John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. And had taken the women captives, that [were] therein , etc.] There being no other to take, the men were gone with David: they slew not any, either great or small ; that is, of the women, whether married or unmarried, old, or maidens, or children; which was very much, since David destroyed all that came within his reach, men and women, when he invaded them, ( 1 Samuel 27:9); but perhaps this was not owing to their humanity, but to their covetousness, designing to make an advantage of them by selling them for slaves; no doubt they were restrained by the providence of God: but carried [them] away, and went on their way ; homewards with their captives.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - When we go abroad in the way of our duty, we may comfortably hope tha God will take care of our families in our absence, but not otherwise If, when we come off a journey, we find our abode in peace, and no laid waste, as David here found his, let the Lord be praised for it David's men murmured against him. Great faith must expect such sever trials. But, observe, that David was brought thus low, only just befor he was raised to the throne. When things are at the worst with the church and people of God, then they begin to mend. David encourage himself in the Lord his God. His men fretted at their loss, the soul of the people was bitter; their own discontent and impatience added to the affliction and misery. But David bore it better, though he had mor reason than any of them to lament it. They gave liberty to their passions, but he set his graces to work; and while they dispirited eac other, he, by encouraging himself in God, kept his spirit calm. Thos who have taken the Lord for their God, may take encouragement from his in the worst times.
Original Hebrew וישׁבו7617 את853 הנשׁים802 אשׁר834 בה מקטן6996 ועד5704 גדול1419 לא3808 המיתו4191 אישׁ376 וינהגו5090 וילכו1980 לדרכם׃1870
_1184-363.jpg "Illustration and Scripture")
