In this chapter is an account of David's review of his army, preparing it for battle with Absalom, and those with him, 2Sa 18:1; and of the defeat and flight of the rebels, 2Sa 18:6; and of the death of Absalom, and the manner of it, and of his burial, 2Sa 18:9; and of the news of it brought to David by different persons, 2Sa 18:19; and of his great grief and sorrow on that account, 2Sa 18:33.
Ver. 1. And David numbered the people that [were] with him,.... Which Josephus says 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.
Antiqu. l. 7. c. 10. sect.