Compare the marginal reference. The chronicler adds some interesting
details 2Sa. 12:23-40 of the manner in which the various tribes from
both sides of the Jordan came to Hebron to make David king, and of the
joyful festivities on the occasion. The consummation to which events
in God’s Providence ha... [ Continue Reading ]
BEFORE THE LORD - Abiathar and Zadok the priests were both with David,
and the tabernacle and altar may have been at Hebron, though the ark
was at Kirjath-jearim.... [ Continue Reading ]
The age of David is conclusive as to the fact that the earlier years
of Saul’s reign (during which Jonathan grew up to be a man) are
passed over in silence, and that the events narrated from 1 Samuel 13
to the end of the book did not occupy more than 10 years. If David was
20 years old at the time h... [ Continue Reading ]
David immediately after being anointed king of Israel, probably wished
to signalize his accession by an exploit which would be popular with
all Israel, and especially with Saul’s tribe, Benjamin. He discerned
the importance of having Jerusalem for his capital both because it
belonged as much to Benj... [ Continue Reading ]
THE STRONGHOLD OF ZION - Or castle 1 Chronicles 11:5, 1 Chronicles
11:7. The ancient Zion was the hill on which the temple stood, and the
castle seems to have been immediately to the north of the temple. The
modern Zion lies to the southwest of the temple.
THE SAME IS THE CITY OF DAVID - The name a... [ Continue Reading ]
i. e. “Whosoever will smite the Jebusites, let him reach both the
lame and the blind, who are the hated of David’s soul, by the gutter
or water-course, and he shall be chief.” The only access to the
citadel was where the water had worn a channel (some understand a
subterranean channel), and where th... [ Continue Reading ]
DAVID DWELT IN THE FORT - or stronghold, (as in 2 Samuel 5:7) i. e.
eventually, when the buildings were completed, which may not have been
for two or three years. Millo appears to have been a fortress of some
kind, the northern defense of the city of David, and to have been a
part of the original Ca... [ Continue Reading ]
HIRAM KING OF TYRE - Now mentioned for the first time. He survived
David, and continued his friendship to Solomon (marginal references).
The news of the capture of the city of the Jebusites had doubtless
reached Tyre, and created a great impression of David’s power.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HOLD - Not the same place which is so named in 2Sa 5:7, 2 Samuel
5:9, but probably the cave (or hold) of Adullam 2 Samuel 23:13. The
invasion most probably took place before David had completed his
buildings in the city of David; and is probably referred to in 2
Samuel 23:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
BAAL-PERAZIM - Master or possessor of breaches, equivalent to place of
breaches. It was on a hill near Gibeon (see the marginal reference).... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THERE THEY LEFT THEIR IMAGES - An indication of the precipitancy
of their flight, and the suddenness with which the Israelites burst
upon them like a “breach of waters.” The King James Version
rendering “Burned them,” does not give a translation (compare the
margin), but a gloss, warranted by th... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MULBERRY TREES - Rather, the Bacah-tree, and found abundantly near
Mecca. It is very like the balsam-tree, and probably derives its name
from the exudation of the sap in drops like tears when a leaf is torn
off. Some think the valley of Baca Psalms 84:6 was so called from this
plant growing ther... [ Continue Reading ]
GEBA - Better, as in marginal reference “Gibeon.” Gazer should be
“Gezer” (Joshua 10:33, etc.); it lay between the nether Bethhoron
and the sea; on the direct route therefore which the Philistines,
fleeing from Gibeon, would take. The exact site has now been
identified (1 Kings 9:16).... [ Continue Reading ]