7:4 Heshbon. This city east of the Jordan River opposite Jerusalem was captured by the Israelites in the time of Moses (Num. 21:25, 26). Excavations have revealed large reservoirs near the city, perhaps the pools mentioned here.

gate of Bath-rabbim. Bath-rabbim (“daughter of many”) is probably the name of the gate, possibly one of the gates of Heshbon.

tower of Lebanon. The identity of this tower is not known. The great height suggested by “looks toward” or over Damascus has led some to take it as referring to the Lebanon mountains (cf. v. 5).