Gilead is mine, &c.— He exultingly surveys his strength. Gilead and Manasseh comprehended the whole country beyond Jordan, as did Ephraim and Judah on this side; of which Ephraim, containing the main body of tribes, is here said to be the strength of his head; i.e. the guard of his person: [Achish told David that he would make him the keeper of his head.] The main bulk of the strength lay in Ephraim. Judah was his minister, or secretary of state, as that was the reigning tribe. Moab is my wash-pot, signifies, "the Moabites shall be subject to me." The wash-pot here is a mean piece of household-stuff for the use of the feet, (as the Syriac interprets it) the lowest part of the body, and so it is a fit title for the Moabites; as we may gather from 2 Samuel 8:2 where it is said, He smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive: and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought him gifts. The next phrase, Over Edom will I cast out my shoe, signifies, "I will trample upon the Edomites, and make them my slaves." (Compare2 Samuel 8:14.) Or, I will reach out my shoe to them, as a master does to his meanest servants, to be untied and taken off by him, Matthew 3:11. Philstia, triumph thou because of me, may signify, "Let the Philistines also add to my triumph, by meeting me as their conquering lord." Houbigant renders it,
Against the Philistines I will be united. See Psalms 108:9. Mudge is of opinion, that, as Ephraim and Judah are mentioned as affording a supply of certain things to David; so we are to understand the same of Moab, Edom, and Philistia; the two former fulfilling the meaner offices, while Philistia is spoken of as his supporter: Philistia, be thou my sidesman or supporter. But the common interpretation appears to be the best; and the verses, disrobed of metaphor, may be thus understood: "Gilead and Manasseh have submitted to me; Ephraim furnishes me with valiant men; and Judah with men of prudence and wisdom. I will reduce the Moabites to servitude: I will triumph over the Edomites, and make them my slaves; and the Philistines shall add to my triumph." See the Essay for a new Translation.