And David took — Gath and her towns, as it is expressed in the parallel place, 1 Chronicles 18:1. Which are called Metheg — ammah, or the bridle of Ammah, Gath was situate in the mountain of Ammah; and because this being the chief city of the Philistines, and having a king, which none of the rest ha... [ Continue Reading ]
Moab — For although the king of Moab, out of hatred to Saul, gave protection to his parents, 1 Samuel 22:3, yet the Moabites were perpetual and sworn enemies to the Israelites, who therefore were forbidden to admit them into the congregation of the Lord. And though God commanded them in their march... [ Continue Reading ]
As he went — David, remembering the grant which God had made to his people of all the land as far as Euphrates, and having subdued his neighbouring enemies, went to recover his rights, and stablish his dominion as far as Euphrates.... [ Continue Reading ]
Seven hundred — Or, seven hundred companies of horsemen, that is, in all seven thousand; as it is 1 Chronicles 18:4, there being ten in each company, and each ten having a ruler or captain. Houghed — — That is, cut the sinews of their legs, that they might be useless for war.... [ Continue Reading ]
Of Damascus — That is, who were subject to Damascus, the chief city of Syria.... [ Continue Reading ]
On the servants — Or rather, which were with the servants, that is, committed to their custody, as being kept in the king's armoury: for it is not probable they carried them into the field.... [ Continue Reading ]
From Betah, &c. — In 1 Chronicles 18:8, it is, from Tibhath, and from Chun. Either therefore the same cities were called by several names, as is usual, the one by the Hebrews, the other by the Syrians, or those were two other cities, and so the brass was taken out of these four cities.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Lord preserved, &c. — All David's victories were typical of the success of the gospel over the kingdom of Satan, in which the Son of David rode forth, conquering and to conquer, and will reign 'till he has brought down all opposing rule, principality and power.... [ Continue Reading ]
Recorder — The treasurer, who examined all the accounts, and kept records of them.... [ Continue Reading ]
Scribe — Or, secretary of state.... [ Continue Reading ]
Cherethites, &c. — The Cherethites and Pelethites were undoubtedly soldiers, and such as were eminent for their valour and fidelity. Most probable they were the king's guards, which consisted of these two bands, who might be distinguished either by their several weapons, or by the differing time or... [ Continue Reading ]