(9) And the Philistines came.--Now the Philistines had come. The narrative goes back to 1Chronicles 14:8 a. The invaders had approached by another road than usual, and encamped in the valley of Rephaim (1Chronicles 11:15).

Spread themselves.--The chronicler has given an easier term than that used in Samuel.

Verse 9. - Spread themselves. The root, פָשַׁט appears here for the נָטַש of the parallel place. So also again in ver. 13 of this chapter. In the valley of Rephaim; i.e. of giants, though some translate "healers," and yet others "chiefs." Though not Canaanites, they once held portions of Canaan. Their origin is very uncertain. Kalisch ('Commentary on Old Testament,' p. 351) thinks they were descendants of Japheth (Genesis 14:5; Genesis 15:20; Deuteronomy 2:9-11; Deuteronomy 3:11). The "valley" was south of Jerusalem, but whether more south-east or south-west is not certain; probably the former (Joshua 15:8; Joshua 18:16; Isaiah 17:5).

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