Adam Clarke Methodist

Then all Israel gathered themselves to David - See Sa2 5:1-10 (note), for the history contained in the first nine verses of this chapter, and the notes there.

The number of the mighty men - See Sa2 23:8 (note), etc., and the notes there. The Targum has a remarkable addition here. "These are the numbers of the strong men who were with David; he was the potent chief of the army; he sat upon the throne of judgment, anointed with the holy oil, all the prophets and wise men standing about him.

David longed - See the notes on Sa2 23:15-17 (note).

Benaiah - slew two lion-like men of Moab - The Targum says, "Benaiah was a valiant man, fearing sin, and of a righteous conduct in Kabzeel; he slew two of the nobles of Moab, who were like two strong lions. He was a great and righteous man as any in the second sanctuary.

Plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear - See the note on Sa2 23:21.

David set him over his guard - "Made him chief ruler over his disciples." - T. For other particulars, see the notes on the parallel places, where the subject is farther considered.

Were reckoned by genealogies - Jarchi considers these as the words of Ezra, the compiler of the book; as if he had said: I have given the genealogies of the Israelites as I have found them in a book which was carried into Babylon, when the people were carried thither for their transgressions; and this book which I found is that which I have transcribed in the preceding chapters.

Now the first inhabitants - This is spoken of those who returned from the Babylonish captivity, and of the time in which they returned; for it is insinuated here that other persons afterwards settled at Jerusalem, though these mentioned here were the first on the return from the captivity.