THE SON OF BICHRI ... - Rather, “a Bichrite,” formed like the names “Ahohite,” “Hachmonite,” etc. 2 Samuel 23:8, and so called from Becher, the son of Benjamin Genesis 46:21; 1 Chronicles 7:6 Saul was also of this family. It is evident that the transfer of the royalty from their tribe to that of Jud... [ Continue Reading ]
FROM JORDAN ... - The men of Israel only escorted David from Jordan to Gilgal, and there left him; but the men of Judah in a body went with him all the way to Jerusalem.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO AMASA ... - Evidently feeling his way toward fulfilling the promise to Amasa (marginal reference).... [ Continue Reading ]
HE TARRIED - The cause of Amasa’s delay is not stated. It may have been the unwillingness of the men of Judah to place themselves under his orders, or it may have been caused by a wavering or hesitation in loyalty. This last is evidently insinuated in 2 Samuel 20:11, and no doubt this was the pretex... [ Continue Reading ]
TO ABISHAI - Probably, as the king was on bad terms with Joab, and wished to deprive him of his post as Captain of the host, he gave his orders to Abishai, and weakly connived at the execution of them by Joab, which was inevitable.... [ Continue Reading ]
AMASA WENT BEFORE THEM - Rather, “advanced to meet them.” Amasa was no doubt returning to Jerusalem, according to his orders 2 Samuel 20:4, and was probably much surprised to meet the army in march. Joab’s resolution was quickly taken. AND JOAB’S GARMENT ... - Render, “And Joab was girded with his m... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT FAVORETH JOAB ... - This speech, addressed to Amasa’s followers as well as Joab’s, shows very distinctly that the rivalry between Joab and Amasa, and David’s purpose to make Amasa captain in Joab’s room, were well known; and shows also the real reason why Joab killed Amasa. What is added, “a... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THE PEOPLE ... - i. e., the levies which Amanda had been leading to Jerusalem; they were irresolute as to what they should do, and the stoppage at Amasa’s body very nearly led to their refusing to follow Joab. But upon the prompt removal and hiding of the body they passed on and followed Joab, t... [ Continue Reading ]
ABEL - More commonly called 2 Samuel 20:15 “Abel-Beth-maachah” to distinguish it from other places of the name of “Abel” (a grassy plain). It is represented by the modern Abil-el-Kamh, a Christian village on the northwest of lake Huleh, the ancient Merom. Compare 2 Chronicles 16:4, “Abel-maim,” Abel... [ Continue Reading ]
CAST UP A BANK - See the marginal references. The throwing up of mounds against the walls of besieged places by the besiegers is well illustrated in the Assyrian sculptures. THE TRENCH - The “pomoerium,” or fortified space outside the wall. When the mound was planted in the pomoerium the battering... [ Continue Reading ]
This was an old proverb. Abel, like Teman, and some other places, was once famous for the wisdom of its inhabitants 1 Kings 4:30. The wise woman was herself a remnant of this traditional wisdom.... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM ONE ... - The woman speaks in the name of the whole city, which she means to say was peaceable and loyal.... [ Continue Reading ]
Joab’s character is strongly brought out in the transaction. Politic, decided, bold, and unscrupulous, but never needlessly cruel or impulsive, or even revengeful. No life is safe that stands in his way, but from policy he never sacrifices the most insignificant life without a purpose. (Compare 2 Sa... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW JOAB ... - This is by no means an unmeaning repetition. Joab had been dismissed to make room for Amasa, and was now, as the result of his successful expedition against Sheba, and the death of Amasa, reinstated in his command. Moreover, this was a fresh beginning of David’s reign, and therefore a... [ Continue Reading ]
ADORAM - Not mentioned before by name or office. Apparently, therefore, the office was not instituted until the latter part of David’s reign, and its duties probably were the collection of the tribute imposed upon vanquished nations, or the command of the forced levies employed in public works. Ador... [ Continue Reading ]
IRA THE JAIRITE - Not mentioned before: perhaps the same as “Ira an Ithrite” (marginal reference), i. e., an inhabitant of Jattir in the hill country of Judah Joshua 15:48; 1 Samuel 30:27. Perhaps we ought to read “Ithrite,” for “Jairite.” A CHIEF RULER ... ABOUT DAVID - More simply and clearly, “w... [ Continue Reading ]