What the mighty men did towards making David king we read in the
foregoing chapter. Here we are told what the many did towards it. It was not all
at once, but gradually, that David ascended the throne. His kingdom was to last;
and therefore, like fruits that keep longest, it ripened slowly. After he had
long waited for the vacancy of the throne, it was at two steps and those above
seven years distant, that he ascended it. Now we are here told, I. What help
came in to him to Ziklag, to make him king of Judah (v. 1-22). II. What help
came in to him in Hebron, to make him king over all Israel, above seven years
after (v. 23-40).
We have here an account of those that appeared and acted as
David's friends, upon the death of Saul, to bring about the revolution. All
the forces he had, while he was persecuted, was but 600 men, who served for his
guards; but, when the time had come that he must begin to act offensively,
Providence brought in more to his assistance. Even while he kept himself
close, because of Saul (v. 1), while he did not appear, to invite or
encourage his friends and well-wishers to come in to him (not foreseeing that
the death of Saul was so near), God was inclining and preparing them to come
over to him with seasonable succours. Those that trust God to do his work for
them in his own way and time shall find his providence outdoing all their
forecast and contrivance. The war was God's, and he found out helpers of the
war, whose forwardness to act for the man God designed for the government is
here recorded to their honour.
I. Some, even of Saul's brethren, of the tribe of Benjamin,
and a-kin to him, came over to David, v. 2. What moved them to it we are not
told. Probably a generous indignation at the base treatment which Saul, one of
their tribe, gave him, animated them to appear the more vigorously for him, that
the guilt and reproach of it might not lie upon them. These Benjamites are
described to be men of great dexterity, that were trained up in shooting and
slinging, and used both hands alike—ingenious active men; a few of these might
do David a great deal of service. Several of the leading men of them are here
named. See Jdg. 20:16.
II. Some of the tribe of Gad, though seated on the other side
Jordan, had such a conviction of David's title to the government, and fitness
for it, that they separated themselves from their brethren (a laudable
separation it was) to go to David, though he was in the hold in the
wilderness (v. 8), probably some of his strong holds in the wilderness of
Engedi. They were but few, eleven in all, here named, but they added much to
David's strength. Those that had hitherto come in to his assistance were most
of them men of broken fortunes, distressed, discontented, and soldiers of
fortune, that came to him rather for protection than to do him any service, 1
Sa. 22:2. But these Gadites were brave men, men of war, and fit for the
battle, v. 8. For, 1. They were able-bodied men, men of incredible
swiftness, not to fly from, but to fly upon, the enemy, and to pursue the
scattered forces. In this they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains,
so that no man could escape from them; and yet they had faces like the faces
of lions, so that no man could out-fight them. 2. They were disciplined men,
trained up to military exercises; they could handle shield and buckler, use both
offensive and defensive weapons. 3. They were officers of the militia in their
own tribe (v. 14), so that though they did not bring soldiers with them they had
them at command, hundreds, thousands. 4. They were daring men, that could break
through the greatest difficulties. Upon some expedition or other, perhaps this
to David, they swam over the Jordan, when it overflowed all its banks, v.
15. Those are fit to be employed in the cause of God that can venture thus in a
dependence upon the divine protection. 5. They were men that would go through
with the business they engaged in. What enemies those were that they met with in
the valleys, when they had passed Jordan, does not appear; but they put them to
flight with their lion-like faces, and pursued them with matchless fury, both towards
the east and towards the west; which way soever they turned, they followed
their blow, and did not do their work by halves.
III. Some of Judah and Benjamin came to him, v. 16. Their leader
was Amasai, whether the same with that Amasa that afterwards sided with Absalom
(2 Sa. 17:25) or no does not appear. Now here we have,
1. David's prudent treaty with them, v. 17. He was surprised
to see them, and could not but conceive some jealousy of the intentions of their
coming, having been so often in danger by the treachery of the men of Ziph and
the men of Keilah, who yet were all men of Judah. He might well be timorous
whose life was so much struck at; he might well be suspicious who had been
deceived in so many that he said, in his haste, All men are liars. No
marvel that he meets these men of Judah with caution. Observe,
(1.) How he puts the matter to themselves, how fairly he deals
with them. As they are, they shall find him; so shall all that deal with the Son
of David. [1.] If they be faithful and honourable, he will be their rewarder: "If
you have come peaceably unto me, to help me, though you have come late and
have left me exposed a great while, though you bring no great strength with you
to turn the scale for me, yet I will thankfully accept your good-will, and my
heart shall be knit unto you; I will love you and honour you, and do you all
the kindness I can." Affection, respect, and service, that are cordial and
sincere, will find favour with a good man, as they do with a good God, though
clogged with infirmities, and turning to no great account. But, [2.] If they be
false, and come to betray him into the hands of Saul, under colour of
friendship, he leaves them to God to be their avenger, as he is, and will be, of
every thing that is treacherous and perfidious. Never was man more violently run
upon, and run down, than David was (except the Son of David himself), and yet he
had the testimony of his conscience that there was no wrong in his hands. He
meant no harm to any man, which was his rejoicing in the day of evil, and
enabled him, when he feared treachery, to commit his cause to him that judges
righteously. He will not be judge in his own cause, though a wise man, nor
avenge himself, though a man of valour; but let the righteous God, who hath
said, Vengeance is mine, do both. The God of our fathers look thereon
and rebuke it.
(2.) In this appeal observe, [1.] He calls God the God of our
fathers, both his fathers and theirs. Thus he reminded them not to deal ill
with him; for they were both descendants from the same patriarchs, and both
dependents on the same God. Thus he encouraged himself to believe that God would
right him if he should be abused; for he was the God of his fathers and
therefore a blessing was entailed on him, and a God to all Israel and therefore
not only a Judge to all the earth, but particularly concerned in determining
controversies between contesting Israelites. [2.] He does not imprecate any
fearful judgement upon them, though they should deal treacherously, but very
modestly refers his cause to the divine wisdom and justice: The Lord look
thereon, and judge as he sees (for he sees men's hearts), and rebuke
it. It becomes those that appeal to God to express themselves with great
temper and moderation; for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of
God.
2. Their hearty closure with him, v. 18. Amasai was their
spokesman, on whom the Spirit of the Lord came, not a spirit of prophecy,
but a spirit of wisdom and resolution, according to the occasion, putting words
into his mouth, unpremeditated, which were proper both to give David
satisfaction and to animate those that accompanied him. Nothing could be said
finer, more lively, or more pertinent to the occasion. For himself and all his
associates, (1.) He professed a very cordial adherence to David, and his
interest, against all that opposed him, and a resolution to stand by him with
the hazard of all that was dear to him: Thine are we, David, and on thy side,
thou son of Jesse. In calling him son of Jesse they reminded
themselves that he was lineally descended from Nahshon and Salmon, who in their
days were princes of the tribe of Judah. Saul called him so in disdain (1 Sa.
20:27; 22:7), but they looked upon it as his honour. They were convinced that
God was on his side; and therefore, Thine are we, David, and on thy side.
It is good, if we must side, to side with those that side with God and have God
with them. (2.) He wished prosperity to David and his cause, not drinking a
health, but praying for peace to him and all his friends and well-wishers: "Peace,
peace, be unto thee, all the good thy heart desires, and peace be to thy
helpers, among whom we desire to be reckoned, that peace may be on us."
(3.) He assured him of help from heaven: "For thy God helpeth thee;
therefore we wish peace may be, and therefore we doubt not but peace shall be,
to thee and thy helpers. God is thy God, and those that have him for their God
no doubt have him for their helper in every time of need and danger." From
these expressions of Amasai we may take instruction how to testify our affection
and allegiance to the Lord Jesus. His we must be without reservation or power of
revocation. On his side we must be forward to appear and act. To his interest we
must be hearty well-wishers: "Hosanna! prosperity to his gospel and
kingdom;" for his God helpeth him, and will till he shall have put down all
opposing rule, principality, and power.
3. David's cheerful acceptance of them into his interest and
friendship. Charity and honour teach us to let fall our jealousies as soon as
satisfaction is given us: David received them, and preferred them to be captains
of the band.
IV. Some of Manasseh likewise joined with him, v. 19. Providence
gave them a fair opportunity to do so when he and his men marched through their
country upon this occasion. Achish took David with him when he went out to fight
with Saul; but the lords of the Philistines obliged him to withdraw. We have the
story, 1 Sa. 29:4, etc. In his return some great men of Manasseh, who had no
heart to join with Saul against the Philistines struck in with David, and very
seasonably, to help him against the band of Amelekites who plundered
Ziklag; they were not many, but they were all mighty men and did David good
service upon that occasion, 1 Sa. 30. See how Providence provides. David's
interest grew strangely just when he had occasion to make use of it, v. 22.
Auxiliary forces flocked in daily, till he had a great host. When the
promise comes to the birth, leave it to God to find strength to bring forth.
We have here an account of those who were active in perfecting
the settlement of David upon the throne, after the death of Ishbosheth. We read
(ch. 11:1, and before 2 Sa. 5:1) that all the tribes of Israel came,
either themselves or by their representatives, to Hebron, to make David king;
now here we have an account of the quota which every tribe brought in ready
armed to the war, in case there should be any opposition, v. 23. We may
observe here,
I. That those tribes that lived nearest brought the fewest-Judah
but 6800 (v. 24), Simeon but 7100 (v. 25); whereas Zebulun, that lay remote,
brought 50,000, Asher 40,000, and the two tribes and a half on the other side
Jordan 120,000. Not as if the next adjacent tribes were cold in the cause; but
they showed as much of their prudence in bringing few, since all the rest lay so
near within call, as the others did of their zeal in bringing so many. The men
of Judah had enough to do to entertain those that came from afar.
II. The Levites themselves, and the priests (called here the Aaronites),
appeared very hearty in this cause, and were ready, if there were occasion, to
fight for David, as well as pray for him, because they knew he was called of God
to the government, v. 26-28.
III. Even some of the kindred of Saul came over to David (v.
29), not so many as of the other tribes, because a foolish affection for their
own tribe, and a jealousy for the honour of it, kept many of them long in the
sinking interest of Saul's family. Kindred should never over-rule conscience.
Call no man Father to this extent, but God only.
IV. It is said of most of these that they were mighty men of
valour (v. 25, 28, 30), of others that they were expert in war (v.
35, 36), and of them all that they could keep rank, v. 38. They had a
great deal of martial fire, and yet were governable and subject to the rules of
order—warm hearts but cool heads.
V. Some were so considerate as to bring with them arms, and all
instruments for war (v. 24, 33, 37), for how could they think that David should
be able to furnish them?
VI. The men of Issachar were the fewest af all, only 200, and
yet as serviceable to David's interest as those that brought in the greatest
numbers, these few being in effect the whole tribe. For, 1. They were men of
great skill above any of their neighbours, men that had understanding of the
times, to know what Israel ought to do. They understood the natural times,
could discern the face of the sky, were weather-wise, could advise their
neighbours in the proper times for ploughing, sowing reaping, etc. Or the
ceremonial times, the times appointed for the solemn feasts; therefore they are
said to call the people to the mountain (Deu. 33:19), for almanacs were
not then so common as now. Or, rather, the political times; they understood
public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies of the present
events. It is the periphrasis of statesmen that they know the times, Esth.
1. 13. Those of that tribe were greatly intent on public affairs, had good
intelligence from abroad and made a good use of it. They knew what Israel
ought to do: from their observation and experience they learned both their
own and others' duty and interest. In this critical juncture they knew Israel
ought to make David king. It was not only expedient, but necessary; the present
posture of affairs called for it. The men of Issachar dealt mostly in country
business, and did not much intermeddle in public affairs, which gave them an
opportunity of observing others and conversing with themselves. A stander-by
sees sometimes more than a gamester. 2. They were men of great interests; for all
their brethren were at their commandment. The commonality of that tribe
having bowed their shoulder to bear (Gen. 49:15), the great men had them
at their beck. Hence we read of the princes of Issachar, Jdg. 5:15. They
knew how to rule, and the rest knew how to obey. It is happy indeed when those
that should lead are intelligent and judicious, and those who are to follow are
modest and obsequious.
VII. It is said of them all that they engaged in this enterprise
with a perfect heart (v. 38), and particularly of the men of Zebulun that
they were not of double heart, v. 33. They were, in this matter, Israelites
indeed, in whom was no guile. And this was their perfection, that they were
of one heart, v. 38. None had any separate interests, but all for the public
good.
VIII. The men of Judah, and others of the adjacent tribes,
prepared for the victualling of their respective camps when they came to Hebron,
v. 39, 40. Those that were at the least pains in travelling to this convention,
or congress of states, thought themselves obliged to be at so much the more
charge in entertaining the rest, that there might be something of an equality. A
noble feast was made (was made for laughter, Eccl. 10:19) upon this
occasion, for there was joy in Israel, v. 40. And good reason; for when
the righteous bear rule the city rejoices. Thus, when the throne of
Christ is set up in a soul, there is, or ought to be, great joy in that soul:
and provision is made for the feasting of it, not as here for two or three days,
but for the whole life, nay, for eternity.
1 Chronicles 12 Bible Commentary
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete)
What the mighty men did towards making David king we read in the foregoing chapter. Here we are told what the many did towards it. It was not all at once, but gradually, that David ascended the throne. His kingdom was to last; and therefore, like fruits that keep longest, it ripened slowly. After he had long waited for the vacancy of the throne, it was at two steps and those above seven years distant, that he ascended it. Now we are here told, I. What help came in to him to Ziklag, to make him king of Judah (v. 1-22). II. What help came in to him in Hebron, to make him king over all Israel, above seven years after (v. 23-40).
Verses 1-22
We have here an account of those that appeared and acted as David's friends, upon the death of Saul, to bring about the revolution. All the forces he had, while he was persecuted, was but 600 men, who served for his guards; but, when the time had come that he must begin to act offensively, Providence brought in more to his assistance. Even while he kept himself close, because of Saul (v. 1), while he did not appear, to invite or encourage his friends and well-wishers to come in to him (not foreseeing that the death of Saul was so near), God was inclining and preparing them to come over to him with seasonable succours. Those that trust God to do his work for them in his own way and time shall find his providence outdoing all their forecast and contrivance. The war was God's, and he found out helpers of the war, whose forwardness to act for the man God designed for the government is here recorded to their honour.
I. Some, even of Saul's brethren, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a-kin to him, came over to David, v. 2. What moved them to it we are not told. Probably a generous indignation at the base treatment which Saul, one of their tribe, gave him, animated them to appear the more vigorously for him, that the guilt and reproach of it might not lie upon them. These Benjamites are described to be men of great dexterity, that were trained up in shooting and slinging, and used both hands alike—ingenious active men; a few of these might do David a great deal of service. Several of the leading men of them are here named. See Jdg. 20:16.
II. Some of the tribe of Gad, though seated on the other side Jordan, had such a conviction of David's title to the government, and fitness for it, that they separated themselves from their brethren (a laudable separation it was) to go to David, though he was in the hold in the wilderness (v. 8), probably some of his strong holds in the wilderness of Engedi. They were but few, eleven in all, here named, but they added much to David's strength. Those that had hitherto come in to his assistance were most of them men of broken fortunes, distressed, discontented, and soldiers of fortune, that came to him rather for protection than to do him any service, 1 Sa. 22:2. But these Gadites were brave men, men of war, and fit for the battle, v. 8. For, 1. They were able-bodied men, men of incredible swiftness, not to fly from, but to fly upon, the enemy, and to pursue the scattered forces. In this they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains, so that no man could escape from them; and yet they had faces like the faces of lions, so that no man could out-fight them. 2. They were disciplined men, trained up to military exercises; they could handle shield and buckler, use both offensive and defensive weapons. 3. They were officers of the militia in their own tribe (v. 14), so that though they did not bring soldiers with them they had them at command, hundreds, thousands. 4. They were daring men, that could break through the greatest difficulties. Upon some expedition or other, perhaps this to David, they swam over the Jordan, when it overflowed all its banks, v. 15. Those are fit to be employed in the cause of God that can venture thus in a dependence upon the divine protection. 5. They were men that would go through with the business they engaged in. What enemies those were that they met with in the valleys, when they had passed Jordan, does not appear; but they put them to flight with their lion-like faces, and pursued them with matchless fury, both towards the east and towards the west; which way soever they turned, they followed their blow, and did not do their work by halves.
III. Some of Judah and Benjamin came to him, v. 16. Their leader was Amasai, whether the same with that Amasa that afterwards sided with Absalom (2 Sa. 17:25) or no does not appear. Now here we have,
1. David's prudent treaty with them, v. 17. He was surprised to see them, and could not but conceive some jealousy of the intentions of their coming, having been so often in danger by the treachery of the men of Ziph and the men of Keilah, who yet were all men of Judah. He might well be timorous whose life was so much struck at; he might well be suspicious who had been deceived in so many that he said, in his haste, All men are liars. No marvel that he meets these men of Judah with caution. Observe,
(1.) How he puts the matter to themselves, how fairly he deals with them. As they are, they shall find him; so shall all that deal with the Son of David. [1.] If they be faithful and honourable, he will be their rewarder: "If you have come peaceably unto me, to help me, though you have come late and have left me exposed a great while, though you bring no great strength with you to turn the scale for me, yet I will thankfully accept your good-will, and my heart shall be knit unto you; I will love you and honour you, and do you all the kindness I can." Affection, respect, and service, that are cordial and sincere, will find favour with a good man, as they do with a good God, though clogged with infirmities, and turning to no great account. But, [2.] If they be false, and come to betray him into the hands of Saul, under colour of friendship, he leaves them to God to be their avenger, as he is, and will be, of every thing that is treacherous and perfidious. Never was man more violently run upon, and run down, than David was (except the Son of David himself), and yet he had the testimony of his conscience that there was no wrong in his hands. He meant no harm to any man, which was his rejoicing in the day of evil, and enabled him, when he feared treachery, to commit his cause to him that judges righteously. He will not be judge in his own cause, though a wise man, nor avenge himself, though a man of valour; but let the righteous God, who hath said, Vengeance is mine, do both. The God of our fathers look thereon and rebuke it.
(2.) In this appeal observe, [1.] He calls God the God of our fathers, both his fathers and theirs. Thus he reminded them not to deal ill with him; for they were both descendants from the same patriarchs, and both dependents on the same God. Thus he encouraged himself to believe that God would right him if he should be abused; for he was the God of his fathers and therefore a blessing was entailed on him, and a God to all Israel and therefore not only a Judge to all the earth, but particularly concerned in determining controversies between contesting Israelites. [2.] He does not imprecate any fearful judgement upon them, though they should deal treacherously, but very modestly refers his cause to the divine wisdom and justice: The Lord look thereon, and judge as he sees (for he sees men's hearts), and rebuke it. It becomes those that appeal to God to express themselves with great temper and moderation; for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God.
2. Their hearty closure with him, v. 18. Amasai was their spokesman, on whom the Spirit of the Lord came, not a spirit of prophecy, but a spirit of wisdom and resolution, according to the occasion, putting words into his mouth, unpremeditated, which were proper both to give David satisfaction and to animate those that accompanied him. Nothing could be said finer, more lively, or more pertinent to the occasion. For himself and all his associates, (1.) He professed a very cordial adherence to David, and his interest, against all that opposed him, and a resolution to stand by him with the hazard of all that was dear to him: Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse. In calling him son of Jesse they reminded themselves that he was lineally descended from Nahshon and Salmon, who in their days were princes of the tribe of Judah. Saul called him so in disdain (1 Sa. 20:27; 22:7), but they looked upon it as his honour. They were convinced that God was on his side; and therefore, Thine are we, David, and on thy side. It is good, if we must side, to side with those that side with God and have God with them. (2.) He wished prosperity to David and his cause, not drinking a health, but praying for peace to him and all his friends and well-wishers: "Peace, peace, be unto thee, all the good thy heart desires, and peace be to thy helpers, among whom we desire to be reckoned, that peace may be on us." (3.) He assured him of help from heaven: "For thy God helpeth thee; therefore we wish peace may be, and therefore we doubt not but peace shall be, to thee and thy helpers. God is thy God, and those that have him for their God no doubt have him for their helper in every time of need and danger." From these expressions of Amasai we may take instruction how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus. His we must be without reservation or power of revocation. On his side we must be forward to appear and act. To his interest we must be hearty well-wishers: "Hosanna! prosperity to his gospel and kingdom;" for his God helpeth him, and will till he shall have put down all opposing rule, principality, and power.
3. David's cheerful acceptance of them into his interest and friendship. Charity and honour teach us to let fall our jealousies as soon as satisfaction is given us: David received them, and preferred them to be captains of the band.
IV. Some of Manasseh likewise joined with him, v. 19. Providence gave them a fair opportunity to do so when he and his men marched through their country upon this occasion. Achish took David with him when he went out to fight with Saul; but the lords of the Philistines obliged him to withdraw. We have the story, 1 Sa. 29:4, etc. In his return some great men of Manasseh, who had no heart to join with Saul against the Philistines struck in with David, and very seasonably, to help him against the band of Amelekites who plundered Ziklag; they were not many, but they were all mighty men and did David good service upon that occasion, 1 Sa. 30. See how Providence provides. David's interest grew strangely just when he had occasion to make use of it, v. 22. Auxiliary forces flocked in daily, till he had a great host. When the promise comes to the birth, leave it to God to find strength to bring forth.
Verses 23-40
We have here an account of those who were active in perfecting the settlement of David upon the throne, after the death of Ishbosheth. We read (ch. 11:1, and before 2 Sa. 5:1) that all the tribes of Israel came, either themselves or by their representatives, to Hebron, to make David king; now here we have an account of the quota which every tribe brought in ready armed to the war, in case there should be any opposition, v. 23. We may observe here,
I. That those tribes that lived nearest brought the fewest-Judah but 6800 (v. 24), Simeon but 7100 (v. 25); whereas Zebulun, that lay remote, brought 50,000, Asher 40,000, and the two tribes and a half on the other side Jordan 120,000. Not as if the next adjacent tribes were cold in the cause; but they showed as much of their prudence in bringing few, since all the rest lay so near within call, as the others did of their zeal in bringing so many. The men of Judah had enough to do to entertain those that came from afar.
II. The Levites themselves, and the priests (called here the Aaronites), appeared very hearty in this cause, and were ready, if there were occasion, to fight for David, as well as pray for him, because they knew he was called of God to the government, v. 26-28.
III. Even some of the kindred of Saul came over to David (v. 29), not so many as of the other tribes, because a foolish affection for their own tribe, and a jealousy for the honour of it, kept many of them long in the sinking interest of Saul's family. Kindred should never over-rule conscience. Call no man Father to this extent, but God only.
IV. It is said of most of these that they were mighty men of valour (v. 25, 28, 30), of others that they were expert in war (v. 35, 36), and of them all that they could keep rank, v. 38. They had a great deal of martial fire, and yet were governable and subject to the rules of order—warm hearts but cool heads.
V. Some were so considerate as to bring with them arms, and all instruments for war (v. 24, 33, 37), for how could they think that David should be able to furnish them?
VI. The men of Issachar were the fewest af all, only 200, and yet as serviceable to David's interest as those that brought in the greatest numbers, these few being in effect the whole tribe. For, 1. They were men of great skill above any of their neighbours, men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. They understood the natural times, could discern the face of the sky, were weather-wise, could advise their neighbours in the proper times for ploughing, sowing reaping, etc. Or the ceremonial times, the times appointed for the solemn feasts; therefore they are said to call the people to the mountain (Deu. 33:19), for almanacs were not then so common as now. Or, rather, the political times; they understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies of the present events. It is the periphrasis of statesmen that they know the times, Esth. 1. 13. Those of that tribe were greatly intent on public affairs, had good intelligence from abroad and made a good use of it. They knew what Israel ought to do: from their observation and experience they learned both their own and others' duty and interest. In this critical juncture they knew Israel ought to make David king. It was not only expedient, but necessary; the present posture of affairs called for it. The men of Issachar dealt mostly in country business, and did not much intermeddle in public affairs, which gave them an opportunity of observing others and conversing with themselves. A stander-by sees sometimes more than a gamester. 2. They were men of great interests; for all their brethren were at their commandment. The commonality of that tribe having bowed their shoulder to bear (Gen. 49:15), the great men had them at their beck. Hence we read of the princes of Issachar, Jdg. 5:15. They knew how to rule, and the rest knew how to obey. It is happy indeed when those that should lead are intelligent and judicious, and those who are to follow are modest and obsequious.
VII. It is said of them all that they engaged in this enterprise with a perfect heart (v. 38), and particularly of the men of Zebulun that they were not of double heart, v. 33. They were, in this matter, Israelites indeed, in whom was no guile. And this was their perfection, that they were of one heart, v. 38. None had any separate interests, but all for the public good.
VIII. The men of Judah, and others of the adjacent tribes, prepared for the victualling of their respective camps when they came to Hebron, v. 39, 40. Those that were at the least pains in travelling to this convention, or congress of states, thought themselves obliged to be at so much the more charge in entertaining the rest, that there might be something of an equality. A noble feast was made (was made for laughter, Eccl. 10:19) upon this occasion, for there was joy in Israel, v. 40. And good reason; for when the righteous bear rule the city rejoices. Thus, when the throne of Christ is set up in a soul, there is, or ought to be, great joy in that soul: and provision is made for the feasting of it, not as here for two or three days, but for the whole life, nay, for eternity.