John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. Now therefore let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant , etc.] And not be afraid of the Philistines, who might resent their conduct in taking away from them the bodies of Saul and his sons, whom they had hung up in triumph; and these men might fear they would bring their armies against them, and destroy them; but David bids them be of good heart and courage, and not be afraid of them: for your master Saul is dead ; or rather “though” he is dead; for that he was dead they knew full well, having buried him, and needed no information of it; but being dead, they might be discouraged, as having none to protect and defend them, or come to their relief as he did, should they be attacked: and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them ; or “for even”, or “notwithstanding” f26 ; and this therefore being the case, he would take their parts, and help and assist them; and which he suggests to them, to invite them to own him as their king also, and put themselves under his protection.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - After the death of Saul, many went to David at Ziklag, 1Ch 12:22, but he trusted in God who promised him the kingdom, to give it in his ow time and manner. Yet assurance of hope in God's promise, will quicke pious endeavours. If I be chosen to the crown of life, it does no follow, Then I will do nothing; but, Then I will do all that God directs me. This good use David made of his election, and so will all whom God has chosen. In all our journeys and removes, it is comfortabl to see God going before us; and we may do so, if by faith and prayer we set Him before us. God, according to the promise, directed David' path. David rose gradually: thus the kingdom of the Messiah, the Son of David, is set up by degrees; he is Lord of all, but we see not yet all things put under him.
Original Hebrew ועתה6258 תחזקנה2388 ידיכם3027 והיו1961 לבני1121 חיל2428 כי3588 מת4191 אדניכם113 שׁאול7586 וגם1571 אתי853 משׁחו4886 בית1004 יהודה3063 למלך4428 עליהם׃5921
