2 Samuel 11:1
[A.M. 2969. B.C. 1035. An. Ex. Is. 456. after the year, etc. Heb. at the return of the year.]
time <06256> [at the time.]
The sacred historian seems to intimate that there was one particular time of the year to which military operations were limited; and Josephus informs us that this took place in the beginning of spring. In another part of his works he says, that as soon as spring was begun, Adad levied and led forth his army against the Hebrews. Antiochus also prepared to invade Judea at the first appearance of spring; and Vespasian marched to Antipatris at the commencement of the same season. The kings and armies of the East, says Chardin, do not march but when there is grass, and when they can encamp, which is in April. This rule, however, seems to be disregarded in modern times.
David sent out ................... David <07971 01732> [David sent.]
Rabbah <07237> [Rabbah.]
2 Samuel 15:30
Mount <04608> [the ascent.]
Olives <02132> [mount Olivet.]
Mount Olivet, so called from its abounding with olive trees, is situated east of Jerusalem, being separated from it only by the valley of Jehoshaphat and the brook Kidron. Josephus says it is five stadia, i.e., 625 geometrical paces from Jerusalem; and St. Luke (Ac 1:12) says it is a Sabbath day's journey, or about eight stadia distant, i.e., to the summit. It forms part of a ridge of limestone hills, extending from north to south for about a mile; and it is described as having three, or, according to others, four summits; the central and highest of which overlooks the whole of the city, over whose streets and walls the eye roves as if in the survey of a model.
going up ........ weeping .... went ......................... weeping .... went up <05927 01058> [and wept as he went up. Heb. going up and weeping.]
head ... covered ................. heads covered <02645 07218> [his head covered.]
This custom was only practised by persons in great distress, or when convicted of great crimes. Thus Darius, when informed by Tyriotes, the eunuch, that his queen was dead, and that she had suffered no violence from Alexander, covered his head, and wept a long time; then throwing off the garment that covered him, he thanked the gods for Alexander's moderation and justice.
feet were bare <03182> [barefoot.]
weeping ............................ weeping <01058> [weeping.]
2 Samuel 16:1
When .... gone a short <05674 04592> [little past.]
Ziba <06717> [Ziba.]
couple <06776> [with a couple.]
summer fruit <07019> [summer.]
These were probably pumpkins, cucumbers, or water-melons; the two latter being extensively used in the East to refresh travellers in the burning heat of the summer; and probably, as Mr. Harmer supposes, called summer fruits on this very account.
container <05035> [a bottle.]
2 Samuel 18:24
<08147> [between.]
watchman <06822> [the watchman.]
