Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 23:7

"But the man that toucheth them Must be armed with iron and the staff of a spear: And they shall be utterly burned with fire in [their] place" — 2 Samuel 23:7 (ASV)

Fenced with iron. — The thorns are to be handled with an iron hook on the end of a spear staff. The phrase, “in the same place,” is used only here, and its meaning is quite uncertain. The Vulgate translates, to nothing, meaning to utter destruction; the Septuagint substitutes the word shame. The English rendering is as well sustained as any.

The Chaldee Targum on these verses is very interesting, as giving the ancient Jewish interpretation of the prophecy. It is a much enlarged paraphrase, but gives a Messianic application to the whole. The following is a close translation of 2 Samuel 23:1–3:

“(1) These are the words of the prophecy of David, which he prophesied concerning the end of the age, concerning the days of consolation which are to come. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was exalted to the kingdom said, the anointed by the word of the God of Jacob, and appointed that he might preside over the sweetness of the praises of Israel. (2) David said, In the spirit of prophecy of the Lord I speak these things, and the words of His holiness do I order in my mouth. (3) David said, The God of Israel spoke concerning me, the Strong One of Israel who rules over the sons of men, the true Judge, said that He would appoint for me a king; He is the Messiah, who shall arise and rule in the fear of the Lord.”