“And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it. after: Heb. at the return of the year”
Year. Hebrew, “at the return of the year,” in spring. (Calmet)
“And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. to weigh: Heb. the weight of”
Melchom. Septuagint add the explanation, “their king.” It may also be referred to the idol of Ammon. (Haydock) — The massy crown was suspended over David’s head. (Tirinus) (Du Hamel)
“And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.”
Harrows. Hebrew, “cut them with saws, and with harrows; (Haydock) or, rollers of iron, and with saws.” But some other term was probably used, as we find saws before. (Calmet) — Protestants have “axes.” This exemplary punishment was in consequence of the violation of the law of nations. Abulensis pronounced it lawful. Tirinus accuses David of a grievous sin of cruelty; observing that he was at this time involved in the sin of adultery: and people easily fall from one abyss into another. Cruelty and lust often go together. Yet it seems best to suspend our judgment. (Haydock) — David might only treat the most guilty in this manner. (Du Hamel)
“And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. arose: or, continued: Heb. stood Gezer: or, Gob the giant: or, Rapha”
Gazer, which seems preferable to Gob, 2 Kings xxi. 18.
“And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam. Jair: called also, Iaare-ore-gim.2.Sam.21.19”
Adeodatus. Hebrew, “Elchanan, the son of Jair, of Lehem;” or, “slew Lechemi, brother of Goliath;” or equal to him in strength. (Calmet) — Brother is here supplied, as it is wanting, 2 Kings. (Du Hamel)
“But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him. defied: or, reproached Shimea: called Shammah”
Rapha, head of the giants of Palestine. (Calmet)