2 Samuel 18:1

1 And David numbered the people that 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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

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

2 Samuel 18:1 In-Context

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

2 And David sent forth a third part of the people 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. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

3 But the people answered , Thou shalt 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 now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.

4 And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do . And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

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