The Armies that Came 1 CHRONICLES, XIII. to David at Hebron. the people of this tribe were eminent for their acquire- lions, &c.-A fierce lion-like countenance (2 Samuel, 1. | understanding of the times, &c.-Jewish writers say that 23,, and great agility in pursuit (2 Samuel, 2. 18,), were qualities of the highest estimation in ancient warfare. 14. one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest wis over a thousand-David, while at Ziklag, had not so large an amount of forces as to give to each of these the command of so many men. Another meaning, therefore, must obviously be sought, and excluding was, which is a supplement by our translators, the import of the passage is, that one of the least could discomfit a hundred, and the greatest was worth a thousand ordinary men; a strong hyperbole to express their uncommon valour. 15. These are they that went over Jordan in the first month-te., in spring, when the swollen river generally fills up the banks of its channel (see on Joshua, 3. 15; 4. 19; 5. 10.). they put to flight all them of the valleys-This was probably done at the time of their separating themselves; and their purpose being discovered, they had to cut their passage through the opposing adherents of Saul, both on the eastern and western banks. The impossibility of taking the fords at such a time, and the violent rapidity of the current, make this crossing of the Jordan-in whatever way these Gadites accomplished it-a remarkable feat. 16. the children of Benjamin and Judah-It is probable that the Benjamites invited the Judahites to accompany them, in order to prevent David being suspicious of them. Their anticipations, as the result showed, were well-founded. He did suspect them, but the doubts of David as to their object in repairing to him, were promptly dispelled by Amasai or Amasa, who, by the secret impulse of the Spirit, assured him of their strong attachment and their zealous services from a unanimous conviction that his cause was owned and blessed of God (1 Samuel, 18. 12-14.). 19-22. there fell some of Marasseh-The period of their accession is fixed as the time when David came with the Philistines against Saul to battle, "but they helped them not" (see on 1 Samuel, 29. 4.). 20. As he went to Ziklag - If those Manassites joined him on his return to Ziklag, after his dismissal from the Philistine army, then their arrival took place before the battle of Gilboa could have been fought cf. 1 Samuel, 29, 11.). Convinced of the desper-people had, to a great extent, been careless about the ate state of Saul's affairs, they abandoned him, and resolved to transfer their allegiance to David. But some learned men think that they came as fugitives from that disastrous field. [CALMET & EWALD.] captains of the thousands of Manasseh - Those seven were commanders of the large military divisions of their tribe. 21, 22. they helped David against the band -i.e., the Amalekites who had pillaged Ziklag in David's absence.-i.e., I shall conclude that this favourite measure of This military expedition was made by all his men (1 Samuel, 30. 9,) who,as David's early helpers,are specially distinguished from those who are mentioned in the latter portion of the chapter. the host of God-i.e., a great and powerful army. 23-40. THE ARMIES THAT CAME TO HIM AT HEBRON. 23. these are the numbers of the bands... that came to David to Hebron-after the death of Ishbosheth 2 Samuel, 5. 1). to turn the kingdom of Saul to him according to the word of the Lord-ch. 10. 14; 11. 3, 10.). The account commences with the Southern tribes, Levi being associated with Judah and Simeon as the great majority of the leading men in this tribe resided in Judah, and, after recounting the representatives of the northern tribes, concludes with those on the East of Jordan. 27. Jehoiada, the leader of the Aaronites-not the high priest, for that was Abiathar (1 Samuel, 23. 9,), but the leader of the Aaronite warriors, supposed to be the father of Benaiah ch. 11. 22.. 29. Benjamin... 3000-This small number shows the unpopularity of the movement in this tribe; and, indeed, it is expressly stated that the mass of the population had, even after Ishbosheth's death, anxiously endeavoured to secure the crown in the family of Saul. 32. children of Issachar, that had Ver. 1-8. DAVID FETCHES THE ARK FROM KIRJATHJEARIM, 1-3. David consulted And let us bring again the ark of our God-Gratitude for the high and splendid dignity to which he had been elevated, would naturally, at this period, impart a fresh animation and impulse to the habitually fervent piety of David; but, at the same time, he was animated by other motives; he fully understood his position as ruler under the theocracy, and, on entering on his duties, was resolved to fulfil his mission as a constitutional king of Israel. Accordingly, his first act as a sovereign related to the interests of religion, and the ark being then the grand instrument and ornament of it, he takes the opportunity of the official representatives of the nation being with him, to consult them about the propriety of establishing it in a more public and accessible locality. The assembly at which he spoke of this consisted of the Sheloshim, princes of thousands (2 Samuel, 6. 1.). During the reign of the late king, the ark had been left in culpable neglect, and the consequence was that the ordinances of Divine worship, or had contented themselves with offering sacrifices at Gibeon, without any thought of the ark, though it was the chief and most vital part of the tabernacle. The duty and advantages of this religious movement suggested by the king were apparent, and the proposal met with universal approval. 2. If it seem good unto you, and... it be of the Lord mine is agreeable to the mind of God, if it receive your hearty concurrence. let us send abroad to our brethren everywhere-He wished to make it known throughout the country, in order that there might be a general assembly of the nation, and that preparations might be made on a scale and of a kind suitable to the inauguration of the august ceremonial. and with them also the priests and Levites... in their cities and suburbs (see on Numbers, 35.. The original terms, "Let us send," imply immediate execution; and, doubtless, the publication of the royal edict would have been followed by the appointment of an early day for the contemplated solemnity, had it not been retarded by a sudden invasion of the Philistines, who were twice repulsed with great loss 2 Samuel. 5. 17,); by the capture of Jerusalem, and the transference of the seat of government to that city. Finding, however, soon after, peace restored and his throne established, he resumed his preparations for removing the ark to the metropolis. 5. from Shihor of Egypt-(Joshua, 15. 4, 47; Numbers, 34. 5; 1 Kings, 8. 65; 2 Kings, 24. 7; 2 Chronicles, 7. 8.). A small brook flowing into the Mediterranean, near the modern El-arish, which forms the southern boundary of Palestine. unto the entering of Hamath David's Victories Over the Philistines. 1 CHRONICLES, XIV, XV. The defile between the mountain ranges of Syria and the extreme limit of Palestine on the north. 6-14. David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah- (see on 2 Samuel, 6. 1-11.). 6. whose name is called on it-Rather, "who is worshipped there" (2 Samuel, 6. 2.). CHAPTER XIV. He Brings the Ark from Obed-edom. Ver. 1-24. DAVID BRINGS THE ARK FROM OBEDEDOM. 1. David made him houses in the city of DavidThrough the liberality of his Tyrian ally (ch. 14. 1,), David was enabled to erect not only a palace for himself, but to furnish suitable accommodation for his numerous family. Where polygamy prevails, each wife has a separate house, or suite of apartments for herself and children. prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent-i.e., made an entirely new one upon the model of the former-the old tabernacle, which Moses had constructed in the wilderness, and which had hitherto served the purpose of a sacred cov Ver. 1, 2. HIRAM'S KINDNESS TO DAVID: DAVID'S FELICITY. 1. Now Hiram king of Tyre-The alliance with this neighbouring king, and the important advantages derived from it, were amongst the most fortunate circumstances in David's reign. The providence of God appeared concurrent with His promise in smoothing the early course of his reign. Having con-ering, being to be left at Gibeon, in consequence either quered the Jebusites, and made Sion the royal residence, he had now, along with internal prosperity, established an advantageous treaty with a neighbouring prince; and hence, in immediate connection with the mention of this friendly league, it is said, "David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel." 2. his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel-This is an important truth, that sovereigns are invested with royal honour and authority, not for their own sakes so much as for that of their people. But while it is true of all kings, it was especially applicable to the monarchs of Israel, and even David was made to know that all his glory and great-marred the first attempt, and in preparing for the solness were given only to fit him, as the minister of God, to execute the Divine purposes towards the chosen people. 3-7. HIS WIVES. 3. David took more wives at Jerusalem-(see on 2 Samuel, 3. 5.). His concubines are mentioned (ch. 3. 9,); where also is given a list of his children (v. 5-8,), and those born in Jerusalem (2 Samuel, 5. 14-16.). In that, however, the names of Eliphalet and Nogah do not occur, and Beeliada appears to be the same as Eliada. 8-17. HIS VICTORIES OVER THE PHILISTINES. 8. all the Philistines went up to seek David-In the hope of accomplishing his ruin, (for so the phrase is used, 1 Samuel, 23. 15; 24. 2, 3.), before his throne was consolidated. Their hostility arose, both from a belief that his patriotism would lead him, ere long, to wipe out the national dishonour at Gilboa; and by fear, that in any invasion of their country, his thorough knowledge of their weak points would give him superior advantages. They resolved, therefore, to surprise and crush him ere he was fairly seated on his throne. 11. they came to Baal-perazim; and David smote them there-In an engagement fought at Mount Perazim Isaiah, 28. 21,), in the valley of Rephaim, a few miles west of Jerusalem, the Philistines were defeated and put to flight. 12. when they had left their gods - see on 2 Samuel, 5. 21.). 13. the Philistines yet again spread themselves-They renewed the campaign the next season, taking the same route. David, according to Divine directions, did not confront them. 14. Go not up after them - The text in 2 Samuel, 5. 23, more correctly has, "Go not up." turn away from them-i.e., by stealing round a Eaca-grove, come upon their rear. for God is gone forth before thee -"The sound of the going in the tops of the mulberrytrees," i.e., the rustling of the leaves by a strong breeze suddenly rising, was the sign by which David was Divinely apprised of the precise moment for the attack. The impetuosity of his onset was like the gush of a pent-up torrent, which sweeps away all in its course; and in allusion to this incident the place got its name. 16. From Gibeon ... to Gazer--Geba or Gibea (2 Samnel, 5. 25,), now Yefa, in the province of Judah. The line from this to Gazer was intersected by the roads which led from Judah to the cities of the Philistines, and to recover possession of it, therefore, as was effected by this decisive battle, was equivalent to setting free the whole mountains of Judah as far as their most westerly slope. [BERTHEAU.] of the unwillingness of the inhabitants to part with such a venerable relic, or of there being no use for it in Jerusalem, where a more solid and sumptuous edifice was contemplated. If it appear surprising that David "made him houses" before he prepared this new tabernacle, it should be remembered that he had received no Divine intimation respecting such a work. 2. Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites-After the lapse of three months (ch. 13. 14,) the purpose of transporting the ark to Jerusalem was resumed. Time and reflection had led to a discovery of the cause of the painful catastrophe that emn procession that was now to usher the sacred sym- David's Festical Sacrifice, and 1 CHRONICLES, XVI, XVII. Liberality to the People. Berechiah and Elkanah were door-keepers-Who marched of Asaph and his assistants, but it was now publicly immediately in front, while Obed-edom and Jeiel went committed to them as they entered for the first time in the rear, of the ark. 25. So David and the elders . . . on the performance of their sacred duties. It occupies and captains... went -The pious design of David in the greater part of this chapter (v. 8-36,), and seems to ordering all his principal ministers and officers to take have been compiled from other Psalms of David, prepart in this solemn work, and imparting so much pomp viously known to the Israelites, as the whole of it will and imposing ceremony to the procession, was evi- be found with very slight variations in Psalm 96.; 105. dently to inspire the popular mind with a profound 1-15; 106, 47, 48. In the form, however, in which it is veneration for the ark, and to give the young especially given by the sacred historian, it seems to have been salutary impressions of religion, which would be renew the first psalm given for use in the tabernacle service: ed by the remembrance that they had been witnesses and abounding, as it does, with the liveliest ascriptions of the august solemnity in which the king and the high- of praise to God for the revelation of His glorious est aristocracy of the land participated, vieing with all character and the display of His marvellous works; other classes to do honour to the God of Israel. 26. it containing, as it does, so many pointed allusions to the came to pass, &c.-(see on 2 Samuel, 6. 13-23.. they offer- origin, privileges, and peculiar destiny of the chosen ed seven bullocks and seven rams-The Levites seem to people, it was admirably calculated to animate the dehave entered on this duty with fear and trembling; votions and call forth the gratitude of the assembled and finding that they might advance without any such multitude. 36. all the people said, Amen-(cf. Psalm 72. indications of Divine wrath as Uzza had experienced 19, 20; 106. 48.). In the former, the author of the doxch. 13. 10,, they offered an ox and a fatted sheep imme-ology utters the amen himself, while in the latter the diately after starting (2 Samuel, 6. 13,), and seven bul- people are exhorted to say amen. This may arise from locks and seven rams-a perfect sacrifice-at the close the fact that the latter psalm originally concluded with of the procession ch. 16. 1.) It is probable that prep- the injunction to say amen. But in this historical acarations had been made for the offering of similar sacri- count of the festival, it was necessary to relate that the fices at regular intervals along the way. 27. a robe of fine people obeyed this injunction on the occasion referred linen-Heb., Butz-is rather supposed in the later books to, and therefore the words "let them praise," were to denote cotton. an ephod-A shoulder garment, a altered into "and they praised." [BERTHEAU.] 37-42. cincture or cape over his dress. It was worn by the So he left there, before the covenant of the Lord, Asaph and priests, but was not so peculiar to them as to be for- his brethren, &c.-The sequel of the chapter describes bidden others (1 Samuel, 2. 18; 22. 18.). 29. Michal. the appointment of the sacred musicians and their resaw... David dancing and playing - His movements spective duties. 38. Obed-edom with their brethren-would be slow and solemn, suitable to the grave and Hosah, mentioned at the close of the verse, and a great solemn character of the music. Though his royal robes number besides (see on ch. 26.). to be porters-doorwere laid aside, he was attired like the other officials, keepers. 39, 40. And Zadok... before the tabernacle...at showing a becoming humility in the immediate pre- Gibeon-While the officers above-mentioned, under the sence of God. The feelings manifested by Michal were superintendence of Abiathar, were appointed to officionly an ebullition of spleen from a proud and pas- ate in Jerusalem, whither the ark had been broughtsionate woman. Zadok and the priests subordinate to him were stationed at Gibeon to perform the sacred service before the ancient tabernacle which still remained there. continually morning and evening-as the law enjoined (Exodus, 29. 38; Numbers, 29. 3, 6.). and do according to all that is written in the law-(see Numbers, 28.). Thus, in the time of David, the worship was performed at two places, where the sacred things that had been transmitted from the age of Moses were preserved. Before the ark in Jerusalem, Asaph and his brethren officiated as singers-Obed-edom and Chosah served as door-keepers-Benaiah and Jehaziel blew the trumpets while at the tabernacle and burnt-offering in Gibeon, Heman and Jeduthun presided over the sacred music; the sons of Jeduthun were door-keepers, and Zadok, with his suite of attendant priests, offered the sacrifices. CHAPTER XVII. CHAPTER XVI. Ver. 1-6. DAVID'S FESTIVAL SACRIFICE, AND LIBERALITY TO THE PEOPLE. 2. he blessed the people in the name of the Lord-the king commended their zeal, supplicated the Divine blessing upon them, and ordered the remains of the thank-offerings which had been profusely sacrificed during the procession, to be distributed in certain proportions to every individual, that the ceremonial might terminate with appropriate festivities (Deuteronomy, 12. 7.). 3. flagon of wine-the two latter words are a supplement by our translators, and the former is, in other versions, rendered not a "flagon," but a "cake," a confection, as the Septuagint renders it, made of flour and honey. 4-6. he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord-No sooner was the ark deposited in its tent than the Levites, who were to officiate in the choirs before it, entered upon their duties; a select number of the musicians being chosen for the service from the list (ch. 15. 19-21, of those who had taken a prominent part in the recent procession. The same arrangement was to be observed in their duties, now that the ark was again stationary; Asaph, with his associates, composing the first or principal company, played with cymbals: Zechariah and his colleagues, with whom were conjoined Jeiel and Obed-edom, forming the second company, used harps and similar instruments. 5. Jeiel -is the same as Aziel (ch. 15. 20.). 6. Benaiah also and Jahaziel the name of the former is mentioned among the priests (ch. 15. 24,), but not the latter. The office assigned to them was that of blowing the trumpets at regular intervals, before the ark and in the tabernacle. 7-43. HIS PSALM OF THANKSGIVING. 7. Then on that day David delivered first this Psalm - Amongst the other preparations for this solemn inauguration, the royal bard had composed a special hymn for the occasion, Doubtless it had been previously in the hands But as Ver. 1-10. DAVID FORBIDDEN TO BUILD GOD AN HOUSE. 1. as David sat in his house- The details of this chapter were given in nearly similar terms (2 Samuel, 7.). The date was towards the latter end of David's reign, for it is expressly said in the former book to have been at the cessation of all his wars. to narrate the preparations for the removal of the ark and the erection of the temple was the principal object of the historian, the exact chronology is not followed. 5. I have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another-The lit. rendering is, "I was walking in a tent and in a dwelling." The evident intention (as we may see from v. 6,) was to lay stress upon the fact that God was a Mithhallek (a travelling God) and went from one place to another with his tent and his entire dwelling (the dwelling included not merely the tent, but the fore-courts with the altar of burnt-offerings, &c.). [BERTHEAU.] 6. spake I a word to any of the judges-in 2 Samuel, 7. 7, it is "any of the tribes" of Israel. Both are included. But the judges "who were commanded to feed the people," form the more suitable antithesis to David Subdues the Philistines. 1 CHRONICLES, XVIII, XIX. He Smites Hadadezer and the Syrians. north-east of Damascus, and is supposed by some to be the same place as in earlier times was called Hobah (Genesis, 14. 15.). Previous to the rise of Damascus, Zobah was the capital of the kingdom which held supremacy among the petty states of Syria. as he went to establish his dominions by the river Euphrates-Some refer this to David, who was seeking to extend his possessions in one direction towards a point bordering on the Euphrates, in accordance with the promise (Genesis, 15. 18; Numbers, 24. 17.) But others are of opinion that, as David's name is mentioned (v. 4,), this reference is most applicable to Hadadezer. 4-8. David took from him a thousand chariots-see on 2 Samuel, 8. 3-14.). In that passage David is said to have taken 700 horsemen, whereas here it is said that he took 7,000. This great discrepancy in the text of the two narratives seems to have originated with a transcriber in confounding the two Hebrew letters which indicate the numbers, and in neglecting to mark or obscure the points over one of them. We have no means of ascer taining whether 700 or 7,000 be the more correct. Probably the former should be adopted. [DAVIDSON'S HERM.] but reserved of them an hundred chariots-Probably to grace a triumphal procession on his return to Jerusalem, and after using them in that way, destroy them like the rest. 8. from Tibhath and from ChunThese places are called Betah and Berothai 2 Samuel, 8. 8.). Perhaps the one might be the Jewish, the other the Syrian name of these towns. Neither their situation nor the connection between them is known. The Arabic version makes them to be Emesa (now Hems) and Baal-beck, both of which agree very well with the relative position of Zobah. 9-13. Tou-Or Toi, whose dominions border on those of Hadadezer (see on 2 Samuel, 8. 9-12; 1 Kings, 11. 15.). 17. the Cherethites and the Pelethites - Who formed the royal body-guard. The Cherethites were, most probably, those brave men who all along accompanied David while among the Philistines, and from that people derived their name (1 Samuel, 30. 14; Ezekiel, 25. 16; Zephaniah, 12. 3, as well as their skill in archery-while the Pelethites were those who joined him at Ziklag, took their name from Pelet, the chief man in the company (ch. 12. 3,), and, being Benjamites, were expert in the use of the sling. David. Why have ye not built me an house of cedars- CHAPTER XVIII. Ver. 1, 2. DAVID SUBDUES THE PHILISTINES AND MOABITES. 1. David took Gath and her towns-The full extent of David's conquests in the Philistine territory is here distinctly stated, whereas in the parallel passage (2 Samuel, 8. 1,), it was only described in a general way. Gath was the "Metheg-ammah," or "arm-bridle," as it is there called-either from its supremacy as the capital over the other Philistine towns, or because, in the capture of that important place and its dependencies, he obtained the complete control of his restless neighbours. 2, he smote Moab-The terrible severities by which David's conquest of that people was marked, and the probable reason of their being subjected to such a dreadful retribution are narrated (2 Samuel, 8. 2.). the Moabites brought gifts-i.e., became tributary to Israel. 3-13. SMITES HADADEZER AND THE SYRIANS. 3. Hadarezer-Or Hadadezer (2 Samuel, 8. 3,), which was probably the original form of the name, was derived from Hadad, a Syrian deity. It seems to have become the official and hereditary title of the rulers of that kingdom. Zobah - Its situation is determined by the words "unto" or 44 towards Hamath," a little to the CHAPTER XIX. Ver. 1-5. DAVID'S MESSENGERS, SENT TO COMFORT HANUN, ARE DISGRACEFULLY TREATED. 1. after this-This phrase seems to indicate that the incident now to be related took place immediately, or soon after the wars described in the preceding chapter. But the chronological order is loosely observed,and the only just inference that can be drawn from the use of this phrase is, that some farther account is to be given of the wars against the Syrians. Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died-There had subsisted a very friendly relation between David and him, begun during the exile of the former, and cemented, doubtless, by their common hostility to Saul. 3. are not his servants come unto thee for to search!-i.e., thy capital, Rabbah (2 Samuel, 10. 3.). 4. shaved them--Not completely, but only the half of their face. This disrespect to the beard, and indecent exposure of their persons by their clothes being cut off from the girdle downwards, was the grossest indignity to which Jews, in common with all Orientals, could be subjected. No wonder that the men were ashamed to appear in public - that the king recommended them to remain in seclusion on the border till the mark of their disgrace had disappearedand then they might, with propriety, return to the court. 6-15. JOAB AND ABISHAI OVERCOME THE AMMONITES. 6. when the children of Ammon saw that they made themselves odious to David-One universal feeling of indignation was roused throughout Israel, and all classes supported the king in his determination to avenge this Rabbah Besieged by Joab, &c. 1 CHRONICLES, XX, XXI. David Sins in Numbering the People. putting them to saws, axes, &c., means nothing more the parallel passage of Samuel; and many consider that than that David condemned the inhabitants of Rabbah to hard and penal servitude. unprovoked insult on the Hebrew nation. Hanun... sent a thousand talents of silver - A sum equal to £342,100, to procure the services of foreign mercenaries. chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, maachah, and . . . Zobah - The Mesopotamian troops Syria did not arrive during this campaign (v. 16.). Syriamaachah lay on the north of the possessions of the Trans-jordanic Israelites, near Gilead. Zobah-(see on ch. 18. 3.). 7. they hired thirty and two thousand chariots -Heb., riders, or cavalry, accustomed to fight either on horseback or in chariots, and occasionally on foot, and accepting this as the true rendering, the number of hired auxiliaries mentioned in this passage agrees exactly with the statement in 2 Samuel, 10. 6. 12,000 (from Tob,), equal to 32,000, and 1,000 with the 20,000, king of Maachah. 8. David. host of the mighty men - The whole forces of Israel, sent Joab, and all the including the great military orders, were engaged in this war. 9. children of Ammon put the battle in array before the gate of the city-i.e., outside the walls of Medebah, a frontier town on the Arnon. were come were by themselves in the field-The Israelitish the kings that army being thus beset by the Ammonites in front, and by the Syrian auxiliaries behind, Joab resolved to attack the latter-the more numerous and formidable host-while he directed his brother Abishai, with a suitable detachment, to attack the Ammonites. Joab's address before the engagement, displays the faith and piety that became a commander of the Hebrew people. The mercenaries being defeated, the courage of the Ammonites failed; so that, taking flight, they entrenched themselves within the fortified walls. 16-19. SHOPHACH SLAIN BY DAVID. the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse- (see on 16. And when 2 Samuel, 10. 15-19.). 18. David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men-(cf. 2 Samuel, 10. 18, which has seven hundred chariots.). Either the text in one of the books is corrupt [KEIL, DAVIDSON,] or the accounts must be combined, giving this result, 7,000 horsemen, 7,000 chariots, and 40,000 footmen. [KENNICOTT, HOUBIGANT, CALMET.] CHAPTER XX. Ver. 1-3. RABBAH BESIEGED BY JOAB, SPOILED BY DAVID, AND THE PEOPLE TORTURED. 1. at the time when kings go out to battle-in spring, the usual season in ancient times for entering on a campaign; i.e., a year subsequent to the Syrian war. Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country. -The former campaign had been disastrous, owing ... of Ammon chiefly to the hired auxiliaries of the Ammonites; and as it was necessary, as well as just, that they should be severely chastised for their wanton outrage on the Hebrew ambassadors, Joab ravaged their country, invested their capital, Rabbah, and having, after a protracted siege, taken one part of it, the lower town or "city of waters," insulated by the winding course of the Jabbok:-he knowing that the fort called "the royal city" would soon fall, invited the king to come in person, and have the honour of storming it. knowledge of this fact, (mentioned 2 Samuel, 12, 26,) The enables us to reconcile the two statements-"David tarried at Jerusalem" (v. 1), and "David and all the people returned to Jerusalem" (v. 3.). 2. David took the crown of their king, and found it to weigh a talent of gold -Equal to 125 lbs. Some think that Malcom, rendered in our version "their king," should be taken as a proper name, Milcom, or Molech, the Ammonite idol, which, of course, might bear a heavy weight. But, like many other state crowns of Eastern kings, the crown got at Rabbah was not worn on the head, but suspended by chains of gold above the throne. precious stones Heb., a stone, or cluster of precious stones, which was set on Davids head. 3. cut them with saws, &c.-The Heb. word, "cut them," is, with the difference of the final letter, the same as that rendered "put them," in 259 AND THREE GIANTS SLAIN. 4. war at Geza - Or Gob Ver. 1-13. DAVID SINS IN NUMBERING THE PEOPLE. |