He brought out the people who were in it, and had them cut with saws, with iron picks, and with axes. David did so to all the cities of the children of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 3. Harrows. Hebrew “cut them with saws, and with harrows; ( Bible.) or, rollers of iron, and with saws.” But some other term was probably used, as we find saws before. Calmet.—Prot. have “axes.” This exemplary punishment was in consequence of the violation of the law of nations. Abulensis pronounced it lawful. Tirin accuses David of a grievous sin of cruelty; observing that he was at this time involved in the sin of adultery: and people easily fall from one abyss into another. Cruelty and lust often go together. Yet it seems best to suspend our judgment. Bible.—David might only treat the most guilty in this manner. D.