But the soldiers of the army. — Literally, Now the sons of the troop whom Amaziah had caused to return from marching with him to the war, they fell upon, &c.
Fell upon. — The verb used in 1 Chronicles 14:9; 1 Chronicles 14:13 : “Spread themselves.” Here it means attacked with a view to plunder (Job 1:17).
From Samaria even unto Beth-horon. — “Samaria” is probably corrupt. Otherwise we must suppose that the mercenaries first returned home, and then, by order of king Joash, started afresh from Samaria, and invaded the northern districts of the kingdom of Judah. For “Beth-horon,” see Note on 1 Chronicles 7:24.
And smote... of them. — Of their inhabitants.