2 Samuel 23

2 Samuel 23:1

THe last] The last which he pronounced by the inspiration of Gods Spirit, and set them downe in writing after his Psalmes, and other workes The sweet Psalmist] the Italian is, The Composer of the sweete songs of Israel] Not only of the holy subject, but also of the tune and inventer of the very instruments they were sung to. Amos chap. 6. v. 5.

2 Samuel 23:3

That ruleth] This is Gods command to all Kings; but especially to the Kings of his people, which it should seeme David doth here propound to Solomon his sonne and successor: to make him capable of the promises set downe hereafter.

2 Samuel 23:4

The light] which waxeth greater continually and higher.

2 Samuel 23:5

Be not so] The person and eternall kingdome of Christ, who is the head of Gods promises to my posterity, is not altogether like the Sunne or the grasse, because it shall not be without interruption, change, or revolution; whereas the Sun sometimes is darkned, and every day goeth down, and riseth againe; the grasse after it is growne, withereth and dryeth up, then groweth out againe. See James 1:17 Make it not] He will never suffer it to faile and to spring up againe. All which must be especially referred to Christ and his spirituall kingdome; and not to the temporall successors in Davids kingdome, in which there often happened wants of issue, and ruines of State.

2 Samuel 23:6

Cannot be taken] so he sheweth, that God doth not punish the wicked with his owne fatherly hand, with regard, mercy, and distinction: but gives them over to the instruments of his wrath, and intangleth them in a common perdition.

2 Samuel 23:8

Of the mighty men] Of the most famous Captaines of his army: the severall parts of whose service are set downe, 1 Chronicles, chapter 27. verse 2 That sate in the seat] 1 Chronicles, chapter 11. verse 11. Hee is called Jashobeam, the sonne of Hachmoni; but it should seeme that by reason of his great wisdome and worth, he was by a certaine allusion to his name, called, he that sitteth in the seat, or is president, namely in the councell of warre amongst the Captaines Chiese] The order and degrees of command in Davids army were these: Joab was the Generall, then there were six Colonels, which were divided into two bands, three of the one side, and three of the other, and of these six it should seeme, this Jashobeam or Adino was the chiefe; and these six had the command over the thirty Captaines which are here under mentioned, which Asahel immediately commanded, verse 24. as Colonell generall of the foot He slew] the Italian, Discomsited] By slaying three hundred of them, 1 Chronicles, chap. 11. verse 11.

2 Samuel 23:9

The men of Israel] Davids army went away or fled, and forsook their Captaines in this occasion. But after Eleazar had set upon, and discomfited the enemies, the people united themselves together againe, and came to the battell, but onely to spoile and prey, v. 10.

2 Samuel 23:10

Cleave unto] By the contraction of his Sinewes, through the great paines he had taken.

2 Samuel 23:12

Defended it] Would not suffer the Philistims to mow it, for the incursions and skirmisnes did happen for the most part, in, and by reason of harvest, Judges 6:4. 1 Samuel 23:1.

2 Samuel 23:14

A bold] Which was the same cave which was mentioned before, fortisied either by nature, or by Art The garrison] For in these inrodes and incursions into the countrey of the Israelites, they took possession of some strong places, and set watches there to keep them, for places to refresh themselves in, to retreat into, or to molest the children of Israel out of them. 1 Samuel 10. 5. and 13. 3.

2 Samuel 23:15

Oh that one] Whether he was indeed extream thirsty: or that he intended thereby onely to encourage his men to set upon the place: but these three men understood the words as they sounded: which David did not approve of; and therefore refused to drinke of the water, to shew how sorrie hee was that hee had given occasion of such a rash enterprise, and he powred it out, as an offering of thanksgiving to God, for delivering them out of that danger.

2 Samuel 23:18

Among three.] This was the second and or squadron of Colonells, consisting of these three, namely, Abishai, Benajah, and Asahel.

2 Samuel 23:19

He attaired not] In esteeme, Degree and Honour The first three] Of the first squadron.

2 Samuel 23:20

Kabzeel] A City of Judah, Joshuah Chapter 15. verse 21 Two Lion-leke men] The Italian, Two Ariels of Moab] They were some Giants, or men of great valour, of one name, and kindred, and peradventure brothers. This name signifieth, Gods Lions; and it might be given them to set forth their valour and bravery In time] At which time your wild beasts are most fierce for want of food.

2 Samuel 23:21

A goodly man] Either in greatnesse or strength of body, or valour, or power and authority With a staffe] as David did 1 Samuel, 17. 40, 43.

2 Samuel 23:23

His Guard] 2 Samuel Chapter 8. vers. 18. and Chapter 20. verse 23. which guard he had continually by him to doe his commands; especially in matters of execution of Justice.

2 Samuel 23:24

Asahel] Hee was of the second squadron of Colonels; but he commanded these thirty ensuing Captaines, as their particular Commander.

2 Samuel 23:39

Thirty and seven] reckoning Joab, and and the six afore-named Colonels.