King James Version
2 Samuel 10
19 verses with commentary
War with the Ammonites and Arameans
And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate responses to hostility. Theological themes include honor...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **The king.**—His name is given in the next verse and in 1Chronicles 19:1, as Nahash. He was probably a son or grandson of the Nahash whom Saul conquered (1 Samuel 11), as more than fifty years must have passed away since that event. The kindness he had shown to David is not recorded, but may have been some friendly help during his wanderings, or merely a congratulatory embassy on his accessio...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. the woman had a fat calf ... and she hasted, and killed it, &c.--**(See on Ge 18:1-8).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
David's messengers ill-treated by Hanun.
(1-5)
The Ammonites defeated.(6-14)
The Syrians defeated.(15-19)
**Verses 1-5**
Nahash had been an enemy to Israel, yet had showed kindness to David. David therefore resolves gratefully to return it. If a Pharisee gives alms in pride, though God will not reward it, yet he that receives the alms ought to r...
Read full commentary →Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. Then they rose up, and went away that night--**Exhausted by long abstinence, overwhelmed with mental distress, and now driven to despair, the cold sweat broke on his anxious brow, and he sank helpless on the ground. But the kind attentions of the woman and his servants having revived him, he returned to the camp to await his doom.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
David's messengers ill-treated by Hanun.
(1-5)
The Ammonites defeated.(6-14)
The Syrians defeated.(15-19)
**Verses 1-5**
Nahash had been an enemy to Israel, yet had showed kindness to David. David therefore resolves gratefully to return it. If a Pharisee gives alms in pride, though God will not reward it, yet he that receives the alms ought to r...
Read full commentary →And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? Thinkest: Heb. In thine eyes doth David?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **To search the city.**—The capital, and almost the only city of the Ammonites was Rabbah; it was strongly fortified, and a knowledge of its interior would be important to an enemy. The suspicions of the Ammonites may have been roused by David’s growing power, and especially by his conquest of the neighbouring Moabites.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
David's messengers ill-treated by Hanun.
(1-5)
The Ammonites defeated.(6-14)
The Syrians defeated.(15-19)
**Verses 1-5**
Nahash had been an enemy to Israel, yet had showed kindness to David. David therefore resolves gratefully to return it. If a Pharisee gives alms in pride, though God will not reward it, yet he that receives the alms ought to r...
Read full commentary →Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate res...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Shaved off the one half of their beards.**—According to Oriental ideas, the extremest insult which could have been inflicted. “Cutting off a person’s beard is regarded by the Arabs as an indignity quite equal to flogging and branding among ourselves. Many would rather die than have their beard shaved off (Arvieux, quoted by Keil). It is remarkable that in none of David’s wars does he appear ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 29
1Sa 29:1-5. David Marching with the Philistines to Fight with Israel.
**1. Aphek--**(Jos 12:8), in the tribe of Issachar, and in the plain of Esdraelon. A person who compares the Bible account of Saul's last battle with the Philistines, with the region around Gilboa, has the same sort of evidence that the account relates what is true, that a person would have that such a battle as W...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
David's messengers ill-treated by Hanun.
(1-5)
The Ammonites defeated.(6-14)
The Syrians defeated.(15-19)
**Verses 1-5**
Nahash had been an enemy to Israel, yet had showed kindness to David. David therefore resolves gratefully to return it. If a Pharisee gives alms in pride, though God will not reward it, yet he that receives the alms ought to r...
Read full commentary →When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate re...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Tarry at Jericho.**—In consideration for his mortified ambassadors, David directs them to remain at Jericho, which lay directly on their road. Jericho had been destroyed on the first entrance of the Israelites into Canaan, and a solemn curse pronounced upon whoever “riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho.” This curse fell upon Hiel, more than a century after the time of David (1Kings 16:34...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish--**as the commander of the lifeguards of Achish, who was general of this invading army of the Philistines.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
David's messengers ill-treated by Hanun.
(1-5)
The Ammonites defeated.(6-14)
The Syrians defeated.(15-19)
**Verses 1-5**
Nahash had been an enemy to Israel, yet had showed kindness to David. David therefore resolves gratefully to return it. If a Pharisee gives alms in pride, though God will not reward it, yet he that receives the alms ought to r...
Read full commentary →And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men. Ishtob: or, the men of Tob
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ish-tob twelve thousand men.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammoni...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Saw that they stank.**—The Hebrew, translated literally, shows that they were conscious that this was by their own fault—“that they had made themselves stink,” and is so rendered in 1Chronicles 19:6.
**Hired.**—Chronicles gives the amount of the subsidy, 1,000 talents of silver, a sum variously estimated at from £125,000 to twice that amount. It shows at once the wealth of Ammon, the importa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. these days, or these years--**He had now been with the Philistines a full year and four months (1Sa 27:7), and also some years before. It has been thought that David kept up a private correspondence with this Philistine prince, either on account of his native generosity, or in the anticipation that an asylum in his territories would sooner or later be needed.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against those that set his wrath at defiance, Is 5:19, which will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whateve...
Read full commentary →And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate responses to hostility. Theological themes include honor/shame dynamics in ancient cultures, th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him--**It must be considered a happy circumstance in the overruling providence of God to rescue David out of the dangerous dilemma in which he was now placed. But David is not free from censure in his professions to Achish (1Sa 29:8), to do what he probably had not the smallest purpose of doing--of fighting with Achish against his enemies. It is ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against those that set his wrath at defiance, Is 5:19, which will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whateve...
Read full commentary →And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demon...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **At the entering in of the gate.**—The Ammonites and their allies formed separate armies, the former taking their stand immediately before the city, the latter “by themselves” at some distance, where the ground was more favourable for the manœuvres of their chariots.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against those that set his wrath at defiance, Is 5:19, which will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whateve...
Read full commentary →When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate responses ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **When Joab saw.**—The keen eye of this experienced general at once took in both the advantages and the danger of this disposition of the enemy. He threw his whole force between their two divisions, organising his own army in two parts, one facing the Ammonites and the other the Syrians, but each capable of supporting the other in case of need. The enemy was thus cut in two, while the Israelit...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against those that set his wrath at defiance, Is 5:19, which will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whateve...
Read full commentary →And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate responses to hostility. Theologi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against those that set his wrath at defiance, Is 5:19, which will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whateve...
Read full commentary →And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate responses to ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against those that set his wrath at defiance, Is 5:19, which will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whateve...
Read full commentary →Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate responses to hostility. Theological t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Be of good courage, and let us play the men.**—Literally, *Be strong and let us strengthen ourselves. *The same phrase is translated in Chronicles, “Be of good courage and let us behave ourselves valiantly.” (Compare 1Samuel 4:9.) Joab felt that the battle was a critical one, and on it depended the welfare and even the safety of “our people” and “the cities of our God.” The latter expressio...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said--**The Philistine government had constitutional checks--or at least the king was not an absolute sovereign; but his authority was limited--his proceedings liable to be controlled by "the powerful barons of that rude and early period--much as the kings of Europe in the Middle Ages were by the proud and lawless aristocracy which surrounde...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against those that set his wrath at defiance, Is 5:19, which will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whateve...
Read full commentary →And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate responses to hostility. Theological themes include hono...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Against the Syrians.**—The attack was begun, not against both parts of the foe at once, but Joab threw the weight of his forces against the stronger division of the enemy while Abishai watched and held in check the Ammonites. His tactics were completely successful. The Syrians fled, and the Ammonites, seeing that the whole army of Israel could now be thrown upon them, retired precipitately ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against those that set his wrath at defiance, Is 5:19, which will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whateve...
Read full commentary →And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Came to Jerusalem.**—Why the victory was not at once followed up it is not said. Perhaps the army of Israel was too much exhausted by their victory; perhaps they were unprovided with the necessaries for a siege; and perhaps the season was already too far advanced. Whatever may have been the cause, the delay gave the allies opportunity to rally.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against those that set his wrath at defiance, Is 5:19, which will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whateve...
Read full commentary →And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate responses to hostility. Theological themes include honor/shame dynamics in ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-19**
Here is a new attempt of the Syrians. Even the baffled cause will make head as long as there is any life in it; the enemies of the Son of David do so. But now the promise made to Abraham, Ge 15:18, and repeated to Joshua, Jos 1:4, that the borders of Israel should extend to the river Euphrates, was performed. Learn hence, that it is dangerous to help those who have God against...
Read full commentary →And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them. the river: that is, Euphrates Shobach: or, Shophach
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate respon...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Hadarezer.**—On the form of the name see Note on 2Samuel 8:3. He felt the importance of the defeat he had sustained, and now evidently made an effort to rally all his forces, even calling together vassal tribes from beyond the Euphrates.
**They came to Helam.**—The Hebrew word here is not necessarily a proper name, and might be translated *their host; *but as the name unquestionably occurs ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 30
1Sa 30:1-5. The Amalekites Spoil Ziklag.
**1. Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag--**While the strength of the Philistine forces was poured out of their country into the plain of Esdraelon, the Amalekite marauders seized the opportunity of the defenseless state of Philistia to invade the southern territory. Of course, David's town suffered from the ravag...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-19**
Here is a new attempt of the Syrians. Even the baffled cause will make head as long as there is any life in it; the enemies of the Son of David do so. But now the promise made to Abraham, Ge 15:18, and repeated to Joshua, Jos 1:4, that the borders of Israel should extend to the river Euphrates, was performed. Learn hence, that it is dangerous to help those who have God against...
Read full commentary →And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appro...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **He gathered . . . and passed.**—David, hearing of the great Syrian rally, now took the field in person. Joab may have been with him, but more probably was employed at the south in holding the Ammonites in check and preventing their forming a junction with their confederates.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away--**Their conduct seems to stand in favorable contrast to that of David (1Sa 27:11). But their apparent clemency did not arise from humane considerations. It is traceable to the ancient war usages of the East, where the men of war, on the capture of a city, were unsparingly put to death, but there were no warriors in Ziklag at the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-19**
Here is a new attempt of the Syrians. Even the baffled cause will make head as long as there is any life in it; the enemies of the Son of David do so. But now the promise made to Abraham, Ge 15:18, and repeated to Joshua, Jos 1:4, that the borders of Israel should extend to the river Euphrates, was performed. Learn hence, that it is dangerous to help those who have God against...
Read full commentary →And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonst...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Seven hundred chariots.**—In this campaign David delivered a crushing blow upon his foes, from which they did not recover during the rest of his reign or that of his son. For the *seven hundred *here 1Chronicles 19:18 has *seven thousand, *which is almost an incredible number of chariots, and the number here is evidently the more correct; but the same place has forty thousand *footmen, *whi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire--**The language implies that the smoke of the conflagration was still visible, and the sacking very recent.
1Sa 30:6-15. But David, Encouraged by God, Pursues Them.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-19**
Here is a new attempt of the Syrians. Even the baffled cause will make head as long as there is any life in it; the enemies of the Son of David do so. But now the promise made to Abraham, Ge 15:18, and repeated to Joshua, Jos 1:4, that the borders of Israel should extend to the river Euphrates, was performed. Learn hence, that it is dangerous to help those who have God against...
Read full commentary →And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subseque...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Servants to Hadarezer.**—The vassal kings, who had been tributary to Hadarezer, now transferred their allegiance to David; but it is not said that Hadarezer himself became a tributary, though it is plain from 2Samuel 8:3-7, that he was greatly weakened and suffered the loss of large booty. From 1Kings 11:23-24, it is plain that an escaped dependent of Hadarezer maintained himself in the ter...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-19**
Here is a new attempt of the Syrians. Even the baffled cause will make head as long as there is any life in it; the enemies of the Son of David do so. But now the promise made to Abraham, Ge 15:18, and repeated to Joshua, Jos 1:4, that the borders of Israel should extend to the river Euphrates, was performed. Learn hence, that it is dangerous to help those who have God against...
Read full commentary →