John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:1
And David numbered the people that were with him ,.... Which Josephus says F4 Antiqu. l. 7. c. 10. sect. 1. 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. read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:1-8
Which way David raised an army here, and what reinforcements were sent him, we are not told; many, it is likely, from all the coasts of Israel, at least from the neighbouring tribes, came in to his assistance, so that, by degrees, he was able to make head against Absalom, as Ahithophel foresaw. Now here we have, I. His army numbered and marshalled, 2 Sam. 18:1, 2. He had, no doubt, committed his cause to God by prayer, for that was his relief in all his afflictions; and then he took an account... read more