John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 23:14
And David was then in an hold ,.... In a strong hold; the strong hold of Zion, as Josephus F24 Antiqu. l. 7. c. 12. sect. 4. , or one on a rock near the cave of Adullam, see 1 Chronicles 11:15 , and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem ; which was about six miles from Jerusalem; the valley of Rephaim lay between that and Bethlehem; so far had they got into the land of Judea, and such footing in it, as to have a garrison so near its metropolis. read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 23:8-38
I. The catalogue which the historian has here left upon record of the great soldiers that were in David's time is intended, 1. For the honour of David, who trained them up in the arts of exercises of war, and set them an example of conduct and courage. It is the reputation as well as the advantage of a prince to be attended and served by such brave men as are here described. 2. For the honour of those worthies themselves, who were instrumental to bring David to the crown, settle and protect... read more