II.--DAVID'S TWO VICTORIES OVER THE PHILIS TINES (1Chronicles 14:8-16; 2Samuel 5:17-25). Although placed here after the account of the palace building, this invasion must have occurred earlier in the reign of David, and probably soon after the storming of Jerusalem, a proof of capacity, which would rouse the Philistines to combined action against the new sovereign of Israel. (Comp. 1 Samuel 13) (8) David was anointed.--Samuel, "they had anointed David." The verb in each case is mashah, from which is derived Mash?ah=Messiah. Over all Israel.--The word "all," omitted in Samuel, contrasts David's second election with his first as king of Judah only. To seek David.--With hostile intent. The verb is so used in 1Samuel 26:2. Went out against them.--Literally, before them (1Chronicles 12:17). Samuel has, "went down to the stronghold." The term "stronghold" (m?c-d?h) designates the "castle of Zion" (1Chronicles 11:5; 1Chronicles 11:7), and also David's old refuge, the rock and cave of Adullam, in the valley of Elah. The latter is probably intended here. As on former occasions, the Philistine forces were likely to choose the route through the valley of Elah (co?np. 1Samuel 18:1-2), and David "went down" from Zion "to meet them" there. Verses 8-12. - An important victory over the Philistines. Verse 8. - David... went out against them. From a careful comparison of this passage with the parallel and with 2 Samuel 23:12-14, it appears likely that the meaning is that "David went out against them" after having "gone down" first to the "hold," probably at the "cave of Adullam" (1 Chronicles 11:15-17). When it is said that the Philistines went up to seek David, the sequel makes it evident that they did not seek him as friends. And it is to be remembered that the Philistines held territory near Jerusalem at this time, and to the north of it (1 Samuel 31:7-9). 14:1-17 David's victories. - In this chapter we have an account of, 1. David's kingdom established. 2. His family built up. 3. His enemies defeated. This is repeated from 2Sa 5. Let the fame of David be looked upon as a type and figure of the exalted honour of the Son of David.See Chapter Introduction |
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