of Samuel? Response 1: A great many agree in this, that this work was composed, not by one, but by several. Thus Gregory[1] and Athanasius[2] (Sanchez,[3] thus Tostatus,[4] Martyr[5]). Response 2: The first book of Samuel up to chapter 25 (in which...

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Matthew Poole's study of 2 Samuel is just beginning. There is still time to jump in!

The introductory material is now available in its entirety!

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com/2-samuel

 

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Saul, David's persecutor, is dead; and David's path to the throne is clear (well, mostly).

David's surprising response...

Poole's Outline of 2 Samuel 1: David's Reaction to the Death of Saul

David being at Ziklag receiveth tidings by an Amalekite of Saul and Jonathan’s death: the messenger pretendeth himself to have killed Saul, 1-12. David causeth him to be put to death, 13-16; Saul and Jonathan with a song, 17-27.

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The Amalekite assumes that David's love for the crown is greater than his regard for God and love for Saul.

He fatally miscalculated...

Poole on 2 Samuel 1:1-16: The Amalekite's Lying Account of the Death of Saul

[1056 BC] Verse 1:[1] Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from (1 Sam. 30:17, 26) the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag… [He remained in Ziklag] For the city had not been so consumed by fire, that one might not lodge in it...

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What was the Book of Jasher?

There are a number of non-canonical books cited in the OT.

Poole explores...

Poole on 2 Samuel 1:17, 18: David's Lamentation over Saul and Jonathan, Part 1

Verse 17:[1] And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son… Verse 18:[2] ([1 Sam. 31:3] Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written [Josh. 10:13] in the book of Jasher [or, of the upright[3]].) [And he ordered that...

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One might think that David would rejoice at the news of Saul's death.

Instead, his loving heart mourns.

Poole works through the text...

Poole on 2 Samuel 1:19-27: David's Lamentation over Saul and Jonathan, Part 2

Verse 19:[1] The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: (2 Sam. 1:27; 1 Mac. 9:21[2]) how are the mighty fallen! [The illustrious of Israel have been slain upon thy mountains,הַצְּבִי֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל עַל־בָּמוֹתֶ֖יךָ חָלָ֑ל ] [They render it variously:] Στήλωσον, etc., set up a...

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For the first time in English...

Matthew Poole's "Synopsis" on 2 Samuel 1 (David's lamentation for Saul) is available in its entirety! free and online!

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com/2-samuel

 

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David is now king!

...but only in Hebrew, and with trouble and sorrow.

Life in a fallen world...

Poole introduces 2 Samuel 2...

Poole's Outline of 2 Samuel 2: David, King in Hebron

David, by God’s direction, with his company goeth up to Hebron, where he is made king of Judah, 1-4. He commendeth them of Jabesh-gilead for burying Saul, 5-7. Abner maketh Ish-bosheth king of Israel, 8-11. A mortal fight between twelve of Abner’s and twelve of Joab’s men, 12-17. Asahel...

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"See how David rose gradually; he was first anointed king in reversion, then in possession of one tribe only, and at last of all the tribes. Thus the kingdom of the Messiah, the Son of David, is set up by degrees; he is Lord of all by divine designation, but we see not yet all things put under him, Hebrews 2:8." -Matthew Henry

Poole on 2 Samuel 2:1-7: David, King of Judah

Verse 1:[1] And it came to pass after this, that David (Judg. 1:1; 1 Sam. 23:2, 4, 9; 30:7, 8) enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto (1 Sam. 30:31; 2 Sam. 2:11...

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Because men over-estimate their abilities, and under-estimate the dangers, they run headlong and heedless into conflict.

Poole opens for us Abner's folly at Gibeon...

https://www.fromreformationtoreformation.com/post/poole-on-2-samuel-2-8-17-rumble-at-gibeon-s-pool

 

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Like so many young people, Asahel over-values his growing abilities against that of his elders...and perishes.

To the text...

https://www.fromreformationtoreformation.com/post/poole-on-2-samuel-2-18-32-the-death-of-asahel-the-swift

 

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For the first time in English...

Poole's Synopsis on 2 Samuel 2 (the beginning of David's kingship, with opposition from Saul's house) is now available in its entirety! free and online!

2 SAMUEL | from-ref-to-ref

Destined to be the largest, most comprehensive study of the Book of 2 Samuel online. Featuring Matthew Poole's Synopsis, practical comments from some of the great pastors and teachers of the past, lectures, and much more!

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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Matthew Poole introduces us to 2 Samuel 3, "The Tragedy of Abner".

Poole's Outline of 2 Samuel 3: The Fall of Abner

The war between the house of David and the house of Saul. Six sons born to David in Hebron, 1-5. Abner, displeased with Ish-bosheth, 6-11, revolteth to David, who requireth of him that he bring with him Michal, which he does, and communes with the elders of Israel; is feasted by David and...

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David's family grows in Hebron, but not by lawful means, foreshadowing the grief to come...

Poole presents the text...

Poole on 2 Samuel 3:1-5: David's Growing Household

Verse 1:[1] Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.[A long dispute] Not with arms, but with efforts, to retain and win minds (Sanchez). But Salian maintains that it was a...

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God over-rules men's sin for His own good purposes.

Ish-bosheth's folly, and Abner's pride, lead to the establishment of David's kingdom.

Poole on 2 Samuel 3:6-11: Abner's Defection to David

Verse 6:[1] And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.[Abner was directing the house of Saul, ‎וגו״ הָיָ֥ה מִתְחַזֵּ֖ק] He was strengthening himself (was pre-eminent [Jonathan]) in the house...

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Abner sided with Ish-bosheth against David (against his own conscience), and then turned traitor against Ish-bosheth.

How could David make a covenant with this villain? Poole explores...

Poole on 2 Samuel 3:12-21: David's Covenant with Abner

[1048 BC] Verse 12:[1] And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.[He sent on his own behalf (thus Munster, Tigurinus, Montanus, Vatablus)...

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In a fallen world, bent upon war, it can be difficult to forge a peace. Here, Scripture illustrates one way that peace-efforts are thwarted...

Poole on 2 Samuel 3:22-30: The Murder of Abner

Verse 22:[1] And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.[They came, with robbers have been smitten] Philistines (Tostatus in...

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David laments the death of Abner, who had caused him no small amount of trouble, revealing a friendly and forgiving heart. Exemplary.

Poole on 2 Samuel 3:31-39: David's Lamentation over Abner

Verse 31:[1] And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, (Josh. 7:6; 2 Sam. 1:2, 11) Rend your clothes, and (Gen. 37:34) gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.[He said to Joab, etc.] David wanted Joab to be present at...

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For the first time in English...

Matthew Poole's "Synopsis" of 1 Samuel 3 (Abner's defection and death) is available in its entirety! free and online!

2 SAMUEL | from-ref-to-ref

Destined to be the largest, most comprehensive study of the Book of 2 Samuel online. Featuring Matthew Poole's Synopsis, practical comments from some of the great pastors and teachers of the past, lectures, and much more!

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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David's forgiving and friendly heart is again on display in his reaction to the murder of Ish-bosheth.

Matthew Poole previews for us his study of 2 Samuel 4!

Poole's Outline of 2 Samuel 4: The Murder of Ish-bosheth

Ish-bosheth and his party are astonished at Abner’s death, 1. Two captains murder Ish-bosheth, and bring his head to David, 2-8; who caused them to be put to death, and hanged up; and Ish-bosheth’s head to be buried, 9-12.

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[MW]

"Destined to be the largest, most comprehensive study of the Book of 2 Samuel online."

This is a goldmine. In going through 1 Samuel I recall numerous issues which are not treated in modern commentaries. They have just dropped out of circulation. It is good to get back in touch with the great tradition of biblical interpretation, and to do so from a conservative Protestant perspective.

 

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Posts of honor are frequently also the posts of greatest danger. Why do men covet political position so?

Matthew Poole takes us through the fall of Ish-bosheth...

Poole on 2 Samuel 4:1-8: The Murder of Ish-bosheth

Verse 1:[1] And when Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, (Ezra 4:4; Isa. 13:7) his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were (Matt. 2:3) troubled.[His hands were loosed] He began to be of a remiss spirit, and to despair of life (Vatablus). For, with Abner killed, he was...

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'Note: Charity teaches us to make the best, not only of our friends, but of our enemies, and to think those may be righteous persons who yet, in some instances, do us wrong.' -M. Henry

Matthew Poole takes us through David's reaction to the murder of Ish-bosheth...

Poole on 2 Samuel 4:9-12: David's Response to Ish-bosheth's Murder

Verse 9:[1] And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, (Gen. 48:16; 1 Kings 1:29; Ps. 31:7) who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity…[The Lord liveth, who hath plucked, etc.] That is to say, who hath...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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For the first time in English...

Matthew Poole's "Synopsis" on 2 Samuel 4 (the death of Ish-bosheth) is now available in its entirety! free and online!

2 SAMUEL | from-ref-to-ref

Destined to be the largest, most comprehensive study of the Book of 2 Samuel online. Featuring Matthew Poole's Synopsis, practical comments from some of the great pastors and teachers of the past, lectures, and much more!

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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An encouraging thought...

Strife in the midst of a people does not continue ever. Now, a formerly divided Israel unites behind David...
Matthew Poole introduces the text...

Poole's Outline of 2 Samuel 5: David, King in Jerusalem

The tribes come to Hebron to anoint David king over all Israel: the years of his reign at Hebron and Jerusalem: his age, 1-5. He taketh the strong hold of Zion from the Jebusites, and dwelleth there, 6-10. Hiram maketh a league with David, and sendeth wood and workmen to build a house, 11...

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[No Other Name]

An encouraging thought...

Strife in the midst of a people does not continue ever. Now, a formerly divided Israel unites behind David...
Matthew Poole introduces the text...

Poole's Outline of 2 Samuel 5: David, King in Jerusalem

The tribes come to Hebron to anoint David king over all Israel: the years of his reign at Hebron and Jerusalem: his age, 1-5. He taketh the strong hold of Zion from the Jebusites, and dwelleth there, 6-10. Hiram maketh a league with David, and sendeth wood and workmen to build a house, 11...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

Amen! More so important given historic strife reported in today's headlines. This too shall pass but Christ and his reign will never cease.

 

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The present strife will not necessarily last forever.

After a period of Civil War, David is made king over all Israel.

To the text...

Poole on 2 Samuel 5:1-5: David, King over All Israel

Verse 1:[1] Then (1 Chron. 11:1; 12:23) came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, (Gen. 29:14) we are thy bone and thy flesh.[All the tribes came, etc.] Overcome, not by arms, but, which is a more illustrious victory, by the righteousness and piety of David...

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