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2 Samuel 18:2

2 Samuel 18:2
And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

My Notes

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Baptist theologian, 1697–1771

Gill's Exposition

And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab,.... Very likely that which made the centre of the army, since Joab was the general of the army; though this distribution was…

Presbyterian pastor, 1798–1870

Barnes' Notes

A third part - This seems to have been a favorite division with the Hebrew commanders (see Jdg 7:16; Jdg 9:43; 1Sa 11:11; 2Ki 11:5-6) and with the Philistines also 1Sa 13:17.

Nonconformist minister, 1662–1714

Matthew Henry

2 Samuel 18:1-8

Which way David raised an army here, and what reinforcements were sent him, we are not told; many, it is likely, from all the coasts of Israel, at least from the neighbouring tribes, came in to his…

Academic commentary, 1882–1921

Cambridge Bible

sent forth … under the hand of Joab Better, put … into the hand of Joab, i.e. under his command. The army does not take the field until 2Sa 18:18. The division of an army into three bodies seems to…