King James Version
2 Samuel 5
25 verses with commentary
David Anointed King of Israel
Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment o...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **All the tribes.**—Not only as represented by their elders (2Samuel 5:3), but by the large bodies of their warriors enumerated in 1Chronicles 12:23-40. It is to be noticed, then, that the “children of Judah” (1Chronicles 12:24), over whom David was already king, joined in the assembly, and that there were 4,600 Levites with Jehoiada as the leader of the priestly family of Aaron, while Zadok a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
David king over all Israel.(1-5)
He takes the strong-hold of Zion.
(6-10)
David's kingdom established.(11-16)
He defeats the Philistines.(17-25)
**Verses 1-5**
David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which ...
Read full commentary →Also in time past , when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 25
1Sa 25:1-9. Samuel Dies.
**1. Samuel died--**After a long life of piety and public usefulness, he left behind him a reputation which ranks him among the greatest of Scripture worthies.
**buried him in his house at Ramah--**that is, his own mausoleum. The Hebrews took as great care to provide sepulchers anciently as people do in the East still, where every respectable family has it...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
David king over all Israel.(1-5)
He takes the strong-hold of Zion.
(6-10)
David's kingdom established.(11-16)
He defeats the Philistines.(17-25)
**Verses 1-5**
David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which ...
Read full commentary →So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:1...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Made a league with them.**—It would be an anachronism to understand this of the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, but the “league” may have had reference to certain special matters, such as leading them against their enemies, not destroying the remnant of the house of Saul or its late adherents, and not showing partiality (as Saul had done) to the members of his own tribe.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. in Carmel--**now Kurmul. The district takes its name from this town, now a mass of ruins; and about a mile from it is Tell Main, the hillock on which stood ancient Maon.
**the man was very great--**His property consisted in cattle, and he was considered wealthy, according to the ideas of that age.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
David king over all Israel.(1-5)
He takes the strong-hold of Zion.
(6-10)
David's kingdom established.(11-16)
He defeats the Philistines.(17-25)
**Verses 1-5**
David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which ...
Read full commentary →David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Thirty years old.**—This statement of the age and of the length of the reign of David (which is repeated in 1Chronicles 29:26-27, at the end of the history of David’s life) shows us approximately the length of time since the combat with Goliath as some ten or twelve years. It also proves that the greater part of Saul’s reign is treated very briefly in 1 Samuel, and further shows that David w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. he was of the house of Caleb--**of course, of the same tribe with David himself; but many versions consider Caleb ("dog") not as a proper, but a common noun, and render it, "he was snappish as a dog."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
David king over all Israel.(1-5)
He takes the strong-hold of Zion.
(6-10)
David's kingdom established.(11-16)
He defeats the Philistines.(17-25)
**Verses 1-5**
David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which ...
Read full commentary →In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Seven years and six months.**—The six months is also mentioned in 2Samuel 2:11; 1Chronicles 3:4, but, as being only the fraction of a year, is generally omitted in the summary of the length of his reign, as in 2Samuel 5:4; 1Chronicles 29:27. It was the habit of the sacred historians either to omit such fractions or else to count them as whole years, thus introducing a certain element of inde...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-9. Nabal did shear his sheep, and David sent out ten young men, &c.--**David and his men lurked in these deserts, associating with the herdsmen and shepherds of Nabal and others and doing them good offices, probably in return for information and supplies obtained through them. Hence when Nabal held his annual sheep-shearing in Carmel, David felt himself entitled to share in the festival an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
David king over all Israel.(1-5)
He takes the strong-hold of Zion.
(6-10)
David's kingdom established.(11-16)
He defeats the Philistines.(17-25)
**Verses 1-5**
David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which ...
Read full commentary →David Conquers Jerusalem
And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. thinking: or, saying David shall not, etc
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Went to Jerusalem.**—The king of Jerusalem had been defeated and slain by Joshua (Joshua 10:23-26; Joshua 12:10), and the city had been subsequently taken and destroyed by Judah (Judges 1:7-8). It was, however, only partially occupied by the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (Judges 1:21; Judges 15:63), and at a later time fell again entirely into the hands of the Jebusites (Judges 19:11-12). Tha...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-9. Nabal did shear his sheep, and David sent out ten young men, &c.--**David and his men lurked in these deserts, associating with the herdsmen and shepherds of Nabal and others and doing them good offices, probably in return for information and supplies obtained through them. Hence when Nabal held his annual sheep-shearing in Carmel, David felt himself entitled to share in the festival an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-10**
The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-9. Nabal did shear his sheep, and David sent out ten young men, &c.--**David and his men lurked in these deserts, associating with the herdsmen and shepherds of Nabal and others and doing them good offices, probably in return for information and supplies obtained through them. Hence when Nabal held his annual sheep-shearing in Carmel, David felt himself entitled to share in the festival an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-10**
The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which...
Read full commentary →And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. Wherefore: or, Because they had said, even the blind and the lame, He shall not come into the house
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Getteth up to the gutter.**—The sense of this passage is obscure, partly from the difficulty of the Hebrew construction, partly from the uncertainty of the meaning of the word translated *gutter. *This word occurs elsewhere only in Psalm 42:7, where it is translated *waterspouts. *The ancient versions differ in their interpretations, but the most probable sense is *watercourses, *such as wer...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-9. Nabal did shear his sheep, and David sent out ten young men, &c.--**David and his men lurked in these deserts, associating with the herdsmen and shepherds of Nabal and others and doing them good offices, probably in return for information and supplies obtained through them. Hence when Nabal held his annual sheep-shearing in Carmel, David felt himself entitled to share in the festival an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-10**
The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which...
Read full commentary →So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **The fort.**—The same word as *strong hold *in 2Samuel 5:7.
**Millo.**—A word always used in Hebrew with the definite article (except in Judges 9:6; Judges 9:20), *the Millo. *It is probably an old Canaanitish name for the fortification on the northern end of Mount Zion, “inward” from which the palace was situated. Subsequent kings, as Solomon (1Kings 11:27) and Hezekiah (2Chronicles 32:5), s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-9. Nabal did shear his sheep, and David sent out ten young men, &c.--**David and his men lurked in these deserts, associating with the herdsmen and shepherds of Nabal and others and doing them good offices, probably in return for information and supplies obtained through them. Hence when Nabal held his annual sheep-shearing in Carmel, David felt himself entitled to share in the festival an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-10**
The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which...
Read full commentary →And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. went: Heb. went, going and growing
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's bless...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-9. Nabal did shear his sheep, and David sent out ten young men, &c.--**David and his men lurked in these deserts, associating with the herdsmen and shepherds of Nabal and others and doing them good offices, probably in return for information and supplies obtained through them. Hence when Nabal held his annual sheep-shearing in Carmel, David felt himself entitled to share in the festival an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-10**
The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which...
Read full commentary →And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons : and they built David an house. masons: Heb. hewers of the stone of the wall
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and estab...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Hiram king of Tyre.**—This is the same Hiram, variously spelt *Hirom *and *Huram, *who was afterwards the friend of Solomon (1Kings 5:1; 2Chronicles 2:3),and was still living in the twenty-fourth year of Solomon’s reign (1Kings 9:10-14; comp. 6:1, 38; 7:1); either, therefore, he must have had a reign of some fifty-seven years, or else his embassy to David must have been some time after the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. Nabal answered David's servants, ... Who is David? &c.--**Nabal's answer seems to indicate that the country was at the time in a loose and disorderly state. David's own good conduct, however, as well as the important services rendered by him and his men, were readily attested by Nabal's servants. The preparations of David to chastise his insolent language and ungrateful requital are e...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, Is 60:10. David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him,...
Read full commentary →And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **For his people Israel’s sake.**—David’s prosperity had not blinded him to the fact that his blessings came to him as the head of the theocracy, and for the sake of God’s chosen people.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. Nabal answered David's servants, ... Who is David? &c.--**Nabal's answer seems to indicate that the country was at the time in a loose and disorderly state. David's own good conduct, however, as well as the important services rendered by him and his men, were readily attested by Nabal's servants. The preparations of David to chastise his insolent language and ungrateful requital are e...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, Is 60:10. David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him,...
Read full commentary →And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **More concubines and wives.**—In Deuteronomy 17:17, the law had been given for the future king, “Neither shall he multiply wives to himself.” David certainly came perilously near a violation of this law, although he did not, like his son Solomon, take wives and concubines in enormous number for the sake of having a great harem—an important element in the Oriental ideas of regal magnificence....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. Nabal answered David's servants, ... Who is David? &c.--**Nabal's answer seems to indicate that the country was at the time in a loose and disorderly state. David's own good conduct, however, as well as the important services rendered by him and his men, were readily attested by Nabal's servants. The preparations of David to chastise his insolent language and ungrateful requital are e...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, Is 60:10. David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him,...
Read full commentary →And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **These be the names.**—The same list, with some variations, is given in 1Chronicles 3:5-8; 1Chronicles 14:5-7. According to 1Chronicles 3:5, the first four were children of Bathsheba (Bath-shua), and were consequently not born until a later period of David’s reign. Solomon and Nathan are the two sons through whom St. Matthew and St. Luke trace our Lord’s genealogy. Although Solomon is placed...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. two hundred abode by the stuff--**This addition to his followers was made after his return into Judah (see 1Sa 22:2).
1Sa 25:14-35. Abigail Pacifies Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, Is 60:10. David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him,...
Read full commentary →Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's blessing. Military victories ov...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. Then Abigail made haste--**The prudence and address of Nabal's wife were the means of saving him and family from utter destruction. She acknowledged the demand of her formidable neighbors; but justly considering, that to atone for the insolence of her husband, a greater degree of liberality had become necessary, she collected a large amount of food, accompanying it with the most valued pr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, Is 60:10. David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him,...
Read full commentary →And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's blessing. Military victories over Phili...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. Then Abigail made haste--**The prudence and address of Nabal's wife were the means of saving him and family from utter destruction. She acknowledged the demand of her formidable neighbors; but justly considering, that to atone for the insolence of her husband, a greater degree of liberality had become necessary, she collected a large amount of food, accompanying it with the most valued pr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, Is 60:10. David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him,...
Read full commentary →David Defeats the Philistines
But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **When the Philistines heard.**—After this general summary, the narrative goes back to take up detailed events in their order. First comes an attack of the Philistines. Their attention had naturally been hitherto occupied with Abner and Ish-bosheth, who ruled over the far greater part of the land; but when they heard that the old nation was united under their old foe, they saw that no time wa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. Then Abigail made haste--**The prudence and address of Nabal's wife were the means of saving him and family from utter destruction. She acknowledged the demand of her formidable neighbors; but justly considering, that to atone for the insolence of her husband, a greater degree of liberality had become necessary, she collected a large amount of food, accompanying it with the most valued pr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, Psa 2:1, &c. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Sa...
Read full commentary →The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's blessi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Rephaim.**—Translated in Joshua 15:8, *the valley of the giants. *It was a fruitful valley, stretching some three miles S. and S.W. from Jerusalem, and only separated from the valley of Hinnom by a narrow ridge. It gave ample room for a large encampment, and its situation is an additional proof that the capture of Jerusalem had already been made, since the Philistines came here “to seek Dav...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. Then Abigail made haste--**The prudence and address of Nabal's wife were the means of saving him and family from utter destruction. She acknowledged the demand of her formidable neighbors; but justly considering, that to atone for the insolence of her husband, a greater degree of liberality had become necessary, she collected a large amount of food, accompanying it with the most valued pr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, Psa 2:1, &c. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Sa...
Read full commentary →And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel ful...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. Then Abigail made haste--**The prudence and address of Nabal's wife were the means of saving him and family from utter destruction. She acknowledged the demand of her formidable neighbors; but justly considering, that to atone for the insolence of her husband, a greater degree of liberality had become necessary, she collected a large amount of food, accompanying it with the most valued pr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, Psa 2:1, &c. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Sa...
Read full commentary →And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim. Baalperazim: that is, the plain of breaches
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfill...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Baal – perazim** = *possessor *(or *lord*)* of breaches. *After David had inquired of the Lord and received a favourable answer (2Samuel 5:19), he made a sudden attack, like a bursting forth of waters, and carried all before him. The victory was so signal as to give a new name to the locality, and to be remembered centuries afterwards as a memorable instance of Divine aid (Isaiah 28:21). Th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you--**People in the East always try to produce an effect by their presents, loading on several beasts what might be easily carried by one, and bringing them forward, article by article, in succession. Abigail not only sent her servants in this way, but resolved to go in person, following her present, as is commonly done, to w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, Psa 2:1, &c. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Sa...
Read full commentary →And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them. burned: or, took them away
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's blessing. M...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Their images.**—The Philistines took their idols with them to battle, as the Israelites had formerly taken the ark, and the suddenness and completeness of their defeat is shown by their leaving them on the field. The statement that David “burned” them is taken from 1Chronicles 14:12, the Hebrew here being simply “took them away.” (See Deuteronomy 7:5.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, Psa 2:1, &c. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Sa...
Read full commentary →And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Came up yet again.**—As David had not followed up his victory (probably because he was not yet in condition to do so) the Philistines repeated their attack in the same place.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, Psa 2:1, &c. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Sa...
Read full commentary →And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The con...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Shall not go up.**—The enemy, on the same battle-expound, would have prepared for attack from the same direction as before; consequently David is directed to go round them and attack them unexpectedly from the opposite quarter.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, Psa 2:1, &c. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Sa...
Read full commentary →And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfill...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **The sound of a going.**—After David has gone to the rear of his enemies, he is to wait by “the mulberry trees,” or, as now generally understood, *baca-shrubs, *a plant resembling the balsam. Here a Divine signal was to be given him in “the sound of a going,” or, rather, of a march. The word is used of the march of the hosts of the Lord in Judges 5:4; Psalm 68:7. Then David was to “bestir hi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face--**Dismounting in presence of a superior is the highest token of respect that can be given; and it is still an essential act of homage to the great. Accompanying this act of courtesy with the lowest form of prostration, she not only by her attitude, but her language, made the fullest amends for the disrespect shown by her...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, Psa 2:1, &c. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Sa...
Read full commentary →And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **From Geba . . . to Gazer.**—In the parallel passage (1Chronicles 14:16) it is “from Gibeon to Gazer.” One or the other is a slip of the scribe, and there can be little question that Gibeon is the true reading, since it lies about five and a half miles northwest of Jerusalem, while Geba (Gibeah) is about seven and a half miles north-east. The site of Gazer (or Gezer) has not been exactly ide...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, Psa 2:1, &c. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Sa...
Read full commentary →