And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.
Ver. 26. And on the fourth day.] Whilst the mercy was yet fresh. We must hasten our praises: no part of the thank offering might be kept until the third day.
For there they blessed the Lord.] So did our Edward III after the victory at Poictiers, where he took the French king, A.D. 1356. Polydor Virgil telleth us, a that speedy order was taken that eight days together should be spent in giving God the thanks and glory. The like was done by our Richard I when he had beaten the king of France at Givors, A.D. 1195. b But especially by our Henry V after his victory at Agincourt. He gave strict orders, saith the chronicler, c that no ballad or song should be made or sung, more than of thanksgiving to the Lord alone. That victorious king of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus, as he prayed much and often, on shipboard, on shore, in the field, in the midst of battle, so he was no less careful to glorify God the giver of victory: as making him not his refuge only, but his recompense also. d
Therefore the name of the place was called Berachah,] i.e., Blessing: so to perpetuate to posterity the memory of that great mercy. There are that think this valley is the same with that called the valley of Jehoshaphat, Joel 3:2 ; Joe 3:12 and that there Christ shall sit in judgment.
a Lib. xix.
b Hoveden.
c Daniel.
d Speed.