“Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.”
Hiram. This embassy, and the war with the Philistines, took place before the ark was removed. (Calmet)
“And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.”
Perceived, by divine revelation, or by his constant success, (Menochius) as well as by the presents of “the king of Tyre, and the unanimity” of all the people. (Du Hamel) — Over his. Hebrew and Septuagint, on account of his people. Kings are more for their subjects than for themselves. (Calmet)
“And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,”
Eliphalet and Noga are not mentioned, 2 Kings v. 15. (Calmet) See chap iii. 9. (Haydock)
“And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet. Beeliada: also called, Eliada 2.Sam.5.16.”
Baaliada, probably the same with Eliada. (Calmet)
“And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them.”
Seek him, with a design to oppress him, before his throne was established. (Haydock)
“So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim. Baalperazim: that is, A place of breaches”
Baalpharasim, “the god or master of divisions.” (Calmet) — The place was so called afterwards. (Du Hamel)
“And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.”
Burnt, conformably to Deuteronomy vii. 25. These idols were commonly made of wood, and covered with plates of gold, &c. The Philistines took them along with them to battle, as the Hebrews carried the ark on many occasions. The Greeks, at the siege of Troy, had their gods on board their vessels; (Homer, Iliad ix.) and the Romans had theirs on their ensigns, in their wars.
“Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.”
Pear or mulberry trees, (2 Kings v. 23.; Calmet) on the side where the idols were. (Tirinus)
“And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.”
Tops, or on the height. God sent an invisible army to David’s assistance.
“David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.”
Gazera, on the borders of the Philistines, near Azotus. (Calmet)
“And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.”
All countries and nations, in the vicinity. (Haydock)