2 Samuel 2
DOYLY— brought him over to Mahanaim.] Brought him over Jordan to Mahanaim, a place in the tribe of Gad, so called from the appearance of angels to Jacob, Gen. xxxii. 1, 2. Abner’s reasons for retreating hither seem to have been, to secure the people on that side of Jordan, who were generally attached to Saul’s family, to prevent the Philistines from falling on the king whom he had under his protection, and chiefly to be at a greater distance from David. Stackhouse.
2 Samuel 2:8
- — Am I a dog’s head.] He thought Ish-bosheth used him, not as captain of the host of Israel, but as if he had been keeper of his dogs. Bp. Patrick. Or else, “Am I as insignificant and worthless as a dog’s head?” Dr. Chandler.
2 Samuel 2:9
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— over all Israel.] Over all the tribes on the western side Jordan, save the tribe of Judah. Bp. Patrick.
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So do God to Abner, &c.] These words shew that he knew very well God had unalterably resolved to be-
2 Samuel 2:14
- — and play before us.] While the two armies faced one another, on different sides of the pool, Abner desires that some soldiers may be picked out, to make sport for
the two armies, and to undergo a trial of their strength and courage. Bp. Patrick. Abner seems to have meant, not that they should fall upon, and destroy one another, but merely that they should practise a little their military exercises, to divert the spectators. Stackhouse.
2 Samuel 2:16
- — they caught every one &c.] The sense seems to be, that the servants of David thrust a sword into each of the Benjamites, so that the twelve men of Benjamin fell down dead together. Bp. Patrick, Dr. Wells. The sense is uncertain: either all the Benjamites fell by the hand of David’s men, or the whole twenty-four fell by the hands of each other. Pyle.
2 Samuel 2:23
- — Abner with the hinder end of the spear &c.] These words should rather be rendered, “Abner smote him in the belly, turning his spear backwards.” As Abner was the foremost, he turned his spear backward, and so killed Asahel. Houbigant.
— as many as came — stood still.] They ceased from the pursuit, fearing perhaps the same fate. Bp. Patrick.
Joab soundeth a retreat. Six sons are born to David. Before CHRIST about 1053. the morning. away.
2 Samuel 2:27
- — unless thou hadst spoken.] Unless thou hadst sent the challenge, mentioned at ver. 14. Dr. Wells. Unless thou hadst provoked me to battle. Locke. Chap. III. ver. 7. — gone in unto my father’s concubine?] It was in those days looked upon as an insult to the royal family, and a proof of aspiring to the kingdom, to have any intercourse with the relicts of princes, of what denomination soever they were. This is exemof David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.