Matthew Henry on 2 Samuel 11:1-5
Here is, I. David's glory, in pursuing the war against the Ammonites, Sa2 11:1. We cannot take that pleasure in viewing this great action which hitherto we have taken in observing David's achievements, because the beauty of it was stained and sullied by sin; otherwise we might take notice of David's wisdom and bravery in following his blow. Having routed the army of the Ammonites in the field, as soon as ever the season of the year permitted he sent more forces to waste the country and further to avenge the quarrel of his ambassadors. Rabbah, their metropolis, made a stand, and held out a great while. To this city Joab laid close siege, and it was at the time of this siege that David fell in…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 11:5
the woman conceived, and sent and told David--Some immediate measures of concealing their sin were necessary, as well for the king's honor as for her safety, for death was the punishment of an adulteress (Lev 20:10).
Adam Clarke on 2 Samuel 11:5
And the woman conceived - A proof of the observation on Sa2 11:4; as that is the time in which women are most apt to conceive.
John Gill on 2 Samuel 11:5
And the woman conceived,.... Whereby the sin would be discovered, and shame, and disgrace, or worse, would follow upon it:
and sent and told David, and said, I am with child; this message she sent to David, that he might think of some ways and means to prevent the scandal that would fall both upon him and her, and the danger she was exposed unto; fearing the outcries of the people against her, in acting so unfaithful a part to her husband, so brave a man, who was now fighting for his king and country; and the rage and jealousy of her husband when he should come to the knowledge of it, and the death which by the law she was guilty of, even to be stoned with stones, see John 8:5.
Keil & Delitzsch
