1 Samuel 27:8-12

David's raids upon neighbouring tribes

8. the Geshurites A tribe dwelling south of Philistia near the Amalekites (see Joshua 13:2), to be distinguished from the Geshurites in Syria (2 Samuel 15:8).

the Gezrites These cannot be the inhabitants of Gezer(Joshua 10:33), which was far away from the scene of David's operations. The written text (Kthîbh) as distinguished from the traditional reading (Qrî) has Gerzites. It has been conjectured that this was an ancient Arab tribe which at one time wandered up northwards and gave its name to Mount Gerizim; as their neighbours the Amalekites left traces of former migrations in the name "the mountain of the Amalekites" in the territory of Ephraim (Judges 12:15).

the Amalekites Such remnants of them as had escaped from Saul's sword. See on 1 Samuel 15:8.

those nations were of old, &c. If the text is right, the E. V. gives the general sense correctly. The allusion to their ancient occupation of the district may be inserted with reference to the Amalekite attack upon Israel in the march from Egypt (Exodus 17:8 ff.). But the Heb. is obscure, and possibly should be emended so as to give the sense, "for these nations inhabited the land from Telem until thou comest to Shur, and unto the land of Egypt." Telem would be mentioned as the southernmost city of Israel. See on 1 Samuel 15:4.