while he yet kept himself close because of Saul--that is, when the king's jealousy had driven him into exile from the court and the country.
Ziklag--(See on [1Sa 27:6]). It was during his retirement in that Philistine town that he was joined in rapid succession by the heroes who afterwards contributed so much to the glory of his reign.
8-13. of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David--that is, from the service of Saul and from the rest of the Gadites who remained steadfast adherents of his cause.
into the hold--or fortress, that is, of Ziklag, which was in the wilderness of Judah.
whose faces were like the faces of lions, &c.--A fierce, lion-like countenance ([2Sa 1:23]), and great agility in pursuit ([2Sa 2:18]), were qualities of the highest estimation in ancient warfare.
14. one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest 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 valor.
15. These are they that went over Jordan in the first month--that is, in spring, when the swollen river generally fills up the banks of its channel (see on [Jos 3:14]; [Jos 4:19]; [Jos 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 service from a unanimous conviction that his cause was owned and blessed of God ([1Sa 18:12-14]).
19-22. there fell some of Manasseh--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 [1Sa 29:4]).
23. these are the numbers of the bands ... that came to David to Hebron--after the death of Ish-bosheth (see on [2Sa 5:1]).
to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord--([1Ch 10:14]; , ). 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, it concludes with those on the east of Jordan.
27. Jehoiada, the leader of the Aaronites--not the high priest, for that was Abiathar ([1Sa 23:9]), but the leader of the Aaronite warriors, supposed to be the father of Benaiah ([1Ch 11:22]).
29. Benjamin ... three thousand--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 Ish-bosheth's death, anxiously endeavored to secure the crown in the family of Saul.
32. children of Issachar, ... that had understanding of the times, &c.--Jewish writers say that the people of this tribe were eminent for their acquirements in astronomical and physical science; and the object of the remark was probably to show that the intelligent and learned classes were united with the military, and had declared for David.
33. Zebulun ... could keep rank--that is, were more disciplined soldiers than the rest.
not of double heart--Though their numbers were large, all were in a high degree well affected to David.
38. all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king--that is, entertained a unanimous desire for his elevation.
39-40. there they were with David three days, eating and drinking--According to the statements made in the preceding verses, the number of armed warriors assembled in Hebron on this occasion amounted to three hundred thousand. Supplies of provisions were abundantly furnished, not only by the people of the neighborhood, but from distant parts of the country, for all wished the festivities to be on a scale of liberality and magnificence suitable to the auspicious occasion.
Chapter 13
[1Ch 13:1-8]. David Fetches the Ark from Kirjath-jearim.
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, entering on his duties, he 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. 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 ([2Sa 6:1]). During the reign of the late king, the ark had been left in culpable neglect. Consequently the people had, to a great extent, been careless about 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.
5. from Shihor of Egypt--([Jos 15:4], ; [Nu 34:5]; [1Ki 8:65]; [2Ki 24:7]; [2Ch 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 Hemath--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 [2Sa 6:1-11]).
whose name is called on it--rather, "who is worshipped there" ([2Sa 6:2]).
Chapter 14
[1Ch 14:1], 2. Hiram's Kindness to David; David's Felicity.
1. Now Hiram king of Tyre--[See on 2Sa 5:11]. The alliance with this neighboring king, and the important advantages derived from it, were among 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 conquered the Jebusites and made Zion the royal residence, he had now, along with internal prosperity, established an advantageous treaty with a neighboring 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 honor 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 greatness were given only to fit him, as the minister of God, to execute the divine purposes towards the chosen people.
[1Ch 14:3-7]. His Wives.
3. David took more wives at Jerusalem--(See on [2Sa 3:5]). His concubines are mentioned ([1Ch 3:9]), where also is given a list of his children ([1Ch 14:5-8]), and those born in Jerusalem ([2Sa 5:14-16]). In that, however, the names of Eliphalet and Nogah do not occur, and Beeliada appears to be the same as Eliada.
[1Ch 14:8-17]. 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, [1Sa 23:15]; , ) 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 dishonor 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 before he was fairly seated on his throne.
11. they came up to Baal-perazim; and David smote them there--In an engagement fought at Mount Perazim ([Is 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 [2Sa 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 [2Sa 5:23], more correctly has, "Go not up."
turn away from them--that is, by stealing round a baca-grove, come upon their rear.
15. for God is gone forth before thee--"a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees," that is, 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 ([2Sa 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. To recover possession of it, therefore, as was effected by this decisive battle, was equivalent to setting free the whole mountain region of Judah as far as their most westerly slope [Bertheau].
Chapter 15
[1Ch 15:1-24]. David Brings the Ark from Obededom.
1. David made him houses in the city of David--Through the liberality of his Tyrian ally ([1Ch 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.