The Second Book of SAMUEL, otherwise called The Second Book of the KINGS

  CHAP. 1

  The Amalekite, who brought tidings of the overthrow, and accused himself of Saul’s death, is slain, 1–16. David laments Saul and Jonathan with a song, 17–27.

1 when David. 1 Sa. 30:17–26. Ziklag. 1 Sa. 27:6.
2 the third. Ge. 22:4. Es. 4:16; 5:1. Ho. 6:2. Mat. 12:40; 16:21. a man. ch. 4:10. clothes. Ge. 37:29, 34. Jos. 7:6. 1 Sa. 4:12, 16. Joel 2:13. and earth. ch. 15:32. See on 1 Sa. 4:12. he fell. ch. 14:1. Ge. 37:7–10; 43:28. 1 Sa. 20:41; 25:23. Ps. 66:3. Re. 3:9.
3 From. 2 Ki. 5:25. am I. Job 1:15–19.
4 How went. Heb. What was, etc. 1 Sa. 4:16, marg. the people. 1 Sa. 31:1–6. 1 Ch. 10:1–6.
5 How knowest. Pr. 14:15; 25:2.
6 As I happened. The story of this young man appears to be wholly a fiction, formed for the purpose of ingratiating himself with David, as the next probable successor to the crown. There is no fact in the case, except the bringing of the diadem and bracelets of Saul, as a sufficient evidence of his death, which, as he appears to have been a plunderer of the slain, he seems to have stripped from the dead body of the unfortunate monarch. It is remarkable, that Saul, who had forfeited his crown by his disobedience and ill-timed clemency with respect to the Amalekites, should now have the insignia of royalty stripped from his person by one of those very people. Ru. 2:3. 1 Sa. 6:9. Lu. 10:31. mount. ver. 21. 1 Sa. 28:4; 31:1. Saul. 1 Sa. 31:2–7.
7 Here am I. Heb. Behold me. ch. 9:6. Ju. 9:54. 1 Sa. 22:12. Is. 6:8, marg.; 65:1.
8 an Amalekite. Ge. 14:7. Ex. 17:8–16. Nu. 24:20. De. 25:17–19. 1 Sa. 15:3; 27:8; 30:1, 13, 17.
9 anguish, etc. or, my coat of mail, or, my embroidered coat hindereth me, that my, etc.
10 slew. Ju. 1:7; 9:54. 1 Sa. 22:18; 31:4, 5. Mat. 7:2. crown. ch. 12:30. La. 5:16. bracelet. This was probably worn as an ensign of royalty, as is frequently the case in the East. When the Khalif Cayem Bemrillah granted the investiture of certain dominions to an Eastern prince, the ceremony was performed by sending him letters patent, a crown, chain, and bracelets. The bracelet, says Mr. MORIER, are ornaments fastened above the elbows, composed of precious stones of great value, and are only worn by the king and his sons.
11 rent. ch. 3:31; 13:31. Ge. 37:29, 34. Ac. 14:14. likewise. Ro. 12:15.
12 Ps. 35:13, 14. Pr. 24:17. Je. 9:1. Am. 6:6. Mat. 5:44. 2 Co. 11:29. 1 Pe. 3:8.
13 ver. 8.
14 How. Nu. 12:8. 1 Sa. 31:4. 2 Pe. 2:10. stretch forth. 1 Sa. 24:6; 26:9. Ps. 105:15.
15 Go near. ch. 4:10–12. Ju. 8:20. 1 Sa. 22:17, 18. 1 Ki. 2:25, 34, 46. Job 5:12. Pr. 11:18.
16 Thy blood. Ge. 9:5, 6. Le. 20:9, 11–13, 16, 27. De. 19:10. Jos. 2:19. Ju. 9:24. 1 Sa. 26:9. 1 Ki. 2:32, 33, 37. Eze. 18:13; 33:5. Mat. 27:25. Ac. 20:26. mouth. ver. 10. Job 15:6. Pr. 6:2. Lu. 19:22. Ro. 3:19.
17 lamented. ver. 19. Ge. 50:11. 2 Ch. 35:25. Je. 9:17–21.
18 teach. Ge. 49:8. De. 4:10. bow. Kasheth, or the bow, was probably the title of the following threnody; so called, in the Oriental style, because Saul’s death was occasioned by that weapon, and because the bow of Jonathan, out of which ‘the arrow was shot beyond the lad,’ (1 Sa. 20:36.) is celebrated in this song. the book. Jos. 10:13. Jasher. or, the upright. So LXX. επι βιβλιου του ευθους; Targum, siphra deooritha, ‘the book of the law;’ the Arabic, ‘the book of Ashee: this is the book of Samuel.’ This book was probably a collection of divine odes, written to commemorate remarkable events.
19 beauty. ver. 23. De. 4:7, 8. 1 Sa. 31:8. Is. 4:2; 53:2. La. 2:1. Zec. 11:7, 10. how are. ver. 25, 27. La. 5:16.
20 Tell. De. 32:26, 27. Ju. 14:19; 16:23, 24. 1 Sa. 31:9. Mi. 1:10. Philistines. Ex. 15:20, 21. Ju. 11:34. 1 Sa. 18:6. Eze. 16:27, 57. uncircumcised. 1 Sa. 17:26, 36; 31:4, 9.
21 mountains. 1 Sa. 31:1. 1 Ch. 10:1, 8. no dew. Ju. 5:23. Job 3:3–10. Is. 5:6. Je. 20:14–16. offerings. Joel 1:9; 2:14. not. Instead of belee, ‘not,’ we should probably, with Dr. DELANEY and others, read keley, ‘WEAPONS,’ as it is found in one MS. and in the first edition of the Hebrew Bible, printed at Soncini, 1488 ‘the shield of Saul; the weapons of the anointed with oil.’ anointed. 1 Sa. 10:1. Is. 21:5.
22 the bow. 1 Sa. 14:6–14; 18:4. Is. 34:6, 7.
23 pleasant. or, sweet. 1 Sa. 18:1; 20:2. they were. 1 Sa. 31:1–5. swifter. ch. 2:18. De. 28:49. 1 Ch. 12:8. Job 9:26. Je. 4:13. La. 4:19. stronger. ch. 23:20. Ju. 14:18. Pr. 30:30.
24 Ju. 5:30. Ps. 68:12. Pr. 31:21. Is. 3:16–26. Je. 2:32. 1 Ti. 2:9, 10. 1 Pe. 3:3–5.
25 How. ver. 19, 27. La. 5:16. thou wast. Ju. 5:18. 1 Sa. 14:13–15.
26 thy love. 1 Sa. 18:1–4; 19:2; 20:17, 41; 23:16.
27 How are. ver. 19, 25. weapons. 2 Ki. 2:12; 13:14. Ps. 46:9; 76:6. Eze. 39:9, 10.


  CHAP. 2

  David, by God’s direction, with his company goes up to Hebron, where he is made king of Judah, 1–4. He commends them of Jabesh-gilead for their kindness to Saul, 5–7. Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel, 8–11. A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner’s and twelve of Joab’s men, 12–17. Asahel is slain, 18–24. At Abner’s motion, Joab sounds a retreat, 25–31. Asahel’s burial, 32.

1 enquired. ch. 5:19, 23. Nu. 27:21. Ju. 1:1. 1 Sa. 23:2, 4, 9–12; 30:7, 8. Ps. 25:4, 5; 27:4; 143:8. Pr. 3:5, 6. Eze. 36:37. Hebron. ver. 11; ch. 5:1–3; 15:7. Ge. 32:2. Nu. 13:22. Jos. 14:14, 15. 1 Sa. 30:31. 1 Ki. 2:11. 1 Ch. 29:7.
2 1 Sa. 25:42, 43; 30:5. Lu. 22:28, 29.
3 his men. 1 Sa. 22:2; 27:2, 3; 30:1, 9, 10. 1 Ch. 12:1, etc. the cities. Jos. 21:11, 12.
4 the men of Judah. ver. 11; ch. 19:11, 42. Ge. 49:8–10. anointed. ver. 7; ch. 5:3, 5, 17. 1 Sa. 16:13. 1 Ch. 11:3. the men of Jabesh-gilead. 1 Sa. 31:11–13.
5 David. This was a generous and noble act, highly indicative of the grandeur of David’s mind. He respected Saul, though he had been greatly injured by him, as the anointed king of Israel, and once his legitimate sovereign; and he loved Jonathan as his most intimate friend. Blessed. Ru. 1:8; 2:20; 3:10. 1 Sa. 23:21; 24:19; 25:32, 33. Ps. 115:15.
6 the Lord. ch. 15:20. Ps. 57:3. Pr. 14:22. Mat. 5:7. 2 Ti. 1:16–18. I also. ch. 9:3, 7; 10:2. Mat. 5:44; 10:16. Phile. 18, 19.
7 let your. ch. 10:12. Ge. 15:1. 1 Sa. 4:9; 31:7, 12. 1 Co. 16:13. Ep. 6:10. valiant. Heb. the sons of valour.
8 Abner. 1 Sa. 14:50; 17:55; 26:14. Saul’s host. Heb. the host which was Saul’s. Ish-bosheth. ch. 3:7, 8; 4:5, 6. 1 Ch. 8:33; 9:39, Esh-baal. Mahanaim. ch. 17:26, 27. Ge. 32:2.
9 Gilead. Nu. 32:1, etc. Jos. 13:8–11. Ps. 108:8. Ashurites. The LXX. read τον Θασιρι, Thasiri; and the Vulgate Gessuri, ‘Geshurites;’ but it is probable that for ashuri, ‘Ashurites,’ we should read ashairi, ‘Asherites,’ or those of the tribe of Asher. Ge. 30:13. Nu. 1:40. over Jezreel. Jos. 19:18.
10 two years. HOUBIGANT proposes to read shesh shanah, ‘six years,’ instead of shetayim shanim, ‘two years,’ of the text, which he contends is a solecism; for, in pure Hebrew, the words should be shetayim shanah; and this is the reading of twenty MSS.; but two is acknowledged by all the versions and MSS. yet collated.
11 time. Heb. number of days. ch. 5:4, 5. 1 Ki. 2:11. 1 Ch. 3:4; 29:27.
12 A.M. 2951. B.C. 1053. An. Ex. Is. 438. Mahanaim. ch. 17:14. Ge. 32:2. Gibeon. Jos. 9:3; 10:2, 4, 12; 18:25.
13 Joab. ver. 18; ch. 8:16; 20:23. 1 Ki. 1:7; 2:28–35. 1 Ch. 2:16. together. Heb. them together. pool. Je. 41:12.
14 play before. ver. 17, 26, 27. Pr. 10:23; 17:14; 20:18; 25:8; 26:18, 19.
16 by the head. Probably by the beard or hair of the head. PLUTARCH, in his Apophthegms, informs us, that all things being ready for a battle, Alexander’s captains asked him whether he had any thing else to command them. ‘Nothing,’ said he, ‘but that the Macedonians shave their beards.’ Parmenio wondering what he meant, ‘Dost thou not know,’ said he, ‘that in fight, there is no better hold than the beard?’ Helkath-hazzurim. that is, the field of strong men.
17 Abner. ch. 3:1.
18 three. 1 Ch. 2:15, 16; 11:26. was as light. ch. 1:23. 1 Ch. 12:8. Ps. 147:10, 11. Ec. 9:11. Am. 2:14. foot. Heb. his feet. a wild roe. Heb. one of the roes that is in the field. Ps. 18:33. Ca. 2:17; 8:14. Hab. 3:19. The word tzevee, rather denotes the gazelle or antelope. (See note on De. 15:22.)
19 turned. ver. 21. Jos. 1:7; 23:6. 2 Ki. 22:2. Pr. 4:27. following Abner. Heb. after Abner.
21 and take thee. It seems that Asahel wished to get the armour of Abner as a trophy. armour. or, spoil. Ju. 14:19.
22 wherefore. 2 Ki. 14:10–12. Pr. 29:1. Ec. 6:10. how then. ch. 3:27.
23 the fifth rib. ch. 3:27; 4:6; 5:6; 20:10. stood still. ch. 20:12, 13.
26 Shall. ver. 14. Ac. 7:26. sword. ch. 11:25. Is. 1:20. Je. 2:30; 12:12; 46:10, 14. Ho. 11:6. it will be. ver. 16. Pr. 17:14. how long. Job 18:2; 19:2. Ps. 4:2. Je. 4:21.
27 As God. This was spoken in allusion to the proposal of Abner, (ver. 14,) which led to the slaughter of twelve young men of each party, and thus provoked the battle. It is probable, that Joab had orders simply to act on the defensive, and would not have attacked the Israelites that day unless compelled; therefore the blame lay upon Abner and Israel. 1 Sa. 25:26. Job 27:2. unless. ver. 14. Pr. 15:1; 17:14; 20:18; 25:8. Is. 47:7. Lu. 14:31, 32. in the morning. Heb. from the morning. gone up. or, gone away.
29 Bithron. Bithron or Bether is probably the same as Betarus, which is placed in the Antonine Itinerary between Cæsarea of Palestine and Diospolis or Lydda, 18 miles from the former, and 22 from the latter. The Jerusalem Itinerary mentions a place called Bethar, 16 miles from Cæsarea, and 20 from Diospolis, which is probably the same. The Talmudists say that it was four miles distant from the sea. Ca. 2:17, Bether. Mahanaim. ver. 12.
31 three hundred. The slain of Israel, though greatly exceeding those of Judah, were not great. This might be owing to the directions given by David, to be as lenient as possible; but the death of Asahel seems to have stopped the pursuers, and greatly favoured the escape of the vanquished. ch. 3:1. 1 Ki. 20:11.
32 buried. 1 Sa. 17:58. 1 Ch. 2:13–16. 2 Ch. 16:14; 21:1. went. ch. 5:1. Pr. 22:29.


  CHAP. 3

  During the war David still waxes stronger, 1. Six sons are born to him in Hebron, 2–5. Abner, displeased with Ish-bosheth, 6, revolts to David, 7–12. David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal, 13–16. Abner, having communed with the Israelites, is feasted by David, and dismissed, 17–21. Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner, 22–27. David curses Joab, 28–30; and mourns for Abner, 31–39.

1 long war. 1 Ki. 14:30; 15:16, 32. between. Ge. 3:15. Ps. 45:3–5. Mat. 10:35, 36. Ga. 5:17. Ep. 6:12. David waxed. ch. 2:17. Es. 6:13. Job 8:7; 17:9. Ps. 84:7. Pr. 4:18, 19. Da. 2:34, 35, 44, 45. Re. 6:2.
2 sons born. 1 Ch. 3:1–4. Amnon. ch. 13:1–29. Ge. 49:3, 4. Ahinoam. 1 Sa. 25:43.
3 Chileab. 1 Ch. 3:1, Daniel. Abigail. ch. 2:2. 1 Sa. 25:3, 42. Absalom. ch. 13:20–28; 14:24–33; 15:1–18; 17:1–14; 18:9–18, 33. Talmai. ch. 13:37, 38. Geshur. De. 3:14. Jos. 13:13. 1 Sa. 27:8.
4 Adonijah. 1 Ki. 1:5, etc.; 2:13–25.
6 Abner. ch. 2:8, 9. 2 Ki. 10:23. 2 Ch. 25:8. Pr. 21:30. Is. 8:9, 10. Joel 3:9–13. Mat. 12:30.
7 Rizpah. ch. 21:8–11. Wherefore. This action of Abner’s seems a most evident proof that he intended to seize on the government; and it was so understood by Ish-bosheth; see Parallel Texts. gone in. ch. 12:8; 16:21, 22. 1 Ki. 2:17, 21, 22.
8 Abner. Ps. 76:10. Mar. 6:18, 19. Am I a dog’s head. This was a proverbial expression among the Hebrews to denote whatever was deemed worthless and contemptible. Something similar to this was the answer of the Turkish commander at Beer, on the Euphrates, to a request made to see the castle. ‘Do they,’ said he, ‘take me for a child, or an ass’s head, that they would feed me with sweet-meats, and dupe me with a bit of cloth? No, they shall not see the castle.’ ch. 9:8; 16:9. De. 23:18. 1 Sa. 24:14, 15. 2 Ki. 8:13. do shew. ver. 9, 18; ch. 5:2. 1 Sa. 15:28. Ps. 2:1–4. Is. 37:23. Ac. 9:4, 5.
9 So do God. ver. 35; ch. 19:13. Ru. 1:17. 1 Sa. 3:17; 14:44; 25:22. 1 Ki. 19:2. as the Lord. 1 Sa. 15:28; 16:1–13; 28:17. 1 Ch. 12:23. Ps. 89:3, 4, 19, 20, 35–37.
10 from Dan. ch. 17:11; 24:2. Ju. 20:1. 1 Ki. 4:25.
11 because. ver. 39.
12 Whose. ch. 19:6; 20:1–13. Make. Ps. 62:9. Lu. 16:5–8. my hand. ver. 21, 27; ch. 5:1–3; 19:14, 41–43; 20:1, 2. 1 Ch. 11:1–3; 12:38–40. Mat. 21:8–10.
13 that is. Heb. saying. Thou shalt. Ge. 43:3; 44:23, 26. except. As Michal was not divorced, but violently separated from David, he had a legal light to demand her, and was justified in receiving her again. It is probable, also, that her marriage with Phaltiel was a force upon her inclinations; and whatever affection he might have for her, it was highly criminal for him to take another man’s wife. David required Michal probably both out of affection for her, and to strengthen his interest, by asserting his affinity with the house of Saul. Michal. ver. 20–23. 1 Sa. 18:20–28; 19:11–17. 1 Ch. 15:29.
14 Ish-bosheth. ch. 2:10. an hundred. 1 Sa. 18:25, 27.
15 Phaltiel. 1 Sa. 25:44, Phalti.
16 along weeping. Heb. going and weeping. Pr. 9:17, 18. Bahurim. ch. 16:5; 17:18; 19:16. 1 Ki. 2:8.
17 in times past. Heb. both yesterday and the third day.
18 for the Lord. ver. 9. 1 Sa. 13:14; 15:28; 16:1, 12, 13. Jno. 12:42, 43. By the hand. Ps. 89:3, 4, 19–23; 132:17, 18.
19 Benjamin. 1 Sa. 10:20, 21. 1 Ch. 12:29. Ps. 68:27.
20 David. Ge. 26:30; 31:54. Es. 1:3.
21 will gather. ver. 10, 12; ch. 2:9. Phi. 2:21. reign over. 1 Ki. 11:37. Ps. 20:4.
24 What hast. Joab and his brother Abishai, David’s nephews, had been very faithful and highly useful to him in his distresses; and, from gratitude and natural affection, he had inadvertently permitted them to assume almost as much ascendancy over him as Abner had over the pusillanimous Ishbosheth: he trusted and feared them too much, and allowed them all the importance they chaimed; which had emboldened them, especially Joab, to a high degree of presumption, ver. 8, 39; ch. 19:5–7. Nu. 23:11. Jno. 18:35.
25 that he came. ver. 27. 2 Ki. 18:32, marg. Jno. 7:12, 47. Ro. 2:1. and to know. ch. 10:3. Ge. 42:9, 12, 16. Nu. 27:17. De. 28:6. 1 Sa. 29:4–6. Ps. 121:8. Is. 37:28.
26 he sent. Pr. 26:23–26; 27:4–6.
27 took him. ch. 20:9, 10. De. 27:24. 1 Ki. 2:5, 32. quietly. or, peaceably. Je. 41:2, 6, 7. and smote. Joab was afraid that Abner, after rendering such essential service to David, would be made the general of the army; and therefore, under pretence of avenging the death of his brother, he treacherously assassinated the unsuspecting and too-confiding Abner: and such was the power of this cool-blooded and nefarious murderer, that the king dared not bring him to justice for his crime. But, while Joab’s conduct cannot be too severely reprobated, the justice of God is apparent in Abner’s punishment; who, from ambition, had pertinaciously, against his conscience, opposed the declared will of God; and was induced by base resentment to desert Ish-bosheth, and offer his services to David: see ver. 6–10; ch. 4:6. for the blood. ch. 2:19–23.
28 guiltless. Ge. 9:6. Ex. 21:12. Nu. 35:33. De. 21:1–9. Mat. 27:24. blood. Heb. bloods. Ge. 4:10, marg.
29 rest. ch. 1:16. Ju. 9:24, 56, 57. 1 Ki. 2:31–34. Ac. 28:4. Re. 16:6. let there. 1 Sa. 2:32–36. 2 Ki. 5:27. Ps. 109:8–19. fail. Heb. be cut off. an issue. Le. 15:2. leper. Le. 13:44–46. 2 Ki. 5:1.
30 slew Abner. Pr. 28:17. Ac. 28:4. because. ch. 2:19–23.
31 And David. David, intending no doubt to punish Joab, and to lessen his authority with the people, commanded him to take upon him the office of chief mourner; but, as his revenge was gratified, his rival removed, and no heavier punishment inflicted, it is probable his hardened mind would feel but little objection to the ceremony. Rend. ch. 1:2, 11. Ge. 37:29, 34. Jos. 7:6. Ju. 11:35. 2 Ki. 19:1. bier. Heb. bed. Lu. 7:14.
32 lifted. ch. 1:12; 18:33. 1 Sa. 30:4. Job 31:28. Pr. 24:17. Lu. 19:41, 42.
33 as a fool dieth. That is, as a bad man, as the word frequently signifies in Scripture. ch. 13:12, 13, 28, 29. Pr. 18:7. Ec. 2:15, 16. Je. 17:11. Lu. 12:19, 20.
34 hands. The hands of malefactors were usually secured with cords, and their feet with fetters; a custom to which David affectingly alludes in his lamentation over the dust of Abner. Thy hands, O Abner, were not bound, as found to be a male-factor, nor thy feet put in fetters; thou wast treated with honour by him whose business it was to judge thee, and thy attachment to the house of Saul was esteemed rather generous than culpable: as the best of men may fall, so thou fellest by the sword of treachery, not of justice. Ju. 16:21. Ps. 107:10, 11. wicked men. Heb. children of iniquity. Job 24:14. Ho. 6:9. wept. ch. 1:12.
35 cause. ch. 12:17. Je. 16:7. Eze. 24:17, 22, So do. ver. 9. Ru. 1:17. till the. ch. 1:12. Ju. 20:26.
36 pleased them. Heb. was good in their eyes, as. ch. 15:6, 13. Ps. 62:9. Mar. 7:37; 15:11–13.
38 a prince. ver. 12; ch. 2:8. 1 Sa. 14:50, 51. Job 32:9.
39 I am. Ex. 21:12, 2 Ch. 19:6, 7. Ps. 75:10; 101:8. Pr. 20:8; 25:5. weak. Heb. tender. 1 Ch. 22:5. Is. 7:4, marg. Ro. 13:4. the sons. 1 Ch. 2:15, 16. too hard. ch. 19:6, 7, 13. the Lord. 1 Ki. 2:5, 6, 33, 34. Ps. 7:16; 28:4; 62:12. 2 Ti. 4:14.


  CHAP. 4

  The Israelites being troubled at the death of Abner, 1, Baanah and Rechab slay Ish-bosheth, and bring his head to Hebron, 2–8. David causes them to be slain, and Ish-bosheth’s head to be buried, 9–12.

1 his hands. ch. 17:2. Ezr. 4:4. Ne. 6:9. Is. 13:7; 35:3. Je. 6:24; 50:43. Zep. 3:16. and all. Mat. 2:2, 3.
2 captains. ch. 3:22. 2 Ki. 5:2; 6:23. other. Heb. second. Beeroth. Jos. 9:17; 18:25.
3 1 Sa. 31:7. Ne. 11:33.
4 Jonathan. ch. 9:3. when the tidings. 1 Sa. 29:1, 11; 31:1–10. Mephibosheth. 1 Ch. 8:34; 9:40, Meribbaal.
5 went. 2 Ch. 24:25; 25:27; 33:24. lay on a bed. It is customary, in all hot countries, to travel or work very early and very late, and to rest at noon, at which time the heat most prevails. ch. 11:2. 1 Ki. 16:9. Pr. 24:33, 34. 1 Th. 5:3–7.
6 as though. It is still the custom of the East, according to Dr. PERRY, to allow the soldiers a certain quantity of corn, with other articles of provision, together with some pay: and as it wan the custom also to grind the corn, as needed, at the break of day, these two captains very naturally went the day before to the palace, where the king’s stores appear to have been kept, to fetch wheat, in order to distribute it to the soldiers under them, to be ground at the accustomed hour in the morning. The princes of the East, in those days, as appears from the history of David, reposed on their couches till the cool of the evening: they therefore came in the heat of the day, when they knew their master would be resting on his bed; and as it was necessary to have the corn before it was needed, their coming at this time, though it might be earlier than usual, excited no suspicion, under. ch. 2:23; 3:27; 20:10.
7 took his head. 1 Sa. 17:54; 31:9. 2 Ki. 10:6, 7. Mat. 14:11. Mar. 6:28, 29. When those difficulties dispirit us which should rather invigorate us and sharpen our endeavours, we betray a carelessness of character which is soon taken advantage of by our more watchful neighbours. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty and ruin. The idle soul is an easy prey to the destroyer.
8 sought. 1 Sa. 18:11; 19:2–11, 15; 20:1; 23:15; 25:29. Ps. 63:9, 10; 71:24. Mat. 2:20. the Lord. ch. 18:19, 31; 22:48. Lu. 18:7, 8. Re. 6:10; 18:20.
9 who hath. Ge. 48:16. 1 Ki. 1:29. Ps. 31:5–7; 34:6, 7, 17, 22; 71:23; 103:4; 106:10; 107:2. 2 Ti. 4:17, 18.
10 one. ch. 1:2–16. thinking, etc. Heb. he was in his own eyes, as a bringer, etc. who thought, etc. or, which was the reward I gave him for his tidings.
11 when wicked. 1 Ki. 2:32. Pr. 25:26. Hab. 1:4, 12. 1 Jno. 3:12. require. ch. 3:27, 39. Ge. 9:5, 6. Ex. 21:12. Nu. 35:31, 34. Ps. 9:12. from. Ge. 4:11; 6:13; 7:23. Ex. 9:15. Ps. 109:15. Pr. 2:22. Je. 10:11.
12 slew them. ch. 1:15. Ps. 55:23. Mat. 7:2. hanged. ch. 21:9. De. 21:22, 23. in the sepulchre. ch. 3:32.


  CHAP. 5

  The tribes come to Hebron and anoint David over Israel, 1–3. David’s age, 4, 5. He taking Zion from the Jebusites, dwells in it, 6–10. Hiram sends to David, 11, 12. Eleven sons are born to him in Jerusalem, 13–16. David, directed by God, smites the Philistines at Baal-perazim, 17–21; and again at the mulberry trees, 22–25.

1 came. 1 Ch. 11:1–3; 12:23–40. we. ch. 19:13. Ge. 29:14. De. 17:15. Ju. 9:2. Ep. 5:30. He. 2:14.
2 leddest out. Nu. 27:17. 1 Sa. 18:13, 16; 25:28. Is. 55:4. feed. ch. 7:7. 1 Sa. 16:1, 12, 13; 25:30. Ps. 78:70–72. Is. 40:11. Eze. 34:23; 37:24, 25. Mi. 5:4. Mat. 2:6. Jno. 10:3, 4, 11. a captain. 1 Sa. 9:16; 13:14. 2 Ki. 20:5. Is. 55:4. He. 2:10.
3 So all. Ex. 3:16. 1 Ch. 11:3. made. 1 Sa. 11:15. 2 Ki. 11:17. 2 Ch. 23:16. Ne. 9:38. before. Ju. 11:11. 1 Sa. 23:18. anointed. ch. 2:4. 1 Sa. 16:13.
4 thirty. Lu. 3:23. forty. 1 Ch. 26:31; 29:27.
5 seven years. ch. 2:11. 1 Ki. 2:11. 1 Ch. 3:4.
6 Jerusalem. Ge. 14:18. Jos. 10:3. Ju. 1:8. He. 7:1. the Jebusites. Jos. 15:63; 18:28. Ju. 1:8, 21; 19:10–12. which spake, etc. Dr. KENNICOTT’S amended translation is as follows: ‘Who spake unto David, saying, Thou shalt not come in hither; for the blind and the lame shall drive thee away, by saying, David shall not come in hither.’ ver. 8. ‘And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites, and through the subterraneous passage reacheth the lame and the blind, who hate the life of David, (because the blind and the lame said, he shall not come into the house,) shall be chief and captain. So Joab, the son of Zeruiah, went up first, and was chief.’ Except. Je. 37:10. thinking, David cannot. or, saying, David shall not, etc.
7 Zion. Ps. 2:6; 9:11; 48:12; 51:18; 87:2; 132:13. Is. 12:6; 59:20. Mi. 4:2. Ro. 9:33. He. 12:22. Re. 14:1. the same. ver. 9; ch. 6:10. 1 Ki. 2:10; 3:1; 8:1. 1 Ch. 11:7. 2 Ch. 5:2; 24:16.
8 Whosoever. Jos. 15:16, 17. 1 Sa. 17:25. he shall be. 1 Ch. 11:6–9. Wherefore, etc. or, Because they had said, even the blind and the lame, he shall not come into the house.
9 city. ver. 7. Millo. Ju. 9:6, 20. 1 Ki. 9:15, 24; 11:27. 1 Ch. 11:8. 2 Ch. 32:5.
10 went on, and grew great. Heb. went going and growing. ch. 3:1. Job 17:9. Pr. 4:18. Is. 9:7. Da. 2:44, 45. Lu. 2:52. the Lord. Ge. 21:22. Ps. 46:7, 11. Is. 8:9, 10. Ro. 8:31.
11 Hiram. 1 Ki. 5:1, 2, 8, 9. 1 Ch. 14:1. masons. Heb. hewers of the stone of the wall. they built. ch. 7:2. 1 Ki. 7:1–12. Ec. 2:4–11. Je. 22:14–16.
12 David. ch. 7:16. 1 Ch. 14:2. his people. 1 Ki. 10:9. 2 Ch. 2:11. Es. 4:14. Is. 1:25–27. Da. 2:30.
13 Ge. 25:5, 6. De. 17:17. 1 Ch. 3:9; 14:3–7. 2 Ch. 11:18–21; 13:21.
14 the names. 1 Ch. 3:5–9; 14:4. Shammuah. or, Shimea. 1 Ch. 3:5. Nathan. ch. 12:1–7. Lu. 2:31. Solomon. ch. 12:24, 25. Mat. 1:6.
15 Elishua. or, Elishama. 1 Ch. 3:6; 14:5.
16 Eliada. or, Beeliada. 1 Ch. 14:7. Eliphalet. Eliphelet. 1 Ch. 3:8.
17 But when. 1 Ch. 14:8, 9. Ps. 2:1–5. Re. 11:15–18. the hold. ch. 23:14. 1 Ch. 11:16.
18 the valley. ch. 23:13. Ge. 14:5. Jos. 15:8. 1 Ch. 11:15. Is. 17:5.
19 enquired. ch. 2:1. 1 Sa. 23:2, 4; 30:7, 8. Ja. 4:15. And the Lord. ver. 23. Ju. 20:28. 1 Sa. 28:6; 30:8. 1 Ki. 22:6, 15–23. Pr. 3:6.
20 Baal-perazim. that is, The plain of breaches. Is. 28:21.
21 David. De. 7:5, 25. 1 Sa. 5:2–6. 1 Ch. 14:11, 12. Is. 37:19. burned them. or, took them away. Is. 46:1, 2. Je. 43:12.
22 came up. 1 Ki. 20:22. 1 Ch. 14:13.
23 enquired. ver. 19. fetch. Jos. 8:2, 7. 1 Ch. 14:14. Mat. 9:29, 30. Mar. 8:23–25. Jno. 9:6, 7. the mulberry trees. The word bechaïm, rendered mulberry trees, is rendered by AQUILA, απιων, pear-trees, as the LXX. also render in 1 Ch. 14:14, 15; and so the Vulgate in both places has pyrorum. The Rabbins, however, believe bacha signifies the mulberry-tree: with whom URSINUS agrees. It more probably denotes a large shrub which the Arabs still call baca, from its distilling an odoriferous gum, from bachah, to distil, as tears. Of this opinion is CELSIUS, who quotes a passage from Abulfadi, who describes it as a balsam shrub, having longish leaves, and bearing a large fruit with an acrid taste. M. FORSKAL mentions a tree by the name of bæca, with leaves rather ovated, smooth, entire: its berries are poisonous to the sheep.
24 sound. 2 Ki. 7:6. thou shalt bestir. Ju. 4:14; 7:15. 1 Sa. 14:9–12. 1 Ch. 14:15. Phi. 2:11, 12.
25 Geba. 1 Ch. 14:16, Gibeon. Gazer. Jos. 16:10.


  CHAP. 6

  David fetches the ark from Kirjath-jearim on a new cart, 1–5. Uzzah is smitten at Perez-uzzah, 6–8. God blesses Obed-edom for the ark, 9–11. David brings the ark into Zion with sacrifices, and dances before it; for which Michal despises him, 12–16. He places it in a tabernacle with great joy and feasting, 17–19. Michal, reproving David for his religious joy, is childless to her death, 20–23.

1 ch. 5:1. 1 Ki. 8:1. 1 Ch. 13:1–4. Ps. 132:1–6.
2 Baale. Jos. 15:9, 10, 60, Baalah, i.e. Kirjath-jearim. 1 Sa. 7:1. 1 Ch. 13:5, 6. whose name, etc. or, at which the name, even the name of the Lord of hosts, was called upon. Le. 24:11–16. Is. 47:4; 54:5. dwelleth. Ex. 25:18–22. 1 Sa. 4:4. 1 Ki. 8:6, 7. Ps. 80:1. 1 Pe. 1:12.
3 set, etc. Heb. made the ark of God to ride. Nu. 4:5–12; 7:9. 1 Sa. 6:7. Gibeah. or, the hill.
4 1 Sa. 7:1, 2. 1 Ch. 13:7. accompanying. Heb. with.
5 David. 1 Sa. 10:5; 16:16. 2 Ki. 3:15. 1 Ch. 13:8; 15:10–24. Ps. 47:5; 68:25–27; 150:3–5. Da. 3:5, 7, 10, 15. Am. 5:23; 6:5. on all manner. This place should doubtless be corrected from the parallel place, 1 Ch. 13:8; where, instead of bechol âtzey beroshim, which is literally, ‘with all trees or wood of fir,’ we read bechol ôz oovesheerim, ‘with all their might, and with songs.’ This makes a good sense, while the former makes none: the LXX. have the same reading here, εν ισχυι, και εν ωδαις.
6 Nachon’s. 1 Ch. 13:9, he is called Chidon. put forth. Even the Kohathites, who were appointed to carry the ark, after it was covered by the priests, were forbidden to touch it on pain of death; but Uzzah, who certainly was no priest, probably with some degree of irreverance, having presumed to lay his hand upon the ark, which perhaps was not covered, thus incurred the penalty due to his rashness. Nu. 4:15, 19, 20. shook it. or, stumbled.
7 God smote. Le. 10:1–3. 1 Sa. 6:19. 1 Ch. 13:10; 15:2, 13. 1 Co. 11:30–32. error. or, rashness.
8 displeased. 1 Ch. 13:11, 12. Jon. 4:1, 9. made. Heb. broken. Perez-uzzah. that is, The breach of Uzzah.
9 afraid. Nu. 17:12, 13. 1 Sa. 5:10, 11; 6:20. Ps. 119:120. Is. 6:5. Lu. 5:8, 9. 1 Pe. 3:6. How shall. 1 Ki. 8:27. 1 Ch. 13:11, 12. Job 25:5, 6.
10 Obed-edom. 1 Ch. 13:13, 14; 15:18; 16:5; 26:4–8. Gittite. ch. 4:3; 15:19; 18:2.
11 the Lord blessed. Ge. 30:27; 39:5, 23. Pr. 3:9, 10. Mal. 3:10.
12 because. Mat. 10:42. So David. 1 Ch. 15:1–3, 25. Ps. 24:7–10; 68:24–27; 132:6–8.
13 when they. Nu. 4:15; 7:9. Jos. 3:3. 1 Ch. 15:2, 15, 25, 26. oxen. 1 Ki. 8:5. 2 Ch. 5:6.
14 danced. Ex. 15:20. Ju. 11:34; 21:21. Ps. 30:11; 149:3; 150:4. Lu. 15:25. with all his. De. 6:5. Ec. 9:10. Col. 3:23. girded. 1 Sa. 2:18, 28; 22:18. 1 Ch. 15:27.
15 David. Ps. 132:2–8. with shouting. 1 Ch. 15:16, 25, 28. Ezr. 3:10, 11. Ps. 47:1, 5, 6; 68:24–27. the sound. Nu. 10:1–10. Jos. 6:4, 5. Ps. 150:3.
16 And as. 1 Ch. 15:29. Michal. See on ch. 3:14. despised. 1 Ch. 15:29. Ps. 69:7. Is. 53:3. Ac. 2:13. 1 Co. 2:14.
17 they brought. 1 Ch. 15:1; 16:1. 2 Ch. 1:4. Ps. 132:8. pitched. Heb. stretched. offered. 1 Ki. 8:5, 62–65. 2 Ch. 5:6; 7:5–7. Ezr. 6:16, 17.
18 as soon. 1 Ki. 8:55. 1 Ch. 16:2. 2 Ch. 6:3; 30:18, 19, 27. Ac. 3:26. he blessed. Ge. 14:19. Ex. 39:43. Le. 9:22, 23. He. 7:1–7.
19 he dealt. 1 Ch. 16:3. 2 Ch. 30:24; 35:7, 8, 12, 13. Ne. 8:10. Eze. 45:17. Ac. 20:35. Ep. 4:8. So all the. 1 Ki. 8:66. 2 Ch. 7:10.
20 bless. ver. 18. Ge. 18:19. Jos. 24:15. 1 Ch. 16:43. Ps. 30, title; 101:2. Michal. ver. 16. Ps. 69:7–9. Mar. 3:21. glorious. Ne. 4:3, 4. Is. 53:2, 3. Jno. 13:6. 1 Co. 4:10–13. Phi. 2:7, 8. uncovered. We are only to understand by this expression that David had divested himself of his royal robes, in order to appear humble before the Lord, by assimilating himself to the condition of one of the priests or Levites: for we find that he was ‘girded with a linen ephod;’ and consequently no part of his body was exposed, having only put off his outer garments. The terms uncovered or naked frequently mean no more than this in Scripture. ver. 14, 16. 1 Sa. 19:23, 24. vain fellows. Ju. 9:4. Job 30:8. shamelessly. or, openly.
21 before. ver. 14, 16. 1 Co. 10:31. chose. 1 Sa. 13:14; 15:28; 16:1, 12. Ps. 78:70–72; 89:19, 20. Ac. 13:22. play. ver. 5. 1 Ch. 15:29.
22 more vile. Is. 50:6; 51:7. Mat. 5:11, 12. Ac. 5:41, 42. He. 12:2. 1 Pe. 4:14. in mine. Ge. 32:10. Job 40:4; 42:6. 1 Ti. 1:15. 1 Pe. 5:6. maid-servants. or, handmaids. I be had. 1 Sa. 2:30.
23 Michal, 1 Sa. 1:6–8. Is. 4:1. Ho. 9:11. Lu. 1:25. unto the day. 1 Sa. 15:35. Is. 22:14. Mat. 1:25.


  CHAP. 7

  Nathan, first approving the purpose of David to build God a house, 1–3, after by the word of God forbids him, 4–11. God promises him benefits and blessings in his seed, 12–17. David’s prayer and thanksgiving, 18–29.

1 the king. 1 Ch. 17:1, etc. Da. 4:29, 30. the Lord. Jos. 21:44; 23:1. 1 Ki. 5:4. 2 Ch. 14:6. Ps. 18, title. Pr. 16:7. Lu. 1:74, 75.
2 Nathan. ch. 12:1. 1 Ch. 29:29. I dwell. ch. 5:11. 1 Ch. 14:1. Je. 22:13–15. Hag. 1:4. the ark. Ps. 132:5. Jno. 2:17. Ac. 7:46. curtains. ch. 6:17. Ex. 26:1–14; 40:21. 1 Ch. 16:1. 2 Ch. 1:4.
3 Go, do. 2 Ki. 4:27. all that. 1 Sa. 16:7. 1 Ki. 8:17, 18. 1 Ch. 22:7; 28:2. Ps. 20:4; 37:4. for the. 1 Sa. 10:7. 1 Jno. 2:27.
4 that night. Nu. 12:6. 1 Ch. 17:3. Am. 3:7.
5 my servant David. Heb. to my servant, to David. Shalt. 1 Ki. 5:3; 8:16–19. 1 Ch. 17:4; 22:7, 8; 23:3, etc.
6 I have not. Jos. 18:1. 1 Ki. 8:16. 1 Ch. 17:5, 6. walked. Ex. 33:14, 15; 40:35–38. Le. 26:23, 24, 27, 28. Nu. 10:33–36. De. 23:14. 2 Co. 6:16. Re. 2:1. tent. Ex. 40:18, 19, 34. Ac. 7:44.
7 walked. Le. 26:11, 12. any of the tribes. 1 Ch. 17:6, any of the judges. Instead of שבטי, shivtey, ‘tribes,’ we should probably read, with HOUBIGANT, Drs. WATERLAND and A. CLARKE, and others, שבטי, shophtey, ‘judges;’ which is the reading in the parallel passage. Indeed there is but one letter of difference between them, and letters which might be easily mistaken for each other; the apex under the upper stroke of the פ, pay, being the only mark to distinguish it from the ב, baith. Compare ver. 11. feed. ch. 5:2. Ps. 78:71, 72. Is. 40:11. Je. 3:15; 23:4. Eze. 34:2, 15, 23. Mi. 5:4. Mat. 2:6, marg. Jno. 21:15–17. Ac. 20:28; 21:28. 1 Pe. 5:1.
8 I took thee. 1 Sa. 16:11, 12. 1 Ch. 17:7. Ps. 78:70. following. Heb. after. ruler. ch. 6:21; 12:7. 1 Sa. 9:16; 10:1.
9 And I was. ch. 5:10; 8:6, 14; 22:30, 34–38. 1 Sa. 18:14. 1 Ch. 17:8. cut off. ch. 22:1. 1 Sa. 31:6. Ps. 18:37–42; 89:23. out of thy sight. Heb. from thy face. a great. Ge. 12:2. 1 Sa. 2:8. 1 Ch. 17:8. Ps. 113:7, 8. Lu. 1:52. like unto. Ps. 87:3–6.
10 plant them. 1 Ch. 17:9. Ps. 44:4; 80:8. Je. 18:9; 24:6. Eze. 37:25–27. Am. 9:15. neither. Ps. 89:22, 23. Is. 60:18. Eze. 28:24. Ho. 2:18. Re. 21:4. as beforetime. Ex. 1:13, 14, 22. Ju. 4:3; 6:2–6. 1 Sa. 13:17.
11 since. Ju. 2:14–16. 1 Sa. 12:9–11. Ps. 106:42. have caused. ver. 1. Job 5:18, 19; 34:29. Ps. 46:9. he will make. ver. 27. Ex. 1:21. 1 Ki. 2:24; 11:38. 1 Ch. 17:10; 22:10. Ps. 89:3, 4; 127:1. Pr. 14:1.
12 And when. 1 Ki. 2:1; 8:20. sleep. De. 31:16. 1 Ki. 1:21. Da. 12:2. Ac. 13:36. 1 Co. 15:51. 1 Th. 4:14. I will set. Ge. 15:4. 1 Ki. 8:20. 1 Ch. 17:11. Ps. 89:29; 132:11, 12. Is. 9:7; 11:1–3, 10. Mat. 22:42–44. Ac. 2:30.
13 He shall. 1 Ki. 5:5; 6:12; 8:19. 1 Ch. 17:11, 12; 22:9, 10; 28:6, 10. Zec. 6:13. Mat. 16:18. Lu. 1:31–33. He. 3:3. 1 Pe. 2:5. I will stablish. ver. 16. 1 Ch. 28:7. Ps. 89:4, 21, 29, 36, 37. Is. 9:7; 49:8. Lu. 1:32, 33.
14 I will be. 1 Ch. 17:13; 28:6. Ps. 89:20–37. Mat. 3:17. He. 1:5. If he. Ps. 89:30–35. I will. De. 8:5. Job 5:17. Ps. 94:12, 13. Pr. 3:11, 12. Je. 30:11. 1 Co. 11:32. He. 12:5–11. Re. 3:19.
15 But my. ver. 14, 16. 1 Sa. 19:24. Ps. 89:28, 34. Is. 55:3. Ac. 13:34–37. as I took. 1 Sa. 15:23, 28; 16:14. 1 Ki. 11:13, 34–36. Is. 9:7; 37:35.
16 ver. 13. Ge. 49:10. 2 Ki. 19:34. 1 Ch. 17:13, 14. Ps. 45:6; 72:5, 17–19; 89:36, 37. Is. 9:7. Da. 2:44; 7:14. Mat. 16:18. Lu. 1:32, 33. Jno. 12:34. He. 1:8. Re. 11:15.
17 1 Ch. 17:15. Ac. 20:20, 27. 1 Co. 15:3.
18 sat. 1 Ch. 17:16. Is. 37:14. Who am I. Ge. 32:10. Ex. 3:11. Ju. 6:15. 1 Sa. 9:21; 15:17; 18:18. Ps. 8:4. Ep. 3:8.
19 And this. ch. 12:8. Nu. 16:9, 13. but thou. ver. 11–16. 1 Ch. 17:17. And is this. Ps. 36:7. Is. 55:8, 9. Ep. 2:7; 3:19, 20. manner. Heb. law.
20 knowest. Ge. 18:19. 1 Sa. 16:7. Ps. 139:1. Jno. 2:25; 21:17. He. 4:13. Re. 2:23.
21 thy word’s. Nu. 23:19. De. 9:5. Jos. 23:14, 15. Ps. 115:1; 138:2. Mat. 24:35. Lu. 1:54, 55, 72. according. Mat. 11:26. Lu. 10:21; 12:32. 1 Co. 1:1. Ep. 1:9; 3:11.
22 Wherefore. De. 3:24. 1 Ch. 16:25. 2 Ch. 2:5. Ps. 48:1; 86:10; 96:4; 135:5; 145:3. Eze. 36:22, 32. none. Ex. 15:11. De. 4:35; 32:39. 1 Sa. 2:2. Ps. 86:8; 89:6, 8. Is. 40:18, 25; 45:5, 18, 22. Je. 10:6, 7. Mi. 7:18.
23 what one. De. 4:7, 8, 32–34; 33:29. Ps. 147:20. Ro. 3:1, 2, went. Ex. 3:7, 8; 19:5, 6. Nu. 14:13, 14. Ps. 111:9. Is. 63:7–14. Tit. 2:14. 1 Pe. 2:9. Re. 5:9. make him. Ex. 9:16. Jos. 7:9. 1 Ch. 17:21. Is. 63:12, 14. Eze. 20:9. Ep. 1:6. great things. De. 10:21. Ps. 40:5; 65:5; 66:3; 106:22; 145:6. thy people. De. 9:26; 15:15. Ne. 1:10. nations and their gods. Ex. 12:12.
24 confirmed. Ge. 17:7. De. 26:18. art become. ver. 23. Ex. 15:2. De. 27:9. 1 Ch. 17:22. Ps. 48:14. Is. 12:2. Je. 31:1, 33; 32:38. Ho. 1:10. Zec. 13:9. Jno. 1:12. Ro. 9:25, 26. 1 Pe. 2:10.
25 establish it. Ge. 32:12. Ps. 119:49. Je. 11:4, 5. Eze. 36:37.
26 let thy. 1 Ch. 17:23, 24; 29:10–13. Ps. 72:18, 19; 115:1. Mat. 6:9. Jno. 12:28. before thee. Ge. 17:18. 1 Ch. 17:23, 24. Ps. 89:36.
27 revealed. Heb. opened the ear. Ru. 4:4. 1 Sa. 9:15, marg. Ps. 40:6. I will. ver. 11. found. 1 Ch. 17:25, 26. Ps. 10:17.
28 thy words. Nu. 23:19. Jno. 17:17. Tit. 1:2.
29 let it please thee to bless. Heb. be thou pleased and bless. Nu. 6:24–26. 1 Ch. 17:27. Ps. 115:12–15. for ever. ch. 22:51.


  CHAP. 8

  David subdues the Philistines and the Moabites, 1, 2. He smiles Hadadezer, and the Syrians, 3–8. Toi sends Joram with presents to bless him, 9, 10. The presents and the spoil David dedicates to God, 11–13. He puts garrisons in Edom, 14, 15. David’s officers, 16–18.

1 A.M. 2964. B.C. 1040. An. Ex. Is. 451. And after. ch. 7:9; 21:15–22. Metheg-ammah. or, the bridle of Ammah. ch. 2:24. 1 Ch. 18:1, etc., Gath. In the parallel passage of Chronicles, we read, ‘David took Gath and her towns;’ and it is probable, that Gath and its districts were called Metheg-ammah in David’s time; which, being unusual or becoming obsolete, in the time of the author of the Chronicles, led him thus to explain it.
2 he smote. Nu. 24:17. Ju. 3:29, 30. 1 Sa. 14:47. Ps. 60:8; 83:6; 108:9. measured. ch. 12:31. And so. ver. 6, 12–14. 2 Ki. 1:1; 3:4–27. 1 Ch. 18:2. brought gifts. 1 Sa. 10:27. 2 Ch. 26:8. Ps. 72:10, 11. Is. 36:16.
3 Hadadezer. 1 Ch. 18:3, Hadarezer. Zobah. ch. 10:6. 1 Sa. 14:47. 1 Ki. 11:23, 24. Ps. 60, title. at the river. Ge. 15:18. Ex. 23:31. De. 11:24. 1 Ki. 4:21. Ps. 72:8.
4 from him. or, of his. chariots. As 1 Ch. 18:4. seven hundred. In the parallel place in Chronicles it is ‘seven thousand horsemen,’ a far more probable number. The letter ז, zayin, with a dot upon it, stands for seven thousand, and the final letter, ו, noon, for seven hundred: the great similarity of these letters might easily cause the one to be mistaken for the other, and so produce an error in this place. David houghed. De. 17:16. Jos. 11:6, 9. Ps. 20:7; 33:16, 17. reserved. 1 Ki. 10:26.
5 And when. 1 Ki. 11:23–25. 1 Ch. 18:5, 6. Is. 7:8. came. Job 9:13. Ps. 83:4–8. Is. 8:9, 10; 31:3. Zobah. From 2 Ch. 8:3, we learn that Zobah was the district in which Tadmor or Palmyra was situated; and consequently lay between the land of Israel and the Euphrates. The capital was probably the same as the Sabe mentioned by PTOLEMY as a city of Arabia Deserta.
6 garrisons. ver. 14; ch. 23:14. 1 Sa. 13:3; 14:1, 6, 15. 2 Ch. 17:2. Ps. 18:34–46. became. ver. 2. the Lord. ver. 14; ch. 7:9. 1 Ch. 18:13. Ps. 5:11, 12; 121:7, 8; 140:7; 144:1, 2. Pr. 21:31.
7 shields. 1 Ki. 10:16, 17; 14:26, 27. 1 Ch. 18:7. 2 Ch. 9:15, 16.
8 Betah. Probably the same as Bathne in Syria, between Beroœa and Hierapolis. 1 Ch. 18:8, Tibhath, Chun. Berotha. Berothai is probably the Barathena of PTOLEMY, which he mentions, along with Sabe, as a city of Arabia Deserta, in the confines of the Palmyrenian district. exceeding. 1 Ch. 22:14, 16; 29:7. 2 Ch. 4:1–18.
9 Toi. 1 Ch. 18:9, Tou. Hamath. Am. 6:2.
10 Joram. 1 Ch. 18:10, Hadoram. salute him. Heb. ask him of peace. Ge. 43:27. Is. 39:1. to bless him. 1 Sa. 13:10, marg. 1 Ki. 1:47. Ps. 129:8. had wars. Heb. was a man of wars. brought with him. Heb. in his hand were.
11 Which. 1 Ki. 7:51. 1 Ch. 18:11; 22:14–16; 26:26–28; 29:2. Mi. 4:13.
12 Syria. ch. 10:11, 14; 12:26–31. 1 Ch. 18:11.
13 gat him. ch. 7:9. 1 Ch. 18:12. Ps. 60, title. smiting. Heb. his smiting. the valley of salt. 2 Ki. 14:7. 2 Ch. 25:11. being. or, slaying.
14 all they. Ge. 25:23; 27:29, 37, 40. Nu. 24:18. 1 Ki. 22:47. 1 Ch. 18:13. Ps. 60:8, 9; 108:9, 10. the Lord. See on ver. 6. Ps. 121:4–8.
15 over all Israel. ch. 3:12; 5:5. David executed. ch. 23:3, 4. 1 Ch. 18:14. Ps. 45:6, 7; 72:2; 75:2; 78:71, 72; 89:14; 101:1–8. Is. 9:7. Je. 22:15, 16; 23:5, 6. Am. 5:15, 24.
16 Joab. ch. 19:13; 20:23. 1 Ch. 11:6; 18:15–17. Jehoshaphat. 1 Ki. 4:3. recorder. or, remembrancer, or writer of chronicles.
17 Zadok. 1 Ch. 6:8, 53; 24:3, 4. and Seraiah. 1 Ch. 18:16, Shavsha. scribe. or, secretary.
18 Benaiah. 1 Ki. 1:44; 2:34, 35. 1 Ch. 18:17. the Cherethites. ch. 15:18; 20:7, 23; 23:20–23. 1 Sa. 30:14. Eze. 25:16. Zep. 2:5. chief rulers. or, princes. ch. 20:26.


  CHAP. 9

  David by Ziba sends for Mephibosheth, 1–6. For Jonathan’s sake he entertains him at his table, and restores him all that was Saul’s, 7, 8. He makes Ziba his farmer, 9–13.

1 shew him. ch. 1:26. 1 Sa. 18:1–4; 20:14–17, 42; 23:16–18. 1 Ki. 2:7. Pr. 27:10. Mat. 10:42; 25:40. Mar. 9:41. Jno. 19:26, 27. Phile. 9–12. 1 Pe. 3:8.
2 a servant. Ge. 15:2, 3; 24:2; 39:6. was Ziba. ch. 16:1–4; 19:17, 27–29.
3 the kindness of God. That is, the highest degree of kindness; as the hail of God is very great hail; the mountains of God exceeding high mountains; besides which, this kindness was according to the covenant of God made between him and Jonathan. De. 4:37; 10:15. 1 Sa. 20:14, 17. Mat. 5:44, 45. Lu. 6:36. Tit. 3:3, 4. yet a son. ch. 4:4; 19:26.
4 Machir. ch. 17:27–29. Lo-debar. This place appears to have been situated beyond Jordan; and was probably, as RELAND supposes, the same as Debir or Lidbir, Jos. 13:26.
6 Mephibosheth. 1 Ch. 8:34; 9:40, called Meribbaal. he fell. Ge. 18:2; 33:3. 1 Sa. 20:41; 25:23.
7 Fear not. Ge. 43:18, 23; 50:18–21. 1 Sa. 12:19, 20, 24. Is. 35:3, 4. Mar. 5:33, 34. Lu. 1:12, 13, 29, 30. for I will. See on ver. 1, 3. Ru. 2:11, 12. 2 Ti. 1:16–18. eat bread. ver. 11; ch. 19:28, 33. 1 Ki. 2:7. Ps. 41:9. Je. 25:33, 34. Mat. 6:11. Lu. 22:30. Re. 3:20.
8 a dead dog. ch. 3:8; 16:9. 1 Sa. 24:14, 15, 26:20. Mat. 15:26, 27.
9 I have given. ch. 16:4; 19:29. 1 Sa. 9:1. Is. 32:8.
10 shall eat bread. The eating at courts was of two kinds; the one public and ceremonious, the other private. Sir JOHN CHARDIN understands those passages which speak of a right to eat at the royal table, as pointing out a right to a seat there, when the repast was public and solemn. So in a MS. Note on 1 Ki. 2:7, he tells us that it was to be understood of the majilis, (the term for an assembly of lords, or a public feast,) and not of the daily and ordinary repast. Hence, though Mephibosheth was was to eat at all public times at the king’s table, yet he would want the produce of his lands for food at other times, which it was necessary for Ziba to understand. ver. 7, 11–13; ch. 19:28. 2 Ki. 25:29. Lu. 14:15.
11 Ziba. ch. 19:17. According. ch. 16:1–4; 19:26.
12 son. 1 Ch. 8:8, 34–40; 9:40–44, Micah. servants. Mi. 7:5, 6.
13 he did eat. ver. 7, 10, 11. was lame. ver. 3.


  CHAP. 10

  David’s messengers, sent to comfort Hanun the son of Nahash, are villanously treated, 1–5. The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, are overcome by Joab and Abishai, 6–14. Shobach, making a new supply of the Syrians at Helam, is slain by David, 15–19.

1 A.M. 2967. B.C. 1037. An. Ex. Is. 454. king. Ju. 10:7–9; 11:12–28. 1 Sa. 11:1–3. 1 Ch. 19:1–3.
2 shew kindness. De. 23:3–6. Ne. 4:3–7; 13:1–3. Nahash. 1 Sa. 11:1. as his father. 1 Sa. 22:3, 4.
3 Thinkest thou that David doth. Heb. In thine eyes doth David. not. Ge. 42:9, 16. 1 Co. 13:5, 7.
4 and shaved. The beard is held in high respect and greatly valued in the East: the possessor considers it as his greatest ornament; often swears by it; and, in matters of great importance, pledges it; and nothing can be more secure than such a pledge; for its owner will redeem it at the hazard of his life. The beard was never cut off but in mourning, or as a sign of slavery. It is customary to shave the Ottoman princes, as a mark of their subjection to the reigning emperor. The beard is a mark of authority and liberty among the Mohammedans. The Persians who clip the beard, and shave above the jaw, are reputed heretics. They who serve in the seraglios have their beards shaven, as a sign of servitude; nor do they suffer them to grow till the sultan has set them at liberty. Among the Arabians, it is more infamous for any one to appear with his beard cut off, than among us to be publicly whipped or branded; and many would prefer death to such a punishment. Le. 19:27. 1 Ch. 19:3, 4. Ps. 109:4, 5. Is. 15:2. cut off. Is. 20:4; 47:2, 3. Je. 41:5.
5 Jericho. Jos. 6:24–26. 1 Ki. 16:34. 1 Ch. 19:5.
6 stank. Ge. 34:30. Ex. 5:21. 1 Sa. 13:4; 27:12. 1 Ch. 19:6, 7. Syrians of Beth-rehob. ch. 8:3, 5, 12, Zobah. Pr. 25:8. Is. 8:9, 10. Maacah. Jos. 13:11–13. Ish-tob. or, the men of Tob. Ju. 11:3, 5.
7 all the host. ch. 23:8, etc. 1 Ch. 19:8, etc.
8 at the entering. This was at the city of Medeba, a city upon the borders of the Ammonites, and in their possession. 1 Ch. 19:7. Rehob. ver. 6. Nu. 13:21. Jos. 19:28. Ju. 1:31.
9 Jos. 8:21, 22. Ju. 20:42, 43.
11 1 Ch. 19:9–12. Ne. 4:20. Lu. 22:32. Ro. 15:1. Ga. 6:2. Phi. 1:27, 28.
12 Be of good. This is a very animating address, and equal to any thing of the kind in ancient or modern times. Ye fight pro aris et focis; for every good, sacred and civil; for God, for your families, and for your countries. Such harangues, especially in very trying circumstances, are very natural, and may perhaps be found in the records of every nation. Several instances might be quoted from Roman and Grecian history; but few are more remarkable than that of TYRTÆUS, the lame Athenian poet, to whom the command of the army was given in one of the Messenian wars. The Spartans had at that time suffered great losses, and all their stratagems proved ineffectual, so that they began to despair of success; when the poet, by his lectures on honour and courage, delivered in moving verse to the army, ravished them to such a degree with the thoughts of dying for their country, that, rushing on with a furious transport to meet their enemies, they gave them an entire overthrow, and by one decisive battle brought the war to a happy conclusion. Nu. 13:20. De. 31:6. Jos. 1:6, 7, 9, 18. 1 Sa. 14:6, 12; 17:32. 2 Ch. 32:7. Ne. 4:14. He. 13:6. play. 1 Sa. 4:9. 1 Ch. 19:13. 1 Co. 16:13. the Lord. ch. 16:10, 11. Ju. 10:15. 1 Sa. 3:18. Job 1:21.
13 they fled. 1 Ki. 20:13–21, 28–30. 1 Ch. 19:14, 15. 2 Ch. 13:5–16.
15 A.M. 2968. B.C. 1036. An. Ex. Is. 455. gathered. Ps. 2:1. Is. 8:9, 10. Mi. 4:11, 12. Zec. 14:2, 3. Re. 19:19–21.
16 Hadarezer. ch. 8:3–8. 1 Ch. 18:3, 5. the river. i.e. Euphrates. Shobach. or, Shophach. 1 Ch. 19:16.
17 he gathered. 1 Ch. 19:17.
18 fled. ch. 8:4. Ps. 18:38; 46:11. horsemen. 1 Ch. 19:18, footmen. Shobach. Ju. 4:2, 22; 5:26.
19 servants. Ge. 14:1–5. Jos. 11:10. Ju. 1:7. 1 Ki. 20:1. Da. 2:37. feared. ch. 8:6. 1 Ch. 19:19. Ps. 18:37, 38; 48:4, 5. Is. 26:11. Re. 18:10.


  CHAP. 11

  While Joab besieges Rabbah, David commits adultery with Bath-sheba, 1–5. Uriah, sent for by David to cover the adultery, would not go home. 6–13. He carries to Joab the letter of his death, 14–17. Joab sends the news thereof to David, 18–25. David takes Bath-sheba to wife, 26, 27.

1 A.M. 2969. B.C. 1035. An. Ex. Is. 456. after the year, etc. Heb. at the return of the year. 1 Ki. 20:22, 26. 2 Ch. 36:10. Ec. 3:8. at the time. The sacred historian seems to intimate that there was one particular time of the year to which military operations were limited; and JOSEPHUS informs us that this took place in the beginning of spring. In another part of his works he says, that as soon as spring was begun, Adad levied and led forth his army against the Hebrews. Antiochus also prepared to invade Judea at the first appearance of spring; and Vespasian marched to Antipatris at the commencement of the same season. The kings and armies of the East, says CHARDIN, do not march but when there is grass, and when they can encamp, which is in April. This rule, however, seems to be disregarded in modern times. David sent. 1 Ch. 20:1. Zec. 14:3. Rabbah. ch. 12:26. De. 3:11. 1 Ch. 20:1. Eze. 21:20.
2 arose from. ch. 4:5, 7. Pr. 19:15; 24:33, 34. Mat. 26:40, 41. 1 Th. 5:6, 7. 1 Pe. 4:7. the roof of. De. 22:8. Je. 19:13. Mat. 10:27. Ac. 10:9. he saw. Ge. 3:6; 6:2; 34:2. Job 31:1. Ps. 119:37. Mat. 5:28. 1 Jno. 2:16. very beautiful. Ge. 39:6. Pr. 6:25; 31:30.
3 sent. Je. 5:8. Ho. 7:6, 7. Ja. 1:14, 15. Bath-sheba. or, Bath-shua. Eliam. or, Ammiel. 1 Ch. 3:5. Uriah. ch. 23:39. 1 Ch. 11:41.
4 sent messengers. Ge. 39:7. Job 31:9–11. Ps. 50:18. he lay. Ps. 51, title. Ja. 1:14, 15. she was, etc. or, and when she had purified herself, etc., she returned. Pr. 30:20. purified. Le. 12:2–5; 15:19–28, etc.; 18:19.
5 I am with child. De. 22:22. Pr. 6:34.
6 Send me. Ge. 4:7; 38:18–23. 1 Sa. 15:30. Job 20:12–14. Pr. 28:13. Is. 29:13. Mat. 26:70, 72, 74.
7 how Joab did. Heb. of the peace of Joab. Ge. 29:6; 37:14. 1 Sa. 17:22.
8 go down. Ps. 44:21. Is. 29:15. Lu. 12:2. He. 4:13. wash. Ge. 18:4; 19:2. there followed him. Heb. there went out after him. Ps. 12:2; 55:21. a mess. Ge. 43:34.
9 Job 5:12–14. Pr. 21:30.
11 The ark. ch. 7:2, 6. 1 Sa. 4:4; 14:18. my lord. ch. 20:6. Mat. 10:24, 25. Jno. 13:14. 1 Co. 9:25–27. 2 Ti. 2:3, 4, 12. He. 12:1, 2. shall I then. Is. 22:12–14. as thou livest. ch. 14:19. 1 Sa. 1:26; 17:55; 20:3; 25:26.
12 Je. 2:22, 23, 37.
13 made him. Ge. 19:32–35. Ex. 32:21. Hab. 2:15. with the servants. ver. 9.
14 wrote a letter. It was resolved in. David’s breast that Uriah must die—that innocent, valiant, and gallant man, who was ready to sacrifice his life for the honour of his prince; and, worse than all, by being himself made the bearer of letters to Joab which prescribed the mode by which he was to be murdered. This was the greatest treachery and villany on the part of David; while Joab appears to enter as fully upon the execution of the murder, being perhaps pleased to have this opportunity of further enthralling his king, and thus increasing his own power. 1 Ki. 21:8–10. Ps. 19:13; 52:2; 62:9. Je. 9:1–4; 17:9. Mi. 7:3–5.
15 Set ye. ver. 17. 1 Sa. 18:17, 21, 25. Ps. 51:4, 14. Je. 20:13. hottest. Heb. strong. from him. Heb. from after him. and die. ch. 12:9.
16 he assigned. ver. 21; ch. 3:27; 20:9, 10. 1 Sa. 22:17–19. 1 Ki. 2:5, 31–34; 21:12–14. 2 Ki. 10:6. Pr. 29:12. Ho. 5:11. Ac. 5:29.
17 there fell. ch. 12:9. Ps. 51:14.
21 Abimelech. Ju. 9:53. Jerubbesheth. Ju. 6:32; 7:1, Jerubbaal. Thy servant. ch. 3:27, 34. Ps. 39:8. Is. 14:10. Eze. 16:51, 52.
25 displease thee. Heb. be evil in thine eyes. for the sword. Jos. 7:8, 9. 1 Sa. 6:9. Ec. 9:1–3, 11, 12. one. Heb. so and such. What abominable hypocrisy was here! He well knew that the death of this noble and gallant man was no chance-medley: he was by his own order thrust on the sword. make. ch. 12:26.
26 she mourned. ch. 3:31; 14:2. Ge. 27:41.
27 And when, etc. The whole of her conduct indicates that she observed the form, without feeling the power of sorrow. She lost a captain, and got a king for her husband: and therefore, Lacrymas non sponte cadentes effudit; gemitusque expressit pectore læto; ‘She shed reluctant tears; and forced out groans from a joyful breast!’ fetched her. ch. 3:2–5; 5:13–16; 12:9. De. 22:29. But the thing. Ge. 38:10. 1 Ch. 21:7. displeased. Heb. was evil in the eyes of. Ps. 5:6; 51:4, 5. He. 13:4.


  CHAP. 12

  Nathan’s parable of the ewe lamb causes David to be his own judge, 1–6. David, reproved by Nathan, confesses his sin, and is pardoned, 7–14. David, mourns and prays for the child while it lives, 15–23. Solomon is born, and named Jedidiah, 24, 25. David takes Rabbah, and tortures the people thereof, 26–31.

1 A.M. 2970. B.C. 1034. An. Ex. Is. 457. the Lord. ch. 7:1–5; 24:11–13. 1 Ki. 13:1; 18:1. 2 Ki. 1–3. unto David. ch. 11:10–17, 25; 14:14. Is. 57:17, 18. he came. Ps. 51, title. There were. There is nothing in this parable which requires illustration. Its bent is evident; and it was wisely constructed, by not having too near a resemblance, to make David unwittingly pass sentence on himself. The parable was in David’s hand what his own letter was in the hands of the brave Uriah. Nathan at length closed in with him in the application of it. In beginning with a parable he shewed his prudence, and great need there is of prudence in giving reproof; but now he speaks as an ambassador from God. He reminds David of the great things God had designed and done for him, and then charges him with a high contempt of the Divine authority, and threatens an entail of judgments upon his family for this sin. Those who despise the word and law of God, despise God himself, and will assuredly suffer for such contempt. ch. 14:5–11. Ju. 9:7–15. 1 Ki. 20:35–41. Is. 5:1–7. Mat. 21:33–45. Lu. 15:11, etc.; 16:19, etc.
2 exceeding. ver. 8; ch. 3:2–5; 5:13–16; 15:16. Job 1:3.
3 one little. ch. 11:3. Pr. 5:18, 19. meat. Heb. morsel. lay in his. De. 13:6. Mi. 7:5.
4 a traveler. Ge. 18:2–7. Ja. 1:14. took the. ch. 11:3, 4.
5 David’s. Ge. 38:24. 1 Sa. 25:21, 22. Lu. 6:41, 42; 9:55. Ro. 2:1. As the Lord. 1 Sa. 14:39. shall surely die. or, is worthy to die. Heb. Is a son of death. 1 Sa. 20:31; 20:16, marg.
6 restore. Ex. 22:1. Pr. 6:31. Lu. 19:8. because. Ja. 2:13.
7 Thou art. 1 Sa. 13:13. 1 Ki. 18:18; 21:19, 20. Mat. 14:4. I anointed. ch. 7:8. 1 Sa. 15:17; 16:13. I delivered. ch. 22:1, 49. 1 Sa. 18:11, 21; 19:10–15; 23:7, 14, 26–28. Ps. 18, title.
8 thy master’s wives. ver. 11. 1 Ki. 2:22. gave thee. ch. 2:4; 5:5. 1 Sa. 15:19. I would. ch. 7:19. Ps. 84:11; 86:15. Ro. 8:32.
9 despised. ver. 10; ch. 11:4, 14–17. Ge. 9:5, 6. Ex. 20:13, 14. Nu. 15:30, 31. 1 Sa. 15:19, 23. Is. 5:24. Am. 2:4. He. 10:28, 29. to do evil. 2 Ch. 33:6. Ps. 51:4; 90:8; 139:1, 2. Je. 18:10. thou hast. ch. 11:15–27.
10 the sword. ch. 13:28, 29; 18:14, 15, 33. 1 Ki. 2:23–25. Am. 7:9. Mat. 26:52. because. Nu. 11:20. 1 Sa. 2:30. Mal. 1:6, 7. Mat. 6:24. Ro. 2:4. 1 Th. 4:8. hast taken. Ge. 20:3. Pr. 6:32, 33.
11 I will raise. ch. 13:1–14, 28, 29; 15:6, 10. I will take. That is, in the course of my providence I will permit this to be done. Such phrases in Scripture do not mean that God either does or can do evil himself; but only that he permits such evil to be done as he foresaw would be done, and which, had he pleased, he might have prevented. ch. 16:21, 22. De. 28:30. Eze. 14:9; 20:25, 26. Ho. 4:13, 14.
12 secretly. ch. 11:4, 8, 13, 15. Ec. 12:14. Lu. 12:1, 2. 1 Co. 4:5.
13 David. 1 Sa. 15:20, 24. 1 Ki. 13:4; 21:20; 22:8. 2 Ki. 1:9. 2 Ch. 16:10; 24:20–22; 25:16. Mat. 14:3–5, 10. I have sinned. ch. 24:10. 1 Sa. 15:24, 25, 30. Job 7:20; 33:27. Ps. 32:3–5; 51:4. Pr. 25:12; 28:13. Lu. 15:21. Ac. 2:37. 1 Jno. 1:8–10. The Lord. Job 7:21. Ps. 32:1, 2; 130:3, 4. Is. 6:5–7; 38:17; 43:25; 44:22. La. 3:32. Mi. 7:18, 19. Zec. 3:4. He. 9:26. 1 Jno. 1:7, 9; 2:1. Re. 1:5. thou. Le. 20:10. Nu. 35:31–33. Ps. 51:16. Ac. 13:38, 39. Ro. 8:33, 34.
14 by this deed. Ne. 5:9. Ps. 74:10. Is. 52:5. Eze. 36:20–23. Mat. 18:7. Ro. 2:24. the child. Ps. 89:31–33; 94:12. Pr. 3:11, 12. Am. 3:2. 1 Co. 11:32. He. 12:6. Re. 3:19.
15 struck the child. De. 32:39. 1 Sa. 25:38; 26:10. 2 Ki. 15:5. 2 Ch. 13:20. Ps. 104:29. Ac. 12:23.
16 besought. ver. 22. Ps. 50:15. Is. 26:16. Joel 2:12–14. Jon. 3:9. fasted. Heb. fasted a fast. Es. 4:16. Ps. 69:10. Is. 22:12. Ac. 9:9. lay all night. ch. 13:31. Job 20:12–14.
17 the elders. ch. 3:35. 1 Sa. 28:23.
18 vex. Heb. do hurt to.
20 arose. Job 1:20; 2:10. Ps. 39:9. La. 3:39–41. anointed. Ru. 3:3. Ec. 9:8. the house. ch. 6:17; 7:18. Job 1:20.
21 What thing. 1 Co. 2:15.
22 I fasted. Is. 38:1–3, 5. Joel 1:14; 2:14. Am. 5:15. Jon. 1:6; 3:9, 10. Ja. 4:9, 10.
23 I shall go. Ge. 37:35. Job 30:23. Lu. 23:43 he shall not. Job 7:8–10.
24 A.M. 2971. B.C. 1033. An. Ex. Is. 458. she bare. ch. 7:12. 1 Ch. 3:5; 22:9, 10; 28:5, 6; 29:1. Mat. 1:6.
25 Nathan. ver. 1–14; ch. 7:4. 1 Ki. 1:11, 23. Jedidiah. that is, Beloved of the Lord. Ne. 13:26. Mat. 3:17; 17:5.
26 Joab. ch. 11:25. 1 Ch. 20:1. Rabbah. Rabbah, or Rabbath-Ammou, also called Philadelphia, from Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, was situated east of Jordan, and, according to EUSEBIUS, ten miles east from Jazer. It is sometimes mentioned as belonging to Arabia, sometimes to Cœlo-Syria; and was one of the cities of the Decapolis east of Jordan. JOSEPHUS extends the region of Perea as far as Philadelphia. It is now, says BURCKHARDT, called Amman, distant about 19 miles to the S.E. by E. of Szalt, and lies along the banks of a river called Moiet Amman, which has its source in a pond, at a few hundred paces from the south-western end of the town, and empties itself into the Zerka, or Jabbok, about four hours to the northward. This river runs in a valley bordered on both sides by barren hills of flint, which advance on the south side close to the edge of the stream. The edifices which still remain, though in a decaying state, from being built of a calcareous stone of moderate hardness, sufficiently attest the former greatness and splendour of this metropolis of the children of Ammon.
27 Rabbah. ch. 11:1. De. 3:11. Eze. 21:20. the city of waters. Probably that part of the city situated near the pond, from which the rest received their water.
28 it be called after my name. Heb. my name be called upon it. Jno. 7:18.
30 took. 1 Ch. 20:2. the weight. If this talent was only seven pounds, as WHISTON says, David might have carried it on his head with little difficulty; but this weight, according to common computation, would amount to nearly 114 pounds! Some, therefore, think, that mishkelah should be taken for its value, not weight; which renders it perfectly plain, as the worth of the crown will be about 5075l. 15s. 7d. sterling. The ancients mention several such large crowns, made more for sight than use. ATHENÆUS describes a crown of gold that was 24 feet in circumference; and mentions others that were two, some four, and others five feet deep. PLINY takes notice of some that were no less than eight pounds weight. Besides the crown usually worn, it was customary for kings, in some nations, to have such large ones as described, either hung or supported over the throne, where they sat at their coronation or other solemn occasions. in great abundance. Heb. very great.
31 and put them. Rather, as the particle ב frequently signifies, ‘And he put them to saws, and to harrows, to axes,’ etc. as we say, to put a person to the plough, to the anvil, to the last, etc. See on 1 Ch. 20:3. ch. 8:2. Ps. 21:8, 9.


  CHAP. 13

  Amnon loving Tamar, by Jonadab’s counsel feigning himself sick, ravishes her, 1–14. He hates her, and shamefully turns her away, 15–18. Absalom entertains her, and conceals his purpose, 19–22. At a sheep-shearing among all the king’s sons, he kills Amnon, 23–30. David grieving at the news, is comforted by Jonadab, 31–36. Absalom flies to Talmai at Geshur, 37–39.

1 A.M. 2972. B.C. 1032. An. Ex. Is. 459. Absalom. ch. 3:2, 3. 1 Ch. 3:2. a fair sister. ch. 11:2. Ge. 6:2; 39:6, 7. Pr. 6:25; 31:30. Tamar. ch. 14:27. 1 Ch. 3:9. loved her. ver. 15. Ge. 29:18, 20; 34:3. 1 Ki. 11:1.
2 vexed. 1 Ki. 21:4. Ca. 5:8. 2 Co. 7:10. Amnon, etc. Heb. it was marvellous, or hidden, in the eyes of Amnon.
3 a friend. Ge. 38:1, 20. Ju. 14:20. Es. 5:10, 14; 6:13. Pr. 19:6. Shimeah. ver. 32. 1 Sa. 16:9, Shammah. subtil man. ch. 14:2, 19, 20. Ge. 3:1. Je. 4:22. 1 Co. 3:19. Ja. 3:15.
4 Why art. 1 Ki. 21:7. Es. 5:13, 14. Lu. 12:32. lean. Heb. thin. from day to day. Heb. morning by morning. I love. Is. 3:9. Je. 8:12. Mi. 7:3. my brother. Le. 18:9; 20:17.
5 Lay thee. ch. 16:21–23; 17:1–4. Ps. 50:18, 19. Pr. 19:27. Mar. 6:24, 25. Ac. 23:15.
6 make me. Ge. 18:6. Mat. 13:33.
8 she took. Dr. RUSSELL says, ‘The Eastern ladies often wash their own hands, prepare cakes, pastry, etc. in their apartments; and some few particular dishes are cooked by themselves, but not in their apartments: on such occasions, they go to some room near the kitchen.’ flour. or, paste. and made cakes. Rather, as Mr. PARKHURST renders, ‘and tossed it (wattelabbaiv) in his sight, and dressed the tossed cakes (halleveevoth).’ This will receive illustration from the account which Mr. JACKSON gives of the Arabian manner of kneading and baking. ‘They have a small place built with clay, between two and three feet high, having a hole at the bottom for the convenience of drawing out the ashes, something similar to that of a brick-kiln. The oven is usually about fifteen inches wide at top, and gradually grows wider to the bottom. It is heated with wood; and when sufficiently hot, and perfectly clear from smoke, having nothing but clear embers at bottom, which continue to reflect great heat, they prepare the dough in a large bowl, and mould the cakes to the desired size on a board or stone placed near the oven. After they have kneaded the cake to a proper consistence, they pat it a little, then toss it about with great dexterity in one hand till it is as thin as they choose to make it. They then wet one side of it with water, at the same time wetting the hand and arm with which they put it into the oven.’
9 And Amnon. Ge. 45:1. Ju. 3:19. Jno. 3:20.
11 Come lie. Ge. 39:11, 12.
12 force me. Heb. humble me. Ge. 34:2. De. 22:29. no such thing ought. Heb. it ought not so. Le. 18:9, 11; 20:17. folly. Ge. 34:7. Ju. 19:23; 20:6. Pr. 5:22, 23; 7:7.
13 Now therefore. Ge. 19:8. Ju. 19:24.
14 forced her. ch. 12:11. De. 22:25–27. Ju. 20:5. Es. 7:8.
15 hated her. Eze. 23:17. exceedingly. Heb. with great hatred greatly.
18 a garment. Ge. 37:3, 32. Ju. 5:30. Ps. 45:13, 14.
19 put ashes. ch. 1:2. Jos. 7:6. Job 2:12; 42:6. laid her. Je. 2:37.
20 Amnon. Heb. Aminon. but hold. Pr. 26:24. Ro. 12:19. regard not. Heb. set not thine heart on. desolate. Heb. and desolate. Ge. 34:2; 46:15.
21 he was very wroth. The Septuagint and Vulgate add, και ουκ ελυπησε το πνευμα Αμνων του υιου αυτου, οτι ηγαπα αυτον, οτι πρωτοτοκος αυτου ην· et noluit contristare spiritum Amnon filii sui, quoniam diligebat eum, quia primogenitus erat ei: ‘But he would not grieve the soul of Amnon his son, for he loved him because he was his first-born.’ The same addition is found in JOSEPHUS; and it is probable that it once formed a part of the Hebrew text. ch. 3:28, 29; 12:5, 10. Ge. 34:7. 1 Sa. 2:22–25, 29. Ps. 101:8.
22 spake. Le. 19:17, 18. Pr. 25:9. Mat. 18:15. neither good. Ge. 24:50; 31:24, 29. hated. Le. 19:17, 18. Pr. 10:18; 26:24; 27:4–6. Ec. 7:9. Ep. 4:26, 31. 1 Jno. 3:15.
23 A.M. 2974. B.C. 1030. An. Ex. Is. 461. sheep-shearers. Ge. 38:12, 13. 1 Sa. 25:2, 4, 36. 2 Ki. 3:4. 2 Ch. 26:10. invited. 1 Ki. 1:9, 19, 25.
24 let the king. ch. 11:8–15. Ps. 12:2; 55:21. Je. 41:6, 7.
25 pressed. Ge. 19:2, 3. Ju. 19:7–10. Lu. 14:23; 24:29. Ac. 16:15. blessed. ch. 14:22, marg. Ru. 2:4.
26 let my brother. He urged this with the more plausibility because Amnon was the first-born, and presumptive heir to the crown; and he had dissembled his resentment so long and so well, that he was not suspected. ch. 3:27; 11:13–15; 20:9. Ps. 55:21.
27 Absalom. Pr. 26:24–26.
28 commanded. ch. 11:15. Ex. 1:16, 17. 1 Sa. 22:17, 18. Ac. 5:29. heart is merry. ch. 11:13. Ge. 9:21; 19:32–35. Ju. 19:6, 9, 22. Ru. 3:7. 1 Sa. 25:36–38. 1 Ki. 20:16. Es. 1:10. Ps. 104:15. Ec. 9:7; 10:19. Da. 5:2–6, 30. Na. 1:10. Lu. 21:34. fear not. Nu. 22:16, 17. 1 Sa. 28:10, 13. have not I. or, Will you not, since I have, etc. Jos. 1:9. valiant. Heb. sons of valour.
29 servants. 1 Sa. 22:18, 19. 1 Ki. 21:11–13. 2 Ki. 1:9–12. Pr. 29:12. Mi. 7:3. gat him up. Heb. rode. mule. ch. 18:9. Ge. 36:24. Le. 19:19. 1 Ki. 1:33.
31 arose. ch. 12:16. Ge. 37:29, 34. Jos. 7:6. Job 1:20. all his servants. ch. 1:11; 3:31.
32 Jonadab. ver. 3–5. Shimeah. 1 Sa. 16:9, Shammah. David’s brother. This was a very bad man: he had given his cousin Amnon the most detestable advice; and here speaks coolly of a most bloody tragedy of which he had been the cause. appointment. Heb. mouth. determined. or, settled. Ge. 27:41. Ps. 7:14. Pr. 24:11, 12.
33 let not my lord. ch. 19:19.
34 Absalom fled. ver. 38. Ge. 4:8–14. Pr. 28:17. Je. 49:24. Am. 5:19.
35 as thy servant said. Heb. according to the word of thy servant.
36 very sore. Heb. with a great weeping greatly. ver. 15, marg.; ch. 12:21; 18:33.
37 Absalom fled. As Absalom had committed wilful murder, he could not avail himself of a city of refuge; but went to Talmai, king of Geshur, his maternal grandfather. Talmai. ch. 3:3. 1 Ch. 3:2. Aminihud. Or, Ammihur.
38 A.M. 2974–2977. B.C. 1030–1027. An. Ex. Is. 461–464. Geshur. This was not the Geshur lying between Philistia and Egypt, (Jos. 13:13. 1 Sa. 27:8,) but another in Syria; probably the same as that beyond Jordan, whose inhabitants are joined with those of Maachathi, De. 3:14. Jos. 12:5. ch. 14:23, 32; 15:8.
39 the soul of. Ge. 31:30. De. 28:32. Phi. 2:26. longed. or, was consumed. Ps. 84:2; 119:20. comforted. ch. 12:23. Ge. 24:67; 37:35; 38:12.


  CHAP. 14

  Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah by a parable to incline the king’s heart to fetch home Absalom, brings him to Jerusalem, 1–24. Absalom’s beauty, hair, and children, 25–27. After two years, Absalom is brought into the king’s presence by Joab, 28–33.

1 A.M. 2977. B.C. 1027. An. Ex. Is. 464. Joab. ch. 2:18. 1 Ch. 2:16. toward Absalom. ch. 13:39; 18:33; 19:2, 4. Pr. 29:26.
2 to Tekoah. Tekoah was a city of Judah, situated, according to EUSEBIUS and JEROME, twelve miles south of Jerusalem. JOSEPHUS says it was not far from the castle of Herodium; and JEROME (Prologue to Amos) says it stood on a hill six miles south from Bethlehem. Dr. POCOCKE places it at the same distance; and says there are still considerable ruins on the top of a hill, which is about half a mile long and a furlong broad. 2 Ch. 11:6; 20:20. Ne. 3:5, 27. Je. 6:1. Am. 1:1, Tekoa. mourning. ch. 11:26. Ru. 3:3. Ps. 104:15. Ec. 9:8. Mat. 6:17.
3 put the words. ver. 19. Ex. 4:15. Nu. 23:5. De. 18:18. Is. 51:16; 59:21. Je. 1:9.
4 fell on her. ch. 1:2. 1 Sa. 20:41; 25:23. Help. Heb. Save. 2 Ki. 6:26–28. Job 29:12–14. Lu. 18:3–5.
5 I am indeed. It is very possible that the principal incidents mentioned hero were real; and that Joab found out a person whose circumstances bore a near resemblance to that which he wished to represent. She did not make the similitude too plain and visible, lest the king should see her intention before she had obtained a grant of pardon; and thus her circumstances, her mournful tale, her widow’s dress, her aged person, (for JOSEPHUS says she was advanced in years,) and her impressive manner, all combined to make one united irresistible impression on the heart of the aged monarch. ch. 12:1–3. Ju. 9:8–15.
6 and they two. Ge. 4:8. Ex. 2:13. De. 22:26, 27. none to part. Heb. no deliverer between.
7 the whole. Ge. 4:14. Nu. 35:19. De. 19:12. so they. Ge. 27:45. De. 25:6. quench. ch. 12:17. upon the earth. Heb. upon the face of the earth.
8 I will give. ch. 12:5, 6; 16:4. Job 29:16. Pr. 18:13. Is. 11:3, 4.
9 the iniquity. Ge. 27:13. 1 Sa. 25:24. Mat. 27:25. and the king. ch. 3:28, 29. Nu. 35:33. De. 21:1–9. 1 Ki. 2:33.
11 let the king. Ge. 14:22; 24:2, 3; 31:50. 1 Sa. 20:42. thou, etc. Heb. the revenger of blood do not multiply to destroy. the revengers. Nu. 35:19, 27. De. 19:4–10. Jos. 20:3–6. As the Lord. 1 Sa. 14:45; 28:10. Je. 4:2. not one hair. 1 Ki. 1:52. Mat. 10:30. Ac. 27:34.
12 Let thine. 1 Sa. 25:24. speak one word. Ge. 18:27, 32; 44:18. Je. 12:1. Say on. Ac. 26:1.
13 Wherefore. ch. 12:7. 1 Ki. 20:40–42. Lu. 7:42–44. people. ch. 7:8. Ju. 20:2. in that the king. ch. 13:37, 38.
14 we must. ch. 11:25. Job 30:23; 34:15. Ps. 90:3, 10. Ec. 3:19, 20; 9:5. He. 9:27. as water. Job 14:7–12, 14. Ps. 22:14; 79:3. neither, etc. or, because God hath not taken away his life, he hath also devised means, etc. God. De. 10:17. Job 34:19. Mat. 22:16. Ac. 10:34. Ro. 2:11. 1 Pe. 1:17. he devise. Ex. 21:13. Le. 26:40. Nu. 35:15, 25, 28. Is. 50:1, 2.
17 comfortable. Heb. for rest, as an angel. This is very much like the hyperbolical language which is addressed by the Hindoos to an European when they desire to obtain something from him: ‘Saheb,’ say they, ‘can do every thing. No one can prevent the execution of Saheb’s commands. Saheb is God.’ Though this expression may be imputed to the hyperbolical genius of these countries, yet there was, perhaps, more of real persuasion than we are apt to suppose. Sir JOHN CHARDIN states, that having found fault with the king of Persia’s valuation of a rich trinket, the grand master told him that if a Persian had dared to have done such a thing, it would have been as much as his life was worth. ‘Know,’ said he, ‘that the kings of Persia have a general and full knowledge of matters, as sure as it is extensive; and that, equally in the greatest and the smallest things, there is nothing more just and sure than what they pronounce.’ ver. 20; ch. 19:27. 1 Sa. 29:9. Pr. 27:21; 29:5. to discern. Heb. to hear. 1 Ki. 3:9, 28. Job 6:30. 1 Co. 2:14, 15, marg. He. 5:14.
18 Hide not. 1 Sa. 3:17, 18. Je. 38:14, 25.
19 of Joab. ch. 3:27, 29, 34; 11:14, 15. 1 Ki. 2:5, 6. As thy soul. ch. 11:11. 1 Sa. 1:26; 17:55; 20:3; 25:26. 2 Ki. 2:2. turn. Nu. 20:17. De. 5:32; 28:14. Jos. 1:7. Pr. 4:27. he put. See on ver. 3. Ex. 4:15. Lu. 21:15.
20 fetch. ch. 5:23. according. ver. 17; ch. 19:27. Job 32:21, 22. Pr. 26:28; 29:5. to know. Ge. 3:5. Job 38:16, etc. 1 Co. 8:1, 2.
21 I have done. ver. 11. 1 Sa. 14:39. Mar. 6:26.
22 thanked. Heb. blessed. ch. 19:39. Ne. 11:2. Job 29:11; 31:20. Pr. 31:28. I have found. Ge. 6:8. Ex. 33:16, 17. Ru. 2:2. 1 Sa. 20:3. his. or, thy.
23 Geshur. ch. 3:3; 13:37.
24 let him not. ver. 28; ch. 3:13. Ge. 43:3. Ex. 10:28. Re. 22:4.
25 But in all Israel, etc. Heb. And as Absalom there was not a beautiful man in all Israel to praise greatly. 1 Sa. 9:2; 16:7. Pr. 31:30. Mat. 23:27. from the sole. De. 28:35. Job 2:7. Is. 1:6. Ep. 5:27.
26 when he polled. ch. 18:9. Is. 3:24. 1 Co. 11:14. two hundred shekels. If the shekel be allowed to mean the common shekel, the amount will be utterly incredible; for JOSEPHUS says that ‘two hundred shekels make five minæ:’ and the mina, he says, ‘weighs two pounds and a half;’ which calculation makes Absalom’s hair weigh twelve pounds and a half! But it is probable that the king’s shekel was that which EPIPHANIUS and HESYCHIUS say was the fourth part of an ounce, half a stater, or two drachms: the whole amount, therefore, of the 200 shekels is about 50 ounces, which make 4 lb. 2 oz. troy weight, or 3 lb. 2 oz. avoirdupois. This need not be accounted incredible, especially as abundance of oil and ointment was used by the ancients in dressing their heads. JOSEPHUS informs us, that the Jews also put gold dust in their hair. Ge. 23:16. Le. 19:36. Eze. 45:9–14.
27 born. ch. 18:18. Job 18:16–19. Is. 14:22. Je. 22:30. Tamar. ch. 13:1.
28 A.M. 2977–2979. B.C. 1027–1025. An. Ex. Is 464–466. and saw not. ver. 24.
29 but he would. ver. 30, 31. Es. 1:12. Mat. 22:3.
30 near mine. Heb. near my place. go and set ch. 13:28, 29. Ju. 15:4, 5. And Absalom’s. 1 Ki. 21:9–14. 2 Ki. 9:33; 10:6, 7.
32 it had been. Ex. 14:12; 16:3; 17:3. if there. Ge. 3:12. 1 Sa. 15:13. Ps. 36:2. Pr. 28:13. Je. 2:22, 23; 8:12. Mat. 25:44. Ro. 3:19.
33 A.M. 2979. B.C. 1025. An. Ex. Is. 466. kissed Absalom. Ge. 27:26; 33:4; 45:15. Lu. 15:20.


  CHAP. 15

  Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel, 1–6. Under pretence of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron, 7–9. He makes there a great conspiracy, 10–12. David upon the news flees from Jerusalem, 13–18. Ittai will not leave him, 19–23. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark, 24–29. David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping, 30. He curses Ahithophel’s counsel, 31. Hushai is sent back with instructions, 32–37.

1 A.M. 2980. B.C. 1024. Absalom. ch. 12:11. De. 17:16. 1 Sa. 8:11. 1 Ki. 1:5, 33; 10:26–29. Ps. 20:7. Pr. 11:2; 16:18; 17:19. Je. 22:14–16.
2 rose up. Job 24:14. Pr. 4:16. Mat. 27:1. came. Heb. to come. Ex. 18:14, 16, 26. 1 Ki. 3:16–28.
3 thy matters. Nu. 16:3, 13, 14. Ps. 12:2. Da. 11:21. 2 Pe. 2:10. there is, etc. or, none will hear thee from the king downward. ch. 8:15. Ex. 20:12; 21:17. Pr. 30:11, 17. Eze. 22:7. Mat. 15:4. Ac. 23:5. 1 Pe. 2:17.
4 Oh that I. Ju. 9:1–5, 29. Pr. 25:6. Lu. 14:8–11. I would do. Pr. 27:2. 2 Pe. 2:19.
5 took him. Ps. 10:9, 10; 55:21. Pr. 26:25. and kissed. ch. 14:33.
6 stole. Pr. 11:9. Ro. 16:18. 2 Pe. 2:3.
7 A.M. 2983. B.C. 1021. An. Ex. Is. 470. forty years. As David reigned in the whole only forty years, this reading is evidently corrupt, though supported by the commonly printed Vulgate, LXX. and Chaldee. But the Syriac, Arabic, JOSEPHUS, THEODORET, the Sixtine edition of the Vulgate, and several MSS. of the same version, read FOUR years; and it is highly probable that arbâim, FORTY, is an error for arbâ, FOUR, though not supported by any Hebrew MS. yet discovered. Two of those collated by Dr. KENNICOTT, however, have yom, ‘day,’ instead of shanah, ‘year,’ i.e. forty DAYS, instead of forty YEARS; but this is not sufficient to outweigh the other authorities. ch. 13:38. 1 Sa. 16:1, 13. let me go. ch. 13:24–27. pay. 1 Sa. 16:2. Pr. 21:27. Is. 58:4. Mat. 2:8; 23:14.
8 thy servant. Ge. 28:20, 21. 1 Sa. 1:11; 16:2. Ps. 56:12. Ec. 5:4. Geshur. ch. 13:37, 38; 14:23, 32. I will serve. Jos. 24:15. Is. 28:15. Je. 9:3–5; 42:20.
10 spies. ch. 13:28; 14:30. reigneth. ch. 19:10. Job 20:5, etc. Ps. 73:18, 19. Hebron. ch. 2:1, 11; 3:2, 3; 5:5. 1 Ch. 11:3; 12:23, 38.
11 called. 1 Sa. 9:13; 16:3–5. their simplicity. Ge. 20:5. 1 Sa. 22:15. Pr. 14:15; 22:3. Mat. 10:16. Ro. 16:18, 19.
12 Ahithophel. ver. 31; ch. 16:20–23; 17:14, 23. David’s. Ps. 41:9; 55:12–14. Mi. 7:5, 6. Jno. 13:18. Giloh. Jos. 15:51. while he offered. Nu. 23:1, 14, 30. 1 Ki. 21:9, 12. Ps. 50:16–21. Pr. 21:27. Is. 1:10–16. Tit. 1:16. the people. Ps. 3:1, 2; 43:1, 2.
13 The hearts. ver. 6; ch. 3:36. Ju. 9:3. Ps. 62:9. Mat. 21:9; 27:22.
14 Arise. ch. 19:9. Ps. 3, title. bring. Heb. thrust. Eze. 46:18. Mat. 11:12, marg. Lu. 10:15. and smite. ch. 23:16, 17. Ps. 51:18; 55:3–11; 137:5, 6.
15 Behold. Pr. 18:24. Lu. 22:28, 29. Jno. 6:66–69; 15:14. appoint. Heb. choose.
16 the king. Ps. 3, title. after him. Heb. at his feet. Ju. 4, 10. 1 Sa. 25:27, 42, marg. ten women. ch. 12:11; 16:21, 22; 20:3. Ro. 12:2.
17 went forth. Ps. 3, title, 2; 66:12. Ec. 10:7.
18 Cherethites. ch. 8:18; 20:7, 23. 1 Sa. 30:14. 1 Ki. 1:38. 1 Ch. 18:17. Gittites. ver. 19–22; ch. 6:10; 18:2. 1 Sa. 27:3.
19 Ittai. ch. 18:2. Ru. 1:11–13.
20 go up and down. Heb. wander in going. Ps. 56:8; 59:15. Am. 8:12. He. 11:37, 38. seeing. 1 Sa. 23:13. mercy. ch. 2:6. Ps. 25:10; 57:3; 61:7; 85:10; 89:14. Pr. 14:22. Jno. 1:17. 2 Ti. 1:16–18.
21 As the Lord. 1 Sa. 20:3; 25:26. 2 Ki. 2:2, 4, 6; 4:30. surely. Ru. 1:16, 17. Pr. 17:17; 18:24. Mat. 8:19, 20. Jno. 6:66–69. Ac. 11:23; 21:13. 2 Co. 7:3.
22 and all the little. Sir JOHN CHARDIN informs us, in a MS. note on this place, that it is usual with the greatest part of the eastern people, especially the Arabs, to carry their whole family with them when they go to war.
23 all the country. Ro. 12:15. the brook. The brook Kidron, which is but a few paces broad, runs along the valley of Jehoshaphat, east of Jerusalem, to the south-west corner of the city, and then, turning to the south-east, empties itself into the Dead Sea. Like the Ilissus, it is dry at least nine months in the year, being only furnished with water in the winter, and after heavy rains: its bed is narrow and deep, which indicates that it must formerly have been the channel for waters which have found some other, and probably subterraneous course. Kidron. 1 Ki. 2:37. Jno. 18:1, Cedron. the wilderness. ch. 16:2. Mat. 3:1, 3. Lu. 1:80.
24 Zadok. ver. 27, 35; ch. 8:17; 20:25. 1 Ki. 1:8; 2:35; 4:2–4. 1 Ch. 6:8–12. Eze. 48:11. bearing. ch. 6:13. Nu. 4:15; 7:9. Jos. 3:3, 6, 15–17; 4:16–18; 6:4, 6. 1 Sa. 4:3–5, 11. 1 Ch. 15:2.
25 Carry back. ch. 12:10, 11. 1 Sa. 4:3–11. Je. 7:4. he will bring. Ps. 26:8; 27:4, 5; 42:1, 2; 43:3, 4; 63:1, 2; 84:1–3, 10; 122:1, 9. Is. 38:22. habitation. ch. 6:17; 7:2.
26 I have no. ch. 22:20. Nu. 14:8. 1 Ki. 10:9. 2 Ch. 9:8. Is. 42:1; 62:4. Je. 22:28; 32:41. Mal. 1:10. let. Ju. 10:15. 1 Sa. 3:18. Job 1:20, 21. Ps. 39:9.
27 a seer. ch. 24:11. 1 Sa. 9:9. 1 Ch. 25:5. return. ver. 34, 36; ch. 17:17.
28 ver. 23; ch. 16:2; 17:1, 16.
30 the ascent. Zec. 14:4. Lu. 19:29, 37; 21:37; 22:39. Ac. 1:12. mount Olivet. Mount Olivet, so called from its abounding with olive trees, is situated east of Jerusalem, being separated from it only by the valley of Jehoshaphat and the brook Kidron. JOSEPHUS says it is five stadia, i.e. 625 geometrical paces, from Jerusalem; and St. LUKE (Ac. 1:12) says it is a Sabbath day’s journey, or about eight stadia distant, i.e. to the summit. It forms part of a ridge of limestone hills, extending from north to south for about a mile; and it is described as having three, or, according to others, four summits; the central and highest of which overlooks the whole of the city, over whose streets and walls the eye roves as if in the survey of a model. and wept as he went up. Heb. going up and weeping. Ps. 42:3–11; 43:1, 2, 5. Lu. 19:41. his head covered. This custom was only practised by persons in great distress, or when convicted of great crimes, Thus Darius, when informed by Tyriotes, the eunuch, that his queen was dead, and that she had suffered no violence from Alexander, covered his head, and wept a long time; then throwing off the garment that covered him, he thanked the gods for Alexander’s moderation and justice. ch. 19:4. Es. 6:12. Je. 14:3, 4. barefoot. Is. 20:2, 4. Eze. 24:17, 23. weeping. Ps. 126:5, 6. Mat. 5:4. Ro. 12:15. 1 Co. 12:26.
31 Ahithophel. ver. 12. Ps. 3:1; 41:9; 55:12, 14. Mat. 26:14, 15. Jno. 13:18. O Lord. Ps. 55:15; 109:3. turn the counsel. ch. 16:23; 17:14, 23. Job 5:12; 12:16–20. Is. 19:3, 11–41. Je. 8:8, 9. 1 Co. 1:20; 3:18–20. Ja. 3:15.
32 the top. ver. 30. 1 Ki. 11:7. Lu. 19:29. he worshipped. 1 Ki. 8:44, 45. Job 1:20, 21. Ps. 3:3–5, 7; 4:1–3; 50:15; 91:15. Hushai. ch. 16:16–19. Archite. Jos. 16:2. coat rent. ch. 1:2; 13:19.
33 then thou. ch. 19:35.
34 return. ver. 20. Jos. 8:2. Mat. 10:16. as I have been. ch. 16:16–19. then mayest. ch. 17:5–14.
35 thou shalt tell. ch. 17:15, 16.
36 their two sons. ver. 27; ch. 17:17; 18:19, etc.
37 friend. ch. 16:16. 1 Ch. 27:33. Absalom. ch. 16:15.


  CHAP. 16

  Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master’s inheritance, 1–4. At Bahurim Shimei curses David, 5–8. David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge, 9–14. Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom’s counsel, 15–19. Ahithophel’s counsel, 20–23.

1 little past. ch. 15:30, 32. Ziba. ch. 9:2, 9–12. with a couple. ch. 17:27–29; 19:32. 1 Sa. 17:17, 18; 25:18. 1 Ch. 12:40. Pr. 18:16; 29:4, 5. summer. These were probably pumpions, cucumbers, or water-melons; the two latter being extensively used in the East to refresh travellers in the burning heat of the summer; and probably, as Mr. HARMER supposes, called summer fruits on this very account. Je. 40:10, 12. Am. 8:1. Mi. 7:1. a bottle. 1 Sa. 10:3; 16:20.
2 What meanest. Ge. 21:29; 33:8. Eze. 37:18. The asses. This is the eastern mode of speaking when presenting any thing to a great man: ‘This is for the slaves of the servants of your majesty;’ when at the same time the presents are intended for the sovereign himself, and it is so understood. ch. 15:1; 19:26. Ju. 5:10; 10:4. for the young. 1 Sa. 25:27. that such. ch. 15:23; 17:29. Ju. 8:4, 5. 1 Sa. 14:28. Pr. 31:6, 7.
3 where is. ch. 9:9, 10. Ps. 88:18. Mi. 7:5. Today. ch. 19:24–30. Ex. 20:16. De. 19:18, 19. Ps. 15:3; 101:5. Pr. 1:19; 21:28. 1 Ti. 6:9, 10. Jude 11.
4 Behold. ch. 14:10, 11. Ex. 23:8. De. 19:15. Pr. 18:13, 17; 19:2. I humbly beseech thee. Heb. I do obeisance. ch. 14:4–22.
5 Bahurim. This place is supposed to be the same as Almon, (Jos. 21:18,) and Alemeth, (1 Ch. 6:60,) a city of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem, and apparently not far from Olivet. ver. 14; ch. 3:16; 17:18. whose name. ch. 19:16, etc. 1 Ki. 2:8, 9, 36–44, etc. he came, etc. or, he still came forth and cursed. cursed. Ex. 22:28. 1 Sa. 17:43. Ps. 69:26; 109:16–19, 28. Pr. 26:2. Ec. 10:20. Is. 8:21. Mat. 5:11–12.
7 bloody man. Heb. man of blood. ch. 3:37; 11:15–17; 12:9. Ps. 5:6; 51:14. man of Belial. De. 13:13. 1 Sa. 2:12; 25:17. 1 Ki. 21:10, 13.
8 returned. Ju. 9:24, 56, 57. 1 Ki. 2:32, 33. Ac. 28:4, 5. Re. 16:6. the blood. ch. 1:16; 3:28, 29; 4:8–12. Ps. 3:2; 4:2. thou, etc. or, thee in thy evil.
9 Abishai. ch. 3:30. 1 Sa. 26:6–8. dead dog. ch. 3:8; 9:8. 1 Sa. 24:14. curse. See on Ex. 22:28. Ac. 23:5. 1 Pe. 2:17. let me go. 1 Sa. 26:6–11. Job 31:30, 31. Je. 40:13–16.
10 What have. ch. 3:39; 19:22. 1 Ki. 2:5. Mat. 16:23. Lu. 9:54–56. 1 Pe. 2:23. so let him. Ge. 50:20. 1 Ki. 22:21–23. 2 Ki. 18:25. La. 3:38, 39. Jno. 18:11. Who shall. Job 9:12. Ec. 8:4. Da. 4:35. Ro. 9:20.
11 Behold. ch. 12:11, 12. came forth. ch. 7:2. Ge. 15:4. seeketh. ch. 17:1–4. 2 Ki. 19:37. 2 Ch. 32:21. Mat. 10:21. the Lord. Is. 10:5–7. Eze. 14:9; 20:25.
12 the Lord. Ge. 29:32, 33. Ex. 2:24, 25; 3:7, 8. 1 Sa. 1:11. Ps. 25:18. affliction. or, tears. Heb. eye. requite. De. 23:5. Is. 27:7. Mat. 5:11–12. Ro. 8:28. 2 Co. 4:17. 2 Th. 1:7. He. 12:10. 1 Pe. 4:12–19.
13 cursed. ver. 5, 6. cast dust. Heb. dusted him with dust. Ac. 22:23.—It was an ancient custom, in those warm and arid countries, to lay the dust before a person of distinction, by sprinkling the ground with water. Dr. POCOCKE and the consul were treated with this respect when they entered Cairo. The same custom is alluded to in the well-known fable of Phædrus, in which a slave is represented going before Augustus and officiously laying the dust. To throw dust in the air while a person was passing was therefore an act of great disrespect; to do so before a sovereign prince, an indecent outrage. But it is probable that Shimei meant more than disrespect and outrage to this afflicted king. Sir JOHN CHARDIN informs us, that in the East, in general, those who demand justice against a criminal throw dust upon him, signifying that he ought to be put in the grave: and hence the common imprecation among the Turks and Persians, ‘Be covered with earth,’ or, ‘Earth be upon thy head.’
14 there. ver. 5.
15 Absalom. ch. 15:37.
16 God save the king. Heb. Let the king live. 1 Sa. 10:24. 1 Ki. 1:25, 34. 2 Ki. 11:12. Da. 2:4; 5:10; 6:6, 21. Mat. 21:9.
17 Is this thy. De. 32:6. why wentest. ch. 15:32–37; 19:25. Pr. 17:17; 18:24.
18 ch. 5:1–3. 1 Sa. 16:13.
19 should I not serve. ch. 15:34. 1 Sa. 28:2; 29:8. Ps. 55:21. Ga. 2:13.
20 Give counsel. Ex. 1:10. Ps. 2:2; 37:12, 13. Pr. 21:30. Is. 8:10; 29:15. Mat. 27:1. Ac. 4:23–28.
21 Go in. Ge. 6:4; 38:16. unto thy. ch. 12:11; 15:16; 20:3. Ge. 35:22. Le. 18:8; 20:11. 1 Ki. 2:17, 22. 1 Co. 5:1. abhorred. Ge. 34:30. 1 Sa. 13:4. thy father. Ge. 49:3, 4. then shall. 1 Sa. 27:12. the hands. ch. 2:7. Zec. 8:13.
22 the top. ch. 11:2. went in. ch. 12:11, 12; 15:16; 20:3. Nu. 25:6. Is. 3:9. Je. 3:3; 8:12. Eze. 24:7. Phi. 3:19.
23 as if. Nu. 27:21. 1 Sa. 30:8. Ps. 28:2. 1 Pe. 4:11. oracle of God. Heb. word of God. Ps. 19:7. so was. The first counsel of this sagacious but wicked man to Absalom was more like an oracle of Satan, both for subtlety and atrocity. He advised the shameless measure just detailed, in order to establish Absalom, and to preclude the possibility of a reconciliation with David. The wives of a conquered king were always the property of the conqueror; and in possessing these he appeared to possess the right to the kingdom. all the counsel. ch. 17:14, 23. Job 5:12; 28:28. Je. 4:22; 8:9. Mat. 11:25. Lu. 16:8. Ro. 1:22. 1 Co. 3:19, 20. Ja. 3:13–18. both. ch. 15:12. Ec. 10:1.


  CHAP. 17

  Ahithophel’s counsel is overthrown by Hushai’s, according to God’s appointment, 1–14. Secret intelligence is sent unto David, 15–22. Ahithophel hangs himself, 23, 24. Amasa is made captain, 25, 26. David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisions, 27–29.

1 I will arise. Pr. 1:16; 4:16. Is. 59:7, 8. this night. Ps. 3:3–5; 4:8; 109:2–4.
2 weary. ch. 16:14. De. 25:18. I will smite. 1 Ki. 22:31. Zec. 13:7. Mat. 21:38; 26:31. Jno. 11:50; 18:4–8.
3 I will bring. ch. 3:21. shall be. Is. 48:22; 57:21. 1 Th. 5:3.
4 the saying. 1 Sa. 18:20, 21; 23:21. Es. 5:14. Ro. 1:32. pleased Absalom well. Heb. was right in the eyes of Absalom. 2 Ch. 30:4. Es. 1:21.
5 Hushai. ch. 15:32–37; 16:16–19. he saith. Heb. is in his mouth.
6 saying. Heb. word.
7 given. Heb. counselled. not good. Pr. 31:8.
8 mighty men. ch. 15:18; 21:18–22; 23:8–9, 16, 18, 20–22. 1 Sa. 16:18; 17:34–36, 50. 1 Ch. 11:25–47. He. 11:32–34. chafed in their minds. Heb. bitter of soul. Ju. 18:25. as a bear. 2 Ki. 2:24. Pr. 17:12; 28:15. Da. 7:5. Ho. 13:8. thy father is. 1 Sa. 23:23.
9 he is hid. Ju. 20:33. 1 Sa. 22:1; 24:3. some. Jos. 7:5; 8:6. Ju. 20:32. 1 Sa. 14:14, 15. over thrown. Heb. fallen.
10 heart. ch. 1:23; 23:20. Ge. 49:9. Nu. 24:8, 9. Pr. 28:1. utterly melt. Ex. 15:15. De. 1:28. Jos. 2:9–11. Is. 13:7; 19:1. thy father. 1 Sa. 18:17. He. 11:34. and they which. Ca. 3:7.
11 all Israel. ch. 24:2. Ju. 20:1. as the sand. Ge. 13:16; 22:17. Jos. 11:4. 1 Ki. 4:20; 20:10. thou go. Heb. thy face, or presence, go, etc. in thine. ch. 12:28. Ps. 7:15, 16; 9:16.
12 in some place. 1 Sa. 23:23. we will light. This is a very beautiful and expressive figure. The dew in Palestine, and other warm climates, falls fast, sudden, and heavy; and it falls upon every spot of earth, so that not a blade of grass escapes it. It is therefore no inapt emblem of a numerous and active army; and it was, perhaps, for this reason that the Romans called their light armed forces rorarii. 1 Ki. 20:10. 2 Ki. 18:23; 19:24. Is. 10:13, 14. Ob. 3.
13 bring ropes. In the same manner the king of Maturan, in Java, proposed pulling down a tower which the Dutch had built, by making his people and elephants pull at a number of chains, and ropes of cocoa-nut bark, thrown around it. one small. Mat. 24:2.
14 the Lord. ch. 15:31. Ge. 32:28. Ex. 9:16. De. 2:30. 2 Ch. 25:16–20. appointed. Heb. commanded. Ps. 33:9–10. La. 3:37. Am. 9:3. to defeat. ch. 15:34; 16:23. Job. 5:12–14. Pr. 19:21; 21:30. Is. 8:10. 1 Co. 1:19–20; 3:19. good counsel. Lu. 16:8.
15 Zadok. ch. 15:35.
16 Lodge. ch. 15:28. but speedily. ver. 21, 22; ch. 15:14–28. 1 Sa. 20:38. Ps. 55:8. Pr. 6:4, 5. Mat. 24:16–18. be swallowed. ch. 20:19–20. Ps. 35:25; 56:2; 57:3. 1 Co. 15:54. 2 Co. 5:4.
17 Jonathan. ch. 15:27–36. stayed. Jos. 2:4, etc. En-rogel. Jos. 15:7; 18:16. 1 Ki. 1:9.
18 Bahurim. ch. 3:16; 16:5; 19:16.
19 spread a covering. Jos. 2:4–6, etc. the thing. Ex. 1:19.
20 They be gone. ch. 15:34. Ex. 1:19. Jos. 2:4, 5. 1 Sa. 19:14–17; 21:2; 27:11, 12. when they had sought. Jos. 2:22, 23.
21 Arise. See on ver. 15, 16. thus hath Ahithophel, ver. 1–3.
22 and they passed. ver. 24. Pr. 27:12. Mat. 10:16. there lacked. Nu. 31:49. Jno. 18:9.
23 saw. Pr. 16:18; 19:3. followed. Heb. done. his city. ch. 15:12. put his household in order. Heb. gave charge concerning his house. 2 Ki. 20:1. and hanged. ch. 15:31. 1 Sa. 31:4, 5. 1 Ki. 16:18. Job 31:3. Ps. 5:10; 55:23. Mat. 27:5.
24 Mahanaim. ch. 2:8. Ge. 32:2. Jos. 13:26.
25 Amasa. ch. 19:13; 20:4, 9–12. Ithra. 1 Ch. 2:16, 17, Jether the Ishmaelite. Abigail. Heb. Abigal. Nahash. or, Jesse. 1 Ch. 2:13, 16.
26 land of Gilead. Nu. 32:1, etc. De. 3:15. Jos. 17:1.
27 the son of Nahash. ch. 10:1, 2; 12:29, 30. 1 Sa. 11:1. Machir. ch. 9:4. Barzillai. ch. 19:31, 32. 1 Ki. 2:7. Ezr. 2:61.
28 beds. These no doubt consisted of skins of beasts, mats, carpets, and such like. ch. 16:1, 2. 1 Sa. 25:18. Is. 32:8. basons, or, cups. Sappoth, probably wooden bowls, such as the Arabs still eat out of, and knead their bread in. earthen vessels. Keley yotzair, literally, ‘vessels of the potter.’ So when Dr. PERRY visited the temple of Luxor, in Egypt, he says, ‘We were entertained by the Caliph here with great civility and favour; he sent us, in return of our presents, several sheep, a good quantity of eggs, bardacks,’ etc. The bardacks, he informs us, were earthen vessels, used ‘to cool and refresh their water in, by means of which it drinks very cool and pleasant in the hottest seasons of the year.’ See HARMER, ch. 6. Ob. 3. wheat. Mr. JONES says, ‘Travellers use zumeet, tumeet, and limereece. Zumeet is flour mixed with honey, butter, and spice; tumeet is flour done up with organ oil; and limereece is flour mixed with water, for drink. This quenches thirst much better than water alone; satisfies a hungry appetite; cools and refreshes tired and weary spirits,’ etc.
29 cheese of kine. 1 Sa. 17:18. for David. Lu. 8:3. Phi. 4:15–19. to eat. ch. 17:2. Ps. 34:8–10; 84:11. The people. Ju. 8:4–6. Ec. 11:1, 2. Is. 21:14; 58:7. in the wilderness, ch. 16:2, 14.


  CHAP. 18

  David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom, 1–5. The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of Ephraim, 6–8. Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit, 9–17. Absalom’s place, 18. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David, 19–32. David mourns for Absalom, 33.

1 numbered. Ex. 17:9. Jos. 8:10. captains of thousands. 1 Sa. 8:12.
2 a third part. Ju. 7:16, 19; 9:43. the hand of Joab. ch. 10:7–10. Ittai. ch. 15:19–22. I will surely. ch. 17:11. Ps. 3:6; 27:1–3; 118:6–8.
3 Thou shalt. ch. 21:17. if we flee. ch. 17:2. 1 Ki. 22:31. Zec. 13:7. care for us. Heb. set their heart on us. but now. The particle âttah, NOW, is doubtless a mistake for the pronoun attah, THOU: and so it appears to have been road by the LXX. Vulgate, and Chaldee, and by two of KENNICOTT’S and DE ROSSI’S MSS. worth, etc. Heb. as ten thousand of us. La. 4:20. succour. Heb. be to succour. ch. 10:11. Ex. 17:10–12.
4 by the gate. ver. 24. Is. 28:6. by hundreds. David’s small company, by this time, was greatly recruited; but what its number was we cannot tell. JOSEPHUS says it amounted only to 4000 men. ver. 1. 1 Sa. 29:2.
5 Deal gently. ch. 16:11; 17:1–4, 14. De. 21:18–21. Ps. 103:13. Lu. 23:34. all the people. ver. 12.
6 wood of Ephraim. The wood of Ephraim was evidently beyond Jordan, and apparently not far from Mahanaim; and it is supposed to be the place where the Ephraimites were slain by Jephthah. Jos. 17:15, 18. Ju. 12:4–6.
7 the people. ch. 2:17; 15:6; 19:41–43. a great. Pr. 11:21; 24:21. twenty thousand men. ch. 2:26, 31. 2 Ch. 13:16, 17; 28:6.
8 the wood. That is, probably, many more were slain in pursuit through the wood than in the battle, by falling into swamps, pits, etc., and being entangled and cut down by David’s men. Such is the relation of JOSEPHUS; but the Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic state, that they were devoured by wild beasts in the wood. Ex. 15:10. Jos. 10:11. Ju. 5:20, 21. 1 Ki. 20:30. Ps. 3:7; 43:1. devoured more. Heb. multiplied to devour.
9 his head. Riding furiously under the thick boughs of a great oak, which hung low and had never been cropped, either the twisted branches, or some low forked bough of the tree, caught him by the neck, or, as some think, by the loops into which his long hair had been pinned, which had been so much his pride, and was now justly made a halter for him. He may have hung so low from the bough, in consequence of the length of his hair, that he could not use his hands to help himself, or so entangled that his hands were bound, so that the more he struggled the more he was embarrassed. This set him up as a fair mark to the servants of David; and although David would have spared his rebellious son, if his orders had been executed, yet he could not turn the sword of Divine justice, in executing the just, righteous sentence of death on this traitorous son. ver. 14; ch. 14:26; 17:23. Mat. 27:5. taken up. De. 21:23; 27:16, 20. Job 18:8–10; 31:3. Ps. 63:9, 10. Pr. 20:20; 30:17. Je. 48:44. Mar. 7:10. Ga. 3:13.
12 receive. etc. Heb. weigh upon mine hand. in our hearing. ver. 5. Beware, etc. Heb. Beware, whosoever ye be, of the, etc.
13 wrought. ch. 1:15, 16; 4:10–12. for there is no. ch. 14:19, 20. He. 4:13.
14 with thee. Heb. before thee. thrust them. ver. 5. Ju. 4:21; 5:26, 31. Ps. 45:5. 1 Th. 5:3. midst. Heb. heart. Mat. 12:40.
16 blew the trumpet. ch. 2:28; 20:22. Nu. 10:2–10. 1 Co. 14:8.
17 laid. This was the ancient method of burying, whether heroes or traitors; the heap of stones being designed to perpetuate the memory of the event, whether good or bad. The Arabs in general make use of no other monument than a heap of stones over a grave. Thus, in an Arabic poem, it is related, that Hatim the father, and Adi the grandfather of Kais, having been murdered, at a time before Kais was capable of reflection, his mother kept it a profound secret; and in order to guard him against having any suspicion, she collected a parcel of stones on two hillocks in the neighbourhood, and told her son that the one was the grave of his father, and the other of his grandfather. The ancient cairns in Ireland and Scotland, and the tumuli in England, are of this kind. Jos. 7:26; 8:29; 10:27. Pr. 10:7. Je. 22:18, 19.
18 reared up. 1 Sa. 15:12. the king’s. Ge. 14:17. I have no son. ch. 14:27. Job 18:16, 17. Ps. 109:13. Je. 22:30. he called. Ge. 11:4. 1 Sa. 15:12. Ps. 49:11. Da. 4:30. Absalom’s place. JOSEPHUS says there was in his time, about two furlongs from Jerusalem, a marble pillar called Absalom’s hand, as it is in the Hebrew, (See Note on 1 Sa. 15:12;) and there is one shewn to the present day, in the valley of Jehoshaphat, which, though comparatively a modern structure, probably occupies the site of the original one set up by Absalom. Ge. 11:9. Ac. 1:18, 19.
19 Ahimaaz. ver. 23, 27–29; ch. 15:36; 17:17. avenged him. Heb. judged him from the hand, etc. Ps. 7:6, 8, 9; 9:4–16; 10:14–18. Ro. 12:19.
20 bear tidings. Heb. be a man of tidings. ch. 17:16–21. because. ver. 5, 27, 29, 33.
22 howsoever. Heb. be what may. ready. or, convenient. Ro. 1:28. Ep. 5:4.
23 overran Cushi. Jno. 20:4.
24 between. ver. 4. 1 Sa. 4:13. the watchman. 2 Ki. 9:17–20. Is. 21:6–9, 11, 12. Eze. 33:2–7.
27 Methinketh. Heb. I see. 2 Ki. 9:20. He is a good. 1 Ki. 1:42. Pr. 25:13, 25. Is. 52:7. Ro. 10:15.
28 All is well. or, Peace be to thee. Heb. Peace. he fell down upon his face. This act was not only in reverence to the king, but in humble adoration of God, whose name he praises for this victory. The more our hearts are fixed and enlarged, in thanksgiving to God for our mercies, the better disposed we shall be to bear with patience the afflictions mixed with them. ch. 1:2; 14:4. Blessed. ch. 22:47. Ge. 14:20; 24:27. 2 Ch. 20:26. Ps. 115:1; 124:6; 144:1, 2. Re. 19:1–3. delivered up. Heb. shut up. 1 Sa. 24:18; 26:8. Ps. 31:8.
29 Is the young man Absalom safe? Heb. is there peace to, etc.? I saw a great. ver. 19, 20, 22.
31 Tidings. Heb. Tidings is brought. the Lord. ver. 19, 28; ch. 22:48, 49. De. 32:35, 36. Ps. 58:10; 94:1–4; 124:2, 3. Lu. 18:7, 8. Cushi was the man Joab ordered to carry the tidings to David. He was an Ethiopian, as his name signifies, and some think he was so by birth—a black, who waited on Joab, probably one of the ten who had helped to dispatch Absalom; though it was dangerous for one of those to bring the news to David, lest his fate should be the same with theirs that reported the death of Saul and Ishbosheth to him.
32 The enemies. Thus Cushi obliquely and slowly informs David of the death of his son Absalom. Ju. 5:31. Ps. 68:1, 2. Da. 4:19.
33 O my son. ch. 19:4. would God. ch. 12:10–23. Ps. 103:13. Pr. 10:1; 17:25. Ja. 5:17.


  CHAP. 19

  Joab causes the king to cease his mourning, 1–8. The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back, 9, 10. David sends to the priests to incite them of Judah, 11–17. Shimei is pardoned, 18–23; Mephibosheth excused, 24–31; Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king’s family, 32–40. The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them, 41–43.

1 ch. 18:5, 12, 14, 20, 33. Pr. 17:25.
2 victory. Heb. salvation, or, deliverance. turned. Pr. 16:15; 19:12.
3 into the city. ver. 32; ch. 17:24. steal. Ge. 31:27.
4 covered. See on ch. 15:30. O my son. It is allowed by competent critics that the lamentation of David over his son, of which this forms a part, is exceedingly pathetic; and CALMET properly remarks, that the frequent repetition of the name of the deceased is common in the language of lamentation, ch. 18:33.
5 Thou. hast. Every one must admit that David’s immoderate grief for his rebellious son was imprudent, and that Joab’s firm and sensible reproof was necessary to arouse him to a sense of his duty to his people: but, in his manner, Joab far exceeded the bounds of that reverence which a servant owes to his master, or a subject to his prince. saved. Ne. 9:27. Ps. 3:8; 18:47, 48.
6 In that, etc. Heb. By loving, etc. thou regardest, etc. Heb. princes or servants are not to thee. then it had. ch. 3:24, 25. Job 34:18. Pr. 19:9–10. Ac. 23:5.
7 comfortably unto thy. Heb. to the heart of thy. Ge. 34:3. Pr. 19:15. Is. 40:1. Ho. 2:14, marg. there. Pr. 14:28. all the evil. Ps. 71:4–6, 9–11, 18–20; 129:1, 2.
8 sat in the gate. How prudently and mildly David took the reproof and counsel given him! He shook off his grief, anointed his head, and washed his face, that he might not appear unto men to mourn, and then made his appearance at the gate of the city, which was the public place of resort for the hearing of causes and giving judgment, as well as a place to ratify special bargains. Thither the people flocked to congratulate him on his and their safety, and that all was well. When we are convinced of a fault, we must amend, though we are told of it by our inferiors in a way which is peculiarly painful to our natural feelings. This ancient custom still obtains in the East; for when Dr. POCOCKE returned from viewing the town of ancient Byblus, he says, ‘The sheik and the elders were sitting in the gate of the city, after the ancient manner, and I sat awhile with them.’ ch. 18:4, 24. for Israel. ver. 3; ch. 18:6–8. 1 Ki. 22:36. 2 Ki. 14:12.
9 strife. Ge. 3:12, 13. Ex. 32:24. Ja. 3:14–16. The king. ch. 8:10. 1 Sa. 17:50; 18:5–7, 25; 19:5. he is fled. ch. 15:14.
10 whom. ch. 15:12, 13. Ho. 8:4. is dead. ch. 18:14. speak ye not a word. Heb. are ye silent? Ju. 18:9.
11 sent. ch. 15:29, 35, 36. 1 Ki. 2:25, 26, 35. Speak. 2 Co. 5:20. Why are. Mat. 5:16. 2 Th. 3:9.
12 my bones. ch. 5:1. Ge. 2:23. Ju. 9:2. Ep. 5:30.
13 Amasa. ch. 17:25. 1 Ch. 2:16, 17; 12:18. God. Ru. 1:17. 1 Ki. 19:2. room of Joab. ver. 5–7; ch. 3:29, 30; 8:16; 18:11.
14 he bowed. The measures that he pursued were the best calculated that could be adopted for accomplishing this salutary end. David appears to take no notice of their infidelity, but rather to place confidence in them, that their confidence in him might be naturally excited; and to oblige them yet farther, purposes to make Amasa general of the army, instead of Joab. even. Ju. 20:1. Ps. 110:2–3. Ac. 4:32.
15 Gilgal. Jos. 5:9. 1 Sa. 11:14, 15.
16 Shimei. It appears that Shimei was a powerful chieftain in the land; for he had here in his retinue no less than a thousand men. ch. 16:5–13. 1 Ki. 2:8, 36–46. hasted. Job 2:4. Pr. 6:4, 5. Mat. 5:25.
17 Ziba. ver. 26, 27; ch. 9:2, 10; 16:1–4.
18 And there. The LXX. connecting this with the preceding verse, render, και κατευθυναν τον Ιορδανην εμπροσθεν του βασιλεως, και ελειτουργησαν την λειτουργιαν του διαβιβασαι τον βασιλεα, ‘and they made ready Jordan before the king, and did the necessary service to bring over the king;’ and the Vulgate has, et irrumpentes Jordanem, ante regem transierunt vada, ut traducerent domum regis, ‘and breaking into Jordan, they passed the fords before the king, to bring over the king’s household.’ JOSEPHUS says they prepared a bridge over the Jordan, to facilitate his passage. what he thought good. Heb. the good in his eyes. fell down. Ps. 66:3; 81:15. Re. 3:9.
19 And said. Ec. 10:4. Let not. 1 Sa. 22:15. Ps. 32:2. Ro. 4:6–8. 2 Co. 5:19. remember. Ps. 79:8. Is. 43:25. Je. 31:34. did perversely. ch. 16:5–9, etc. Ex. 10:16, 17. 1 Sa. 26:21. Mat. 27:4. take it. ch. 13:20, 33. 1 Sa. 25:25.
20 I am come. Ps. 78:34–37. Je. 22:23. Ho. 5:15. Joseph. ver. 9; ch. 16:5. Ge. 48:14, 20. 1 Ki. 12:20, 25. Ho. 4:15–17; 5:3.
21 Shall not. Ex. 22:28. 1 Ki. 21:10, 11. cursed. ch. 16:5–7, 13. 1 Sa. 24:6; 26:9.
22 What have. ch. 3:39; 16:10. 1 Sa. 26:8. Mat. 8:29. shall there any man. 1 Sa. 11:13. Is. 16:5. Lu. 9:54–56.
23 Thou shalt. 1 Ki. 2:8, 9, 37, 46. sware. 1 Sa. 28:10; 30:15. He. 6:16.
24 Mephibosheth. ch. 9:6; 16:3. dressed his feet. Literally, made his feet, which seems to mean washing the feet, paring the nails, and perhaps anointing or otherwise perfuming them, if not tinging the nails with henna; see Note on De. 21:12. Sir JOHN CHARDIN, in his MS. note on this place, informs us, that it is customary in the East to have as much care of the feet as the hands; and that their barbers cut and adjust the nails with a proper instrument, because they often go barefoot. The nails of the toes of the mummies inspected in London in 1763, of which an account is given in the Philosophical Transactions for 1764, seem to have been tinged with some reddish colour. ch. 15:30. Is. 15:2. Je. 41:5. Mat. 6:16. Ro. 12:15. He. 13:3. trimmed. Literally, made his beard, which may mean, combing, curling, and perfuming it. But Mr. MORIER says that they almost universally dye the beard black, by successive layers of a paste made of henna, and another made of the leaf of the indigo: the first tinging it with an orange colour, and the next with a dark bottle green, which becomes jet black when exposed to the air for twenty-four hours.
25 Wherefore. ch. 16:17.
26 I will saddle. ch. 16:2, 3. thy servant. ch. 4:4.
27 slandered. ch. 16:3. Ex. 20:16. Ps. 15:3; 101:5. Je. 9:4. as an angel. ch. 14:17, 20. 1 Sa. 29:9.
28 were. Ge. 32:10. dead men. Heb. men of death. 1 Sa. 26:16. didst thou. ch. 9:7, 8, 10, 13. to cry. 2 Ki. 8:3.
29 Why speakest. Job 19:16, 17. Pr. 18:13. Ac. 18:15. Thou. De. 19:17–19. Ps. 82:2; 101:5.
30 Yea. ch. 1:26. Ac. 20:24. Phi. 1:20.
31 1 Ki. 2:7. Ezr. 2:61. Ne. 7:63.
32 fourscore. Ge. 5:27; 9:29; 25:7; 47:28; 50:26. De. 34:7. Ps. 90:3–10. Pr. 16:31. provided. ch. 17:27. for he was. 1 Sa. 25:2. Job 1:3.
33 Come thou. ch. 9:11. Mat. 25:34–40. Lu. 22:28–30. 2 Th. 1:7.
34 How long have I to live? Heb. How many days are the years of my life? Ge. 47:9. Job 14:14. Ps. 39:5, 6. 1 Co. 7:29. Ja. 4:14.
35 can I discern. Job 6:30; 12:11. He. 5:14. 1 Pe. 2:3. taste. Ec. 12:1–5. I hear. Ezr. 2:65. Ne. 7:67. Ec. 2:8; 12:4. a burden. ch. 13:25; 15:33.
36 the king. Lu. 6:38.
37 Let thy. The whole of this little episode is extremely interesting, and contains an affecting description of the infirmities of old age. The venerable and kind Barzillai was fourscore years old; his ear was become dull of hearing, and his relish for even royal dainties was gone: the evil days had arrived in which he was constrained to say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’ (Ec. 12:1.) As he was too old either to enjoy the pleasures of a court, or to be of any further service to the king, he finishes his affecting address to the aged monarch with the request, that he would suffer him to enjoy what old men naturally desire, to ‘die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and my mother;’ at the same time commending his son Chimham to his kind offices. I may die. Ge. 48:21. Jos. 23:14. Lu. 2:29, 30. 2 Ti. 4:6. 2 Pe. 1:14. by the grave. Ge. 47:30; 49:29–31; 50:13. 1 Ki. 13:22. Chimham. ver. 40. 1 Ki. 2:7. Je. 41:17.
38 require. Heb. choose.
39 the king. The kiss was the token of friendship and farewell; the blessing was a prayer to God for his prosperity: probably a prophetical benediction. kissed Barzillai. Ge. 31:55; 45:15. Ru. 1:14. 1 Ki. 19:20. Ac. 20:37. 1 Th. 5:26. blessed. ch. 6:18, 20; 13:25. Ge. 14:19; 28:3; 47:7, 10. Lu. 2:34. returned. Ge. 31:55. Nu. 24:25. 1 Sa. 24:22.
40 Chimham. Heb. Chimhan. all the people. ver. 11–15. Ge. 49:10. Mat. 21:9.
41 Why have. Ju. 8:1; 12:1. Jno. 7:5, 6. stolen. ver. 3. Ge. 31:26–27.
42 Because. ver. 12; ch. 5:1. 1 Ch. 2:3–17.
43 We have. ch. 20:1, 6. 1 Ki. 12:16. ten parts. ch. 5:1. Pr. 13:10. despise us. Heb. set us at light. our advice. ver. 9, 14. Ga. 5:20, 26. Phi. 2:3. the words. Ju. 8:1; 9:23; 12:1–6. Pr. 15:1; 17:14; 18:19. Ro. 12:21. Ga. 5:15, 20. Ja. 1:20; 3:2–10, 14–16; 4:1–5. Whatever value or respect the men of Israel at this time professed for their king, they would not have quarrelled so fiercely about their own credit and interest in recalling him, if they had been truly sorry for their former rebellion.


  CHAP. 20

  By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba makes a party in Israel, 1, 2. David’s ten concubines are put in confinement for life, 3. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab, 4–13. Joab pursues Sheba unto Abel, 14, 15. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba’s head, 16–22. David’s officers, 23–26.

1 And there. ch. 19:41–43. Ps. 34:19. a man. ch. 23:6. De. 13:13. Ju. 19:22. 1 Sa. 2:12; 30:22. Ps. 17:13. Pr. 26:21. Hab. 1:12–13. he blew. ch. 15:10. Ju. 3:27. Pr. 24:21, 22; 25:8. We have. ch. 19:43. 1 Ki. 12:16. 2 Ch. 10:6. Lu. 19:14, 27.
2 every man. ch. 19:41. Ps. 62:9; 118:8–10. Pr. 17:14. the men. Jno. 6:66–68. Ac. 11:23. from Jordan. ch. 19:15, 40, 41. 2 Ch. 10:17.
3 ten women. ch. 15:16; 16:21, 22. and put. The confinement and retired maintenance of these women was the only measure which in justice and prudence could be adopted. In China, when an emperor dies, all his women are removed to an edifice called the palace of chastity, situated within the palace, in which they are shut up for the remainder of their lives. ward. Heb. an house of ward. Ge. 40:3. shut. Heb. bound. living in widowhood. Heb. in widowhood of life.
4 Amasa. ch. 17:25; 19:13. 1 Ch. 2:17. Assemble. Heb. Call.
5 So Amasa. ch. 19:13. tarried 1 Sa. 13:8.
6 Abishai. ch. 2:18; 3:30, 39; 10:9, 10, 14; 18:2, 12; 21:17; 23:18. 1 Sa. 26:6. 1 Ch. 11:20; 18:12. do us. ch. 19:7. thy lord’s. ch. 11:11. 1 Ki. 1:33. escape us. Heb. deliver himself from our eyes.
7 ver. 23; ch. 8:16–18; 15:18; 23:22, 23. 1 Ki. 1:38, 44.
8 in Gibeon. ch. 2:13; 3:30. Amasa. ver. 4, 5.
9 Art thou. Ps. 55:21. Pr. 26:24–26. Mi. 7:2. took Amasa. THEVENOT says, that among the Turks it is a great affront to take one by the beard, unless it be to kiss him, in which case they often do it. D’ARVIEUX, describing an assembly of Arab emirs at an entertainment, says, ‘After the usual civilities, caresses, kissings of the beard, and of the hand, which every one gave and received according to his rank and dignity, they sat down upon mats.’ The doing this by the Arab emirs corresponds with the conduct of Joab, and illustrates this horrid assassination. to kiss him. Mat. 26:48, 49. Lu. 22:47, 48.
10 in Joab’s. ver. 9. Ju. 3:21. 1 Ch. 12:2. he smote. ch. 2:23; 3:27. Ge. 4:8. 1 Ki. 2:5–6, 31–34. and shed. Ac. 1:18, 19. struck him not again. Heb. doubled not his stroke. 1 Sa. 26:8.
11 He that. ver. 6, 7, 13, 21. for David. ver. 4. 2 Ki. 9:32.
12 ch. 17:25. Ps. 9:16; 55:23. Pr. 24:21, 22.
14 Abel. Or rather, probably, Abel of Beth-Maachah, as in the next verse. It appears, from Joab having marched ‘through all the tribes of Israel,’ to have been situated in the northern confines of the land of Israel, and in the half tribe of Manasseh, east of Jordan, as that was the situation of Maachah, to which it belonged. This agrees with the situation of the Abela which EUSEBIUS and JEROME place between Paneas, or Cæsarea Philippi, and Damascus. JOSEPHUS says it was a fortified city, and a metropolis of the Israelites; and also that it belonged to the ten tribes, having been taken from the king of Damascus. 1 Ki. 15:20. 2 Ki. 15:29. 2 Ch. 16:4. Berites. Jos. 18:25, Beeroth.
15 cast up. 2 Ki. 19:32. Je. 32:24; 33:4. Lu. 19:43. a bank. So LXX. generally render solelah, by προσχωμα or χωμα; which latter is described by POTTER as ‘a mount, which was raised so high as to equal, if not exceed, the top of the besieged walls. The sides were walled in with bricks or stones, or secured with strong rafters; the fore part only, being by degrees to be moved near the walls, remained bare.’ it stood in the trench. or, it stood against the outmost wall. battered, etc. Heb. marred to throw down.
16 ch. 14:2. 1 Sa. 25:3, 32, 33. Ec. 9:14–18.
17 Hear the words. ch. 14:12. 1 Sa. 25:24.
18 They were wont, etc. or, They plainly spake in the beginning, saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, and so make an end. De. 20:10, 11.
19 peaceable. Ge. 18:23. Ro. 13:3, 4. 1 Ti. 2:2. a mother. Ju. 5:7. Eze. 16:45–49. swallow. ch. 17:16. Nu. 16:32; 26:10. Ps. 124:3. Je. 51:34, 44. La. 2:2, 5, 16. 1 Co. 15:54. 2 Co. 5:4. the inheritance. ch. 21:3. Ex. 19:5, 6. De. 32:9. 1 Sa. 26:19.
20 Far be it. ch. 23:17. Job 21:16; 22:18. that I should. ver. 10. Pr. 28:13. Je. 17:9. Lu. 10:29.
21 a man. ver. 1. Ju. 2:9; 7:24. 2 Ki. 5:22. Je. 4:15; 50:19. by name. Heb. by his name. lifted. ch. 23:18. 1 Sa. 24:6; 26:9. his head. ch. 17:2, 3. 2 Ki. 10:7. Ju. 18:4–8.
22 in her wisdom. Ec. 7:19; 9:14–18. he blew. ver. 1; ch. 2:28; 18:16. retired. Heb. were scattered. And Joab. ch. 3:28–39; 11:6–21. Ec. 8:11.
23 Now Joab. ch. 8:16–18. 1 Ch. 18:15–17. and Benaiah. See on ver. 7.
24 Adoram. 1 Ki. 4:6; 12:18. recorder. or, remembrancer. 1 Ki. 4:3.
25 Sheva. ch. 8:17. 1 Ki. 4:4. 1 Ch. 18:16, Shavsha.
26 Ira. ch. 23:38. 1 Ch. 11:40, Ithrite. Jairite. Ju. 10:4, 5. chief ruler. or, prince. ch. 8:18. Ge. 41:43, 45. Ex. 2:14, 16. The Hebrew is cohen ledawid, which might be rendered, a priest of David; and so the Septuagint, Vulgate, Syriac, and Arabic. The Chaldee has rav, a chief or prince: probably he was a kind of domestic chaplain or seer to the king. See ch. 24:11. 2 Ch. 35:15.


  CHAP. 21

  The three years’ famine for the Gibeonites ceases, by hanging seven of Saul’s sons, 1–9. Rizpah’s kindness unto the dead, 10, 11. David buries the bones of Saul and Jonathan in his father’s sepulchre, 12–14. Four battles against the Philistines, wherein four valiants of David slay four giants, 15–22.

1 A.M. 2986. B.C. 1018. An. Ex. Is. 473. a famine. Ge. 12:10; 26:1; 41:57; 42:1; 43:1. Le. 26:19, 20, 26. 1 Ki. 17:1; 18:2. 2 Ki. 6:25; 8:1. Je. 14:1, etc. enquired. Heb. sought the face, etc. of the Lord. ch. 5:19–23. Nu. 27:21. 1 Sa. 23:2, 4, 11. Job 5:8–10; 10:2. Ps. 50:15; 91:15. It is. Jos. 7:1, 11, 12. Saul. 1 Sa. 22:17–19.
2 now the. Jos. 9:3–21. the Amorites. The Gibeonites were Hivites, not Amorites, as appears from Jos. 6:19; but Amorites is a name often given to the Canaanites in general. Ge. 15:16. Am. 2:9. in his zeal. De. 7:16. 1 Sa. 14:44; 15:8, 9. 2 Ki. 10:16, 31. Lu. 9:54, 55. Jno. 16:2. Ro. 10:2. Ga. 4:17.
3 wherewith. Ex. 32:30. Le. 1:4. 1 Sa. 2:25. Mi. 6:6, 7. He. 9:22; 10:4–12. bless, ch. 20:19.
4 We will, etc. or, It is not silver nor gold that we have to do with Saul, or his house; neither pertains it to us to kill, etc. no silver. Ps. 49:6–8. 1 Pe. 1:18, 19.
5 The man. ver. 1. Es. 9:24, 25. Mat. 7:2. devised. or, cut us off. Da. 9:26.
6 Let seven. As God accepted the expiation here demanded, we must suppose that both the enquiry of David, and the answer of the Gibeonites, were directed by some open or secret intimation from him. hang. ch. 17:23; 18:10. Ge. 40:19, 22. Nu. 25:4, 5. De. 21:22. Jos. 8:29; 10:26. Ezr. 6:11. Es. 9:10, 13, 14. Mat. 27:5. in. 1 Sa. 10:26; 11:4. whom the Lord did choose. or, the chosen of the Lord. 1 Sa. 9:16, 17; 10:1, 24. Ac. 13:21.
7 Mephibosheth. ch. 4:4; 9:10; 16:4; 19:25. because. 1 Sa. 18:3; 20:8, 15, 17, 42; 23:18.
8 Rizpah. ch. 3:7. and the five sons. This Adriel did not marry Michal, Saul’s younger daughter, but Merab, 1 Sa. 18:19; Michal being married to David, and afterwards to Phaltiel; though it is here said she bore, (yaledah,) not brought up, as falsely rendered, five sons to Adriel. Two of Dr. KENNICOTT’S MSS., however, have Merab, instead of Michal; the Syriac and Arabic have Nadab; and the Chaldee renders the passage thus: ‘And the five sons of Merab which Michal the daughter of Saul brought up, which she brought forth to Adriel the son of Barzillai.’ Michal. or, Michal’s sister. 1 Sa. 18:19. brought up for. Heb. bare to.
9 before the Lord. See on ver. 6; ch. 6:17, 21. Ex. 20:5. Nu. 35:31–34. De. 21:1–9. 1 Sa. 15:33. 2 Ki. 24:3, 4. in the beginning. This happened in Judea about the vernal equinox, or 21st of March. Ru. 1:22.
10 Rizpah.ver. 8; ch. 3:7. took sackcloth. 1 Ki. 21:27. Joel 1:13. from the. See on ver. 9. De. 21:13. until water. Some suppose that this means a providential supply of rain, in order to remove the famine; but from the manner in which it is introduced, it seems to denote the autumnal rains, which commence about October. For five months did this broken-hearted woman watch by the bodies of her sons! De. 11:14. 1 Ki. 18:41–45. Je. 5:24, 25; 14:22. Ho. 6:3. Joel 2:23. Zec. 10:1. the birds. Ge. 40:19. Eze. 39:4.
11 told David. ch. 2:4. Ru. 2:11, 12.
12 the bones of Saul. ch. 2:5–7. 1 Sa. 31:11–13. Beth-shan. Jos. 17:11. Beth-shean. 1 Sa. 31:10. in Gilboa. ch. 1:6, 21. 1 Sa. 28:4; 31:1. 1 Ch. 10:1, 8.
14 buried. ch. 3:32; 4:12. Zelah. Jos. 18:28. 1 Sa. 10:2, Zelzah. God. ch. 24:25. Ex. 32:27–29. Nu. 25:13. Jos. 7:26. 1 Ki. 18:40–41. Je. 14:1–7. Joel 2:18, 19. Am. 7:1–6. Jon. 1:15. Zec. 6:8.
15 the Philistines. ch. 5:17, 22. 1 Ch. 20:4. and David waxed faint. Jos. 14:10, 11. Ps. 71:9, 18; 73:26. Ec. 12:3. Is. 40:28–30. Je. 9:23–24. 1 Pe. 1:24, 25.
16 of the sons. Ge. 6:4. Nu. 13:32, 33. De. 1:28; 2:10, 21; 3:11; 9:2. 1 Sa. 17:4, 5. the giant. or, Rapha. ver. 18, 20, marg.; ch. 5:18. Ge. 14:5. whose spear. Heb. the staff, or, the head, thought. 1 Sa. 17:45–51.
17 Abishai. ch. 20:6–10. succoured. ch. 22:19. Ps. 46:1; 144:10. Thou shalt. ch. 18:3. quench. ch. 14:7. 1 Ki. 11:36; 15:4. Ps. 132:17. Jno. 1:8, 9; 5:35. light. Heb. candle, or lamp.
18 Sibbechai. 1 Ch. 11:29; 20:4. Saph. or, Sippai. 1 Ch. 20:4. the giant. or, Rapha. ver. 16, 20, marg.
19 Elhanan, etc. Instead of יערי ארגים בית הלחמי את גלית of the text, we should certainly read, as in the parallel text, ‘And Elhanan the son of Jair, slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath.’ 1 Ch. 11:26. Jaare-oregim. or, Jair. 1 Ch. 20:5. Goliath. 1 Sa. 17:4, etc.
20 yet a battle. 1 Ch. 20:6. the giant. or, Rapha. ver. 16, 18, marg.
21 defied. or, reproached. 1 Sa. 17:10, 25, 26, 36. 2 Ki. 19:13. Jonathan. 1 Ch. 27:32. Shimeah. 1 Sa. 16:9; 17:13, Shammah. 1 Ch. 2:13, Shimma.
22 four. 1 Ch. 20:8. fell by. Jos. 14:12. Ps. 60:12; 108:13; 118:15. Ec. 9:11. Je. 9:23. Ro. 8:31, 37.


  CHAP. 22

  David’s psalm of thanksgiving for God’s powerful deliverance, and manifold blessings.

1 David. Ps. 50:14; 103:1–6; 116:1, etc. words. Ex. 15:1. Ju. 5:1. in. ver. 49. Ps. 18, title; 34:19. Is. 12:1, etc. 2 Co. 1:10. 2 Ti. 4:18. Re. 7:9–17. and out. 1 Sa. 23:14; 24:15; 25:29; 26:24; 27:1.
2 De. 32:4. 1 Sa. 2:2. Ps. 18:2, etc.; 31:3; 42:9; 71:3; 91:2; 144:2. Mat. 16:18.
3 in him. He. 2:13. shield. Ge. 15:1. De. 33:29. Ps. 3:3; 5:12; 28:7; 84:9, 11; 115:9–11. Pr. 30:5. the horn. 1 Sa. 2:1. Lu. 1:69. my high. ver. 51. Ps. 61:3; 144:2. Pr. 18:10. my refuge. Ps. 9:9; 14:6; 18:2; 27:5; 32:7; 46:1, 7, 11; 59:16; 71:7; 142:4. Is. 32:2. Je. 16:9. my saviour. Is. 12:2; 45:21. Lu. 1:47, 71. Tit. 3:4, 6. thou savest. ver. 49. Ps. 55:9; 72:14; 86:14; 140:1, 4, 11.
4 I will. Ps. 116:2, 4, 13, 17. worthy. Ne. 9:5. Ps. 18:3; 66:2; 106:2; 148:1–4. Re. 4:11; 5:12. so. Ps. 34:6; 50:15; 55:16; 56:9; 57:1–3. Ro. 10:13.
5 waves. or, pangs. 1 Th. 5:3. the floods. Ps. 18:4; 69:14–15; 93:3, 4. Is. 59:19. Je. 46:7, 8. Re. 12:15, 16; 17:1, 15. ungodly men. Heb. Belial.
6 sorrows. or, cords. Job 36:8. Ps. 18:5; 116:3; 140:5. Pr. 5:22. Jon. 2:2. Ac. 2:24. the snares. Pr. 13:14; 14:27.
7 my distress. Ps. 116:4; 120:1. Mat. 26:38, 39. Lu. 22:44. He. 5:7. did hear. Ex. 3:7. Ps. 34:6, 15–17. out. 1 Ki. 8:28–30. Ps. 18:6; 27:4. Jon. 2:4, 7. Hab. 2:20. my cry. Ja. 5:4.
8 the earth. Ju. 5:4. Ps. 18:7; 77:18; 97:4. Hab. 3:6–11. Mat. 27:51; 28:2. Ac. 4:31. foundations. Job 26:11. Na. 1:5.
9 went. ver. 16. Ex. 15:7, 8; 19:18; 24:17. De. 32:22. Job 4:9; 41:20, 21. Ps. 18:8, 15; 97:3–5. Is. 30:27, 33. Je. 5:14; 15:14. He. 12:29. out of his. Heb. by his, etc. coals. Hab. 3:5.
10 bowed. Ps. 144:5. Is. 64:1–3. darkness. Ex. 20:21. De. 4:11. 1 Ki. 8:12. Ps. 97:2; 104:3. Mat. 27:45. Lu. 23:44, 45.
11 a cherub. Ge. 3:24, Ex. 25:19. 1 Sa. 4:4. Ps. 18:10; 68:17; 80:1; 99:1. Eze. 9:3; 10:2–14. He. 1:14. upon the. Ps. 104:3; 139:9.
12 made. ver. 10. Ps. 18:11, 12; 27:5; 97:2. dark waters. Heb. binding of waters.
13 coals of fire. ver. 9.
14 thundered. Ex. 19:6. Ju. 5:20. 1 Sa. 2:10; 7:10; 12:17, 18. Job 37:2–5; 40:9. Ps. 29:3–9; 77:16–19. Is. 30:30. Eze. 10:5. Re. 11:19.
15 arrows. De. 32:23. Jos. 10:10. Ps. 7:12, 13; 18:14; 45:5; 144:6, 7. Hab. 3:11.
16 the channels. Ex. 14:21–27; 15:8–10. Ps. 18:15–17; 114:3–7. rebuking. Ex. 15:8. Job 38:11. Ps. 106:9. Na. 1:4. Hab. 3:8–10. Mat. 8:26, 27. nostrils. or, anger. ver. 9. Ps. 74:1.
17 sent. Ps. 18:16; 144:7. he drew. Ps. 32:6; 59:1–2; 93:3–4; 124:4, 5; 130:1. Is. 43:2. La. 3:54. Re. 17:15. many. or, great.
18 delivered. ver. 1. Ps. 3:7; 56:9. 2 Co. 1:10. 2 Ti. 4:17.
19 prevented. ch. 15:10–13. 1 Sa. 19:11–17; 23:26, 27. Ps. 18:18, 19; 118:10–13. Mat. 27:39–44. the Lord. Ps. 71:20, 21. Is. 26:3–4; 50:10.
20 brought. Ge. 26:22. 1 Ch. 4:10. Ps. 31:8; 118:5. Ho. 4:16. delighted. ch. 15:26. Ps. 22:8; 147:11; 149:4. Is. 42:1. Mat. 3:17; 17:5; 27:43. Ac. 2:32–36.
21 rewarded. ver. 25. 1 Sa. 26:23. 1 Ki. 8:32. Ps. 7:3, 4, 8; 18:20–25; 19:11. 1 Co. 15:58. cleanness. Job 17:9. Ps. 24:4. Ja. 4:8.
22 I have kept. Nu. 16:15. 1 Sa. 12:3. Job 23:10–12. 2 Co. 1:12. the ways. Ge. 18:19. Ps. 119:1; 128:1. Pr. 8:32. have not. Ps. 36:3; 125:5. Zep. 1:6. Jno. 15:10. He. 10:38, 39.
23 For all. Ps. 119:6, 86, 128. Lu. 1:6. Jno. 15:14. judgments. De. 6:1, 2; 7:12. Ps. 19:8, 9; 119:13, 30, 102. I did not. De. 8:11.
24 upright. Ge. 6:9; 17:1. Job 1:1. Ps. 51:6; 84:11. Jno. 1:47. 2 Co. 5:11. before him. Heb. to him. kept. Pr. 4:23. He. 12:1.
25 recompensed. ver. 21. Is. 3:10. Ro. 2:7, 8. 2 Co. 5:10. in his eye sight. Heb. before his eyes. Pr. 5:21.
26 the merciful. Mat. 5:7. Ja. 2:13.
27 the pure. Mat. 5:8. froward. Le. 26:23–28. De. 28:58–61. Ps. 125:5. shew thyself unsavoury. or, wrestle. Ex. 18:11. Ps. 18:26. Is. 45:9.
28 afflicted. Ex. 3:7, 8. Ps. 12:5; 72:12, 13; 140:12. Is. 61:1–3; 63:9. Mat. 5:3. but thine. Ex. 9:14–17; 10:3; 18:11. Job 40:11, 12. Ps. 138:6. Pr. 21:4. Is. 2:11; 5:15; 37:23, 28, 29. Da. 4:37. Ja. 4:6, 7. 1 Pe. 5:5, 6.
29 lamp. or, candle. Job 29:3. Ps. 27:1; 84:11. Jno. 8:12. Re. 21:23. lighten. Ps. 4:6; 18:28; 97:11; 112:4. Is. 50:10; 60:19, 20. Mi. 7:9. Mal. 4:2. Jno. 12:46.
30 run through. or, broken. Ps. 18:29; 118:10–12. Ro. 8:37. Phi. 4:13.
31 his way. De. 32:4. Da. 4:37. Mat. 5:48. Re. 15:3. the word. Ps. 12:6; 18:30; 119:140. Pr. 30:5. tried. or, refined. a buckler. ver. 3. Ps. 35:2; 91:4. Pr. 2:7.
32 For who. De. 32:31, 39. 1 Sa. 2:2. Is. 44:6, 8; 45:5, 6, 21. Je. 10:6, 7, 16. a rock. ver. 2, 3.
33 strength. Ex. 15:2. Ps. 18:32; 27:1; 28:7, 8; 31:4; 46:1. Is. 41:10. Zec. 10:12. 2 Co. 12:9. Ep. 6:10. Phi. 4:13. maketh. Heb. riddeth, or looseth. my way. He. 13:21. perfect. De. 18:13. Job 22:3. Ps. 101:2, 6; 119:1.
34 maketh. Heb. equalleth to. like hinds’. ch. 2:18. De. 33:25. Hab. 3:19. setteth. De. 32:13. Is. 33:16; 58:14.
35 teacheth. Ps. 18:33, 34; 144:1. to war. Heb. for the war. a bow. Ps. 46:9. Eze. 39:3, 9, 10.
36 the shield. Ge. 15:1. Ps. 84:11. Ep. 6:16 gentleness. Ps. 18:35. made me great. Heb. multiplied me. Ge. 12:2; 22:17. Ps. 115:14.
37 enlarged. Ps. 4:1; 18:36. Pr. 4:12. feet. Heb. ankles. 1 Sa. 2:9. Ps. 17:5; 94:18; 121:3.
38 ch. 5:18–25; 8:1, 2, 13, 14; 10:14. Ps. 21:8–9. Ro. 8:37.
39 Ps. 18:37, 38; 110:1, 5, 6; 118:10–12. Mal. 4:1–3.
40 girded. 1 Sa. 17:49–51; 23:5. Ps. 18:32, 39. Is. 45:5. Col. 1:11. them. Ps. 44:5; 114:2. subdued. Heb. caused to bow. Is. 60:14. Re. 5:9.
41 necks. Ge. 49:8. Ex. 23:27. Jos. 10:24. Ps. 18:40, 41. I might. Ps. 21:8, 9. Lu. 19:14, 27. 2 Th. 1:8, 9.
42 unto the Lord. 1 Sa. 28:6. Job 27:9. Pr. 1:28. Is. 1:15. Eze. 20:3. Mi. 3:4. Mat. 7:22, 23. Lu. 13:25, 26.
43 as small. 2 Ki. 13:7. Ps. 35:5. Da. 2:35. Mal. 4:1. as the mire. Ps. 18:42. Is. 10:6. Mi. 7:10. Zec. 10:5. did spread. De. 32:26. Is. 26:15. Zec. 2:6. Lu. 21:24.
44 delivered. ch. 3:1; 5:1; 18:6–8; 19:9–14; 20:1–2, 22. Ps. 2:1–6; 18:43. Ac. 4:25–28; 5:30, 31. head. ch. 8:1–14. De. 28:13. Ps. 2:8; 60:8, 9; 72:8, 9; 110:6. Is. 60:12. Da. 7:14. Ro. 15:12. Re. 11:15. a people. Is. 55:5; 65:1. Ho. 2:23. Ro. 9:25.
45 Strangers. Heb. Sons of the stranger. Is. 56:3–6. submit themselves. or, yield feigned obedience. Heb. lie. De. 33:29. Ps. 18:44, 45; 66:3; 81:15. Ac. 8:13, 21–23.
46 fade away. Is. 64:6. Ja. 1:11. out. Is. 2:19, 21. Am. 9:3. Mi. 7:17.
47 Lord. De. 32:39, 40. Job 19:25. the rock of. Ps. 89:26. Lu. 1:47.
48 avengeth me. Heb. giveth avengement for me. ch. 18:19, 31. 1 Sa. 25:30. Ps. 94:1. that bringeth. Ps. 110:1; 144:2. 1 Co. 15:25.
49 thou also. ch. 5:12; 7:8, 9. Nu. 24:7, 17–19. 1 Sa. 2:8. Ps. 18:48. the violent. Ps. 52:1; 140:1.
50 among. Ro. 15:9. I will sing. Ps. 18:49; 145:1, 2; 146:1, 2. Is. 12:1–6.
51 the tower. ver. 2. Ps. 3:3; 21:1; 48:3; 89:26; 91:2; 144:10. his anointed. Ps. 18:50; 89:20. seed. ch. 7:12, 13. Ps. 18:50; 89:29, 36. Je. 30:9. Lu. 1:31–33. Re. 11:15.


  CHAP. 23

  David, in his last words, professes his faith in God’s promises to be beyond sense or experience, 1–5. The different state of the wicked, 6, 7. A catalogue of David’s mighty men, 8–39.

1 A.M. 2989. B.C. 1015. An. Ex. Is. 476. the last. Ge. 49:1. De. 33:1. Jos. ch. 23; 24. Ps. 72:20. 2 Pe. 1:13–15. raised. ch. 7:8, 9; Ps. 78:70. the anointed. 1 Sa. 2:10; 16:12, 13. Ps. 2:6; 89:20. sweet psalmist. 1 Ch. 16:4, 5, 7, 9. Am. 6:5. Lu. 20:42; 24:44. Ep. 5:19, 20. Col. 3:16. Ja. 5:13.
2 Mat. 22:43. Mar. 12:36. Ac. 2:25–31. He. 3:7, 8. 2 Pe. 1:21.
3 God. Ge. 33:20. Ex. 3:15; 19:5, 6; 20:2. the Rock. ch. 22:2–32. De. 32:4–30, 31. Ps. 42:9. He that ruleth. or, Be thou ruler, etc. Ps. 110:2. must be just. Ex. 23:6–8. De. 16:18–20. Ps. 82:3, 4. Pr. 31:9. Is. 11:4, 5; 32:1. Je. 23:5. Zec. 9:9. He. 1:8. ruling. Ex. 18:21. 2 Ch. 19:7–9. Ne. 5:15.
4 as the light. Ju. 5:31. Ps. 89:36; 110:3. Pr. 4:18. Is. 60:1, 3, 18–20. Ho. 6:5. Mal. 4:2. Lu. 1:78, 79. Jno. 1:7. morning. Ho. 6:3. tender. De. 32:2. Ps. 72:6. Is. 4:2. Mi. 5:7.
5 Although. ch. 7:18; 12:10; 13:14, 28; 18:14. 1 Ki. 1:5; 2:24, 25; 11:6–8; 12:14. he hath made. ch. 7:14–16. 1 Ch. 17:11–14. Ps. 89:3, 28. Is. 9:6, 7; 55:3; 61:8. Je. 32:40; 33:25, 26. Eze. 37:26. He. 13:20. and sure. 1 Sa. 2:35; 25:28. 1 Ki. 11:38. Ac. 13:34. He. 6:19. all my salvation. Ps. 62:2; 119:81. desire. Ps. 27:4; 63:1–3; 73:25, 26. to grow. Is. 4:2; 7:14; 9:6, 7; 11:1; 27:6. Am. 9:11. 1 Co. 3:6, 7.
6 the sons. ch. 20:1. De. 13:13. 1 Sa. 2:12. thorns. Ge. 3:18. Ca. 2:2. Is. 33:12. Eze. 2:6.
7 fenced. Heb. filled. and they shall. ch. 22:8–10. Is. 27:4. Mat. 3:10–12; 13:42. Lu. 19:14, 27. Jno. 15:6. 2 Th. 1:8; 2:8. He. 6:8.
8 A.M. 2949–2989. B.C. 1055–1015. An. Ex. Is. 436–476. The Tachmonite. or, Josheb-bassebet, the Tachmonite, head of the three. 1 Ch. 11:11, 12; 27:2, 32. It is highly probable that in this verse, instead of yoshaiv bashshaiveth tachkemoni, we should read yoshvám ben chachmoni, ‘Joshebeam, son of Hachmoni;’ and instead of hoo adino haëtzni, hoo ôrair eth chanitho, ‘he lift up his spear,’ which are the readings in the parallel place in Chronicles, where it is also ‘three hundred,’ instead of ‘eight hundred.’ whom he slew. Heb. slain.
9 Eleazar. 1 Ch. 11:12–14; 27:4, Dodai. defied. Nu. 23:7, 8. 1 Sa. 17:10–26, 36, 45, 46. the men. Is. 63:3, 5. Mar. 14:50.
10 the Lord. Jos. 10:10, 42; 11:8. Ju. 15:14, 18. 1 Sa. 11:13; 14:6, 23; 19:5. 2 Ki. 5:1. Ps. 108:13; 144:10. Ro. 15:18. 2 Co. 4:5. Ep. 6:10–18. and the people. Ps. 68:12. Is. 53:12.
11 Shammah. 1 Ch. 11:27, Shammoth the Harorite. the Philistines. 1 Ch. 11:13, 14. into a troop. or, for foraging.
12 the Lord. See on ver. 10. Ps. 3:8; 44:2. Pr. 21:31.
13 three, etc. or, the three captains over the thirty. 1 Ch. 11:15–19. Shalishim, ‘captains,’ should most probably be read, instead of shaloshim: thirty shalishim, as it is in ver. 8, and Ex. 14:7 where LXX. render τριστατας, which JEROME (on Ezek. 33) says ‘among the Greeks is the name of the second rank after the royal dignity.’ the cave. Jos. 12:15; 15:35. 1 Sa. 22:1. Mi. 1:15. the valley. ch. 5:18, 22. 1 Ch. 11:15; 14:9. Is. 17:5.
14 an hold. 1 Sa. 22:1, 4, 5; 24:22. 1 Ch. 12:16. garrison. 1 Sa. 10:5; 13:4, 23; 14:1, 6.
15 longed. Nu. 11:4, 5. Ps. 42:1, 2; 63:1; 119:81. Is. 41:17–18; 44:3. Jno. 4:10, 14; 7:37. Bethlehem. Bethlehem signifies the ‘house of bread,’ and the place was likewise noted for excellent water. There Christ was born, who is the ‘bread of life,’ and who also gives us the ‘water of life.’ ‘The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Jno. 4:14.
16 the three. ver. 9. 1 Sa. 19:5. Ac. 20:24. Ro. 5:7. 2 Co. 5:14. poured it. Nu. 28:7. 1 Sa. 7:6. La. 2:19. Phi. 2:17.
17 Be it far. ch. 20:20. Ge. 44:17. 1 Sa. 2:30; 26:11. 1 Ki. 21:3. 1 Ch. 11:19. the blood. Ge. 9:4. Le. 17:10. Ps. 72:14. Mat. 26:28. Mar. 14:24. Jno. 6:52–54. jeopardy. Ju. 5:18. 1 Co. 15:30.
18 Abishai. ch. 2:18; 3:30; 10:10, 14; 18:2; 20:10. 1 Sa. 26:6–8. 1 Ch. 2:16; 11:20, 21. and slew them. Heb. slain.
19 he attained. ver. 9, 13, 16. 1 Ch. 11:25. Mat. 13:8, 23. 1 Co. 15:41.
20 Benaiah. ch. 8:18; 20:23. 1 Ki. 1:8, 26, 38; 2:29–35, 46. 1 Ch. 18:17; 27:5, 6. Kabzeel. Jos. 15:21. who had done many acts. Heb. great of acts. he slew. Ex. 15:15. lion-like men. Heb. lions of God. ch. 1:23. 1 Ch. 11:22–24; 12:8. slew a lion. Ju. 14:5, 6. 1 Sa. 17:34–37.
21 a goodly man. Heb. a man of countenance, or sight, called, 1 Ch. 11:23, a man of great stature. slew him. 1 Sa. 17:51. Col. 2:15.
23 more honourable. or, honourable among the thirty. 1 Ch. 27:6. over his guard. or, over his council. Heb. at his command. ch. 8:8; 20:23. 1 Sa. 22:14.
24 Asahel. ch. 2:18. 1 Ch. 11:26; 27:7.
25 Shammah. 1 Ch. 11:27, 28, Shammoth the Harorite.
26 Paltite. 1 Ch. 11:27; 27:10, Pelonite. Ira. 1 Ch. 11:28; 27:9. Tekoite. See on ch. 14:2.
27 Abiezer. 1 Ch. 11:28, Antothite; 27:12, Anetothite. Mebunnai. 1 Ch. 11:29, Sibbecai.
28 Maharai. 1 Ch. 11:30; 27:13.
29 Heleb. 1 Ch. 11:30, Heled; 27:15, Heldai. Ittai. 1 Ch. 11:31, Ithai.
30 Benaiah. 1 Ch. 11:31; 27:14. Pirathonite. Ju. 12:15. Hiddai. 1 Ch. 11:32, Hurai. brooks. or, valleys. De. 1:24. Ju. 2:9.
31 Abi-albon. 1 Ch. 11:32, Abiel. Barhumite. 1 Ch. 11:33, Baharumite.
32 Jashen. 1 Ch. 11:34, Hashem, the Gizonite.
33 Shammah. 1 Ch. 11:27. Sharar. 1 Ch. 11:35, Sacar.
34 Eliam. ch. 11:3; 15:31; 17:23. 1 Ch. 27:33, 34.
35 Hezrai. 1 Ch. 11:37, Hezro.
36 Igal. 1 Ch. 11:38, Joel.
37 Zelek. 1 Ch. 11:39. Nahari. 1 Ch. 11:37.
38 Ira. ch. 20:26. 1 Ch. 2:53; 11:40.
39 Uriah. ch. 11:3, 6, etc.; 12:9. 1 Ki. 15:5. 1 Ch. 11:41. Mat. 1:6. thirty and seven in all. From the number of these officers being thirty-seven, it is almost self-evident that shalishim cannot denote the thirty, as rendered in ver. 13, etc., but some particular description of men, or officers; for it can scarcely be said, with propriety, that we have thirty-seven out of thirty; and besides, in the parallel place in 1 Chronicles, there are sixteen added!


  CHAP. 24

  David, tempted by Satan, forces Joab to number the people, 1–4. The captains, in nine months and twenty days, bring the muster of thirteen hundred thousand fighting men, 5–9. David repents, and having three plagues propounded by God, chooses the three days’ pestilence, 10–14. After the death of threescore and ten thousand, David by prayer prevents the destruction of Jerusalem, 15–17. David, by God’s direction, purchases Araunah’s threshing floor; where having sacrificed, the plague stays, 18–25.

1 A.M. 2987. B.C. 1017. An. Ex. Is. 474. again. ch. 21:1, etc. he. This verse, when read without reference to any other part of the word of God, is very difficult to understand, and has been used by those who desire to undermine the justice of God, to shew that he sought occasion to punish—that he incited David to sin; and when he had so incited him, gave to him the dreadful alternative of choosing one of three scourges by which his people were to be cut off. On the face of the passage these thoughts naturally arise, because ‘the Lord’ is the antecedent to the pronoun ‘he,’—HE moved David. But to those who ‘search the Scriptures,’ this exceedingly difficult passage receives a wonderful elucidation. By referring to 1 Ch. 21:1, the reader will there find that Satan was the mover, and that the Lord most righteously punished David for the display of pride he had manifested. Oh! that Christians, who sometimes have their minds harassed with doubts, would remember the promise, that what they know not now they shall know hereafter; and if no other instance of elucidation than this passage occurred to them to remove their doubts, let this be a means of stirring them up to dig deeper than ever into the inexhaustible mines of the Inspired Word. Ja. 1:13, 14. moved. ch. 12:11; 16:10. Ge. 45:5; 50:20. Ex. 7:3. 1 Sa. 26:19. 1 Ki. 22:20–23. Eze. 14:9; 20:25. Ac. 4:28. 2 Th. 2:11. Go, number. 1 Ch. 27:23, 24.
2 Joab. ch. 2:13; 8:16; 20:23; 23:37. Go now, etc. or, Compass now all. 1 Ch. 21:2. from Dan. ch. 3:10; 17:11. Ju. 20:1. and number. We know not in what the sinfulness of this action consisted. Some think it was a contempt of the promise that the Israelites should be innumerable, and that they ought not to have been numbered without an express command, as in the days of Moses. Others suppose with JOSEPHUS that it was a kind of sacrilege, in omitting to collect the half-shekel a-piece for the use of the sanctuary. It however would appear that pride and ambition, and a desire of conquest, induced David to this measure, and rendered it so displeasing to God. that I may. De. 8:13, 14. 2 Ch. 32:25, 26, 31. Pr. 29:23. Je. 17:5. 2 Co. 12:7.
3 ch. 10:12. 1 Ch. 21:3, 4. Ps. 115:14. Pr. 14:28. Is. 60:5.
4 the king’s. 1 Ch. 21:4. Ec. 8:4. went out. Ex. 1:17. Ac. 5:29.
5 Aroer. De. 2:36. Jos. 13:9, 16. 1 Sa. 30:28. Is. 17:2. river. or, valley. Jazer. Nu. 32:1, 3, 35. Is. 16:8, 9.
6 Gilead. Ge. 31:21, 47, 48. Nu. 32:1, 39. land of Tahtim-hodshi. or, nether land newly inhabited. Dan-jaan. Jos. 19:47. Ju. 18:29. Zidon. Ge. 10:15. Jos. 11:8; 19:28. Ju. 18:28.
7 Tyre. Jos. 19:29. to Beer-sheba. ver. 2. Ge. 21:31–33.
9 eight hundred thousand. 1 Ch. 21:5, 6; 27:23, 24.
10 David’s heart. 1 Sa. 24:5. Jno. 8:9. 1 Jno. 3:20, 21. I have sinned. ch. 12:13. 1 Ch. 21:8. 2 Ch. 32:26. Job 33:27, 28. Ps. 32:5. Pr. 28:13. Mi. 7:8, 9. 1 Jno. 1:9. take away. Job 7:21. Ho. 14:2. Jno. 1:29. foolishly. ch. 12:13. De. 32:6. 1 Sa. 13:13; 26:21. 2 Ch. 16:9. Mar. 7:22. Ti. 3:3.
11 Gad. 1 Sa. 22:5. 1 Ch. 21:9; 29:29. seer. 1 Sa. 9:9.
12 I offer. 1 Ch. 21:10, 11. that I may. ch. 12:9, 10, 14. Le. 26:41, 43. Job 5:17, 18. Pr. 3:12. He. 12:6–10. Re. 3:19.
13 seven. ch. 21:1. Le. 26:20. 1 Ki. 17:1, etc. 1 Ch. 21:12. Eze. 14:13, 21. Lu. 4:25. flee. Le. 26:17, 36, 37. De. 28:25, 52. three days. Le. 26:16, 25. De. 28:22, 27, 35. Ps. 91:6. Eze. 14:19–21.
14 I am in. 1 Sa. 13:6. 2 Ki. 6:15. Jno. 12:27. Phi. 1:23. for his. Ex. 34:6, 7. 1 Ch. 21:13. Ps. 51:1; 86:5, 15; 103:8–14; 119:156; 136; 145:9. Is. 55:7. Jon. 4:2. Mi. 7:18. great. or, many. let me not. 2 Ki. 13:3–7. 2 Ch. 28:5–9. Ps. 106:41, 42. Pr. 12:10. Is. 47:6. Zec. 1:15.
15 the Lord. Nu. 16:46–49; 25:9. 1 Sa. 6:19. 1 Ch. 21:14; 27:4. Mat. 24:7. Re. 6:8. from Dan. See on ver. 2. seventy thousand men. Is. 37:36.
16 the angel. Ex. 12:23. 2 Ki. 19:35. 1 Ch. 21:15, 16. 2 Ch. 32:21. Ps. 35:6. Ac. 12:23. repented. Ge. 6:6. 1 Sa. 15:11. Ps. 78:38; 90:13; 135:14. Je. 18:7–10. Joel 2:13, 14. Am. 7:3, 6. Hab. 3:2. It is enough. Ex. 9:28. 1 Ki. 19:4. Is. 27:8; 40:1–2; 57:16. Joel 2:13, 14. Mar. 14:41. 2 Co. 2:6. Araunah. ver. 18. 1 Ch. 21:15. 2 Ch. 3:1, Ornan. the Jebusite. ch. 5:8. Ge. 10:16. Jos. 15:63. Ju. 1:21; 19:11. Zec. 9:7.
17 spake. 1 Ch. 21:16, 17. Lo, I have sinned. ver. 10. Job 7:20; 42:6. Ps. 51:2–5. Is. 6:5. these sheep. 1 Ki. 22:17. Ps. 44:11; 74:1. Eze. 34:2–6, 23, 24. Zec. 13:7. let thine. Ge. 44:33. Jno. 10:11, 12. 1 Pe. 2:24, 25.
18 Gad. ver. 11. 1 Ch. 21:18, etc. threshing-floor. These, among the ancient Jews, were only round, level plats of ground in the open air, as they are to this day in the East, where the corn was trodden out by oxen. Araunah. Heb. Araniah. See on ver. 16.
19 as the Lord. Ge. 6:22. 1 Ch. 21:19. 2 Ch. 20:20; 36:16. Ne. 9:26. He. 11:8.
20 bowed. ch. 9:8. Ge. 18:2. Ru. 2:10. 1 Ch. 21:20, 21.
21 Wherefore. ver. 3, 18. To buy. Ge. 23:8–16. 1 Ch. 21:22. Je. 32:6–14. the plague. ch. 21:3–14. Nu. 16:47–50; 25:8. Ps. 106:30.
22 Let my lord. Ge. 23:11. 1 Ch. 21:22. be oxen. 1 Sa. 6:14. 1 Ki. 19:21.
23 as a king. Ps. 45:16. Is. 32:8. The Lord. Job 42:8, 9. Ps. 20:3, 4. Is. 60:7. Eze. 20:40, 41. Ho. 8:13. Ro. 15:30, 31. 1 Ti. 2:1, 2. 1 Pe. 2:5.
24 Nay. Ge. 23:13. 1 Ch. 21:24. Mal. 1:12–14. Ro. 12:17. So David. 1 Ch. 21:25; 22:1.
25 built there. Ge. 8:20; 22:9. 1 Sa. 7:9, 17. So the Lord. ver. 14; ch. 21:14. 1 Ch. 21:26, 27. La. 3:32, 33.


B. Blayney, Thomas Scott, and R.A. Torrey with John Canne, Browne, The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, vol. 1 (London: Samuel Bagster and Sons, n.d.), 212–230.