* 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."

  18:4,24 
 * for Israel.
  3  18:6-8  1Ki 22:36  2Ki 14:12