2 Samuel 1

2 Samuel 1:1

THE slaughter of the Amalekites] 1 Samuel 30:17.

2 Samuel 1:2

clothes rent] Which in mourning testified their great grief, and contrition of heart, shame, unworthinesse, and deep humiliation, Genesis 37:29. Joshua 7:6. 1 Samuel 4:12. Job. 2. 12.

2 Samuel 1:4

How went the matter?] Heb. What was, &c.

2 Samuel 1:6

I hapned] To wit, fleeing in the chace.

Gilbea] A mountainous place on the south limits of the tribe of Issachar, neer Jezreel, 1 Samuel 28:4. 29. 1. and 31. 1.

2 Samuel 1:7

Here am I] Heb. Behold me.

2 Samuel 1:9

anguish] That is, I am much grieved, that being in this desperate condition, I cannot die (as I desire) to prevent the disgraces which may befal me, if I fall alive into my enemies hands. Others read it thus, My coat of mail or embroidered upper garment have hindered me, That though I have attempted to kill my self by falling upon my launce or sword, yet to my grief and pain I cannot do it, and therefore do thou kill me, and rid me out of my pain.

2 Samuel 1:10

was fallen] To wit, with the wound which he had given himself with his spear. All which his relation is for the most part feigned, to finde grace with David, as we may see if we compare it with, 1 Sam. 31.

2 Samuel 1:11

rent them] Chap. 3. 31. and 13. 31.

2 Samuel 1:14

How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand] Psa. 105. 15.

2 Samuel 1:16

Thy blood] That is, let the guilt and punishment of thy death be wholly imputed to thy self, who by thy sin hast justly deserved it, Judg. 9. 24. Leviticus 20:9.

2 Samuel 1:17

this lamentation] Which beginneth, v. 19.

2 Samuel 1:18

Also he bade] That is, he gave order (that he might put courage into the hearts of Gods people, which with this great overthrow, were much dejected) to have them instructed in the right use of their arms, and weapons, especially in the skill of shooting, because thereby the Philistines had most prevailed against them, 1 Samuel 31:3.

of Jasher] Joshua 10:13. Or, of the upright.

2 Samuel 1:19

The beauty] That is, Saul and Jonathan, and with them the chief of the chivalry.

high places] Upon mount Gilboa, vers. 21. and 1 Samuel 31:8.

2 Samuel 1:20

Tell it not in Gath and Askelon] Mic. 1, 10 Chief cities of the Philistines, inhabited by the enemies of God and his people, who hearing this news, would insult and triumph, Judg. 16. 23.

the daughters] Because they used to celebrate victories with songs and dances, Judges 11:34. Exodus 15. 1 Samuel 18:6.

2 Samuel 1:21

Ye mountains] He curseth the mountains, that he may pathetically, and hyperbolically expresse his grief. So Job 3. 3, 4.

fields of offerings] Heb. of elevations; That is, fertile fields, bringing forth fruits fit for offerings in the tabernacle; or, high-lands.

of the mighty] That is, the arms of Saul, Jonathan, and the rest.

vilely] Disgracefully, and dishonourably, to wit, in their flight from their enemies.

2 Samuel 1:22

turned not back] That is, they never in vain attempted their enemies, with their arms and weapons, but were alwayes victorious, piercing, and killing the best and valiantest of them.

2 Samuel 1:23

pleasant] Or, sweet.

swifter] To wit, in pursuing their enemies, and stronger then lions in vanquishing them.

2 Samuel 1:24

who clothed you] That is, who caused you to live in all peace and plenty, and adorned you with the spoils of your enemies, Psalms 68:12.

other delights] As rich garments and costly jewels, in which women take much pleasure, Jeremiah 2:32.

2 Samuel 1:25

high places] That is, places of advantage in thine own countrey.

2 Samuel 1:26

of women] That is, either to their onely sons or husbands, or one another; that is, it exceeded the deerest love, or neerest friendship.

2 Samuel 1:27

mighty fallen] See v. 19.

weapens] That is, either Saul and Jonathan, who were as swords and shields, to defend the common-wealth. So 2 Kings 2:12. 13. 14. Or simply, he meaneth the arms and munition which were lost in the battle, and became a spoil to the Phillstines, to the dishonour and weakning of Gods people.