1Sa 18:6-7 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 6. When David was returned ] This verse connects well with the 54th verse of the preceding chapter; and carries on the narration without any break or interruption. See the notes there. The women came out ] It was the principal business of certain women to celebrate victories , sing at funerals , &c. With instruments of music. ] The original word ( shalishim ) signifies instruments with three strings ; and is, I think, properly translated by the Vulgate, cum sistris , "with sistrums ." This instrument is well known as being used among the ancient Egyptians: it was made of brass, and had three , sometimes more, brass rods across; which, being loose in their holes, made a jingling noise when the instrument was shaken.

‏ 1 Samuel 18:6-7

Verse 6. When David was returned] This verse connects well with the 54th verse of the preceding chapter; 1Sa 17:54 and carries on the narration without any break or interruption. See the notes there.

The women came out] It was the principal business of certain women to celebrate victories, sing at funerals, &c.

With instruments of music.] The original word ( shalishim) signifies instruments with three strings; and is, I think, properly translated by the Vulgate, cum sistris, "with sistrums." This instrument is well known as being used among the ancient Egyptians: it was made of brass, and had three, sometimes more, brass rods across; which, being loose in their holes, made a jingling noise when the instrument was shaken.

Verse 7. Saul hath slain his thousands] As it cannot literally be true that Saul had slain thousands, and David ten thousands; it would be well to translate the passage thus: Saul hath smitten or fought against thousands; David against tens of thousands. "Though Saul has been victorious in all his battles; yet he has not had such great odds against him as David has had; Saul, indeed, has been opposed by thousands; David, by ten thousands." We may here remark that the Philistines had drawn out their whole forces at this time: and when Goliath was slain, they were totally discomfited by the Israelites, led on chiefly by David.