John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. And the king said unto them, what seemeth you best I will do , etc.] Which was an instance of great condescension in him; and it was his wisdom and prudence to yield to them at such a time as this, and especially as their sentiments were founded on affection and loyalty to him: and the king stood by the gate side ; of the city of Mahanaim: and all the people came out by hundreds, and by thousands ; and passed by him, to whom no doubt he gave his blessing and best wishes; and, as Abarbinel thinks, now it was he composed and said the twentieth psalm, “The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble”, etc. ( Psalm 20:1-9).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - How does David render good for evil! Absalom would have only Davi smitten; David would have only Absalom spared. This seems to be resemblance of man's wickedness towards God, and God's mercy to man, of which it is hard to say which is most amazing. Now the Israelites se what it is to take counsel against the Lord and his anointed.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 אליהם413 המלך4428 אשׁר834 ייטב3190 בעיניכם5869 אעשׂה6213 ויעמד5975 המלך4428 אל413 יד3027 השׁער8179 וכל3605 העם5971 יצאו3381 למאות3967 ולאלפים׃505
