And it was [so] from that day forward,.... Or "upwards" x, of old, formerly; and so may refer either to what was done at the war with Midian, Numbers 31:27; or in the times of Abraham, Genesis 14:23; and so Jarchi observes, it is not said, "henceforward", but "upwards", it being a statute and custom in the days of Abraham; the same he notes on Genesis 14:24; where he, David, learnt this from thence; though Josephus y is express for it, that this law obtained from the time of David; and such was his authority, though as yet not king, but a wise and just commander:
that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day; it appeared so reasonable and equitable, that it was always regarded and attended to.
x ומעלה "et supra", Pagninus, Montanus; "et jam olim", Tigurine version. y Antiqu. l. 6. c, 14. sect. 6.