1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the Lord said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed David king over Israel.

4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

8 And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.

9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

10 And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.

11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.

12 And David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.

13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.

14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

15 Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

16 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.

17 But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.

18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

19 And David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

20 And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.

21 And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

22 And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

23 And when David enquired of the Lord, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

25 And David did so, as the Lord had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David king over all Israel.
David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which was to come to its height by degrees. Thus Jesus became our Brother, took upon him our nature, dwelt in it that he might become our Prince and Saviour: thus the humbled sinner takes encouragement from the endearing relation, applies for his salvation, submits to his authority, and craves his protection.
McArther Bible Commentary
See 1Ch 11:1-3.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 29:14 Joshua 10:36 2 Samuel 19:12 2 Samuel 19:13 2 Samuel 19:43 1 Chronicles 11:1 1 Chronicles 12:38

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David king over all Israel.
David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which was to come to its height by degrees. Thus Jesus became our Brother, took upon him our nature, dwelt in it that he might become our Prince and Saviour: thus the humbled sinner takes encouragement from the endearing relation, applies for his salvation, submits to his authority, and craves his protection.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shalt feed - That is, rule them, and take care of them, as a shepherd doth of his sheep, (Psalms 78:70-71) . This expression, he useth to admonish David, that he was not made a king to advance his own glory, but for the good of his people; whom he ought to rule with all tenderness, and to watch over with all diligence.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 49:24 1 Samuel 18:5 1 Samuel 18:13 1 Samuel 25:30 2 Samuel 7:7 1 Chronicles 11:2 2 Chronicles 1:10 Psalm 78:71

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David king over all Israel.
David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which was to come to its height by degrees. Thus Jesus became our Brother, took upon him our nature, dwelt in it that he might become our Prince and Saviour: thus the humbled sinner takes encouragement from the endearing relation, applies for his salvation, submits to his authority, and craves his protection.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A league - Whereby David obliged himself to rule them according to God's laws; and the people promised obedience to him.
McArther Bible Commentary
King David made a covenant. David bound himself formally to certain obligations toward the Israelites, including their rights and responsibilities to one another and to the Lord (cf. 2Ki 11:17). As good as this covenant was, it did not end the underlying sense of separate identity felt by Israel and Judah as the revolt of Sheba (2Sa 20:1) and the dissolution of the united kingdom under Rehoboam (1Ki 12:16) would later demonstrate. they anointed David. David's third anointing (2Sa 2:4; 1Sa 16:13) resulted in the unification of the twelve tribes under his kingship.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 10:36 1 Samuel 16:13 2 Samuel 2:4 2 Samuel 3:21 1 Kings 1:34 2 Kings 11:17 1 Chronicles 11:1 1 Chronicles 11:3

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David king over all Israel.
David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which was to come to its height by degrees. Thus Jesus became our Brother, took upon him our nature, dwelt in it that he might become our Prince and Saviour: thus the humbled sinner takes encouragement from the endearing relation, applies for his salvation, submits to his authority, and craves his protection.
Bible Cross References
Luke 3:23 Genesis 41:46 Numbers 4:3 1 Kings 2:11 1 Chronicles 3:4 1 Chronicles 26:31 1 Chronicles 29:27

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David king over all Israel.
David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which was to come to its height by degrees. Thus Jesus became our Brother, took upon him our nature, dwelt in it that he might become our Prince and Saviour: thus the humbled sinner takes encouragement from the endearing relation, applies for his salvation, submits to his authority, and craves his protection.
McArther Bible Commentary
Israel and Judah. The united kingdom was still known by its two component parts.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 2:4 2 Samuel 2:11 1 Kings 2:11 1 Chronicles 3:4 1 Chronicles 11:3 1 Chronicles 29:27

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He takes the strong-hold of Zion.
The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which the Son of David rules, and brings every thought into obedience to himself. May He thus come, and claim, and cleanse, each of our hearts; and, destroying every idol, may he reign there for ever!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Cannot come - They confided in the strength of their fortifications, which they thought so impregnable, that the blind and the lame were sufficient to defend them, against the most powerful assailant. And probably they set a parcel of blind and lame people, invalids or maimed soldiers, to make their appearance on the wall, in contempt of David and his men.
McArther Bible Commentary
See 1Ch 11:4-9.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:63 Joshua 18:28 Judges 1:21 2 Samuel 22:30 1 Chronicles 11:4 Proverbs 21:22 Jeremiah 21:13

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He takes the strong-hold of Zion.
The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which the Son of David rules, and brings every thought into obedience to himself. May He thus come, and claim, and cleanse, each of our hearts; and, destroying every idol, may he reign there for ever!
McArther Bible Commentary
stronghold of Zion. This is the first occurrence of Zion in the Bible and the only one in 1 and 2 Samuel. Referring here to the Jebusite citadel on the southeastern hill, the name was also later used of the temple mount (Isa 10:12) and of the entire city of Jerusalem (Isa 28:16). City of David. Both Bethlehem, David's birthplace (Luk 2:4), and Jerusalem, David's place of reign, were called by this title.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:8 2 Samuel 5:9 2 Samuel 6:12 2 Samuel 6:16 1 Kings 2:10 1 Kings 8:1 1 Kings 9:24 Jeremiah 21:13

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He takes the strong-hold of Zion.
The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which the Son of David rules, and brings every thought into obedience to himself. May He thus come, and claim, and cleanse, each of our hearts; and, destroying every idol, may he reign there for ever!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To the gutter - That is, whosoever scaleth the fort, or getteth up to the top of it, where the gutter was. That are hated - The Jebusites, and the lame, and the blind, Who had probably themselves insulted him, and blasphemed God. He shall be - These words are fitly supplied out of (1 Chronicles 11:6) , where they are expressed. They said &c. - That is, whence it became a proverb, or a common saying, used by David, and others, the blind and the lame Jebusites, were set to keep the house, that is, the fort of Zion; and to keep others from coming into it; but now they are shut out of it, and none of them, either of the Jebusites, or of blind and lame persons, shall be admitted to come into it again. Which David might ordain, to keep up the memory of this great exploit, and of the insolent carriage of the Jebusites.
McArther Bible Commentary
water shaft. A tunnel that channeled the city's water supply from the Gihon spring outside the city walls on the east side into the citadel.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:7 2 Samuel 5:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He takes the strong-hold of Zion.
The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which the Son of David rules, and brings every thought into obedience to himself. May He thus come, and claim, and cleanse, each of our hearts; and, destroying every idol, may he reign there for ever!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Millo - Which seems to have been the town - hall or, state - house, near the wall of the city of Zion.
McArther Bible Commentary
Millo. Lit. "filling." Stone-filled terraces were built to serve as part of Jerusalem's northern defenses, since the city was most open to attack from that direction.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:7 2 Samuel 5:8 1 Kings 9:15 1 Kings 9:24 2 Kings 12:20 Psalm 122:3 Isaiah 29:1

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He takes the strong-hold of Zion.
The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which the Son of David rules, and brings every thought into obedience to himself. May He thus come, and claim, and cleanse, each of our hearts; and, destroying every idol, may he reign there for ever!
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 3:1 Psalm 24:10 Haggai 2:4

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's kingdom established.
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, (Isaiah 60:10). David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him, are made to our God kings and priests. Never had the nation of Israel appeared so great as it began now to be. Many have the favour and love of God, yet do not perceive it, and so want the comfort of it; but to be exalted to that, and to perceive it, is happiness. David owned it was for his people's sake God had done great things for him; that he might be a blessing to them, and that they might be happy under him.
McArther Bible Commentary
See 1Ch 14:1-7.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:12 2 Samuel 7:2 1 Kings 5:1 1 Kings 5:10 1 Chronicles 14:1 Ezra 3:7 Psalm 30:1 Ezekiel 26:2

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's kingdom established.
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, (Isaiah 60:10). David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him, are made to our God kings and priests. Never had the nation of Israel appeared so great as it began now to be. Many have the favour and love of God, yet do not perceive it, and so want the comfort of it; but to be exalted to that, and to perceive it, is happiness. David owned it was for his people's sake God had done great things for him; that he might be a blessing to them, and that they might be happy under him.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
King over Israel - That he might be a blessing to them, and they might be happy under his administration.
McArther Bible Commentary
the Lord had established him as king. Witnessing God's evident blessing on his life, David recognized the Lord's role in establishing his kingship.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:11 2 Samuel 5:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's kingdom established.
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, (Isaiah 60:10). David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him, are made to our God kings and priests. Never had the nation of Israel appeared so great as it began now to be. Many have the favour and love of God, yet do not perceive it, and so want the comfort of it; but to be exalted to that, and to perceive it, is happiness. David owned it was for his people's sake God had done great things for him; that he might be a blessing to them, and that they might be happy under him.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
David took, &c. - This may well be reckoned amongst David's miscarriages, the multiplication of wives being expresly forbidden to the king, (Deuteronomy 17:17) . It seems to have been his policy, that hereby he might enlarge his family, and strengthen his interest by alliances with so many considerable families. But all these did not preserve him from coveting his neighbour's wife. Rather they inclined him to it: for men who have once broke the fence, will wander carelesly.
McArther Bible Commentary
more concubines and wives. The multiplication of David's wives and concubines was in direct violation of Deu 17:17. These marriages probably (cf. 2Sa 3:3) reflected David's involvement in international treaties and alliances that were sealed by the marriage of a king's daughter to the other participants in the treaty. This cultural institution accounted for some of David's and many of Solomon's wives (see 1Ki 11:1-3). In each case of polygamy in Scripture, the law of God was violated and the consequences were negative, if not disastrous.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 17:17 2 Samuel 5:12 1 Kings 11:3 1 Chronicles 3:9

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's kingdom established.
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, (Isaiah 60:10). David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him, are made to our God kings and priests. Never had the nation of Israel appeared so great as it began now to be. Many have the favour and love of God, yet do not perceive it, and so want the comfort of it; but to be exalted to that, and to perceive it, is happiness. David owned it was for his people's sake God had done great things for him; that he might be a blessing to them, and that they might be happy under him.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:15 1 Chronicles 3:5

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's kingdom established.
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, (Isaiah 60:10). David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him, are made to our God kings and priests. Never had the nation of Israel appeared so great as it began now to be. Many have the favour and love of God, yet do not perceive it, and so want the comfort of it; but to be exalted to that, and to perceive it, is happiness. David owned it was for his people's sake God had done great things for him; that he might be a blessing to them, and that they might be happy under him.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:14 2 Samuel 5:16 1 Chronicles 3:6 1 Chronicles 14:5

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's kingdom established.
David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, (Isaiah 60:10). David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him, are made to our God kings and priests. Never had the nation of Israel appeared so great as it began now to be. Many have the favour and love of God, yet do not perceive it, and so want the comfort of it; but to be exalted to that, and to perceive it, is happiness. David owned it was for his people's sake God had done great things for him; that he might be a blessing to them, and that they might be happy under him.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:15 2 Samuel 5:17 1 Chronicles 3:8 1 Chronicles 14:7

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He defeats the Philistines.
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, (Psalm 2:1), etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. David owns dependence on God for victory; and refers himself to the good pleasure of God, Wilt thou do it? The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, should encourage us in our spiritual conflicts. David waited till God moved; he stirred then, but not till then. He was trained up in dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, and David failed not to improve his advantages. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles, who were to beat down the devil's kingdom, must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit; who came with a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, (Acts 2:2).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The hold - To some fortified place to which his people might conveniently resort from all places, and where he might intrench his army, which lay towards the Philistines.
McArther Bible Commentary
This section is bracketed by the descriptions of David's military victories (2Sa 5:17-25; 2Sa 8:1-14). In between (2Sa. 6:1-7:29), David's concern for the ark of the covenant and a suitable building to house it are recounted.
Bible Cross References
Hebrews 11:33 1 Samuel 29:1 2 Samuel 5:16 2 Samuel 8:12 2 Samuel 21:15 2 Samuel 23:14 1 Chronicles 11:16

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He defeats the Philistines.
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, (Psalm 2:1), etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. David owns dependence on God for victory; and refers himself to the good pleasure of God, Wilt thou do it? The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, should encourage us in our spiritual conflicts. David waited till God moved; he stirred then, but not till then. He was trained up in dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, and David failed not to improve his advantages. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles, who were to beat down the devil's kingdom, must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit; who came with a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, (Acts 2:2).
McArther Bible Commentary
Valley of Rephaim. Lit. "the valley of the giants." It was a plain located southwest of Jerusalem on the border between Judah and Benjamin (Jos 15:1, Jos 15:8; Jos 18:11, Jos 18:16), where fertile land produced grain that provided food for Jerusalem and also attracted raiding armies.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 14:5 Joshua 15:8 Joshua 17:15 Joshua 18:16 2 Samuel 5:22 2 Samuel 23:13 Isaiah 17:5

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He defeats the Philistines.
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, (Psalm 2:1), etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. David owns dependence on God for victory; and refers himself to the good pleasure of God, Wilt thou do it? The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, should encourage us in our spiritual conflicts. David waited till God moved; he stirred then, but not till then. He was trained up in dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, and David failed not to improve his advantages. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles, who were to beat down the devil's kingdom, must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit; who came with a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, (Acts 2:2).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 22:15 1 Samuel 23:2 2 Samuel 2:1 2 Samuel 5:23

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He defeats the Philistines.
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, (Psalm 2:1), etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. David owns dependence on God for victory; and refers himself to the good pleasure of God, Wilt thou do it? The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, should encourage us in our spiritual conflicts. David waited till God moved; he stirred then, but not till then. He was trained up in dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, and David failed not to improve his advantages. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles, who were to beat down the devil's kingdom, must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit; who came with a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, (Acts 2:2).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Baal - perazim - Whither the Philistines were come from the valley of Rephraim, (1 Chronicles 14:11) . Baal - perazim, signifies the master of the breaches: So he ascribes all to God. As waters - As floods or rivers of waters, which break the banks, and overflow a land, and overturn all that stands in their way.
McArther Bible Commentary
Baal Perazim. The image seen in this name was that of flooding waters breaking through a dam as David's troops had broken through the Philistine assault.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 19:9 1 Chronicles 14:11 Psalm 60:1 Isaiah 28:21 Habakkuk 3:13

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He defeats the Philistines.
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, (Psalm 2:1), etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. David owns dependence on God for victory; and refers himself to the good pleasure of God, Wilt thou do it? The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, should encourage us in our spiritual conflicts. David waited till God moved; he stirred then, but not till then. He was trained up in dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, and David failed not to improve his advantages. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles, who were to beat down the devil's kingdom, must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit; who came with a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, (Acts 2:2).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Images - When the ark fell into the hand of the Philistines, it consumed them: but when these images fell into the hands of Israel, they could not save themselves from being consumed.
McArther Bible Commentary
images. The idols that the Philistines had taken into battle to assure them of victory were captured by the Israelites and burned (1Ch 14:12).
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 14:12 Isaiah 46:2

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He defeats the Philistines.
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, (Psalm 2:1), etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. David owns dependence on God for victory; and refers himself to the good pleasure of God, Wilt thou do it? The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, should encourage us in our spiritual conflicts. David waited till God moved; he stirred then, but not till then. He was trained up in dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, and David failed not to improve his advantages. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles, who were to beat down the devil's kingdom, must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit; who came with a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, (Acts 2:2).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And spread themselves - The expression intimates, that they were very numerous, and made a very formidable appearance. So we read, (Revelation 20:9) , of the church's enemies going up on the breadth of the earth. But the wider they spread themselves, the fairer mark they are for God's arrows.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:18 Isaiah 17:5

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He defeats the Philistines.
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, (Psalm 2:1), etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. David owns dependence on God for victory; and refers himself to the good pleasure of God, Wilt thou do it? The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, should encourage us in our spiritual conflicts. David waited till God moved; he stirred then, but not till then. He was trained up in dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, and David failed not to improve his advantages. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles, who were to beat down the devil's kingdom, must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit; who came with a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, (Acts 2:2).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Go up - Directly against them, as the following words explain it. Behind - Where they least expect thee; God's purposes and promises do not exclude men's endeavours.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 22:15 1 Samuel 23:2 2 Samuel 5:19 1 Chronicles 14:14

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He defeats the Philistines.
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, (Psalm 2:1), etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. David owns dependence on God for victory; and refers himself to the good pleasure of God, Wilt thou do it? The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, should encourage us in our spiritual conflicts. David waited till God moved; he stirred then, but not till then. He was trained up in dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, and David failed not to improve his advantages. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles, who were to beat down the devil's kingdom, must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit; who came with a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, (Acts 2:2).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The sound - A noise as it were of persons walking upon the tops of them, which I shall cause; and by this sign, both thou shalt he assured that I am coming to help thee; and the Philistines shall be affrighted, and not perceive the noise of thy army, until thou art upon them. Bestir - Fall upon them.
McArther Bible Commentary
the sound of marching. The leaves of this tree would rustle at the slightest movement of air, much of which would be generated by a large army marching.
Bible Cross References
Judges 4:14 1 Samuel 14:12 2 Samuel 5:23 2 Kings 7:6

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He defeats the Philistines.
The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, (Psalm 2:1), etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. David owns dependence on God for victory; and refers himself to the good pleasure of God, Wilt thou do it? The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, should encourage us in our spiritual conflicts. David waited till God moved; he stirred then, but not till then. He was trained up in dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, and David failed not to improve his advantages. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles, who were to beat down the devil's kingdom, must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit; who came with a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, (Acts 2:2).
McArther Bible Commentary
Geba … Gezer. Geba was located about five miles north of Jerusalem, and Gezer was about twenty miles west of Geba. David drove the Philistines out of the hill country back to the coastal plain.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 12:12 Joshua 21:21 Isaiah 28:21