1 Chronicles 21

1Ch 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

2Sa 24:1 And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

This chapter, with the exception of the last three verses, is the same as 2Sa_24:1 with some variations.

And Satan stood up against Israel - Satan is introduced here for the first time by name. He appears not merely as an “adversary” who seeks to injure man from without, but as a Tempter able to ruin him by suggesting sinful acts and thoughts from within. In this point of view, the revelation made of him here is the most advanced in the Old Testament.

Satan stood up against Israel - The difficulty in reconciling the statement here, “Satan provoked David,” etc. with that of Samuel, “the Lord moved David,” etc. 2Sa_24:1 is not serious. All temptation is permitted by God. When evil spirits tempt us, they do so by permission (Job_1:12; Job_2:6; Luk_22:31, etc.). If Satan therefore provoked David to number the peopIe, God allowed him. And what God allows, He may be said to do.

Satan stood up against Israel - In the parallel verse in 2 Samuel 24, God moves David against them. God could not be angry with David for numbering the people if he moved him to do it; but here it is expressly said, Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. David, in all probability, slackening in his piety and confidence toward God, and meditating some extension of his dominions without the Divine counsel or command, was naturally curious to know whether the number of fighting men in his empire was sufficient for the work which he had projected. He therefore orders Joab and the captains to take an exact account of all the effective men in Israel and Judah. God is justly displeased with this conduct, and determines that the props of his vain ambition shall be taken away, either by famine, war, or pestilence.

Satan stood up against Israel - Before the Lord and his tribunal to accuse David and Israel, and to beg God's permission to tempt David. Standing is the accusers posture before men's tribunals; and consequently the holy scripture (which speaks of the things of God, after the manner of men, to bring them down to our capacities) elsewhere represent Satan in this posture.

Satan stood up against Israel - God, though He cannot tempt any man (Jam_1:13), is frequently described in Scripture as doing what He merely permits to be done; and so, in this case, He permitted Satan to tempt David. Satan was the active mover, while God only withdrew His supporting grace, and the great tempter prevailed against the king.

No mention is made in this book of David's sin in the matter of Uriah, neither of the troubles that followed it. But David's sin, in numbering the people, is related: in the atonement made for that sin, there was notice of the place on which the temple should be built. The command to David to build an altar, was a blessed token of reconciliation. God testified his acceptance of David's offerings on this altar. Thus Christ was made sin, and a curse for us; it pleased the Lord to bruise him, that through him, God might be to us, not a consuming Fire, but a reconciled God.

To number Israel — In the act of taking the census of a people, there is not only no evil. But in numbering Israel, the people who were to become as the stars for multitude, implying a distrust of the divine promise, was a sin; and though it had been done with impunity in the time of Moses, at that enumeration each of the people had contributed “half a shekel towards the building of the tabernacle,” that there might be no plague among them when he numbered them Exo_30:11-12 And the LORD spoke to Moses saying, When you count the sons of Israel, of those who are to be counted, then they shall each man give a ransom for his soul to the LORD when you number them, so that there may be no plague among them when you number them. Hence the numbering of that people was in itself regarded as an undertaking by which the anger of God could be easily aroused; but when the arrangements were made by Moses for the taking of the census, God was not angry because the people were numbered for the express purpose of the tax for the sanctuary, and the money which was thus collected (“the atonement money,” Exo_30:16) appeased Him. Everything depended, therefore, upon the design of the census.

1Ch 21:2 And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.

2Sa 24:2 For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.

from Beersheba even to Dan - from the southern part of the land of Israel to the northern part of it.

bring the number of them to me, that I may know it - so that this appears to be done not through any urgent necessity, but merely out of curiosity, and to gratify the pride of his heart, and please himself with the thought of ruling such a numerous people, and brag of their numbers to other nations, and place his confidence therein; and no wonder it was displeasing to the Lord.

1Ch 21:3 And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

2Sa 24:3 And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

Joab answered - This man of questionable character saw that the measure now recommended by the king was a wrong one, and might be ruinous to the people, and therefore he remonstrates against it in a very sensible speech; but the king was infatuated, and would hear no reason.

The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be - he wished his subjects were an hundred times more numerous than they were:

why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel — or bring an occasion of punishment on Israel. In Hebrew, the word “sin” is often used synonymously with the punishment of sin. God commonly punishes the people for the sins of their rulers, because they are for the most part guilty of their sins in one kind or other; or at least God takes this occasion to punish people for all their sins.

1Ch 21:4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.

2Sa 24:4 Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.

1Ch 21:5 And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.

2Sa 24:9 And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.

Joab gave the sum of the number of the people - It amounted to one million one hundred thousand men in Israel, capable of bearing arms, inclusive of the three hundred thousand military (1Ch_27:1-9), which, being already enlisted in the royal service, were not reckoned in 2Sa_24:9, and to four hundred seventy thousand men in Judah, omitting thirty thousand which formed an army of observation stationed on the Philistine frontier in 2Sa_6:1. So large a population at this early period, considering the limited extent of the country and comparing it with the earlier census (Num_26:1-65), is a striking proof of the fulfillment of the promise Gen_15:5 And He brought him outside and said, Look now toward the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them. And He said to him, So shall your seed be.

Joab gave the sum of the number of the people – In 2 Samuel 24:9 they number eight hundred thousand and five hundred thousand. In this verse from Chronicles the numbers are different. It is also stated in 1Ch_21:6, that Joab purposely omitted Levi and Benjamin from the reckoning. It is probable therefore that the Chronicler has included in his statement of the sum total some numbers which are not included here. Perhaps the difference in the two texts arose chiefly from the fact that the statements were merely founded upon oral tradition, since, according to 1Ch_27:24, the result of the census was not inserted in the annals of the kingdom. 1Ch_27:24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he did not finish because wrath fell against the sons of Israel for this. And the number did not go up in the account of the chronicles of King David.

1Ch 21:6 But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.

Levi and Benjamin counted he not - To omit the Levites would be to follow the precedent recorded in Num_1:47-49. The omission of Benjamin must he ascribed to a determination on the part of Joab to frustrate the king’s intention, whereby he might hope to avert God’s wrath from the people.

1Ch 21:7 And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.

God was displeased with this thing - Because this was done without any necessity, and out of mere curiosity, and ostentation.

1Ch 21:8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

2Sa 24:10 And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

I have sinned greatly – he saw and owned his sin to be exceeding sinful.

And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned — The act of numbering the people was not in itself sinful; for Moses did it by the express authority of God. But David acted not only independently of such order or sanction, but from motives unworthy of the delegated king of Israel; from pride and vainglory; from self-confidence and distrust of God; and, above all, from ambitious designs of conquest, in furtherance of which he was determined to force the people into military service, and to ascertain whether he could muster an army sufficient for the magnitude of the enterprises he contemplated. It was a breach of the constitution, an infringement of the liberties of the people, and opposed to that divine policy which required that Israel should continue a separate people.

1Ch 21:9 And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,

2Sa 24:11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

David’s seer - A holy man of God, under the Divine influence, whom David had as a domestic chaplain. David used to advise about the will of God on various occasions, though in this he had neglected to consult him.

the Lord spake unto Gad, David’s seer - Although David was himself endowed with a prophetic gift, yet, in matters relating to himself or his kingdom, he was in the habit of consulting the Lord through the priests; and when he failed to do so, a prophet was sent on extraordinary occasions to admonish or chastise him. Gad was occasionally employed as the bearer of these prophetic messages.

1Ch 21:10 Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

2Sa 24:12 Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

Go and tell David - Not my servant David, as Nathan was bid to say to him when it was in his heart to build an house for him, 2Sa_7:5; but now he had sinned and displeased the Lord, and therefore it is only plain David.

1Ch 21:11 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee

So Gad came to David, and told him - Said nothing to him about his sin, but correction for it; which confirms it that David was made sensible of his sin before he came to him:

1Ch 21:12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

2Sa 24:13 So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

three years' famine - In 2Sa_24:13, it is seven years; the Septuagint has three years. 1 Chronicles 21:12 either three years of famine, or that thou shouldest flee three months from the face of thine enemies, and the sword of thine enemies [shall be employed] to destroy thee, or that the sword of the Lord and pestilence [should be] three days in the land, and the angel of the Lord [shall be] destroying in all the inheritance of Israel. And now consider what I shall answer to him that sent the message. (Septuagint)

three years' famine - The “seven” years of famine correspond with the “seven” years of famine in Gen_41:27, Gen_41:30, and with the same number of years in 2Ki_8:1. But in Chronicles and the Septuagint, it is “three years,” which agrees better with the “three” months and “three” days.

Three days the sword of the Lord - or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land - which in 1Ch_21:12 is called "the sword of the Lord", in distinction from the sword of man.

1Ch 21:13 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.

2Sa 24:14 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

let me fall now into the hand of the Lord - had David chosen war, his personal safety was in no danger, as there was an ordinance preventing him from going to battle; and in famine, his wealth would have secured his and his family's support; but all were equally exposed to the pestilence. Heb_10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

let me fall now into the hand of the Lord - Experience had taught him that human passion and vengeance had no bounds, whereas our wise and gracious Father in heaven knows the kind, and regulates the extent, of chastisement which every one needs.

1Ch 21:14 So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.

2Sa 24:15 So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.

There fell seventy thousand - He was proud of the number of his people, but God took a course to make them fewer. Justly is that we are proud of so, taken from us, or embittered to us.

1Ch 21:15 And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

2Sa 24:16 And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

1Ch 21:16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

David and the elders clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces - Facts additional to the narrative of Samuel; But facts natural in themselves, and in harmony with that narrative. The account of David's repentant beseeching of the Lord to turn away the primitive judgment, and the word of the Lord proclaimed to him by the prophet, commanding him to build an altar to the Lord in the place where the destroying angel visibly appeared, together with the carrying out of this divine command by the purchase of Araunah's threshing-floor, the erection of an altar, and the offering of burnt-offering, is given more at length in the Chronicle than in 2Sa_24:17-25. In substance both accounts perfectly correspond, except that in the Chronicle several subordinate circumstances are preserved, which, as being minor points, are passed over in Samuel. In 1Ch_21:16, the description of the angel's appearance, that he had a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, and the statement that David and the elders, clad in sackcloth (garments indicating repentance), fell down before the Lord; in 1Ch_21:20, the mention of Ornan's (Araunah's) sons, who hid themselves on beholding the angel, and of the fact that Ornan was engaged in threshing wheat when David came to him; and the statement in 1Ch_21:26, that fire came down from heaven upon the altar-are examples of such minor points.

David and the elders clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces — They appeared in the garb and assumed the attitude of humble penitents, confessing their sins, and deprecating the wrath of God. In mourning garments, humbling themselves before God for their sins, and deprecating his wrath against the people.

1Ch 21:17 And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

2Sa 24:17 And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

1Ch 21:18 Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

2Sa 24:18 And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say — The commanding of David to build an altar, was a blessed token of reconciliation. For if God had been pleased to kill him, he would not have commanded, because he would not have accepted a sacrifice at his hands. The order about the erection of an altar, as well as the indication of its site, is described in 2Sa_24:18 as brought directly by Gad. Here we are informed of the source from which the prophet got his commission. It is only in the later stages of Israel’s history that we find angels employed in communicating the divine will to the prophets.

1Ch 21:19 And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name of the LORD.

2Sa 24:19 And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded.

1Ch 21:20 And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.

Ornan turned back, and saw the angel - 1 Chronicles 21:20 And Orna turned and saw the king; and he hid himself and his four sons with him. Now Orna was threshing wheat. (Septuagint) Note the difference between the version in Chronicles, in the Septuagint, and in 2 Samuel. 1Ch_21:20 contains a statement which is not found in Samuel, that Ornan (Araunah), while threshing with his four sons, turned and saw the angel, and being terrified at the sight, hid himself with his sons. After that, David with his train came from Zion to the threshing-floor in Mouth Moriah, and Araunah looking out saw the king, and came out of the threshing-floor to meet him, with deep obeisance.

Ornan was threshing wheat — If the census was entered upon in autumn, the beginning of the civil year, the nine and a half months it occupied would end at wheat harvest. The common way of threshing grain is by spreading it out on a high level area, and driving backwards and forwards upon it two oxen harnessed to a clumsy sledge with three rollers and some sharp spikes. The driver sits on his knees on the box, while another person is employed in drawing back the straw and separating it from the grain underneath. By this operation the chaff is very much chopped, and the grain threshed out.

Hid themselves - Because of the glory and majesty in which the angel appeared, which mens weak natures are not able to bear; and from the fear of God's vengeance which now seemed to be coming to their family.

1Ch 21:21 And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshingfloor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground.

2Sa 24:20 And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.

1Ch 21:22 Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.

2Sa 24:21 And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

1Ch 21:23 And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.

2Sa 24:22-23 And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood. All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee.

the threshing instruments for wood — that is, to burn the sacrifice of the oxen. The offering was made for instant use. Ornan, hereby hoping to terminate the pestilence without a moment’s delay, “gave all,” oxen, the large threshing machine, and the wheat.

1Ch 21:24 And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.

2Sa 24:24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

I will surely buy it of thee - Had Ornan’s noble offer been accepted, it would have been Ornan’s sacrifice, not David's; nor would it have answered the end of turning away the displeasure of the Most High. It was David that sinned, not Ornan; therefore David must offer sacrifice.

1Ch 21:25 So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.

2Sa 24:24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

David gave for the place six hundred shekels of gold — At first he bought only the cattle and the threshing instruments, for which he paid fifty shekels of silver (2Sa_24:24); afterwards he purchased the whole property, Mount Moriah, on which the future temple stood.

1Ch 21:26 And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.

2Sa 24:25 And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

He answered him from heaven by fire - This fact is not mentioned by the author of Samuel, since his object is to give an account of the sin of David, its punishment, and the circumstances by which that punishment was brought to a close, not to connect those circumstances with anything further in the history. With the writer of Chronicles the case is different. He would probably have omitted the whole narrative, as he did the sin of David in the matter of Uriah, but for its connection with the fixing of the temple site 1 Chr. 22. It was perhaps the fact that God answered him by fire from heaven on this altar, which determined David, and Solomon after him, to build the temple on the spot so consecrated.

He answered him from heaven by fire - In answer to David’s prayers, God, to show that he had accepted him, and was now pacified towards him and the people, sent fire from heaven and consumed the offerings.

He answered him from heaven by fire - The fire which came down from heaven upon the altar of burnt-offering was the visible sign by which the Lord assured the king that his prayer had been heard, and his offering graciously accepted. The reality of this sign of the gracious acceptance of an offering is placed beyond doubt by the analogous cases, Lev_9:24; 1Ki_18:24, 1Ki_18:38, and 2Ch_7:1. It was only by this sign of the divine complacence that David learnt that the altar built upon the threshing-floor of Araunah had been chosen by the Lord as the place where Israel should always thereafter offer their burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as is further recorded in 1Ch_21:28-30. and in 1Ch_22:1. From the cessation of the pestilence in consequence of his prayer and sacrifice, David could only draw the conclusion that God had forgiven him his transgression, but could not have known that God had chosen the place where he had built the altar for the offering demanded by God as a permanent place of sacrifice. This certainly he obtained only by the divine answer, and this answer was the fire which came down upon the altar of burnt-offering and devoured the sacrifice. This 1Ch_21:28 states: “At the time when he saw that Jahve had answered him at the threshing-floor of Ornan, he offered sacrifice there,” i.e., from that time forward.

1Ch 21:27 And the LORD commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.

he returned the sword into its sheath - The returning of the sword into its sheath is a figurative expression for the stopping of the pestilence

1Ch 21:28 At that time when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.

when David saw that the Lord had answered him he sacrificed there — or, “he continued to sacrifice there.” When he perceived that his sacrifice was acceptable to God, he proceeded to offer more sacrifices in that place.

1Ch 21:29 For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place at Gibeon.

1Ch 21:30 But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD.

Because of the sword of the angel - David, knowing that by sacrifice on this altar he had caused the angel to stay his hand, was afraid to transfer his offerings elsewhere, lest the Angel should resume his task and pestilence again break out. This is given as a reason why David built an altar in the threshing-floor of Ornan: he was afraid to go to Gibeon, because of the sword of the destroying angel, or he was afraid of delaying the offerings so long as his going thither would require, lest the destroying angel should in the mean while exterminate the people; therefore he hastily built an altar in that place, and on it made the requisite offerings, and by the fire from heaven God showed that he had accepted his act and his devotion.

1 Chronicles 20

1Ch 20:1 And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.

2Sa 11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

2Sa 12:26 And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

After the year was expired - The next spring after the escape of the Ammonites into their city 2Sa_10:14. At the end of the year, which concluded with the month Adar or February, the spring of the year This was a fit time to go out to war; when the rains were over, and there were grass in the fields, and fruit on the trees, and corn ripe, and so food for horse and men.

David tarried at Jerusalem - The Syrians being subdued, the war with Ammon was not of sufficient moment to require David’s personal presence. The whole section relating to David’s adultery and Uriah’s death, from this verse to 2Sa_12:26, is omitted in the Book of Chronicles.

David tarried at Jerusalem - After this verse the parallel place in Samuel relates the whole story of David and Bath-sheba, and the murder of Uriah, which the compiler of these books passes over as he designedly does almost every thing prejudicial to the character of David. All he states is, but David tarried at Jerusalem; and, while he thus tarried, and Joab conducted the war against the Ammonites, the awful transactions above referred to took place.

When kings go forth - This was about a year after the war with the Syrians spoken of before, and about the spring of the year, as the most proper season for military operations.

besieged Rabbah - their chief city.

Joab smote Rabbah and destroyed it - The time during which this siege lasted, since the intercourse with Bathsheba, and the birth of at least one child, if not two, occurred during the progress of it, probably extended over two years.

1Ch 20:2 And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city.

2Sa 12:30 And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.

he took their king's crown from off his head - The crown of Hanun the king of the Ammonites, who now fell into his hands, and whom he stripped of his ensigns of royalty, who had so shamefully abused his ambassadors.

it was set on David's head - to show that the kingdom was subject to him;

To weigh a talent - Or, to be worth a talent.

1Ch 20:3 And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

2Sa 12:31 And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

he brought forth the people that were therein - Not all the inhabitants of the place, but the princes of the children of Ammon, the counselors of Hattun, who advised him to use David's ambassadors in so shameful a manner, and others that expressed their pleasure and satisfaction in it:

he brought forth the people - This excessive severity and employment of tortures, which the Hebrews on no other occasion are recorded to have practiced, was an act of retributive justice on a people who were infamous for their cruelties 1Sa_11:2 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, With this I will make a covenant with you, when all your right eyes are dug out and I will make it a reproach on all Israel. Amo_1:13 So says the LORD: For three transgressions of the sons of Ammon, yea for four, I will not turn away from it. Because they have ripped up the pregnant women of Gilead, to make their own border larger.

Cut them with saws - Saws were used to kill, as referenced in Heb_11:37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented.

cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes - whereby they were cut asunder, as some were in later times by the Romans and others, or their flesh torn to pieces, and they put to extreme pain and agony, and so died most miserably.

Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon – Commentators seek to excuse this behavior of David’s, if in fact he ordered these atrocities. One states: “this action of David's showing so much severity, is thought by most to be done when under the power of his lust with Bathsheba, in an hardened and impenitent state, when he had no sense of mercy himself, and so showed none; which is too injurious to his character; for this was a righteous retaliation of this cruel people, 1Sa_11:2.” The Ammonites were cruel to their enemies and it is here thought by some scholars that David subjected only the fighting men to the cruelty they themselves enacted on others. In doing this, David merely retaliated upon the Ammonites the cruelties with which they had treated their foes; since according to Amo_1:13 they ripped up women who were with child, and according to 1Sa_11:2 their king Nahash would only make peace with the inhabitants of Jabesh upon the condition that the right eye of every one of them should be put out. After the close of this war, David returned to Jerusalem with all the men of war. The war with the Syrians and Ammonites, including as it did the Edomite war as well, was the fiercest in which David was ever engaged, and was also the last great war of his life.

cut them with saws — The Hebrew word, “cut them,” is, with the difference of the final letter, the same as that rendered “put them,” in the parallel passage of Samuel [2Sa_12:31]; and many consider that putting them to saws, axes, and so forth, means nothing more than that David condemned the inhabitants of Rabbah to hard and penal servitude.

1Ch 20:4 And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

2Sa 21:18 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.

war at Gezer - In the parallel passage 2Sa 21:18, “Gob” is named as the field of this battle. Either it had 2 names, or Gob is a small area located close to Gezer, from which both names would be appropriate for it. However, Gath is named 2Sa_21:20, 2Sa_21:22 in a way to make it probable that Gath was the scene of all the battles. The Septuagint in this verse has Geth (Gath). 2Sa_21:18 And after this there was a battle again with the Philistines in Geth: then Sebocha the Astatothite slew Seph of the progeny of Rapha. (Septuagint)

Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai - who is called Saph, 2Sa 21:18; he had his name from the lintel of a door, being as high as one, so tall that he could scarce go under one. Sibbechai was one of David's worthies, 1Ch_11:29; perhaps a descendant of Hushah, who sprung from Judah, 1Ch_4:4. According to 1Ch_27:11 The eighth for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites. And in his division were twenty-four thousand. Sibbechai, one of the gibborim of David 1Ch_11:29, was the leader of the eighth division of the army (2Sa_23:27).

1Ch 20:5 And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam.

2Sa 21:19 And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

Elhanan the son of Jaire - he was one of David's worthies, 2Sa_23:24; where he is called the son of Dodo.

1Ch 20:6 And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot: and he also was the son of the giant.

2Sa 21:20 And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.

1Ch 20:7 But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him.

2Sa 21:21 And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.

Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David - this brother of David is called Shammah, 1Sa_16:9 And Jesse passed Shammah by, but he said, Also the LORD has not chosen this one.; and Shimma, 1Ch_2:13 And Jesse fathered his first-born Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third, this son of his is not Jonadab his son, who was famous for his subtlety as this was for his valor, 2Sa_13:3 And Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of David's brother Shimeah. And Jonadab was a very crafty man.

1Ch 20:8 These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

2Sa 21:22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

These were born to the giant in Gath - Not necessarily meaning that they were brothers, but that they were all of the race of the Giant, all Rephaim. 2Sa 21:22 These four were born descendants of the giants in Geth, the family of Rapha; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. (Septuagint) These giants, it is highly probable, were the descendants of the Anakim which remained in Gath after they were cut off by Joshua in other places, Jos_11:22. This verse is a postscript, in which the previous verses are summed up.

The compiler of these books passes by also the incest of Amnon with his sister Tamar, and the rebellion of Absalom, and the awful consequences of all these. These should have preceded the fourth verse. These facts could not be unknown to him, for they were notorious to all.

1 Chronicles 19

1Ch 19:1 Now it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead.

2Sa 10:1 And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.

Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died - There had subsisted a very friendly relation between David and him, begun during the exile of the former, and cemented, doubtless, by their common hostility to Saul. The history is here a duplicate to the history in 2 Samuel 10.

The king of the sons of Ammon - The Ammonites are almost always spoken of as the children of Ammon, from the name of their first ancestor Ben-ammi Gen_19:38 And the younger also bore a son, and called his name Ben-ammi; he is the father of the sons of Ammon to this day.

Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died - who probably was the same that came against Jabeshgilead, from whom Saul delivered the inhabitants of that place, 1Sa_11:1 And Nahash the Ammonite came up and camped against Jabesh-gilead. And all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you.

1Ch 19:2 And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.

2Sa 10:2 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

Hanun - A Philistine king of this name is mentioned in the Assyrian inscriptions as paying tribute to Tiglath-pileser and warring with Sargon.

I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash - We do not know exactly the nature or extent of the obligation which David was under to the king of the Ammonites; but it is likely that the Nahash here mentioned was the same who had attacked Jabesh-gilead, and whom Saul defeated: as David had taken refuge with the Moabites, 1Sa_22:3, and this was contiguous to the king of the Ammonites, his hatred to Saul might induce him to show particular kindness to David.

David sent messengers to comfort him - for the death of his father; to condole the loss of him, which was the custom of kings in friendship and alliance in former times.

1Ch 19:3 But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?

2Sa 10:3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?

are not his servants come unto thee for to search - that is, the capital, Rabbah (2Sa_10:3).

The princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun - The suspicion expressed by the chiefs was founded upon national hatred and enmity, possibly increased by David's treatment of Moab, as the subjugation and severe punishment of the Moabites 2Sa_8:2 had certainly taken place a short time before. King Hanun therefore gave credence to the suspicions expressed as to David's honorable intentions, and had his ambassadors treated in the most insulting manner.

The princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun - Their suspicion was not warranted either by any overt act or by any cherished design of David: it must have originated in their knowledge of the denunciations of God’s law against them (Deu_23:3-6), and of David’s policy in steadfastly adhering to it.

David sends comforters - an Israelite was forbidden to seek peace and prosperity of its enemies in the promised land nor might Ammonite enter into their congregation unto the tenth generation, Deu_23:3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD. Even to their tenth generation they shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD forever, Some have thought that David did not do a right thing in sending this embassy,; but he acted according to the laws of friendship, and was cordial and sincere in what he did.

1Ch 19:4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away.

2Sa 10:4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

And cut off their garments in the midst - leaving exposed what decency requires to be concealed.

shaved them - not completely, but only the half of their face. This disrespect to the beard, and indecent exposure of their persons by their clothes being cut off from the girdle downwards, was the grossest indignity to which Jews or anyone could be subjected. No wonder that the men were ashamed to appear in public - that the king recommended them to remain in seclusion on the border till the mark of their disgrace had disappeared - and then they might, with propriety, return to the court.

shaved them - Beards were important in biblical times, and still so in many cultures today. The cutting off of one-half of it was the greatest insult that could have been offered to the ambassadors, and through them to David their king. The insult was still further increased by cutting off the long dress which covered the body; the lower half of the body was quite exposed since the ancient Israelites wore no undergarments. The beard was never cut off but in mourning, or as a sign of slavery. Cutting off half of the beard and the clothes rendered the men ridiculous, and made them look like slaves: what was done to these men was an accumulation of insult.

1Ch 19:5 Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

2Sa 10:5 When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

Tarry at Jericho - This city had not been rebuilt since the time of Joshua; but there were, no doubt, many cottages still remaining, and larger dwellings also, but the walls had not been repaired. As it must have been comparatively a private place, it was proper for these men to tarry in, as they would not be exposed to public notice.

told David how the men were served - Not the ambassadors, for they were not yet arrived, but some of their servants, perhaps, they sent before them to acquaint David with the events that took place.

he sent to meet them - he sent men to meet them likely with proper garments to put on, and to give them further directions. When David received information of the insults that had been heaped upon his ambassadors, he sent messengers to meet them, and direct them to remain in Jericho until their beard had grown again.

because the men were greatly ashamed – ashamed to proceed on their journey, and come to court in the condition they were:

then return - that is, to Jerusalem

1Ch 19:6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syriamaachah, and out of Zobah.

2Sa 10:6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.

A thousand talents of silver - The price is not given in Samuel.

Chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia - These are not mentioned in the parallel place in Samuel. The Mesopotamian troops did not arrive during this campaign (1Ch_19:16). Syria-maachah lay on the north of the possessions of the trans-jordanic Israelites, near Gilead.

when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David - That their conduct rendered them abominable. One universal feeling of indignation was roused throughout Israel, and all classes supported the king in his determination to avenge this unprovoked insult on the Hebrew nation.

Zoba - Hadadezer was their king, with whom David had fought before, and beat, and who owed him a grudge on that account, and was ready to assist the Ammonites against him, 2Sa_8:3 David also struck Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.

1Ch 19:7 So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of Maachah and his people; who came and pitched before Medeba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle.

2Sa 10:6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.

They hired thirty and two thousand chariots - The reading is likely corrupt. Such a number as 32,000 chariots alone was never brought into battle on any occasion. Compare the numbers in Exo_14:7; 1Ki_10:26; 2Ch_12:3. The largest force which an Assyrian king ever speaks of encountering is 3,940. The words “and horsemen” have probably fallen out of the text after the word “chariots”. The word here is raichev and denotes not only a chariot, but a rider (see Isa_21:7). The 32,000 would be the number of the warriors serving on horseback or in chariots; and this number would agree closely with the numbers listed 2Sa_10:6. In 2 Sam 10:6, the men of Beth-rehob and Zobah equaled 20,000. The men of Ish-tob equaled 12,000. The men of Maachah equaled 1,000 for a total of 33, 000. In this verse, the total is 32, 000 with an unknown number from Machah which is 1000 according to 2 Samuel, bringing the total to 33,000 and agreeing with the verse in 2 Samuel.

1Ch 19:8 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

2Sa 10:7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

David sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men - All the forces of Israel, including the great military orders, were engaged in this war.

1Ch 19:9 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.

2Sa 10:8 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.

Before the gate - This was the city of Medeba, a city that lay on the borders of their country, and was a frontier town. 1Ch_19:7.

were by themselves in the field - at some distance from the city. Perhaps the Ammonites were choosing not to trust: mercenaries in it; or perhaps they placed these in ambush in the field, to get Joab between two lines.

the kings that were come were by themselves in the field - The Israelite army being thus beset by the Ammonites in front, and by the Syrian auxiliaries behind, Joab resolved to attack the latter (the more numerous and formidable host), while he directed his brother Abishai, with a suitable detachment, to attack the Ammonites. Joab’s address before the engagement displays the faith and piety that became a commander of the Hebrew people. The mercenaries being defeated, the courage of the Ammonites failed; so that, taking flight, they entrenched themselves within the fortified walls.

1Ch 19:10 Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians.

2Sa 10:9 When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:

Before and behind - When Joab fronted this army, the other appears to have issued from the city, and to have taken him in the rear; he was therefore obliged to divide his army as here mentioned; one part to face the Syrians commanded by himself, and the other to face the Ammonites commanded by his brother Abishai.

he chose of all the choice men of Israel - the most eminent for strength, and valor, and military skill, who had been tried, and were famous for warlike exploits.

1Ch 19:11 And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon.

2Sa 10:10 And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.

1Ch 19:12 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.

2Sa 10:11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.

And he said, if the Syrians be too strong for me - Which he might perceive by Joab's forces giving way, or by some signal agreed on between them

1Ch 19:13 Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.

2Sa 10:12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

for our people, and for the cities of our God - that the people of Israel might not be carried captive, and their cities spoiled and plundered; and instead of being cities where the people of God dwelt, and he was worshipped, would, if taken, become the habitations of idolatrous people, and where temples would be erected to idols. These were the arguments he used to engage them to fight manfully for their country, the liberties and religion of it:

Be of good courage - This Joab said, not only to encourage Abishai and himself, but in the hearing of the rest of the officers of the army, and of many of the people, to hearten them to the battle; who might be somewhat intimidated with the number of their enemies, and the position they were in, being before and behind them; and therefore he thought proper to make such a speech to.

the Lord do that which is good in his sight - suggesting that victory was of the Lord, and that it became them to do their part in fighting courageously, and leave the issue to the Lord, on whom alone success depended.

let us behave - In Samuel, "let us play the men;" but the Hebrew word is the same in both places, nithchazzak.

1Ch 19:14 So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.

2Sa 10:13 And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.

Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle - Fell upon them; attacked them first, began the battle with them, rightly judging, that if they, being hired soldiers, were closely pressed, they would give way, which would discourage the Ammonites, who depended much upon them.

1Ch 19:15 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

2Sa 10:14 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.

The Syrians were fled - They betook themselves to their own confines, while the Ammonites escaped into their own city.

Joab came to Jerusalem – in triumph, to report to David the victory he had obtained. He did not stay to lay siege to their city, the season of the year not being proper for it, winter drawing near; 2Sa_11:1 And it happened at the turn of the year, at the time kings go forth, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they destroyed the sons of Ammon and circled Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. and the Syrians were not sufficiently broken to make it safe to undertake a regular siege.

1Ch 19:16 And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.

2Sa 10:15-16 And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together. And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.

The Syrians that were beyond the river - That is, the Euphrates.

Hadarezer - This is the same that was overthrown by David, 2Sa_8:3 and there called Hadadezer. He was at the head of this confederacy, and to whom the rest of the kings of Syria were servants, 2Sa_10:19.

1Ch 19:17 And it was told David; and he gathered all Israel, and passed over Jordan, and came upon them, and set the battle in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him.

2Sa 10:17 And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.

1Ch 19:18 But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

2Sa 10:18 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.

Seven thousand men which fought in chariots - In the parallel place, 2Sa 10:18, it is said, David slew of the Syrians men of seven hundred chariots. It is difficult to ascertain the right number in this and similar places. The frequent errors in numbers arise from the practice of expressing numerals by letters, with one or more dots or dashes to indicate hundreds, thousands, etc. Some scholars think that here the men are numbered, and in 2 Samuel, the chariots were numbered, 10 men to a chariot.

forty thousand footmen - in 2Sa 10:18 it is forty thousand horsemen.

1Ch 19:19 And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.

2Sa 10:19 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.

Servants to Hadarezer - This gives us an idea of the great power of Hadarezer, and consequently of the strength of Israel in David’s victorious reign.

Made peace with Israel - They made this peace separately, and were obliged to pay tribute to the Israelites whereby the promise of the land of Canaan made to Abraham and his seed, as reaching to the river Euphrates, had its accomplishment, Gen_15:18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, I have given this land to your seed, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates. In the space of nineteen or twenty years, David had the good fortune to finish gloriously eight wars, all righteously undertaken, and all honorably terminated; 1. The civil war with Ish-bosheth. 2. The war against the Jebusites. 3. The war against the Philistines and their allies. 4. The war against the Philistines alone. 5. The war against the Moabites. 6. The war against Hadadezer. 7. The war against the Idumeans. 8. The war against the Ammonites and Syrians. This last victory was soon followed by the complete conquest of the kingdom of the Ammonites, abandoned by their allies.

1 Chronicles 18

1Ch 18:1 Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.

2Sa 8:1 And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines.

David took Gath and its towns - The full extent of David’s conquests in the Philistine territory is here distinctly stated, whereas in the parallel passage (2Sa_8:1) it was only described in a general way. Gath was the “Metheg-ammah,” or “arm-bridle,” as it is there called - either from its supremacy as the capital over the other Philistine towns, or because, in the capture of that important place and its dependencies, he obtained the complete control of his restless neighbors.

The events recorded in these three chapters are all narrated in the second book of Samuel also, and in the same order. First, there are grouped together in 1 Chronicles 18, and in 2 Sam 8, in such a manner as to afford a general view of the whole, all the wars which David carried on victoriously against all his enemies round about in the establishment of the Israelite rule, with a short statement of the results, followed by a catalogue of David's chief public officials. In 1 Chron 19 and in 2 Sam 10 we have a more detailed account of the arduous war against the Ammonites and Syrians, and in 1Ch_20:1-3 and 2Sa_12:26-31 the conclusion of the war with the capture of Rabbah, the capital of the Ammonites; and finally, in 1Ch_20:4-8, we have a few short accounts of the victories of the Israelite heroes over giants from the land of the Philistines, which are inserted in 2Sa_21:18-22 as a supplement to the last section of David's history. Apart from this last section, which is to be regarded even in the Chronicle as an appendix, we find the arrangement and succession of the events to be the same in both books, since the sections which in 2Sa_9:1-13 and 2Sa_11:1-12, 2Sa_11:25, stand between the histories of the wars, contain sketches of David's family life, which the author of the Chronicle has, in accordance with his plan, omitted.

And after this it came to pass - After David had rest from his enemies for a time, and after the conversation he had had with Nathan about building the house of God, and after the message sent to him from the Lord by that prophet, forbidding him to build, and David's prayer to the Lord upon it, the following events happened; and which are recorded to show that David's rest from his enemies did not last long, and that he had other work to do than to build the house of God:

that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them - these had been long and implacable enemies of Israel; Samson began to weaken them in his days; a war was waged between them and Israel in the times of Samuel and Saul, and the battle sometimes went on one side and sometimes on the other; but now David made an entire conquest of them: before they had used to come into the land of Israel, and there fight with Israel, but now David entered into their land, and took it from them:

David took Metheg-ammah - The simple meaning of the passage is, that David wrested from the Philistines the power which the capital had possessed over the towns dependent upon it, over the whole of the land of Philistia ; in other words, he brought the capital ( Gath ) and the other towns of Philistia into his own power.

1Ch 18:2 And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.

2Sa 8:2 And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.

And he smote Moab - He next went against that, and invaded it, the people of it being always troublesome and distressing to the children of Israel; and though the king of it had shown some favor to David, yet it was when he considered him as an enemy to Saul, and Saul to him; but things having taken a different turn, his and his people's enmity against David and his people appeared; wherefore he went and fought them, and made them his subjects, whereby was fulfilled the prophecy of Balaam, Num_24:17 I shall see him, but not now. I shall behold him, but not near. There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel. and shall strike the corners of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult as it referred to David:

and brought gifts - paid a yearly tribute to King David, as they afterwards did to Solomon and to Rehoboam, until the revolt of the ten tribes, and then they paid it unto the kings of Israel .

1Ch 18:3 And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.

2Sa 8:3 David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.

Hadarezer - He is supposed to have been king of all Syria, except Phoenicia; being attacked by David, he was totally routed. Hadad was the chief idol, or sun-god, of the Syrians.

Hadarezer — or, “Hadadezer” (2Sa_8:3), which was probably the original form of the name, was derived from Hadad, a Syrian deity. It seems to have become the official and hereditary title of the rulers of that kingdom.

as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates — in accordance with the promises God made to Israel that He would give them all the country as far as the Euphrates (Gen_15:18; Num_24:17). David, remembering the grant which God had made to his people of all the land as far as Euphrates, and having subdued his neighboring enemies, went to recover his rights, and establish his dominion as far as Euphrates.

Zobah — Its situation is determined by the words “unto” or “towards Hamath,” a little to the northeast of Damascus, and is supposed by some to be the same place as in earlier times was called Hobah (Gen_14:15). Previous to the rise of Damascus, Zobah was the capital of the kingdom which held supremacy among the petty states of Syria.

1Ch 18:4 And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them an hundred chariots.

2Sa 8:4 And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots.

Seven thousand horsemen - Or, seven hundred companies of horsemen, that is, in all seven thousand; as it is 1Ch_18:4, there being ten in each company, and each ten having a ruler or captain.

David took from him a thousand chariots - In 2Sa_8:4 David is said to have taken seven hundred horsemen, whereas here it is said that he took seven thousand. This great discrepancy in the text of the two narratives seems to have originated with a transcriber in confounding the two Hebrew letters which indicate the numbers, and in neglecting to mark or obscure the points over one of them. We have no means of ascertaining whether seven hundred or seven thousand be the more correct.

but reserved of them an hundred chariots - possibly to grace a triumphal procession on his return to Jerusalem, and after using them in that way, destroy them like the rest.

David houghed all the chariot horses - or hamstrung them, as Joshua was ordered to do with respect to the Canaanites, Jos_11:6 And the LORD said to Joshua, Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver them up, all killed before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire he did not kill them, which might seem cruel and unmerciful to the brute creatures, but hamstrung them, that they might be useless for war; and the reason of it was, that horses might not be multiplied in Israel for that purpose, that so their trust and confidence might not be placed in them; Deu_17:16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, so as to multiply horses, because the LORD has said to you, You shall return no more that way from now on. The horses were thus mutilated because they were forbidden to the Hebrews, both in war and agriculture. So it was of no use to keep them. Besides, their neighbors placed much dependence on cavalry, but having, for want of a native breed, to procure them by purchase, the greatest damage that could be done to such enemies was to render their horses unserviceable in war.

1Ch 18:5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.

2Sa 8:5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.

1Ch 18:6 Then David put garrisons in Syriadamascus; and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

2Sa 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

Brought gifts - Rather, tribute; meaning they became subject and tributary or paid him tribute by way of homage, acknowledging themselves his subjects.

1Ch 18:7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

2Sa 8:7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

David took the shields of gold - We know not what these were. Some translate arms, others quivers, others bracelets, others collars, and others shields. They were probably costly ornaments by which the Syrian soldiers were decked and distinguished.

brought them to Jerusalem - where they were laid up; Son_4:4 Your neck is like the tower of David built for an armory, on which there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. 2Sa_8:11 King David also dedicated them to the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated from all nations which he subdued: David dedicated to the Lord all the gold and silver that he had taken, put it in the treasury of the sanctuary to be reserved for the future temple, and that at the end of his reign he handed over to his son and successor Solomon all the gold, silver, iron, and brass that he had collected for the purpose, to be applied to the building of the temple (1Ch_22:14., 1Ch_29:2.).

On the servants - And those who are called servants here, were probably the choice troops or body-guard of Hadadezer.

1Ch 18:8 Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.

2Sa 8:8 And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.

1Ch 18:9 Now when Tou king of Hamath heard how David had smitten all the host of Hadarezer king of Zobah;

2Sa 8:9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,

Hamath - This appears as an independent kingdom so late as the time of Senacherib Isa_37:13 Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? But in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, both Hamath and Arpad appear to have been incorporated in the kingdom of Damascus Jer_49:23 Concerning Damascus: Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard bad news. They are melted; anxiety is in the sea; it cannot be quiet.

Hamath - Which was another small kingdom in Syria , perhaps lately erected to defend themselves against Hadadezer. The Syrian prince, being delivered from the dread of a dangerous neighbor, sent his son with valuable presents to David to congratulate him on his victories, and solicit his alliance and protection.

Tou king of Hamath - whose dominions border on those of Hadadezer. Called Toi in 2Sa_8:9.

1Ch 18:10 He sent Hadoram his son to king David, to enquire of his welfare, and to congratulate him, because he had fought against Hadarezer, and smitten him; (for Hadarezer had war with Tou;) and with him all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass.

2Sa 8:10 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:

Then Tou sent Hadoram his son unto King David - The name Tou is written Toi in 2 Samuel, according to a different mode of interpretation; and the name of the son is given as Joram there too, instead of Hadoram as in the text here. According to 1Ch_18:3, the territory of the king of Hamath bordered upon that of Hadadezer, and the latter had probably tried to make king Tou submit to him. The secret object of the salutation, however, was no doubt to secure the friendship of this new and powerful neighbor.

1Ch 18:11 Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.

2Sa 8:11-12 Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued; Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

Them also King David dedicated unto the Lord - He devoted it to sacred uses, particularly to the building of the house of the Lord, as he also had the gold and the brass he took from Hadadezer. He did not convert the spoils he took to his own use, but observed the law God gave to the kings of Israel, that they should not greatly multiply to themselves silver and gold, Deu_17:17 Nor shall he multiply wives to himself, so that his heart does not turn away. Nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold to himself. He set it apart, and laid it up for the service of the sanctuary; and this accounts for the abundance of gold, silver, and brass, which David had amassed together, and left to his son Solomon to build the temple with.

1Ch 18:12 Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.

2Sa 8:13 And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.

The valley of salt - Supposed to be a large plain abounding in this mineral, about a league from the city of Palmyra or Tadmor in the wilderness.

The valley of salt - The valley was the ravine of salt (the Ghor), adjoining the Salt Mountain , at the southwestern extremity of the Dead Sea , separating the ancient territories of Judah and Edom

Abishai slew of the Edomites - This victory is attributed to David, 2Sa_8:13. He sent Abishai against them, and he defeated them: this is with great propriety attributed to David as commander-in-chief.

1Ch 18:13 And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became David's servants. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

2Sa 8:14 And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

He put garrisons in Edom - To keep the inhabitants in subjection to him; as their forts and strong holds came into his hands, he placed companies of soldiers in them for the said purpose;

all they of Edom became David's servants - and hereby were fulfilled the oracle delivered to Rebekah, and the prophetic blessing of Isaac, Gen_25:23 And the LORD said to her, Two nations are in your womb, and two kinds of people shall be separated from your bowels. And the one people shall be stronger than the other people, the older shall serve the younger.

1Ch 18:14 So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.

2Sa 8:15 And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

David reigned over all Israel - Not only over Judah, but over all the tribes of Israel, and over the whole land of Canaan, as promised to Abraham, Gen_15:18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, I have given this land to your seed, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, reaching to the river Euphrates, as Syria did, now conquered by David:

David executed judgment and justice unto all his people - when he returned from his wars, he heard and tried all causes impartially, brought before him, and gave sentence according to the law of God, and administered righteous judgment without any respect to persons, in which he was a type of Christ.

1Ch 18:15 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder.

2Sa 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

Recorder - one who kept a strict journal of all the proceedings of the king and operations of his army; a chronicler. Or writer of chronicles.

Recorder - The recorder seems to have been a high officer of state, a kind of chancellor, whose office was to keep a record of the events of the kingdom for the king’s information, and hence, he would naturally be the king’s adviser.

Joab was over the host - General and commander-in-chief over all the army. Which was not only owing to his relation to David, being his sister's son, but to his promise that whoever smote the Jebusites first should be chief and captain; that is, should have the command of the army under him; this Joab did; and so was entitled to this office, and was put into it, and continued in it, 1Ch_11:6 And David said, Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first and was chief.

Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud - of whom nothing further is known.

1Ch 18:16 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;

2Sa 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;

Shavsha was the scribe – Some say this is the king’s private secretary. Others say the scribe was a secretary of state.

Zadok and Ahimelech were the priests – On the massacre of the priests at Nob in1Sa_22:19, Saul conferred the priesthood on Zadok, of the family of Eleazar (1Ch_6:50), while David acknowledged Ahimelech, of Ithamar’s family, who fled to him. The two high priests exercised their office under the respective princes to whom they were attached. But, on David’s obtaining the kingdom over all Israel , they both retained their dignity; Ahimelech officiating at Jerusalem , and Zadok at Gibeon 1Ch_16:39 And he left Zadok the priest and his brothers the priests before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place at Gibeon,

Zadok and Ahimelech were the priests – Abiathar was high priest, and continued so until the time of Solomon, when he was thrust out of his office, and Zadok put into it; and Ahimelech his son and Zadok were the principal priests under him, the one of the family of Ithamar, the other of Eleazar. Zadok is mentioned first, though Ahimelech was the son of the present high priest, because he was in great favor with David, as afterwards with Solomon, in whose days the high priesthood was transferred to him; the family of Eli being now upon the decline, and near being removed from the high priesthood, as was foretold.

1Ch 18:17 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.

2Sa 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.

The Cherethites and the Pelethites - The former supposed to be those who accompanied David when he fled from Saul; the latter, those who came to him at Ziklag. These, according to Josephus, were the king's bodyguards, and this man is expressly said to be set over his guards, 2Sa_23:22-23 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty ones. He was more honorable than the thirty, but he did not attain to the first three. And David set him over his guard.

the Cherethites and the Pelethites — who formed the royal bodyguard. The Cherethites were, most probably, those brave men who all along accompanied David while among the Philistines, and from that people derived their name (1Sa_30:14; Eze_25:16; Zep_2:5) as well as their skill in archery - while the Pelethites were those who joined him at Ziklag, took their name from Pelet, the chief man in the company (1Ch_12:3), and, being Benjamites, were expert in the use of the sling.

Pelethites — from Pelet (1Ch_12:3). They were the valiant men who, having accompanied David during his exile among the Philistines, were made his bodyguard.

The sons of David - These were the highest in authority.