He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:
Onward gradual march of Sennacherib's army toward Jerusalem, and the panic of the inhabitants, vividly pictured before the eyes.
Verse 28 Come to come upon as a sudden invader (Genesis 34:27) Verse 28. Come to - come upon as a sudden invader (Genesis 34:27).
He is come to Aiath - same as Ai (Joshua 7:2; Nehemiah 7:32). In the north of Benjamin: so the other towns also; all on the line of march to Jerusalem.
Michmash - nine miles northeast of Jerusalem.
He hath laid up his carriages - he has left his heavier baggage (so "carriages," for the things carried, Acts 21:15) at Michmash, so as to be more lightly equipped for the siege of Jerusalem. So 1 Samuel 17:22; 1 Samuel 25:13; 1 Samuel 30:24.
Verse 29. They are gone over the passage - the jaws of the wady or defile at Michmash (1 Samuel 13:23; 1 Samuel 14:4-5).
They have taken up their lodging - their quarters for the night, after having passed the defile, which might have been easily guarded against them.
Ramah - near Geba, seven miles from Jerusalem.
Gibeah of Saul - his birth-place and residence in Benjamin (1 Samuel 11:4); distinct from Gibeah of Judah (Joshua 15:57).
Verse 30. Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim - Gallim and her sons (note, Isaiah 1:8). 'Cry aloud in consternation.'
Cause it to be heard unto Laish - not the town in Dan (Judges 18:7), but one of the same name near Jerusalem (1Ma 9:9).
O poor Anathoth - three miles from Jerusalem, in Benjamin; the birth-place of Jeremiah. "Poor" is applied to it in pity, on account of the impending calamity. Others translate [`ªniyaah], answer her, O Anathoth.
Verse 31. Madmenah - not the city in Simeon (Joshua 15:31), but a village near Jerusalem.
Is removed - fled from fear.
The inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee, х hee`iyzuw (H5756)] - to a place of safety. So the Hebrew means in Exodus 9:19; Exodus 9:29; Jeremiah 4:6; Jeremiah 6:1.
Verse 32. As yet shall he remain at Nob that day - literally, 'As yet this (one only) day (is allowed to the soldiers) for remaining (halting for rest) at Nob;' northeast of Jerusalem on Olivet, a town of the priests (Nehemiah 11:32).
He shall shake his hand (against) the mount of the daughter (Hebrew, bath) - substituted by the Qeri' for the Kethibh reading, house (Hebrew, beeyt (H1004)). His 'shaking His hand' in menace implies that he is now at Nob, within sight of Jerusalem.