2Sa 19:6-23 | TNotes

Summary for 2Sam 19:9-10: 19:9-10 ^a The argument among the tribes of Israel (possibly referring only to the northern tribes) resulted in the consensus that they should ask David to come back, perhaps instead of going back to the semiautonomy of the era of the judges (cp. 20:1 ^b).
Summary for 2Sam 19:11-12: 19:11-12 ^c When David realized that the northern tribes would welcome him (19:9-10 ^d), he sent emissaries to goad Judah, his own tribesmen, into welcoming him as well. See also study note on 19:41-43.
19:13 ^e commander ... in his place: Amasa’s appointment would be short-lived (20:7-10 ^f).
Summary for 2Sam 19:15-23: 19:15-23 ^g On his return to Jerusalem, David showed mercy to Shimei, the pro-Saul northerner who had cursed David when he fled from Jerusalem (see 16:5-14 ^h), but Shimei’s action did not go unpunished (1 Kgs 2:8 ⁱ, 36-46 ^j). 19:15 ^k Gilgal was an important city in the days of Samuel and Saul (see study note on 19:40; 1 Sam 7:16 ^l; 11:15 ^m).
19:17 ⁿ Ziba: See 16:1-4 ^o.
19:20 ^p I know how much I sinned: Shimei’s repentance might have been genuine, or he might simply have been backpedaling in a desperate attempt to save his life. David’s concern for Absalom’s safety had shown that David was not a self-promoting, bloodthirsty throne-stealer, as Shimei had thought; and Absalom had not replaced him (16:8 ^q), as Shimei had charged.

• in all Israel (literally in all the house of Joseph): Just as Jacob’s name could stand for all Israel (e.g., Num 24:19 ^r; Isa 10:20 ^s), Joseph’s name could stand for all the northern tribes (e.g., see study notes on Amos 5:6; Zech 10:6).
Summary for 2Sam 19:21-22: 19:21-22 ^t Cp. 16:9-12 ^u.

• Abishai: See study note on 16:9.

• you sons of Zeruiah: See study notes on 2:18; 17:25. While it was Abishai who consistently wanted to kill those hostile to David (cp. 16:9 ^v; 1 Sam 26:8 ^w), David also expressed his frustration with Joab, Abishai’s brother (see 2 Sam 3:28-29 ^x, 39 ^y; 19:13 ^z; 1 Kgs 2:5-6 ^aa).
19:23 ^ab 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 Kgs 2:36-46 ^ac).