2 Samuel 1:20

“Tell [it] not in Gath, etc.] One of the five principalities of the Philistines, and the chief of them, being raised to a kingdom, and whose king was at the head of the armies of the Philistines that engaged with Saul. This is not to be understood of a command of David, who could not hinder the victory the Philistines had got over Israel being known at Gath, and talked of with pleasure there, but a wish it had not: publish [it] not in the streets of Ashkelon; another of the principalities of the Philistines, and the sense the same as before: lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph; it being usual in those times and countries for women,…”

“Gath, the royal city of Achish 1 Samuel 21:10; 1 Samuel 27:2. Askelon, the chief seat of worship (1 Samuel 31:10 note). return to 'Top of Page'”

“Tell it not - This is not a precept, but a poetical wish; whereby he doth not so much desire, that this might not be done, which he knew to be impossible; as, express his great sorrow, because it would be done, to the dishonour of God, and of his people. The daughters - He mentions these, because it was the custom of women in those times and places to celebrate those victories which their men obtained, with triumphant songs and dances. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 1:21”

“1:20 Gath and Ashkelon were major Philistine cities. Announcing the news of Saul’s death to the Philistines would give this hated foe the opportunity to gloat and glorify their false god, Dagon, while mocking Israel’s God, Yahweh. • daughters of the Philistines: In ancient war culture, young women sometimes celebrated victories in song (cp. Exod 15:20-21; 1 Sam 18:7).”

“Tell: Deu 32:26, Deu 32:27; Jdg 14:19, Jdg 16:23, Jdg 16:24; Sa1 31:9; Mic 1:10 Philistines: Exo 15:20, Exo 15:21; Jdg 11:34; Sa1 18:6; Eze 16:27, Eze 16:57 uncircumcised: Sa1 17:26, Sa1 17:36, Sa1 31:4, Sa1 31:9 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 1:21”

“The tidings of this mourning were not to be carried out among the enemies of Israel, lest they should rejoice thereat. Such rejoicing would only increase the pain of Israel at the loss it had sustained. Only two of the cities of Philistia are mentioned by name, viz., Gath, which was near, and Askelon, which was farther off by the sea. The rejoicing of the daughters of the Philistines refers to the custom of employing women to celebrate the victories of their nation by singing and dancing (cf. Sa1 18:6). 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 1:21”