John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 23:17
And he said, be it far from me, O Lord, that one should do this ,.... Drink of the water these men had brought him: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives ? who risked the shedding of their blood, and went in danger of their lives to get it: therefore he would not drink it : some compare with this the story of Alexander F4 Curt. Hist. l. 7. c. 5. to whom a vessel of water was offered when in extreme thirst, which he refused, because he could not... 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