Commentaries:
Adam Clarke
Gebal - The Giblites, who were probably the persons here designed, were a tribe of the ancient inhabitants of the land of Canaan, and are mentioned as unconquered at the death of Joshua, Joshua 13:5. They are called stone-squarers or Giblites, I Kings 5:18, and were of considerable assistance to Hiram king of Tyre, in preparing timber and stones for the building of the temple. They appear to have been eminent in the days of Ezekiel, who terms them the "ancients of Gebal, and the wise men - thereof," who were ship-builders, Ezekiel 27:3. What is now called Gibyle, a place on the Mediterranean Sea, between Tripoli and Sidon, is supposed to be the remains of the city of the Giblites.
Ammon and Moab were then descendants of the children of Lot. Their bad origin is sufficiently known. See Genesis 19:30, etc. Calmet supposes that Ammon is put here for Men or Maon, the Meonians, a people who lived in the neighborhood of the Amalekites and Idumeans. See the notes on II Chronicles 20:1; II Chronicles 26:7.
Amalek - The Amalekites are well known as the ancient and inveterate enemies of the Israelites. They were neighbors to the Idumeans.
The Philistines - These were tributaries to Jehoshaphat, II Chronicles 17:11; but it seems they took advantage of the present times, to join in the great confederacy against him.
The inhabitants of Tyre - These probably joined the confederacy in hopes of making conquests, and extending their territory on the main land.
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