King James Version
2 Samuel 23
39 verses with commentary
David's Last Words
Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **The son of Jesse said.**—The description of the human author of the following prophecy is strikingly analogous to that of Balaam in Numbers 24:3-4; Numbers 24:15-16. The word “said,” used twice, is a peculiar form (used between two hundred and three hundred times) of direct Divine utterances, and applied to human sayings only here, in the places referred to in Numbers, and in Proverbs 30:1, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. Th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **The Spirit of the Lord spake by me.**—In accordance with 2Samuel 23:1, there is here, and also in the next clause, most explicit assertion that this was spoken under the prompting and guidance of the Divine Spirit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. He: or, Be thou ruler, etc
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **The Rock of Israel.**—Comp. 2Samuel 22:3. A frequent Scriptural comparison, appropriate here, to show the perfect reliability of what God declares.
**He that ruleth.**—The English gives the true sense, but the original is exceedingly elliptical, both here and in the following verse. The fundamental point of all just government has never been more perfectly set forth:—that it must be “in the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principle...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **A morning without clouds.**—This description of the blessings of the ideally perfect government is closely connected with the Divine promise made through Nathan (2 Samuel 7). David recognises that the ruler of God’s people must be just, and here, as in Psalms 72, the highest blessings are depicted as flowing from such a government. David knew far too much of the evil of his own heart and of ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God establishe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Although my house.**—This verse is extremely difficult, and admits of two interpretations. That given in the English is found in the LXX., the Vulg., and the Syriac, and if adopted will mean that David recognises how far he and his house have failed to realise the ideal description set forth; yet since God’s promise is sure, this must be realised in his posterity. Most modern commentators, h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **The sons of Belial.**—According to the Masoretic punctuation, *Belial *is not here in the common form, but in the stronger abstract form*=worthlessness. *The coming in of Divine righteousness leads not only to the assimilation of that which is holy, but also to the rejection of that which is evil, by a law as necessary and immutable as that of action and reaction in the material world. The f...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place. fenced: Heb. filled
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Fenced with iron.**—The thorns are to be handled with an iron hook on the end of a spear staff. The phrase, “in the same place,” is used only here, and its meaning is quite uncertain. The Vulg. translates, *to nothing, *meaning to utter destruction; the LXX. substitutes the word *shame. *The English rendering is as well sustained as any.
The Chaldee Targum upon these verses is very interesti...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bib...
Read full commentary →David's Mighty Warriors
These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat , chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. The Tachmonite: or, Joshebbassebet the Tachmonite, head of the three. whom he: Heb. slain. he lift: See 1.Ch.11.11. whom he: Heb. slain
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **These be the names.**—Here, in the summary at the close of David’s reign, is very naturally given a list of his chief heroes. A duplicate of this list, with several variations, and with sixteen more names, is given in 1Chronicles 11:10-47, which is useful in correcting such clerical errors as have arisen in both. The list in Chronicles is given in connection with David’s becoming king over a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bib...
Read full commentary →And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God es...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Dodo the Ahohite.**—So in the Hebrew margin here, and so also in 1Chronicles 11:12; the text here has Dodai, as in 1Chronicles 27:4, where he is mentioned as the general for the second month. The name is the same under slightly differing forms. “Ahohite” is a patronymic derived from Ahoah, son of Bela, Benjamin’s son (1Chronicles 8:4).
**When they defied . . . there gathered.**—The words “th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bib...
Read full commentary →He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Clave unto the sword.**—Instances are rare, but well authenticated, of a sort of cramp following excessive exertion, so that the hand could only be released from the sword by external appliances.
**Returned after him.**—Does not imply that they had at any time deserted him, but only that they turned wherever he went to gather the spoil of the men he slew.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bib...
Read full commentary →And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. into: or, for foraging
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Into a troop.**—Josephus, using different vowels, read “to Lehi,” the scene of Samson’s exploit (Judges 15:9; Judges 15:19); but as the same word recurs in 2Samuel 23:13, clearly in the sense of “troop,” the English reading should be retained.
**Lentiles.**—Chronicles has “barley.” The two words might easily be confounded in the Hebrew, and it is quite immaterial which is correct; the point...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bib...
Read full commentary →But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bib...
Read full commentary →And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. three: or, the three captains over the thirty
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Three of the thirty.**—For “three” the Hebrew text reads “thirty” by a manifest error, which is corrected in the margin. These are not the same three (since there is no definite article) with those just mentioned, but were another three more eminent than the rest of the thirty, two of them being, no doubt, Abishai and Benaiah (2Samuel 23:18; 2Samuel 23:23). “The thirty” seems to have been a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bib...
Read full commentary →And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
David made no attempt against Saul; he kept God's way, waited God's time, and was content to secure himself in woods and wildernesses. Let it make us think the worse of this world, which often gives such bad treatment to its best men: let it make us long for that kingdom where goodness shall for ever be in glory, and holiness in honour. We find Jonathan comforting David. As a ...
Read full commentary →And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate!</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **The well of Bethlehem.**—There are now no wells of living water at Bethlehem itself, the town being supplied by an aqueduct. Robinson could find none in the neighbourhood, and was assured that none existed (*Bib. R. *ii. 157-163); but Ritter (*Geog. of Pal. *iii. 340) says that a little north of the town “is” David’s well, “with its deep shaft and its clear cool water.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
David made no attempt against Saul; he kept God's way, waited God's time, and was content to secure himself in woods and wildernesses. Let it make us think the worse of this world, which often gives such bad treatment to its best men: let it make us long for that kingdom where goodness shall for ever be in glory, and holiness in honour. We find Jonathan comforting David. As a ...
Read full commentary →And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Poured it out unto the Lord.**—The brave act of the three heroes shows strikingly the personal power of David over his followers and the enthusiasm with which he inspired them. Yet, on the other hand, David would not suffer his own longing to be gratified by the hazard of men’s lives. Taking the water, therefore, he “poured it out unto the Lord.” The word is the technical term for the sacri...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
David made no attempt against Saul; he kept God's way, waited God's time, and was content to secure himself in woods and wildernesses. Let it make us think the worse of this world, which often gives such bad treatment to its best men: let it make us long for that kingdom where goodness shall for ever be in glory, and holiness in honour. We find Jonathan comforting David. As a ...
Read full commentary →And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God estab...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Is not this the blood . . .?**—The Hebrew here is simply an interrogative exclamation, “the blood of the men?” but in 1Chronicles 11:19 the text reads, “Shall I drink the blood of these men?” &c., and so the LXX. and Vulg. translate here. To David the water gained only at the risk of life, “seemed the very blood in which the life resides” (Leviticus 17:10-11).
**These three.**—Rather, *the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Sa 14:1-21. Joab Instructs a Woman of Tekoah.
**2-21. And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman--**The king was strongly attached to Absalom; and having now got over his sorrow for the violent death of Amnon, he was desirous of again enjoying the society of his favorite son, who had now been three long years absent. But a dread of public opinion and a regard to the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
David made no attempt against Saul; he kept God's way, waited God's time, and was content to secure himself in woods and wildernesses. Let it make us think the worse of this world, which often gives such bad treatment to its best men: let it make us long for that kingdom where goodness shall for ever be in glory, and holiness in honour. We find Jonathan comforting David. As a ...
Read full commentary →And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three. and slew them: Heb. slain
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Among three.**—The Hebrew margin has “the three,” and so also the text in the following clause. “The three” are the triad of heroes just mentioned, of whom Abishai was first, Benaiah second, with an unnamed third. A somewhat similar feat of daring is told of Abishai in 1Samuel 26:6-12.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. To-day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight--**Joab betrayed not a little selfishness amid his professions of joy at this act of grace to Absalom, and flattered himself that he now brought both father and son under lasting obligations. In considering this act of David, many extenuating circumstances may be urged in favor of it; the provocation given to Absalom; his being ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
David made no attempt against Saul; he kept God's way, waited God's time, and was content to secure himself in woods and wildernesses. Let it make us think the worse of this world, which often gives such bad treatment to its best men: let it make us long for that kingdom where goodness shall for ever be in glory, and holiness in honour. We find Jonathan comforting David. As a ...
Read full commentary →Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men de...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man , of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: who: Heb. great of acts lionlike: Heb. lion of God
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Benaiah.**—He was the general of the third division of the army (1Chronicles 27:5-6). This probably included the Cherethites and Pelethites, since he was also their commander (2Samuel 8:18; 2Samuel 20:23). In consequence of his faithfulness to Solomon in the rebellion of Adonijah, he was finally made commander-in-chief (1Kings 1:8; 1Kings 1:26; 1Kings 1:32; 1Kings 2:25; 1Kings 2:29-35; 1Kin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. a goodly: Heb. a man of countenance, or, sight: called I.Chr.I.23. a man of great stature
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **A goodly man.**—The meaning is explained in the parallel place in Chronicles, where he is called “a man of stature,” and it is added “five cubits high.” Benaiah’s exploit, therefore, consisted in coming, armed only with a staff, to this giant Egyptian, wresting his spear from him, and then slaying him with it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25-26. But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty--**This extraordinary popularity arose not only from his high spirit and courtly manners, but from his uncommonly handsome appearance. One distinguishing feature, seemingly an object of great admiration, was a profusion of beautiful hair. Its extraordinary luxuriance compelled him to cut it "at every year's e...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary cour...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25-26. But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty--**This extraordinary popularity arose not only from his high spirit and courtly manners, but from his uncommonly handsome appearance. One distinguishing feature, seemingly an object of great admiration, was a profusion of beautiful hair. Its extraordinary luxuriance compelled him to cut it "at every year's e...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard. more: or, honourable among the thirty guard: or, council: Heb. at his command
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men dem...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Set him over his guard.**—The word translated *guard *means rather *private audience. *David either made him a member of, or set him over his council. If in 1Chronicles 27:34 “Jehoiada son of Benaiah” is an error for “Benaiah son of Jehoiada,” his holding of this office is also mentioned there.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Beth-lehem,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary co...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Asahel.**—As he was killed by Abner while David reigned over Judah only, it is plain that this list is not restricted to any one definite time in David’s reign. Leaving out Asahel, however, the names that follow are exactly “thirty.” Of but few of them is anything further known.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face--**Whatever error David committed in authorizing the recall of Absalom, he displayed great prudence and command over his feelings afterwards--for his son was not admitted into his father's presence but was confined to his own house and the society of his own family. This slight severity was designed to bring him to sin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Shammah the Harodite.**—In 1Chronicles 11:27 *Shammoth the Harorite. *He may be the same with “Shamhuth the Izrahite,” captain of the fifth division of the army (1Chronicles 27:8). The next name is omitted in Chronicles.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Helez.**—He was general of the seventh army division (1Chronicles 27:10). There, and also in 1Chronicles 11:27, he is called a *Pelonite.*
**Ira** was general for the sixth month (1Chronicles 27:9). His home, Tekoah, was about six miles south of Bethlehem.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Abiezer.**—He was general for the ninth month (1Chronicles 27:12). He was of Anathoth, a priestly city of Benjamin, the home of Jeremiah.
**Mebunnai.**—According to 2Samuel 21:18 *Sibbechai, *and to 1Chronicles 11:29 *Sibbecai, *these being the same in the Hebrew. The two names are much alike in the original and might be easily confused. He slew the giant Saph (2Samuel 21:18), and was the g...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incid...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Zalmon.**—In Chronicles *Ilai.*
**Maharai.**—He commanded the tenth division of the army (1Chronicles 27:13).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **Heleb.**—The name is variously written *Heled *(1Chronicles 11:30) and Heldai (1Chronicles 27:15). He was the general for the twelfth month.
**Ittai,** or *Ithai *(1Chronicles 11:31), is to be distinguished from Ittai the Gittite, since this man was from Gibeah of Benjamin.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-29**
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is ...
Read full commentary →Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, brooks: or, valleys
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-dra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **Benaiah the Pirathonite.**—He was general for the eleventh month (1Chronicles 27:14). He is of course to be distinguished from Benaiah of 2Samuel 23:20.
**Hiddai.**—In 1Chronicles 11:32, *Hurai, *owing to the frequent confusion of *d *and *r.*
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing in...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **Abi-albon.**—In 1Chronicles 11:32 written *Abiel, *probably correctly, the *albon *having come in from *Sha-albon-ite *in the line below.
**The Barhumite.**—More correctly, *the Baharumite, i.e., *of the Bahurim mentioned in 2Samuel 3:16; 2Samuel 19:16.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 15
2Sa 15:1-9. Absalom Steals the Hearts of Israel.
**1. Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him--**This was assuming the state and equipage of a prince. The royal guards, called runners, avant couriers, amounted to fifty (1Ki 1:5). The chariot, as the Hebrew indicates, was of a magnificent style; and the horses, a novelty among the Hebrew people, only...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-d...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **Of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan.**—The preposition *of *is not in the Hebrew, and should be omitted. For the rest 1Chronicles 11:34 reads “the sons of Hashem the Gizonite. In both the words *the sons of *may be an accidental repetition of the last three letters of the preceding word; if not, they should be read as part of the proper name, *Jashen *(Chronicles *Hashem*)*, *or *Bnejashen *(Ch...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-6. Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate--**Public business in the East is always transacted early in the morning--the kings sitting an hour or more to hear causes or receive petitions, in a court held anciently, and in many places still, in the open air at the city gateway; so that, as those whose circumstances led them to wait on King David required to be in attendance ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **Shammah the Hararite.**—“Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite” has already been mentioned in 2Samuel 23:11, and here Chronicles reads “Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite.” As *Shage *is identical with *Agee *with a letter prefixed, we should probably read “Jonathan the son of Shammah the Hararite.” Jonathan, one of “the thirty,” was thus the son of one of “the first three.”
**Sharar** i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-6. Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate--**Public business in the East is always transacted early in the morning--the kings sitting an hour or more to hear causes or receive petitions, in a court held anciently, and in many places still, in the open air at the city gateway; so that, as those whose circumstances led them to wait on King David required to be in attendance ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai.**—The reading in Chronicles is quite different: “Eliphal the son of Ur, Hepher the Mecherathite,” thus making two heroes instead of the one given here. So, also, instead of “Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,” Chronicles has *Ahijah the Pelonite. *In the latter case it seems likely that different persons are intended, one being mentioned in one list and ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-6. Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate--**Public business in the East is always transacted early in the morning--the kings sitting an hour or more to hear causes or receive petitions, in a court held anciently, and in many places still, in the open air at the city gateway; so that, as those whose circumstances led them to wait on King David required to be in attendance ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident r...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35) **Hezrai.**—So the Hebrew margin; but the text has *Hezro, *as in Chronicles. He was of Carmel, seven miles S.S.E. of Hebron, famous in David’s early history.
**Paarai the Arbite.**—In Chronicles “Naarai the son of Ezbai.” It is impossible to decide whether *Paarai *or *Naarai *is the correct form, but *the son of Ezbai *is evidently a scribe’s error for *the Arbite, *which it must resemble i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-6. Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate--**Public business in the East is always transacted early in the morning--the kings sitting an hour or more to hear causes or receive petitions, in a court held anciently, and in many places still, in the open air at the city gateway; so that, as those whose circumstances led them to wait on King David required to be in attendance ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(36) **Igal.**—Chronicles has *Joel. *The two names differ in Hebrew only in one letter, and that a very similar one; but he is described here as *the son of Nathan of Zobah, *in Chronicles as *the brother of Nathan. Brother *is in Hebrew *ahi, *and some MSS. in Chronicles read *the son of Ahinathan. *If this be accepted, the only difference would be in the form of a name, *Nathan *or *Ahinathan.*...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-6. Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate--**Public business in the East is always transacted early in the morning--the kings sitting an hour or more to hear causes or receive petitions, in a court held anciently, and in many places still, in the open air at the city gateway; so that, as those whose circumstances led them to wait on King David required to be in attendance ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courag...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37) **The Ammonite.**—A foreigner, like “Igal of Zobah” (a Syrian), and “Ittai the Gittite,” and “Uriah the Hittite,” who rose to distinction in David’s service, and all of whom were probably proselytes.
**Armourbearer.**—It appears from 2Samuel 18:15 that Joab had ten armourbearers. This one was probably their chief.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-9. after forty years--**It is generally admitted that an error has here crept into the text, and that instead of "forty," we should read with the Syriac and Arabic versions, and Josephus, "four years"--that is, after Absalom's return to Jerusalem, and his beginning to practice the base arts of gaining popularity.
**my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord--**during his exile in Geshur. The p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident reveals ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-9. after forty years--**It is generally admitted that an error has here crept into the text, and that instead of "forty," we should read with the Syriac and Arabic versions, and Josephus, "four years"--that is, after Absalom's return to Jerusalem, and his beginning to practice the base arts of gaining popularity.
**my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord--**during his exile in Geshur. The p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing inciden...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(39) **Thirty and seven in all.**—Only thirty-six names have been given, but either the third unnamed person in the second triad of heroes is counted, or else in 2Samuel 23:34 the names of the two given in Chronicles should be substituted for the one in the text here.
In 1Chronicles 11:41-47 sixteen more names are given, either of men who took the place of these heroes as they died, or simply of o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-9. after forty years--**It is generally admitted that an error has here crept into the text, and that instead of "forty," we should read with the Syriac and Arabic versions, and Josephus, "four years"--that is, after Absalom's return to Jerusalem, and his beginning to practice the base arts of gaining popularity.
**my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord--**during his exile in Geshur. The p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
David rescues Keilah.(1-6)
God warns him to escape from Keilah.(7-13)
Jonathan comforts David.(14-18)
He is rescued from Saul by an invasion of the Philistines.(19-29)
**Verses 1-6**
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul figh...
Read full commentary →