And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
And the watchman cried and told the king,.... Called with a loud voice from the roof of the watchtower to the king, sitting between the gates, and informed him what he saw:
and the king said, if he…
Adam Clarke
If he be alone, there is tidings - That is, good tidings. For if the battle had been lost men would have been running in different directions through the country.
Absalom's business is done; and we are now told,
I. How David was informed of it. He staid behind at the city of Mahanaim, some miles from the wood where the battle was, and in the utmost border of…
Cambridge Bible
If he be alone, &c. If the army had been routed, a number of fugitives would have been seen coming together.