Bible Commentaries

Verses 1-17

David’s Wars and Officers of State

This chapter is closely parallel to 2 Samuel 8:1-18, but with some variations in names and numbers.

1. Gath] probably meant to explain the difficult phrase ’Metheg-ammah’ which occurs in 2 Samuel 8:1. Gath was independent in the time of Solomon: 1 Kings 2:39.

3. Hadarezer] 2 Samuel 8:3 has ’Hadadezer,’ which is more correct,’ Hadad’ being the name of a Syrian god and ’Hadadezer’ being a formation parallel to ’Eliezer.’

4. An hundred chariots] RV ’for an hundred chariots.’

8. The pillars] i.e. the two columns in front of the porch of the Temple.

12. Abishai] In Psalms 60 (title) this success is attributed to Joab, and the number of the slain is stated at 12,000.

16. Abimelech the son of Abiathar] This should be ’Abiathar the son of Abimelech’: see on 1 Samuel 22:20; 2 Samuel 15:29; 2 Samuel 20:25.

17. Chief about the king] 2 Samuel 8:18; AV has ’Chief rulers,’ but the RV has ’Priests.’ For the latter word the Chronicler. substitutes a different expression, because the sons of David belonged not to the priestly tribe of Levi but to Judah.