John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 19:1-19
See Chapter Introduction read more
See Chapter Introduction read more
And cut off their garments in the midst - Usque ad eorum, pudenda . So the Targum, Jarchi, and others; leaving exposed what nature and decency require to be concealed. See on 2 Samuel 10:4 ; (note). read more
The classical scholar will not fail to be reminded, so far as the shaving here spoken of is concerned, of the account contained in Herodotus, 2:121. The parallel place makes the resemblance close, in that it tells us that "one-half of their beards" was shaved. To shave them was an affront to their customs, dignity, and religion: to shave them half added mockery; and to cut off half their garments completed the tale of ignominious and contemptuous insult ( Isaiah 20:4 ). The beard was held... read more
A.M. 2967. B.C. 1037. David’s friendly message to King Hanun, 1Ch 19:1 , 1 Chronicles 19:2 . Hanun’s base usage of his ambassadors, 1 Chronicles 19:3-5 . The Ammonites prepare for war, 1 Chronicles 19:6 , 1 Chronicles 19:7 . David overthrows them and the Syrians, 1 Chronicles 19:8-19 . 1 Chronicles 19:1. Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died Of the contents of this chapter, see the notes on 2 Samuel 10:0. 1 Chronicles 19:2. David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun ... read more
David’s fame (18:1-22:1)Before speaking further of the temple, the writer lists a number of David’s victories in war. These records show how God was strengthening David’s kingdom according to his promise, but they show also why God would not allow David to build the temple. One who had caused so much bloodshed was not a suitable person to build the nation’s sacred place of worship (see 22:7-10).The writer records victories over miscellaneous enemies (18:1-17; see notes on 2 Samuel 8:1-18);... read more
4, 5. shaved them—not completely, but only the half of their face. This disrespect to the beard, and indecent exposure of their persons by their clothes being cut off from the girdle downwards, was the grossest indignity to which Jews, in common with all Orientals, could be subjected. No wonder that the men were ashamed to appear in public—that the king recommended them to remain in seclusion on the border till the mark of their disgrace had disappeared—and then they might, with propriety,... read more
David’s Wars with-the Ammonites and the SyriansThis chapter is parallel to 2 Samuel 10:1-19 with some differences in certain names, and a few additions.7. Thirty and two thousand chariots] The reading is probably corrupt: in 2 Samuel 10:6 it is ’thirty two thousand footmen,’ with a thousand more from Maachah (whose forces are not here numbered), no mention being made of chariots.18. Seven thousand.. chariots.. forty thousand footmen] 2 Samuel 10:18 has ’seven hundred chariots and forty thousand... read more
(4) Shaved them—i.e., the half of their beards (Samuel).Hard by their buttocks.—Literally, unto the extremities. The chronicler has substituted a more decorous term for the one which appears in Samuel.Cut off their garments.—To look like captives (Isaiah 20:4). read more
9. The Wars with Ammon, Syria and the Philistines (19-20) CHAPTER 19 1. Hanun’s insult to David’s servants (1 Chronicles 19:1-5 ) 2. Joab’s victory (1 Chronicles 19:6-16 ) 3. David’s victorious campaign (1 Chronicles 19:17-19 ) See annotations on 2 Samuel chapter 10. The occasion of the war with the Ammonites was the insult to the messengers of David whom he had sent to the son of King Nahash. Nahash had died and David sent the messengers to comfort Hanun concerning his father. It gives... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Chronicles 19:1-5
Let us here observe, 1. That is becomes good people to be neighbourly, and especially to be grateful. David will pay respect to Hanun because he is his neighbour; and religion teaches us to be civil and obliging to all, to honour all men, and to be ready to do all offices of kindness to those we live among; nor must difference in religion be any obstruction to this. But, besides this, David remembered the kindness which his father showed to him. Those that have received kindness must return it... read more