2 Samuel 18:1

1 And David, having reviewed his people, appointed over them captains of thousands and of hundreds,

2 Samuel 18:1 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 18:1

And David numbered the people that [were] with him
Which Josephus says F4 were four thousand; but one would think there should be more by what follows:

and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them;
he divided his army into companies, which consisted some of a thousand and others of a hundred; over each of which he set captains, to lead them on, direct, and command them in battle.


FOOTNOTES:

F4 Antiqu. l. 7. c. 10. sect. 1.

2 Samuel 18:1 In-Context

1 And David, having reviewed his people, appointed over them captains of thousands and of hundreds,
2 And sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abisai the son of Sarvia Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ethai, who was of Geth: and the king said to the people: I also will go forth with you.
3 And the people answered: Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not much mind us: or if half of us should fall, they will not greatly care: for thou alone art accounted for ten thousand: it is better therefore that thou shouldst be in the city to succour us.
4 And the king said to them: What seemeth good to you, that will I do. And the king stood by the gate: and all the people went forth by their troops, by hundreds and by thousands.
5 And the king commanded Joab, and Abisai, and Ethai, saying: Save me the boy Absalom. And all the people heard the king giving charge to all the princes concerning Absalom.
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