the captains of the companies] See xxvii. 115.

the rulers] See xxvii. 2531.

officers] margin eunuchs; the earlier authorities however for David’s reign (in the books of Samuel) do not mention such persons; and they were perhaps introduced into the Israelite court at a later time. Yet compare 1 Samuel viii. 15.

²Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: as for me, it was in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God; and I had made ready for the building.

2. stood up upon his feet] Kings sometimes made orations sitting; compare Acts xii. 21. Here the king stands to mark the greatness of the occasion.

my brethren] The king is the brother of his subjects; Deuteronomy xvii. 15, 20; compare Psalms xlv. 7.

it was in mine heart] See xvii. 1; 2 Samuel vii. 2.

an house of rest] Compare xvii. 5; 2 Samuel vii. 6.

the footstool] compare Isaiah lx. 13.

³But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou art a man of war, and hast shed blood.