2 Samuel 18:24-19:8 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:19-33

Absalom's business is done; and we are now told, I. How David was informed of it. He staid behind at the city of Mahanaim, some miles from the wood where the battle was, and in the utmost border of the land. Absalom's scattered forces all made homeward toward Jordan, which was the contrary way from Mahanaim, so that his watchmen could not perceive how the battle went, till an express came on purpose to bring advice of the issue, which the king sat in the gate expecting to hear, 2 Sam. 18:24.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:24

And David sat between the two gates ,.... Of the city of Mahanaim; which being a fortified place had two walls, one within another, and in each wall a gate; and between these David sat, waiting for news of the battle: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall ; the gate to the outward wall, over which was a tower, and on that a flat roof; to which the watchman went to observe if he could see an express coming; no doubt by David's orders: and lifted up his eyes... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 18:24

David sat between the two gates - He was probably in the seat of justice. Before the gate of the city it is supposed there was an enclosure, which had its gate also; David sat in the space between these two doors. Over the larger gate there appears to have been a turret, on which a sentinel or watchman stood continually, and gave information of what he saw in the country. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:19-33

The facts are: 1 . Ahimaaz being eager to convey tidings of victory to the king, is denied permission by Joab, who, however, sends Cushi. 2 . Persisting in his desire to run after Cushi, Joab at last allows him to go. 3 . The watchman at the gate of the city reports to the king that a runner is in sight, followed by another, whereupon David takes courage, and hopes for good news. 4 . On Ahimaaz being the first to arrive, he briefly announces that all is well, and then... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:24

David sat between the two gates. The gateway was in a tower in the city walls, and David was sitting in the space between the inner and outer gates. Over this space was a chamber, mentioned in 2 Samuel 18:33 , while the sentinel was posted upon the front wall over the outer gate. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:24

2 Samuel 18:24. David sat between the two gates It is probable the gates of cities then were, as they now generally are, large and thick, and that, for greater security, they had two gates, one more outward, and the other inward. Here the king sat, that he might hear tidings as soon as they came to the city. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:1-33

War between Absalom and David (17:1-19:8)Ahithophel advised Absalom that he needed to do only one thing to make his throne secure, and that was kill David. If he did this swiftly, without war or unnecessary bloodshed, the people would soon be fully behind him (17:1-4). Hushai, wishing to gain time for David to escape and organize his troops, advised against such a risky operation, for David was a very experienced soldier. He recommended that the whole Israelite army be assembled and Absalom... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 18:24

between the two gates . The outer and inner gates of the city wall. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Samuel 18:24

DAVID RECEIVED THE NEWS OF THE VICTORY AND OF ABSALOM'S DEATH"Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he lifted up his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone. And the watchman called out and told the king. And the king said, `If he is alone, there are tidings in his mouth.' And he came again and drew near. And the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gate and said, `See, another man... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:24

24-32. David sat between the two gates—that is, in the tower-house on the wall that overhung the gate of Mahanaim. Near it was a watchtower, on which a sentinel was posted, as in times of war, to notify every occurrence. The delicacy of Ahimaaz' communication was made up by the unmistakable plainness of Cushi's. The death of Absalom was a heavy trial, and it is impossible not to sympathize with the outburst of feeling by which David showed that all thoughts of the victory he had won as a king... read more