2 Samuel 5

Notes

[Ver. 6. Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither. Who are 'the blind and the lame?' Some think certain invalids whom the Jebusites had placed upon their lofty walls to express their contempt of David's assault. Others consider them the images of their gods, whom the Hebrews contemptuously called 'lame and blind,' and whom, nevertheless, the Jebusites placed on the battlements as a protection; and this opinion is countenanced by the description, 'hated of David's soul:' words supposed inapplicable to anything but idolatrous images. But though images might justly be called 'blind,' they could not be called 'lame,' as it implies some capacity of walking. We feel, therefore, compelled to adopt the first interpretation. Coverdale translates part of ver. 6 thus:—'Thou shalt not come hither, but the blind and the lame shall drive thee away;' which seems the true rendering. The word 'gutter,' in ver. 8, signifies in the original a 'sewer,' or subterraneous passage for water; and the last clause may and should be rendered, 'Because the blind and the lame continued to say, He shall not come into this house.' C.]

Ver. 8. [This passage, which has given rise to so much difficulty and discussion, when translated literally and correctly, is easily understood:—and the Jebusite 'spake to David, saying, Thou shalt not come up hither, for the blind and the lame will drive you back; meaning (or saying) that David would not (that is, could not) go up thither. But David captured the stronghold of Zion, which is the city of David. Then David said on that day, Whosoever defeats the Jebusite, let him smite in the water-course the lame and the blind, hated of David's soul. Wherefore they say (it has become a proverb), The blind and the lame shall not enter the house.' The words may be thus explained:—It has always been customary in the East for the poor, the blind, and the lame to take up stations at the gates of towns and castles, so as to beg of the passers-by. The Jebusites, too confident in the strength of their fortress, placed the blind and lame beggars on the ramparts, and in bitter mockery said they would be sufficient to drive back David's warriors. But David having taken the city, attacked the citadel with fresh vigour, and his fiery spirit being stung by the taunts of the Jebusites, he spake the words recorded above. The walls were scaled by Joab and his men, the blind and the lame were smitten, and the fortress taken. In memory of this remarkable incident blind and lame persons were never afterwards permitted to enter the citadel of Zion. Hence the proverb. P.]

Reflections.—Though God's promise tarry long it is fully accomplished at last. He can produce unanimity in the largest societies whenever the ends of his glory require it. The duties of magistrates and subjects are reciprocal, the one being as much bound as the other. What victory, honour, and happiness attend the peculiar presence of God with men! and to him the glory of all our success ought to be ascribed. But alas! that God's favours should be used in the lustful addition of wives and concubines! If by one wife Adam and Noah peopled a world, what need for so many to furnish one throne! But what is sweet in the mouth will become bitter in the belly. Meanwhile, behold how the enemies of God assemble themselves to their own destruction! How little care false gods can take of themselves or their votaries! And how men prosper in war when they make God their director!