2 Samuel · Chapter 23

V. 1. Last words-Not simply the last that he spoke, but the last which he spake by the spirit of God, assisting and directing him in an extraordinary manner. When we find death approaching, we should endeavour both to honour God, and to profit others with our last words. Let those who have had experience of God’s goodness, and the pleasantness of the ways of wisdom, when they come to finish their course, leave a record of those experiences, and bear their testimony to the truth of the promise. Raised-Advanced from an obscure estate, to the kingdom. Whom, God singled out from all the families of Israel, and anointed to be king. Psalmist-He who was eminent among the people of God, for composing sweet and holy songs to the praise of God, and for the use of his church in after ages: these seem not to be the words of David, but of the sacred penman of this book.

Verse 1. These be the last words of David.] I suppose the last poetical composition is here intended. He might have spoken many words after these in prose, but none in verse. Other meanings are given; this I prefer. The words of this song contain a glorious prediction of the Messiah’s kingdom and conquests, in highly poetic language.

The sweet psalmist of Israel] This character not only belonged to him as the finest poet in Israel, but as the finest and most Divine poet of the whole Christian world. The sweet psalmist of Israel has been the sweet psalmist of every part of the habitable world, where religion and piety have been held in reverence.

Verse 1. These be the last words of David — Not simply the last that he spoke, but the last which he spake by the Spirit of God, assisting and directing him in an extraordinary manner. When we find death approaching, we should endeavour both to honour God, and to profit others with our last words. Let those who have had experience of God’s goodness, and the pleasantness of the ways of wisdom, when they come to finish their course, leave a record of those experiences, and bear their testimony to the truth of God’s promises. The man who was raised up on high — Advanced from an obscure estate to the kingdom. Whom God singled out from all the families of Israel, and anointed to be king. The sweet psalmist — He who was eminent among the people of God, for composing sweet and holy songs to the praise of God, and for the use of his church in after ages. These seem not to be the words of David, but of the sacred penman of this book.

Verse 1. The last words of David; that is, the last song of an expiring muse; a bright spark rekindled before it burned out. All his hope was concentrated on Christ, called by Isaiah the sure mercies of David: Isaiah 55:4. This consoled him when he saw his walk defective: and in all our troubles the Redeemer is our only hope.

LAST WORDS OF DAVID, 1-7.

The royal hand that so long had swept the harp of Judah, and been the pride and pleasure of Israel, was becoming palsied with age. But like the dying Jacob when his end was approaching, his heart and memory cling to the words of promise that bespoke for him a glorious future, and, borne along by the Spirit, he looks down the distant years until his vision culminates in the Messianic reign. The prophecy of Nathan, “Thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee,” (2 Samuel 7:16,) had been for many years the basis of David’s holiest hopes and joys; and it was but natural that his last days and last words should be full of thought and song about that “everlasting covenant.” The gracious pledge that his throne should be established for ever now expands into a rapt vision of a righteous kingdom, whose glory and beneficence would be like the brilliant sunrise of the orient, and continue for ever the blessing and joy of the good and true, but the terror and destruction of the wicked and worthless. To this picture of the righteous ruler we may well point, and say, “Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth.” Psalms 2:10Psalm 2:10.

1. Oracle — Divine saying; a prophecy. This introduction is modeled after the sayings of Balaam in Numbers 24:3, 4, 15, 16. Son of Jesse — “So he remained to the end; always with his family affections fresh and bright; his father and his early kinsmen never forgotten amidst his subsequent splendour.” The man exalted on high — “This feeling, too, never deserted him — the sense of the marvellous change which had placed a shepherd-boy on the throne of a mighty empire.” — Stanley. Jehovah’s own word by Nathan had deeply impressed it on his soul. Compare chap. 7:8. Anointed of the God of Jacob — He was first anointed by Samuel, (1 Samuel 16:13,) next by the tribe of Judah, (2 Samuel 2:4,) and afterwards by all the elders of Israel, (2 Samuel 5:3,) and in these acts he could not but recognise the hand of Jacob’s God. Compare Psalms 89:20Psalm 89:20. Pleasant in the songs of Israel — Not sweet psalmist, as the authorized version has it, for the word twrmz means songs, not singers. David was tenderly endeared to the people by his long association with their national songs of praise, for among all Hebrew poets his is the greatest name; and of the two words, David and Psalms, it may be said that the one always suggests the other.

V. 2. His word-The following words, and consequently the other words and Psalms composed and uttered by me upon the like solemn occasions, are not to be looked upon as human inventions, but both the matter and the words of them are suggested by God’s spirit, the great teacher of the church.

Verse 2. The Spirit of the Lord spake by me] Hence the matter of his writing came by direct and immediate inspiration.

His word was in my tongue.] Hence the words of this writing were as directly inspired as the matter.

Verses 2, 3. His word was in my tongue — The following words, and consequently the other words and psalms composed and uttered by me upon the like solemn occasions, are not to be looked upon as human inventions, but both the matter and the words of them were suggested by God’s Spirit, the great teacher of the church. The Rock of Israel — He who is the strength, and defence, and protector of his people; which he manifests by directing kings and rulers so to manage their power, as may most conduce to their comfort and benefit. He that ruleth over men — Here are the two principal parts of a king’s duty, answerable to the tables of God’s law, justice toward men, and piety toward God, both which he is to maintain and promote among his people.

2. His word is on my tongue — He was conscious of divine inspiration.

V. 3. Rock-He who is the strength, and defence, and protector of his people; which he manifests by directing kings and rulers so to manage their power as may most conduce to their comfort and benefit. Ruleth-Here are the two principal parts of a king’s duty, answerable to the two tables of God’s law, justice towards men, and piety towards God, both which he is to maintain and promote among his people.

Verse 3. The Rock of Israel] The Fountain whence Israel was derived. He that ruleth over men must be just] More literally, qydx באדם lvwm moshel baadam tsaddik, He that ruleth in man is the just one; or, The just one is the ruler among men.

Ruling in the fear of God.] It is by God’s fear that Jesus Christ rules the hearts of all his followers; and he who has not the fear of God before his eyes, can never be a Christian.

Verses 2, 3. His word was in my tongue — The following words, and consequently the other words and psalms composed and uttered by me upon the like solemn occasions, are not to be looked upon as human inventions, but both the matter and the words of them were suggested by God’s Spirit, the great teacher of the church. The Rock of Israel — He who is the strength, and defence, and protector of his people; which he manifests by directing kings and rulers so to manage their power, as may most conduce to their comfort and benefit. He that ruleth over men — Here are the two principal parts of a king’s duty, answerable to the tables of God’s law, justice toward men, and piety toward God, both which he is to maintain and promote among his people.

3. Rock of Israel — So called because he was their firm foundation, their sure protection and defence. See Deuteronomy 32:4. He that ruleth — The exact grammatical construction of the word thus translated (lvwm) it is impossible to decide, for it seems to be left designedly uncertain. The psalmist, by a few master strokes, draws the picture of a righteous, God-fearing ruler, and the blessings of his reign, but he does not say that he himself was that ruler, nor does he say decidedly at all who he was, or when he should appear; but the reference in verse 5 to the everlasting covenant which God had made with his house makes it very evident that his eye was upon that promised “Seed” of Nathan’s prophecy, of whom Jehovah said: “I will be his father and he shall be my son.” Chap. 7:14. Righteous — An epithet describing the character and administration of him that ruleth. The inspired singer portrays that coming Ruler by the disconnected exclamatory utterances of an emotional style. The meaning is, however, clear. Under the righteous rule of the person here described, no worthy subject shall go unrewarded, no offender escape the strictest penalties of law. The prominent virtue of the model ruler and magistrate is righteousness.

V. 4. Shall be-These words are a farther description of the king’s duty, which is not only to rule with justice and piety, but also with sweetness, and gentleness, and condescension to the infirmities of his people; to render his government as acceptable to them, as is the sun-shine in a clear morning, or the tender grass which springs out of the earth by the warm beams of the sun after the rain.

Verse 4. He shall be as the light of the morning] This verse is very obscure, for it does not appear from it who the person is of whom the prophet speaks. As the Messiah seems to be the whole subject of these last words of David, he is probably the person intended. One of Dr. Kennicott’s MSS. Supplies the word hwhy Yehovah; and he therefore translates, As the light of the morning ariseth Jehovah (see below) He shall be the Sun of righteousness, bringing salvation in his rays, and shining-illuminating the children of men, with increasing splendour, as long as the sun and moon endure.

As the tender grass] The effects of this shining, and of the rays of his grace, shall be like the shining of the sun upon the young grass or corn, after a plentiful shower of rain.

Verse 4. He shall be as the light of the morning — These words are a further description of the king’s duty, which is not only to rule with justice and piety, but also with sweetness, and gentleness, and condescension to the infirmities of his people; to render his government as acceptable to them as is the sunshine in a clear morning, or the tender grass which springs out of the earth by the warm beams of the sun after the rain.

4. As the light of morning — That is, the righteous ruler, on whom the vision of the psalmist rests, commences his reign as grandly and auspiciously as breaks the light of an oriental morning. Travellers describe an eastern sunrise as exquisitely beautiful and grand. After a night of storm the atmosphere becomes transparent as crystal, and the cloudless sky is of a peculiarly deep dark blue, which one never sees in a land of clouds and haze. The twilight is very short, but before the sun becomes visible his beams shed a rich glow over the whole eastern sky, making it gleam like burnished gold. Suddenly he emerges from behind the horizon and all nature starts into life and action, and hills and valleys ring with joy. The sparkling rivulet, the forest glades, and the happy birds, the tender grass of the pastures — and the frisking flocks and herds that follow the shepherd forth — all seem to exult and sing for joy, and the very trees of the field “clap their hands.” From clear shining — The springing up of the tender grass is a result from the clear sunshine of such a morning. So the auspicious reign of “David’s greater Son” awakens new life in all the universe. And so, too, the clear, unsullied administration of every righteous ruler will be the source of innumerable blessings to his people and to the land he rules.

V. 5. Altho’-Although God knows, that neither I, nor my children have lived and ruled as we should have done, so justly, and in the fear of the Lord; and therefore have not enjoyed that uninterrupted prosperity which we might have enjoyed. Covenant-Notwithstanding all our transgressions whereby we have broken covenant with God, yet God, to whom all my sins were known, was graciously pleased to make a sure covenant, to continue the kingdom to me, and to my seed for ever, 2 Samuel 7:16, until the coming of the Messiah who is to be my son and successor, and whose kingdom shall have no end. Ordered-Ordained in all points by God’s eternal counsel; and disposed by his wise and powerful providence which will over-rule all things, even the sins of my house so far, that although he punished them for their sins, yet he will not utterly root them out, nor break his covenant made with me and mine. Sure-Or, preserved, by God’s power and faithfulness in the midst of all oppositions. For this-Or, in this is, that is, it consists in, and depends upon this covenant. Salvation-Both mine own eternal salvation, and the preservation of the kingdom to me and mine. Tho’-Although God as yet hath not made my house or family to grow; that is, to increase, or to flourish with worldly glory as I expected; yet this is my comfort, that God will inviolably keep this covenant. But this refers also to the covenant of grace made with all believers. This is indeed an everlasting covenant, from everlasting, in the contrivance of it, and to everlasting, in the continuance and the consequence of it. It is ordered, well ordered in all things; admirably well, to advance the glory of God and the honour of the mediator, together with the holiness and happiness of believers. It is sure, and therefore sure, because well-ordered: the promised mercies are sure, on the performance of the conditions. It is all our salvation: nothing but this will save us, and this is sufficient. Therefore it should be all our desire. Let me have an interest in this covenant, and I have enough, I desire no more.

Verse 5. Although my house be not so with God] Instead of כנ ken, so, read כנ kun, established; and let the whole verse be considered as an interrogation, including a positive assertion; and the sense will be at once clear and consistent: “for is not my house (family) established with God; because he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all, and preserved? For this (He) is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it (or him) not to spring up.” All is sure relative to my spiritual successor, though he do not as yet appear; the covenant is firm, and it will spring forth in due time. See the observations at the end of the chapter. See Clarke “2 Samuel 23:39”.

Verse 5. Although my house be not so with God — Although God knows that neither I nor my children have lived and ruled as we should have done, so justly, and in the fear of the Lord; and therefore have not enjoyed that uninterrupted prosperity which we might have enjoyed. Covenant — Notwithstanding all our transgressions whereby we have broken covenant with God, yet God, to whom all my sins were known, was graciously pleased to make a sure covenant, to continue the kingdom to me, and to my seed for ever, 2 Samuel 7:16, until the coming of the Messiah, who is to be my son and successor, and whose kingdom shall have no end. Ordered in all things — Ordained in all points by God’s eternal counsel, and disposed by his wise and powerful providence, which will overrule all things, even the sins of my house so far, that although he punish them for their sins, yet he will not utterly root them out, nor break his covenant made with me and mine. Sure — Or, preserved, by God’s power and faithfulness in the midst of all oppositions. For this is all my salvation — That is, my salvation consists in, and depends on, this covenant; even both my own eternal salvation, and the preservation of the kingdom to me and mine. Although he make it not, &c. — Although God, as yet, hath not made my house or family to grow; that is, to increase, or to flourish with worldly glory as I expected; yet this is my comfort, that God will inviolably keep this covenant. But this refers also to the covenant of grace made with all believers. This is indeed an everlasting covenant, from everlasting, in the contrivance of it, and to everlasting, in the continuance and consequence of it. It is ordered, well ordered in all things; admirably well, to advance the glory of God, and the honour of the Mediator, together with the holiness and happiness of believers. It is sure, and therefore sure, because well ordered: the promised mercies are sure, on the performance of the conditions. It is all our salvation: nothing but this will save us, and this is sufficient. Therefore it should be all our desire. Let me have an interest in this covenant, and I have enough, I desire no more.

Ver. 5. Although my house be not so with God. Since the reformation, several commentators, biassed by peculiar opinions, have attempted to give a gloss on this text very repugnant to the sanctity of God. They would suggest, that although David and his house, (including all his future posterity) were not pure and holy before God, as they ought to be; yet in defiance of sin, he had made with them an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure. This is very extraordinary: and it ill assorts with what is proved in the notes on the second chapter of the first of Samuel, viz. that every covenant God has contracted with man, has its conditions either expressed or implied. And it is more extraordinary still to force this gloss on the texts where the readings vary so much. The Septuagint, which was the copy generally quoted by the apostles, reads, “my house is not of that account with God, that he should make with me an everlasting covenant.” This appears to be the true reading, as it best agrees with the scope of the song, which professedly magnifies grace by speaking of the obscurity of Jesse’s house: and the reading of the Septuagint here is preferred by several of the more ancient critics.

5. For is not my house so with God — By taking this sentence, and also the one with which the verse concludes, interrogatively, we are relieved of the difficulties which have here puzzled interpreters. The meaning then becomes plain. David’s inspired vision of the righteous ruler is based upon the everlasting covenant which God had made with his house. To that covenant he here appeals as the ground of his hopes and oracles. Arranged in all things — Provided with every thing that will augment its glory, or help to establish it. Guarded — Secured against dangers and failure. Even though David’s sons commit iniquity, yet will not Jehovah’s covenant be unfulfilled. See 2 Samuel 7:15. Will it not become mighty — Will not this covenant grow stronger with the passing years, develope, and in the grace and providence of God at last be verified amidst incalculable power and glory? Such was David’s most ardent hope and trust, and well might he call it all his salvation and delight.

V. 6. But-Having in the foregoing verses described the nature, and stability of that kingdom which God had by a sure covenant settled upon him and his seed; and especially, upon the Messiah, who was to be one of his posterity; he now describes the nature and miserable condition, of all the enemies of this holy and blessed kingdom. As thorns-Which men do not use to handle, but thrust them away. And so will God thrust away from himself, and from his people, and kingdom, all those who shall either secretly or openly set themselves against it.

Verse 6. But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns] There is no word in the text for sons; it is simply Belial, the good-for-nothing man, and may here refer-first to Saul, and secondly to the enemies of our Lord. As thorns thrust away] A metaphor taken from hedging; the workman thrusts the thorns aside either with his bill or hand, protected by his impenetrable mitten or glove, till, getting a fair blow at the roots, he cuts them all down. The man is fenced with iron, and the handle of his bill is like the staff of a spear. This is a good representation of the dubbing-bill, with which they slash the thorn hedge on each side before they level the tops by the pruning-shears. The handle is five or six feet long. This is a perfectly natural and intelligible image.

Verses 6, 7. But the sons of Belial — Having in the foregoing verses described the nature and stability of that kingdom which God had, by a sure covenant, settled upon him and his seed; and especially upon the Messiah, who was to be one of his posterity; he now describes the nature and miserable condition of all the enemies of this holy and blessed kingdom. Shall be all as thorns — Which men do not use to handle, but thrust them away. And so will God thrust away from himself, and from his people and kingdom, all those who shall either secretly or openly set themselves against it. That shall touch them must be fenced — He must arm himself with some iron weapon, whereby he may cut them down; or, with the staff of a spear, or some such thing, whereby he may thrust them away from himself, that they do him no hurt. They shall be utterly burned — Or, if men do not cut them down or thrust them away, they will burn and consume them. The place — Or, in their place, where they grow or stand.

6. The worthless — Literally, worthlessness, an elliptical expression for worthless or wicked men, depicting the godless as personified worthlessness. He doubtless had in mind the profane and godless enemies who had been to him, all through his own reign, a source of vexation and anxiety, including also such as Saul and his partisans, Shimei and his sympathizers, traitors among his own familiar friends, like Ahithophel, and even the sons of Zeruiah. As thorns thrust aside — As the prickly shrubs which are hated and destroyed by husbandmen; apt illustration of the wicked. Not in the hand may they be taken — As all who have tried it know. So, too, he who carelessly, or without properly guarding himself, meddles with the godless, must suffer injury. David found Joab as a prickly thorn when he injudiciously attempted to transfer his office to Amasa. Filled with iron — That is, defended with some sort of iron armour to protect his flesh against the thorns. The expression is elliptical, and comes from filling one’s hand with any thing; that is, taking in hand, or providing one’s self with, means of defence. So the righteous ruler must be armed with all needful authority and power to make himself a terror to evil doers, and show that he beareth not the sword in vain. See Romans 13:1-6. Shaft of a spear — The long wooden handle or staff by which the husbandman may lop the bush, and cut its roots without being hurt. Thorns thus cut were used for burning lime. Isaiah 33:12. Dr. Thomson saw people in the north of Palestine cutting up thorns with their mattocks and pruning hooks, and gathering them into bundles for the lime-kiln. Burned in their place — That is, the place where they grew. The same observant traveller just referred to says: “It is a curious fidelity to real life that, when the thorns are merely to be destroyed, they are never cut up, but set on fire where they grow.”

V. 7. Fenced-He must arm himself with some iron weapon, whereby he may cut them down; or, with the staff of a spear, or some such thing, whereby he may thrust them away from himself, that they do him no hurt. Burnt-Or, if they do not cut them down or thrust them away they will burn and consume them. The place-Or, in their place, where they grow or stand.

Verses 6, 7. But the sons of Belial — Having in the foregoing verses described the nature and stability of that kingdom which God had, by a sure covenant, settled upon him and his seed; and especially upon the Messiah, who was to be one of his posterity; he now describes the nature and miserable condition of all the enemies of this holy and blessed kingdom. Shall be all as thorns — Which men do not use to handle, but thrust them away. And so will God thrust away from himself, and from his people and kingdom, all those who shall either secretly or openly set themselves against it. That shall touch them must be fenced — He must arm himself with some iron weapon, whereby he may cut them down; or, with the staff of a spear, or some such thing, whereby he may thrust them away from himself, that they do him no hurt. They shall be utterly burned — Or, if men do not cut them down or thrust them away, they will burn and consume them. The place — Or, in their place, where they grow or stand.

LAST WORDS OF DAVID, 1-7.

The royal hand that so long had swept the harp of Judah, and been the pride and pleasure of Israel, was becoming palsied with age. But like the dying Jacob when his end was approaching, his heart and memory cling to the words of promise that bespoke for him a glorious future, and, borne along by the Spirit, he looks down the distant years until his vision culminates in the Messianic reign. The prophecy of Nathan, “Thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee,” (2 Samuel 7:16,) had been for many years the basis of David’s holiest hopes and joys; and it was but natural that his last days and last words should be full of thought and song about that “everlasting covenant.” The gracious pledge that his throne should be established for ever now expands into a rapt vision of a righteous kingdom, whose glory and beneficence would be like the brilliant sunrise of the orient, and continue for ever the blessing and joy of the good and true, but the terror and destruction of the wicked and worthless. To this picture of the righteous ruler we may well point, and say, “Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth.” Psalms 2:10Psalm 2:10.

1. Oracle — Divine saying; a prophecy. This introduction is modeled after the sayings of Balaam in Numbers 24:3, 4, 15, 16. Son of Jesse — “So he remained to the end; always with his family affections fresh and bright; his father and his early kinsmen never forgotten amidst his subsequent splendour.” The man exalted on high — “This feeling, too, never deserted him — the sense of the marvellous change which had placed a shepherd-boy on the throne of a mighty empire.” — Stanley. Jehovah’s own word by Nathan had deeply impressed it on his soul. Compare chap. 7:8. Anointed of the God of Jacob — He was first anointed by Samuel, (1 Samuel 16:13,) next by the tribe of Judah, (2 Samuel 2:4,) and afterwards by all the elders of Israel, (2 Samuel 5:3,) and in these acts he could not but recognise the hand of Jacob’s God. Compare Psalms 89:20Psalm 89:20. Pleasant in the songs of Israel — Not sweet psalmist, as the authorized version has it, for the word twrmz means songs, not singers. David was tenderly endeared to the people by his long association with their national songs of praise, for among all Hebrew poets his is the greatest name; and of the two words, David and Psalms, it may be said that the one always suggests the other.

V. 8. These-But this catalogue, though placed here, was taken long before, as is manifest from hence, that Asahel and Uriah are named here. And whereas there are some difference between this list, and that, 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, most of them are easily reconciled by these two considerations;

1. that nothing is more common than for one person to have divers names.

2. That as some of the worthies died, and others came in their stead; this must needs cause some alteration in the latter catalogue, 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, from this which was the former. Learn hence, how much religion tends to inspire men with true courage. David both by his writings and example greatly promoted piety among the grandees of the kingdom. And when they became famous for piety, they became famous for bravery. Adino-This was his proper name. Lift up-Which words are fitly supplied out of 1 Chronicles 11:11, where they are expressed. One time-In one battle, which though it be strange, yet cannot seem incredible, supposing him to be a person of extraordinary strength and activity, and his enemies to be discouraged, and fleeing away.

Verse 8. These be the names of the mighty men] This chapter should be collated with the parallel place, 1 Chronicles 11:11-47; and see Kennicott’s First Dissertation on the printed Hebrew text, pages 64-471. The Tachmonite that sat in the seat] Literally and properly, Jashobeam the Hachmonite. See 1 Chronicles 11:11.

The same was Adino the Eznite] This is a corruption for he lift up his spear. See 1 Chronicles 11:11.

Eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.] THREE hundred is the reading in Chronicles, and seems to be the true one. The word llj chalal, which we translate slain, should probably be translated soldiers, as in the Septuagint, stratiwtav; he withstood three hundred SOLDIERS at one time. See the note on David’s lamentation over Saul and Jonathan, See Clarke “2 Samuel 1:21”, and Kennicott’s First Dissertation, p. 101. Dr. Kennicott observes: “This one verse contains three great corruptions in the Hebrew text: 1. The proper name of the hero Jashobeam is turned into two common words, rendered, that sat in the seat. 2. The words, he lift up his spear, wtynj ta rrw[ awh hu orer eth chanitho, are turned into two proper names wholly inadmissible here: wnyd[ awh ynx[h hu Adino haetsni, he was Adino the Eznite; it being nearly as absurd to say that Jashobeam the Hachmonite was the same with Adino the Eznite, as that David the Beth-lehemite was the same with Elijah the Tishbite. 3. The number eight hundred was probably at first three hundred, as in 1 Chronicles 11:11.” See Kennicott, ubi supr.

Verse 8. These be the names of the mighty men whom David had — Who helped to raise David to his dignity, and to preserve him in it, being continually with him in all his wars. There is a list of them also 1 Chronicles 11., different from this in several particulars. But Abarbinel thinks this creates no difficulty, if we do but observe that there he distinguishes them into three classes. Those that had always been with him; those that came to him at Ziklag, a little before he was made king of Judah; and those that came to him in Hebron, after he was made king of all Israel. It was proper that the memories of all these should be preserved. But here, in this book, the writer intended only to mention the most excellent of his heroes, who were always with him in his wars; and for whose sake he composed the preceding song of praise to God. Add to this, that this catalogue, though placed here, was taken long before many of the preceding events, as is manifest from hence, that Asahel and Uriah are named in it. It must be observed also, that it was very common for one person to have divers names, and that as some of the worthies died, and others arose in their stead, a great alteration must of course take place in the latter catalogue from the former. We may learn from hence, how much religion tends to inspire men with true courage. David, both by his writings and example, greatly promoted piety among the grandees of his kingdom. And when they became famous for piety, they became famous for bravery. The Tachmonite that sat in the seat — He sat in the counsel of war, next to Joab, being, it is thought, his lieutenant-general. Chief among the captains — The principal commander after Joab. The same was Adino — This was his proper name, and he probably was of the family of the Eznites. He lifted up his spear — These words are properly supplied out of 1 Chronicles 11:11, where they are expressed. Against eight hundred — In the above-mentioned place of 1 Chronicles it is only three hundred. Whom he slew at one time — In one battle, which, though it be strange, cannot be incredible, supposing him to be a person of extraordinary strength and activity, and his enemies to be discouraged and fleeing away.

Ver. 8. These be the names of the mighty men whom David had. Both the names and the number vary here from 1 Chronicles 11., and this variation is common to the Hebrew names and chronologies. We often find that one man has two names, and that grandfathers are often called fathers; but the list here might be taken at a different time from that in the Chronicles, or that some omitted here, feeling themselves aggrieved, might afterwards get enrolled in the tablet of honour.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

V. 9. Gone away-That is, fled away, 1 Chronicles 11:13, being dismayed at the approach of their enemies.

Verse 9. When they defied the Philistines that were there gathered] This is supposed to refer to the war in which David slew Goliath.

Verses 9, 10. The men of Israel were gone away — Had fled from before the Philistines, as it is explained, 1 Chronicles 11:13, being dismayed at the sight of them. And his hand clave unto the sword — Being all besmeared with blood. The Lord wrought a great victory that day — Like that of Shamgar and of Samson; God inspiring him with wonderful courage, and striking a terror into the Philistines. The people returned after him only to spoil — They that had fled, rallied again when they saw the wonders he did; and followed after him, not to fight, but only to partake of the spoil.

9. Of the three mighty men — Referring, doubtless, to the three of this first class, namely, Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah. When they defied the Philistines — According to Chronicles this encounter took place at Pas-dammim, doubtless the same as Ephes-dammim of 1 Samuel 17:1, but it was not the same battle as there described. The men of Israel were gone away — Retreated from him, so that he was left singlehanded before the enemy.

Verses 9, 10. The men of Israel were gone away — Had fled from before the Philistines, as it is explained, 1 Chronicles 11:13, being dismayed at the sight of them. And his hand clave unto the sword — Being all besmeared with blood. The Lord wrought a great victory that day — Like that of Shamgar and of Samson; God inspiring him with wonderful courage, and striking a terror into the Philistines. The people returned after him only to spoil — They that had fled, rallied again when they saw the wonders he did; and followed after him, not to fight, but only to partake of the spoil.

10. He arose — Took a bold, defiant position; resolved to maintain his ground. His hand clave unto the sword — So long and so firmly had he grasped its hilt that his hand became benumbed and cramped, yet firmly fixed in its grasp. Some think his hand was stuck fast to his sword by the blood which was on it. Returned after him only to spoil — That is, after they had retreated from him, and he was left alone to fight with the foe, and they saw at a distance the mighty victory wrought through him, they returned again and followed after him, not now to help him, but only to gather up the spoil.

V. 11. Lentiles-Or barley, as it is 1 Chronicles 11:13. For both might grow in the same field, in divers parts of it. And this fact is ascribed to Eleazar, 1 Chronicles 11:12, but it is implied, that he had some partner or partners in it; for it is there said, 1 Chronicles 11:14 they set themselves, &c. So Eleazar might fight in that part where the barley was and Shammah where the lentiles were.

Verse 11. A piece of ground full of lentiles] In 1 Chronicles 11:13 it is a parcel of ground full of barley. There is probably a mistake of µyvd[ adashim, lentiles, for µyrw[c seorim, barley, or vice versa. Some think there were both lentiles and barley in the field, and that a marauding party of the Philistines came to destroy or carry them off, and these worthies defeated the whole, and saved the produce of the field. This is not unlikely.

Verse 11. After him was Shammah — Who, although not expressly mentioned in the parallel place, 1 Chronicles 11:14, yet is plainly implied to have been engaged in this great action. For it is said, that they set themselves, &c., that is, Shammah and Eleazar, who joined in this enterprise. But this place, in Samuel, teaches us that Shammah had the chief hand in it, and therefore it is ascribed to him. Ground full of lentils — In 1 Chronicles 11:13 it is, full of barley: in which there is no difficulty, one part of the field having probably been sown with lentils and the other with barley. The people fled from the Philistines — Fearing to defend the place.

11. Into a troop — That is, in a great crowd. Through the error of some copyist several lines are omitted in the parallel place in Chronicles, so that what is here ascribed to Shammah is there attributed to David and Eleazar. Lentiles — µyvd[ Chronicles has µyrw[c, barley. But the Hebrew words are so similar that one might easily have been mistaken for the other. Barley is probably the better reading, as it is more likely that the Philistines would attack and the Israelites defend a field of barley than a field of lentiles.

V. 12. Lord wrought-How great soever the bravery of the instruments is, the praise of the achievement is to be given to God. These fought, but God wrought the victory.

Verse 12. He defended it — So that the Philistines could neither burn the corn, nor carry it away, nor tread it down. The Lord wrought a great victory — By his hand. How great soever the bravery of the instruments is, the praise of the achievement is to be given to God. These fought, but God wrought the victory. It must be observed that this Shammah, although one of the three most mighty men, is not particularly named in the book of Chronicles; it being the manner of the Scriptures, as the Jews observe, to notice that briefly in one place, which hath been explained at large in another; as this action of Shammah is here in this book.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verse 13. And three of the thirty] The word שלשים shalishim, which we translate thirty, probably signifies an office or particular description of men. Of these shalishim we have here thirty-seven, and it can scarcely be said with propriety that we have thirty-seven out of thirty; and besides, in the parallel place, 1 Chronicles 11:11-47, there are sixteen added. The captains over Pharaoh’s chariots are termed שלשים shalishim, Exodus 14:7.

The Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.] This is the same war which is spoken of 2 Samuel 5:17, &c.

Verses 13, 14. Three of the thirty chief — Mentioned afterward: three captains over the thirty. Came to David in the harvest-time — Or rather, as the Hebrew is, at harvest. That is, saith Abarbinel, the Philistines came to destroy the fruits of the earth, that they might famish the Israelites: whereupon David raised an army to protect and defend them in reaping of their harvest, when they went about it. Unto the cave of Adullam — Where he had hid himself under the persecution of Saul; and where he now fortified himself against the Philistines; who in the beginning of his reign, came with great forces against him. And David was then in the hold — Namely, the cave of Adullam, a place very strong by its natural situation! The garrison of the Philistines was in Beth-lehem — They had possessed themselves of this place and put a garrison in it.

13. Three of the thirty chief — That is, of the thirty whose names are given in verses 24-39. Their names are not designated here, and this reference to them is too indefinite to be understood of the three just mentioned, namely, Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah. Came to David — Put themselves under his command when he was fleeing before Saul, and had taken refuge in the cave of Adullam. See 1 Samuel 22:1, 2. Pitched in… Rephaim — This was in all probability the same battle as that described in 2 Samuel 5:17-21, and occurred after David had been anointed king over Israel, but before he had taken up his settled residence in Jerusalem. See notes at that place. It is not said that this exploit occurred at the time these heroes first joined David’s band of men, as some have assumed.

Verses 13, 14. Three of the thirty chief — Mentioned afterward: three captains over the thirty. Came to David in the harvest-time — Or rather, as the Hebrew is, at harvest. That is, saith Abarbinel, the Philistines came to destroy the fruits of the earth, that they might famish the Israelites: whereupon David raised an army to protect and defend them in reaping of their harvest, when they went about it. Unto the cave of Adullam — Where he had hid himself under the persecution of Saul; and where he now fortified himself against the Philistines; who in the beginning of his reign, came with great forces against him. And David was then in the hold — Namely, the cave of Adullam, a place very strong by its natural situation! The garrison of the Philistines was in Beth-lehem — They had possessed themselves of this place and put a garrison in it.

14. David… in a hold — Rather, in the hold; that is, the cave of Adullam.

V. 15. Said-Being hot and thirsty, he expresses how acceptable a draught of that water would be to him; but was far from desiring, or expecting that any of his men should hazard their lives to procure it.

Verse 15. The water of the well of Bethlehem] This was David’s city, and he knew the excellence of the water which was there; and being near the place, and parched with thirst, it was natural for him to wish for a draught of water out of that well. These three heroes having heard it, though they received no command from David, broke through a company of the Philistines, and brought away some of the water. When brought to David he refused to drink it: for as the men got it at the hazard of their lives, he considered it as their blood, and gave thereby a noble instance of self-denial. There is no evidence that David had requested them to bring it; they had gone for it of their own accord, and without the knowledge of David.

Verses 15, 16. David longed, and said, O! &c. — Being hot and thirsty, he expresses how acceptable a draught of that water would be to him; but was far from desiring or expecting that any of his men should hazard their lives to procure it. He would not drink thereof — Lest, by gratifying himself upon such terms, he should seem either to set too high a price upon the satisfaction of his appetite, or too low a price upon the lives of his soldiers. He poured it out unto the Lord — As a kind of drink-offering, and acknowledgment of God’s goodness in preserving the lives of his captains in so dangerous an enterprise; and to show that he esteemed it as a sacred thing, which it was not fit for him to drink.

15. Which is by the gate — Well known to David, who had spent all his boyhood near the place. Tradition has given the name of “David’s well” to a cistern a little northeast of Beth-lehem, and Ritter describes it as deep, and supplied with clear, cold water.

V. 16. Would not-Lest by gratifying himself upon such terms, he should seem either to set too high a price upon the satisfaction of his appetite, or too low a price upon the lives of his soldiers. Poured it-As a kind of drink offering, and acknowledgment of God’s goodness in preserving the lives of his captains in so dangerous an enterprize; and to shew, that he esteemed it as a sacred thing, which it was not fit for him to drink.

Verse 16. Poured it out unto the Lord.] To make libations, both of water and wine, was a frequent custom among the heathens. We have an almost similar account in Arrian’s Life of Alexander: “When his army was greatly oppressed with heat and thirst, a soldier brought him a cup of water; he ordered it to be carried back, saying, I cannot bear to drink alone while so many are in want, and this cup is too small to be divided among the whole.” Tunc poculo pleno sicut oblatum est reddito: Non solus, inquit, bibere sustineo, nec tam exiguum dividere omnibus possum.-ARRIAN, lib. vi.

The example was noble in both cases, but David added piety to bravery; he poured it out unto the Lord.

Verses 15, 16. David longed, and said, O! &c. — Being hot and thirsty, he expresses how acceptable a draught of that water would be to him; but was far from desiring or expecting that any of his men should hazard their lives to procure it. He would not drink thereof — Lest, by gratifying himself upon such terms, he should seem either to set too high a price upon the satisfaction of his appetite, or too low a price upon the lives of his soldiers. He poured it out unto the Lord — As a kind of drink-offering, and acknowledgment of God’s goodness in preserving the lives of his captains in so dangerous an enterprise; and to show that he esteemed it as a sacred thing, which it was not fit for him to drink.

16. Poured it out unto the Lord — As a drink offering.

V. 17. These three-Jointly: then two of them are mentioned severally.

Verse 17. He said, Far be it from me — He looked upon it no longer as water, but as the blood of those men who fetched it with the peril of their lives; and the blood of every thing belonged to the Lord, and therefore he poured it out before him. If the generosity of David’s worthies was great, David’s generosity was no less so. Such actions as these dignify human nature, and manifest an excellence and grandeur which one should not otherwise think it capable of. These things did these three — They all joined in this hazardous exploit. But now follows what they did singly.

17. Be it far from me — The tender hearted chieftain felt that it would be like drinking the blood of his men. The event shows both the affection and devotion of David’s soldiers for their leader, and his tenderness towards them.

Verses 18, 19. Abishai was chief among three — The chief of those three mighty men before mentioned. See 1 Chronicles 11:20. Had the name among the three — That is, was most eminent and famous. Was he not most honourable? — Worthy to be the leader of them, for his superior valour and virtue? He attained not unto the first three — He fell short of them in strength and valour.

18. Chief among three — Rather, a chief among the captains, as the same words are rendered in verse 8. All the thirty-seven mentioned in this chapter were chiefs of distinguished rank. Lifted up his spear against three hundred — His great feat resembled that of Jashobeam, though it was not so celebrated.

V. 19. Attained not-He fell short of them in strength and valour.

Verses 18, 19. Abishai was chief among three — The chief of those three mighty men before mentioned. See 1 Chronicles 11:20. Had the name among the three — That is, was most eminent and famous. Was he not most honourable? — Worthy to be the leader of them, for his superior valour and virtue? He attained not unto the first three — He fell short of them in strength and valour.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verse 20. Two lion-like men of Moab] Some think that two real lions are meant; some that they were two savage gigantic men; others, that two fortresses are meant. The words bawm lara ynv sheney ariel Moab may signify, as the Targum has rendered it, bawm ybrbr תרינ ty yath terein rabrebey Moab, “The two princes of Moab.”

Verse 20. Who had done many acts — As Abishai also had done, who had succoured David, when a giant thought to have killed him. But their greatest acts only are here mentioned. He slew two lion-like men of Moab — The Hebrew word lara, ariel, signifies a lion of God, that is, a great lion. And it was the name among the Moabites for a very valiant man. Such a one at this day is called assedollabi, a lion of God, among the Arabians. He slew a lion in the midst of a pit — By going down into which he had put himself under a necessity of killing or being killed. In time of snow — This is mentioned to magnify the action, because then lions are fiercer both for want of prey, and from the sharpness of their appetite in cold seasons.

Ver. 20. Slew a lion. Such an action always placed a man in the list of heroes.

20. Kabzeel — In the south of Judah. Joshua 15:21. Who had done — The who refers to the valiant man of Kabzeel, Benaiah’s ancestor. The margin is more literal, great of acts. Two lionlike men — Fierce, bold, and terrible champions, whom few would dare molest. In the midst of a pit in time of snow — An unusually heavy fall of snow had probably driven the lion into the neighbourhood of human habitations, and it had taken refuge in a pit, or, rather, cistern.

V. 21. Pit-Where he put himself under a necessity, either of killing, or being killed. Of snow-When lions are most fierce, both from the sharpness of their appetite in cold seasons, and from want of provisions.

Verse 21. He slew an Egyptian] This man in 1 Chronicles 11:23 is stated to have been five cubits high, about seven feet six inches. He went down to him with a staff] I have known men who, with a staff only for their defence, could render the sword of the best practised soldier of no use to him. I have seen even a parallel instance of a man with his staff being attacked by a soldier with his hanger; he soon beat the weapon out of the soldier’s hand, and could easily have slain him with his own sword. We have a good elucidation of this in a duel between Dioxippus the Athenian and Horratas a Macedonian, before Alexander: “The Macedonian, proud of his military skill, treated the naked Athenian with contempt, and then challenged him to fight with him the ensuing day. The Macedonian came armed cap-a-pie to the place; on his left arm he had a brazen shield, and in the same hand a spear called sarissa; he had a javelin in his right hand, and a sword girded on his side; in short, he appeared armed as though he were going to contend with a host. Dioxippus came into the field with a chaplet on his head, a purple sash on his left arm, his body naked, smeared over with oil, and in his right hand a strong knotty club, (dextra validum nodosumque stipitem præferebat.) Horratas, supposing he could easily kill his antagonist while at a distance, threw his javelin, which Dioxippus, suddenly stooping, dexterously avoided, and, before Horratas could transfer the spear from his left to his right hand, sprang forward, and with one blow of his club, broke it in two. The Macedonian being deprived of both his spears, began to draw his sword; but before he could draw it out Dioxippus seized him, tripped up his heels, and threw him with great violence on the ground, (pedibus repente subductis arietavit in terram.) He then put his foot on his neck, drew out his sword, and lifting up his club, was about to dash out the brains of the overthrown champion, had he not been prevented by the king.”-Q. Curt. lib. ix., cap. 7.

How similar are the two cases! He went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hands, and slew him with his own spear. Benaiah appears to have been just such another clubsman as Dioxippus.

Verses 21, 22. An Egyptian, a goodly man — A person of great stature, 1 Chronicles 11:23. He plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand — This shows him to have been both fearless, and a person of great skill and dexterity in managing a combat, either with man or beast. And had the name among three mighty men — That is, among the three in the second rank, for it is said in the following verse that he did not attain or come up to the first three. Who the third was of this second rank of mighty men is not mentioned.

21. A goodly man — A man of commanding aspect. Chronicles says: “A man of great stature, five cubits high.” Went down to him with a staff — By the dexterous use of which he made the Egyptian’s sword of no avail to him. “I have seen,” says Clarke, “a parallel instance of a man with his staff being attacked by a soldier with his hanger; he soon beat the weapon out of the soldier’s hand, and could easily have slain him with his own sword.”

Verses 21, 22. An Egyptian, a goodly man — A person of great stature, 1 Chronicles 11:23. He plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand — This shows him to have been both fearless, and a person of great skill and dexterity in managing a combat, either with man or beast. And had the name among three mighty men — That is, among the three in the second rank, for it is said in the following verse that he did not attain or come up to the first three. Who the third was of this second rank of mighty men is not mentioned.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verse 23. David set him over his guard.] The Vulgate renders this, Fecitque eun sibi David auricularium a secreto, “David made him his privy counsellor;” or, according to the Hebrew, He put him to his ears, i.e., confided his secrets to him. Some think he made him a spy over the rest. It is supposed that the meaning of the fable which attributes to Midas very long ears, is, that this king carried the system of espionage to a great length; that he had a multitude of spies in different places.

23. Set him over his guard — Rather, appointed him to his privy council. Such office David once held under Saul. See note on 1 Samuel 22:14.

Verse 24. Asahel-was one of the thirty] Asahel was one of those officers, or troops, called the shalishim. This Asahel, brother of Joab, was the same that was killed by Abner, 2 Samuel 2:23.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

V. 25. Harodite-In 1 Chronicles 11:27, Shammoth the Harorite. Concerning which, and other changes of the names, which will be observed, by comparing this catalogue with that, it will be sufficient to suggest,

1. that the same names of persons, or places, are differently pronounced according to the different dialects of divers places or ages.

2. That one man had often two names.

3. That David had more worthies than those here mentioned; and as some of these were slain in the former part of David’s reign, as Asahel was; so others came up in their stead; and some were added to this number, as appears from 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, where they are named, but not numbered, as they were here; and where there is a greater number than is here expressed.

Verse 25. Shammah the Harodite] There are several varieties in the names of the following shalishim; which may be seen by comparing these verses with 1 Chronicles 11:27.

Verse 25. Shammah the Harodite — In 1 Chronicles 11:27, he is called, Shammoth the Harorite, the same names of persons or places being differently pronounced according to the different dialects of divers places or ages. They that compare this catalogue with that in 1 Chronicles 11., will observe more names mentioned there than are found here. For the author of it reckons up and records the names of all the chief commanders in the army, though they were not in themselves heroical persons. But here the sacred writer only numbers those who were of themselves great heroes, not noticing the great commanders in the army who were not so.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

27. Mebunnai — Or, Sibbechai. Compare Chronicles and 2 Samuel 21:18.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.

V. 39. Thirty seven-Here are but thirty six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three second worthies: or, Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the Lord-general of all. All the good soldiers of Jesus, have their names better preserved than even these. For they are written in heaven, in the lamb’s book of life. This honour have all his saints.

Verse 39. Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.] To these the author of 1 Chronicles 11:41 adds Zabad son of Ahlai. 1 Chronicles 11:42 -Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him.

1 Chronicles 11:43 -Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,

1 Chronicles 11:44 -Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite,

1 Chronicles 11:45 -Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,

1 Chronicles 11:46 -Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

1 Chronicles 11:47 -Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite. THE 4th and 5th verses { 2 Samuel 23:4, 5} are very obscure; L. Deuteronomy Dieu gives them a good meaning, if not the true one:— “The perpetuity of his kingdom David amplifies by a comparison to three natural things, which are very grateful to men, but not constant and stable. For the sun arises and goes down again; the morning may be clear, but clouds afterwards arise; and the tender grass springs up, but afterwards withers. Not so, said he, is my kingdom before God; it is flourishing like all these, but perpetual, for he has made an everlasting covenant with me, though some afflictions have befallen me; and he has not made all my salvation and desire to grow.”

Deuteronomy Dieu repeats k ke, the note of similitude, thrice; and the following is his version:—

“The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake unto me, (or concerning me:) The just man ruleth among men; he ruleth in the fear of God. And, as the sun ariseth with a shining light; as the morning is without clouds by reason of its splendour; as, from rain, the tender grass springeth out of the earth; truly so is not my house with God: because he hath made an everlasting covenant with me; disposed in all things, and well kept and preserved in that order. Although he doth not make all my deliverance and desire to grow, i.e., though some adversities happen to me and my family; yet, that always remains, which, in the covenant of God made with me, is in all things orderly, disposed, and preserved.”

See Bishop Patrick on the place.

Once more I must beg the reader to refer to the First Dissertation of Dr. Kennicott, on the present state of the printed Hebrew text; in which there is not only great light cast on this subject, several corruptions in the Hebrew text being demonstrated, but also many valuable criticisms on different texts in the sacred writings. There are two Dissertations, 2 vols. 8vo.; and both very valuable.

II SAMUEL

Verses 26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. — None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all — Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three worthies of the second rank, or Joab is comprehended in the number, as being the general and head of them all.

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” — Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (verses 8-12;) the second composed of two, (verses 18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (verses 24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.

8. Tachmonite — Better, son of the Hackmonite, as in Chronicles. That sat in the seat — tbvb bvy, Josheb-basshebeth. This is evidently a corruption of the name Jashobeam, which appears in Chronicles, some transcriber having, as Kennicott supposes, carelessly inserted tbvb from the preceding verse in the place of µ[. Captains — The original word, yvlv or µyvylv, shalishim, designates a superior order of soldiers who fought from chariots, (Exodus 14:7; 15:4,) and were also a part of the royal body-guard. 1 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 10:25. In 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19, it is translated lord. From verse 18 it appears that Abishai was also a chief among this order of soldiers. Ewald thinks that David’s army had thirty officers of this kind, and hence the name shalishim, a thirty man, or one of thirty. Adino the Eznite — Most recent critics agree that these words are not to be taken as a proper name. Gesenius makes them mean, He brandished it, his spear, but his criticism is too arbitrary. Better is the supposition that it is a spurious reading for wtynj ta rrw[, lifted up his spear, which agrees with Chronicles. Eight hundred — Chronicles has three hundred. Which is the correct reading it is impossible to decide. The supposition of Kimchi that in one battle he killed eight hundred and in another three hundred is mere conjecture.