John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. And everyone [that was] in distress , etc.] In straitened circumstances, through the oppression of men, through poverty, and afflictive providences in their families: and everyone [that was] in debt ; and not able to pay their debts, and whose creditors were pressing upon them: and everyone [that was] discontented ; with Saul’s government and conduct: or “bitter in soul” f449 ; distressed and uneasy in their minds, being pinched with want, or pressed with sore afflictions, which made them very disconsolate: these gathered themselves unto him ; to help him, or rather to be helped by him; hoping in time things would take a favourable turn with him, and he should be advanced to the throne, and so their circumstances would be mended thereby: and he became a captain over them ; they enlisted themselves in his service, and he took the command of them; he might not know the circumstances of those in debt, nor of any of them thoroughly, nor their views in joining him; however he meant not to shelter them from paying their just debts if able, nor to encourage them in disloyalty to their king, only to make use of them for his own preservation for the present. In this he was a type of Christ, who receives sinners distressed with a sense of sin, discontented in their present state, and in debt, and, unable to pay their debts; (see Matthew 11:28 Luke 7:41,42) ( Luke 15:2); and there were with him about four hundred men ; among whom some think were the three mighty men spoken of in ( 2 Samuel 23:13,14 Chronicles 11:15,16).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - See what weak instruments God sometimes uses, to bring about his ow purposes. The Son of David is ready to receive distressed souls, wh will be commanded by him. He receives all who come unto Him, howeve vile and miserable; he changes them into a holy people, and employ them in his service: those who would reign with him must be contente first to suffer with and for him. Observe with what tender concer David provided for his aged parents. The first thing he does is to fin them a quiet habitation, whatever became of himself. Let children lear to honour their parents, in every thing consulting their ease an satisfaction. Though highly preferred, and much employed, let them no forget their aged parents. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. And the Lord will preserve his people for their appointed work however they may be hated and exposed.
Original Hebrew ויתקבצו6908 אליו413 כל3605 אישׁ376 מצוק4689 וכל3605 אישׁ376 אשׁר834 לו נשׁא5378 וכל3605 אישׁ376 מר4751 נפשׁ5315 ויהי1961 עליהם5921 לשׂר8269 ויהיו1961 עמו5973 כארבע702 מאות3967 אישׁ׃376
