These were the potters, and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah; they lived there with the king for his work.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 23. Potters. Hebrew yotserim, may also designate some family, as it seems improbable that the princes, in Moab, should be reduced to so mean a condition. But we have many examples of such a fall; ( Bible.) and it is supposed, that these descendants of Sela were employed by the king of Babylon, at Nethaim and Gadera. Calmet.—Hedges. These are the proper names of the places where they dwelt. In Hebrew, Netahim and Gedera. Challoner.—Septuagint “Ataim and Gadera.” Bible.—The correct Roman edition of the Vulg. prints these words, plantationibus et Sepibus, with large letters, to imply as much. Menochius.—King; David. Sa. Menochius.—Many of the tribe of Juda attended David, while he was forced to flee before Saul, and to hide himself in unfrequented places. Some of them might be these Yotserim, or they might follow the profession of potters. Bible.—“With the king they were powerful in his kingdom, and dwelt there.” Septuagint Bible.—The Vulg. often give the meaning of proper names. D.