THE SON OF BICHRI] rather, 'a son of Bichri,' i.e. a member of that clan (1 Chronicles 7:6). WE HAVE NO PART.. ISRAEL] This was the very cry raised by the rebellious Israelites in the time of Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:16).... [ Continue Reading ]
THE REBELLION OF SHEBA Sheba takes advantage of the jealousy of the men of Israel to begin a rebellion, which, but for the prompt action of Joab, might have resulted in a disruption between Israel and Judah. During this expedition Amasa is murdered by Joab. The chapter concludes with a list of Davi... [ Continue Reading ]
See 2 Samuel 15:16; 2 Samuel 16:21; 2 Samuel 16:22.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE TARRIED] The reason is unknown.... [ Continue Reading ]
ABISHAI] When Amasa failed him, David, determined at all hazards to suspend Joab, turned to Abishai. Joab went with his brother, in order to watch for his opportunity, which soon came.... [ Continue Reading ]
It would seem that Joab had two swords, and that Amasa, seeing one lying on the ground, did not suspect that he had another.... [ Continue Reading ]
TOOK AMASA BY THE BEARD.. TO KISS HIM] This is said to be still an Arab custom.... [ Continue Reading ]
UNTO ABEL, AND TO BETH-MAACHAH] read 'unto Abel of Beth-maachah.' ALL THE BERITES] READ 'all the Bichrites' (see on 2 Samuel 20:1). Sheba went to the Bichrites (his kinsmen) and then proceeded to Abel-beth-maachah, in the extreme N. of Palestine, where he was besieged by Joab.... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY CAST UP A BANK AGAINST THE CITY] cp. 2 Kings 19:32. It enabled the besiegers to bring their battering-rams close up to the wall. IT STOOD IN THE TRENCH] RV 'it stood against the rampart.'... [ Continue Reading ]
The wisdom of the inhabitants of Abel was so generally accepted, that their decision settled all disputed questions. The woman says this to give weight to her remonstrance.... [ Continue Reading ]
A CITY AND A MOTHER] i.e. a mother-city, a metropolis.... [ Continue Reading ]
Joab was utterly unscrupulous, but never wantonly cruel: cp. 2 Samuel 18:16. 23-26. This list of officers concludes this part of the book. What follows is an appendix. When we compare it with the list given in 2 Samuel 8:16, we find the amount of variation which we should expect, if one list refers... [ Continue Reading ]
ADORAM] He held the same office through the long reign of Solomon till the accession of Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:18). It has, however, been supposed that the Adoram mentioned in Kings was the son and successor of the Adoram mentioned here.... [ Continue Reading ]