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He took the crown of their king from off his head; and the weight of it was a talent of gold, and [in it were] precious stones; and it was set on David`s head. He brought forth the spoil of the city, exceeding much.

Verse Takeaways

1

King's Crown or Idol's?

Commentators debate whether the crown belonged to the Ammonite king or their national idol, Malcam. The Hebrew word can be translated either way. The primary issue is the weight—a talent of gold would be around 100 pounds, far too heavy for a person to wear. This leads some scholars to believe it was a crown from a large idol, while others suggest it was held over David's head rather than worn directly.

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Book Overview

2 Samuel

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4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 2 Samuel 12:30

18th Century

Theologian

Their king’s crown - The word rendered “their king” (Malcham) is also the name of the national idol of the Ammonites ([Reference Jeremiah 49…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 2 Samuel 12:30

19th Century

Bishop

Their king’s crown. —The same Hebrew letters, translated their king, form the name of Milcom, the chief idol of …

John Gill

John Gill

On 2 Samuel 12:30

17th Century

Pastor

And he took their king's crown from off his head
The crown of Hanun the king of the Ammonites, who now fell into his…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 2 Samuel 12:26–31

17th Century

Minister

To be this severe in putting the children of Ammon to slavery was a sign that David's heart was not yet softened by repentance, when this took plac…