sat in the gate How prudently and mildly David took the reproof and counsel given him! He shook off his grief, anointed his head, and washed his face, that he might not appear unto men to mourn, and then made his appearance at the gate of the city, which was the public place of resort for the hearing of causes and giving judgment, as well as a place to ratify special bargains. Thither the people flocked to congratulate him on his and their safety, and that all was well. When we are convinced of a fault, we must amend, though we are told of it by our inferiors in a way which is peculiarly painful to our natural feelings. This ancient custom still obtains in the East; for when Dr. Pococke returned from viewing the town of ancient Byblus, he says, `The sheik and the elders were sitting in the gate of the city, after the ancient manner, and I sat awhile with them.'

2 Samuel 18:4,24 And the king said to them, What seems you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side...

for Israel

2 Samuel 19:3 And the people got them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.

2 Samuel 18:6-8 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim...

1 Kings 22:36 And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city...

2 Kings 14:12 And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.