(19) And when the servants of Hadarezer.--Samuel is fuller and clearer: "And all the kings, servants of Hadarezer." The tributaries of Hadadezer now transferred their fealty to David.

They made peace with David.--Samuel, "with Israel."

And became his servants.--Literally, and served him. Samuel, "and served them." To the writer of Samuel God's people is the main topic; to the chronicler the divinely-anointed king. The difference, therefore, though slight, is characteristic.

Neither would the Syrians' help.--And Aram was not willing to come to the help of the sons of Ammon. Samuel, "And Aram feared to come to the help," &c.

Verse 19. - Became his servants; i.e. his tributaries and vassals.

19:1-19 David's wars. - The history is here repeated which we read 2Sa 10. The only safety of sinners consists in submitting to the Lord, seeking peace with him, and becoming his servants. Let us assist each other in a good cause; but let us fear lest, while made instruments of good to others, we should come short of salvation, through unbelief and sin.See Chapter Introduction