Westminster Annotations, 2 Samuel (2 Kings) · Chapter 21
CHAP. XXI.
Vers. 1. ANd David] To wit, in the fourth yeer, enquired, that is, by the priest, with the brestplate, and Urim and Thummim, what was the cause of Gods wrath in sending this dearth, that he might use means to appease it, Numb. 27. 21.
enquired of the Lord] Heb. sought the face, &c.
because he slew] To wit, contrary to covenant confirmed by an oath, Josh. 9. 7, 15, 18. The which, his sin is imputed to his house, and all the people, because they approved his bloody fact, and did not seek to hinder or disswade him from it.
V. 2. of the remnant of the Amorites] Josh. 9. 3, 16, 17. So called improperly and figuratively, for they were of the Hivites, Josh. 9. 7. But these nations were generally named Amorites. So Gen. 15. 16. as being the most potent people in the countrey of Canaan.
in his zeal] A blinde zeal envying that these Gentiles should be incorporated into Gods people, and injoy all their priviledges; and thinking hereby to rectifie the errour of Joshua, and other rulers, and to bring the kingdom into a right frame, when none enjoyed any part of it, but onelyonly the Israelites to whom it was given. The which is called zeal, because it seemingly respected Gods commandment, that these nations should be destroyed, Exod. 23. 32, 33. Deut. 7. 16.
V. 3. What shall I do] That is, what satisfaction will ye require, that ye may not complain unto God of his peoples cruelty, and draw down his judgements upon them: but contrarywise being satisfied, may pray for their peace and prosperitie.
V. 4. We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house, neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel] Or, It is not silver n…r gold, that we have to do with Saul or his house, neither pertains in to us to kill, &c.
V. 5. devised against us] Or, …ut us off.
V. 6. of his sons] That is, of his posterity.
hang them] Which execution was used to make atonementJethe for some publike misdeeds, Deut. 21. 22, 23.
unto the Lord] That is, devote them to the LORD, to appease his wrath incensed against the land of Israel. So Numb. 25. 4.
whom the Lord did choose] Or, chosen of the Lord; To wit, to be king of Israel.
V. 7. the Lords oath] 1 Sam. 18. 3. and 20. 8, 42. That is, the covenant made between him and Jonathan, 1 Sam. 20. 16, 42.
V. 8. Rizpah] That is, Sauls concubine, Chap. 3. 7. and v. 11.
Michal] Or, Michals sister; That is, of Merab, the sister of Michal, and wife of Adriel. 1 Sam. 18. 19. who being educated and adopted by Michal, are called here her sons. See Gen. 16. 2. and 30. 3. and 50. 23. Ruth 4. 17. Some think that here is used the figure eclipsis, cutting of the name off the one sister, and expressing it by the other. So verse 19. Goliath, for the brother of Goliath, and Jerem. 32. 12. uncle, for uncles son.
brought up for Achiel] Heb. bare to Achiel.
Mehola…hite] In the tribe of Manasseh, where Abel-Meholah did lie, Judg. 7. 22. which is here used to distinguish him from Barzillai the Gileadite, Chap. 19. 31.
V. 9. in the hill] That is, in Gibeah Saul, v. 6. which was mountainous.
before the Lord] That is, to appease Gods wrath.
fell] That is, perished, or were executed.
harvest] Which was in Canaan, in the monethmonth Nisan, of which, part was in March, and part in April, Ruth. 1. 27.
V. 10. Rizpah] Chap. 3. 7.
spread it] To wit, over the dead corps day and night.
untill water] By Gods law; bodies were to hang onelyonly to the sun setting of the same day, Deut. 21. 23. But because the famine came through drought, the king would have them hang till rain came, that is might be a sign that Gods wrath was appeased, and mercy obtained, for which end they were hanged up.
V. 12. and took] That is, commanded his servants and officers to take. So v. 14.
Jabesh-gilead] See 1 Sam. 31. 10, 11, 12.
Philistines had hanged them] 1 Sam. 31. 10.
V. 13. the bones] That is, after they had been long buried. See 1 Sam. 31. 12.
V. 14. Zelah] See Josh. 18. 28.
was intreated] Taking away the famine▪ and returning plenty by sending rain. So Chap. 24. 25.
V. 16. of the giant] To wit, who dwelt at Gath, v. …2. called Rapha, from whom other giants had their name Raphites.
spear] Heb. the staff, or the head; That is, the iron of his spears head. So 1 Sam. 17. 5.
three hundred shekels] That is, twelve pounds and an half. See 1 Sam. 17. 5.
V. 17. the light] Heb. candle, or lamp. That is, their wisedom to guide and counsell them, and even the very joy and life of the whole nation. So 1 King. 15. 4. and 11. 36. q. d. lest the glory and splendour of Israel perish with thee.
V. 18. Gob] Situate by Gezer, where this war was therefore said to be raised, 1 Chron. 20. 4. in Ephraim, upon the border of Benjamin, towards the countrey of the Philistines.
Sibbechai] One of Davids worthies, 1 Chron. 11. 29.
Saph] Called also Sippai, 1 Chro. 20. 4.
the giant] Or, Rapha.
V. 19. Elhanan] One of Davids worthies, 1 Chro. 11. 26.
Jaare] Called also Jair, 1 Chro. 20. 5. to which name Oregim was added, because the spear of the giant whom Elhanan slew, was like a weavers beam, as the word signifieth.
of Goliath] Called Lahmi, 1 Chro. 20. 5.
V. 20. Gath] One of the five famous cities of the Philistines, neer unto the Midland-sea.
the giant] Or, Rapha.
V. 21. defied] That is, reproached, dared and challenged with scorn and despight.
Shimea] Named also Shammah, 1 Sam. 16. 9.
V. 22. David] As being king and generall, to whom the victorie of his souldiers and commanders is ascribed, or we may adde to these, Goliath, who was slain by David, 1 Sam. 17. all which were the sons of this giant.