2 Samuel 8

2 Samuel 8:1

MEtheg Amah] This name is not any where else; in Hebrew it signifieth the bridle of the angle, or corner. It may be it was some strong hold, in some straight passage, by which one might take the City of Gath, 1 Chronicles 18:1. is set downe, that hee took Gath, and all the precincts of it.

2 Samuel 8:2

Calling them] This it seems must be understood of the Prisoners which hee divided into three parts, whereof two he put to death, and saved the third.

2 Samuel 8:3

Zobah] A countrey of Syria As he went] Namely David himselfe, to enlarge his bounds to the river Euphrates, acccording to the bounds set downe by the Lord. Genesis, Chapter 15. verse 18.

2 Samuel 8:4

A thousand, 1 Chron. 18 4. There is the number of seven thousand, but here it seemeth are reckoned none but the chiefe Houghed] To make them unserviceable: being unwilling to make any store of these instruments of pride, and carnall confidence: See Joshua, Chapter 11. verse 6.

2 Samuel 8:7

The shields] see 1 Kings chapter 10. verse 16.

2 Samuel 8:9

Hamath] A city of Syria, which is thought to be Antioch it selfe.

2 Samuel 8:10

To blesse him] To congratulate with him.

2 Samuel 8:11

Dedicate] Namely, for the preparation of the building of the Temple, and other uses for Gods service. See: Chronic. chapter 29 verse 2.

2 Samuel 8:13

The valley] Which was in Idumea, 2 Kings chapter 14. verse 7. Psalme 16. ver. 2 Eighteen thousand] Which were Idumeans, 1 Chronicles 18:12.

2 Samuel 8:14

Became) Which lasted untill the dayes of Joram King of Judah: 2 Kings chapt. 8. 22. according to Isaaks prophesie, Genesis 27:40.

2 Samuel 8:16

Recorder] The Italian, Chancellor] or speaker, as 2 Kings 18:18.

2 Samuel 8:17

The Priests] Namely secondary Priests: as great substitutes, under Abiathar, high Priest: See upon Numb. 3. 32. Whereupon when Abiathar ws thrust out by Solomon: Zadock was put in his place. 1. Kings chapter 2. verse 27. and 35.

2 Samuel 8:18

Cherethites] The common opinion is, that these were the Kings guard. The cause of the name is uncertaine. They might be some of those that had followed David in his flight, 1 Samuel 22:2. and staid with him in Ziklag, a frontier, or part of the Cherethites countrey, who were Philistims. 1 Samuel 30:14. It may be they were native Philistims, great and mighty men of stature, which is a proportion required in those who are of the Princes guard: David having chosen them for the guard of his person, after they had joyned themselves to the people of God by profession of religion. And indeed Pelethite, signifieth ulled out, or chosen. So there were of the Gitties of Gath in Davids service, 2 Sam. chapter. 15 verle 18. and 19 Rulers] The Italian, hath it, Princes] That is to say chiefe barons, or Princes of the bloud.