David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? Shall any man be put to death today in Israel? For don’t I know that I am king over Israel today?”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 22. Sons. He refers to the preceding opposition of Joab, whom Abisai was beginning to imitate. Bible.—Satan; adversary. Matthew 16:23.—This day. Formerly, no one was to be put to death on days of rejoicing, and the prisoners were liberated when the king ascended the throne. A malefactor continued for a long time to be set free on the day of the passover. Matthew 27:15. Calmet.—The Romans would never punish any one with death, on the days “whenever (Augustus) entered the city.” Sueton. lvii.—David considers this memorable day as a new epoch of his sovereignty, and will not suffer it to be rendered sorrowful. See 1 Kennicott. 11:13. Bible.—The punishment of Semei might have had the most pernicious consequences, as the rest of Israel would have feared a similar treatment. Menochius.—Salien, A. 3010.