19:40 Then the king went on to {r} Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of {s} Israel.
(r) Where the tribe of Judah waited to receive him.
(s) Who had taken the side of the king.
19:40 Half - Whereas the men of Judah came entirely and unanimously to the king, the Israelites of the other tribe came in but slowly, and by halves, as being no less guilty of the rebellion, than the tribe of Judah; but not encouraged to come in by such a gracious message as they were. And this is here mentioned as the occasion both of the contention here following, and of the sedition, chap.20:1 - 22.
19:40-43 The men of Israel though themselves despised, and the fiercer words of the men of Judah produced very bad effects. Much evil might be avoided, if men would watch against pride, and remember that a soft answer turneth away wrath. Though we have right and reason on our side, if we speak it with fierceness, God is displeased.
