captains. princes. See note on "Gezer", 1 Kings 9:15-17.
the king of Assyria. Esar-haddon.
among the thorns. with hooks, or rings.. monument has been found showing this king Esar-haddon leading two captives with hooks or rings through their lips. And in an inscription he says: "I transported (from Syria) into Assyria men and women innumerable... I counted among the vassals of my realm twelve kings of Syria, beyond the mountains, Balou king of Tyre, Manasseh king of Judah".