2 Samuel 18:1

1 David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

2 Samuel 18:1 In-Context

1 David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.

2 David sent forth the people, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

3 But the people said, You shall not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but you are worth ten thousand of us; therefore now it is better that you are ready to help us out of the city.

4 The king said to them, What seems you best I will do. The king stood by the gate-side, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.

5 The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. All the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.