(9) Before the gate of the city.--Literally, in the outlet of the city. Samuel has "in the outlet of the gate." The city appears to have been Medeba (1Chronicles 19:7).

And the kings that were come.--Samuel repeats the names: "And Aram-zobah and Rehob, and the men of Tob and Maachah."

Were.--Rather, put the battle in array (to be supplied from the former sentence).

In the field.--In the open country, or plain (mishor) of Medeba (Joshua 13:9; Joshua 13:16), where there was room for the movements of cavalry and chariots.

Verse 9. - The kings. Compare this and ver. 19 with ver. 19 of the parallel chapter, and also with ver. 8 (2 Samuel 10:19, 8).

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