King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 10:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 10:14 in the King James Version says “And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 10:14 · KJV


Context

12

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.

13

And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.

14

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.

15

And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together.

16

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


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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, the legitimacy of responding firmly to aggression, and trusting God when facing overwhelming opposition. The Hebrew narrative emphasizes strategic wisdom alongside divine enablement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 10 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding responding to insult with strength provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of responding to insult with strength?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 18

And when the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֔וֹן2 of 18

of Ammon

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

רָאוּ֙3 of 18

saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּי4 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וַיָּנֻ֙סוּ֙5 of 18

then fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

אֲרָ֔ם6 of 18

that the Syrians

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וַיָּנֻ֙סוּ֙7 of 18

then fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

מִפְּנֵ֣י8 of 18

they also before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲבִישַׁ֔י9 of 18

Abishai

H52

abishai, an israelite

וַיָּבֹ֖א10 of 18

and came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָעִ֑יר11 of 18

into the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיָּ֣שָׁב12 of 18

returned

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יוֹאָ֗ב13 of 18

So Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

מֵעַל֙14 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנֵ֣י15 of 18

And when the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֔וֹן16 of 18

of Ammon

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וַיָּבֹ֖א17 of 18

and came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃18 of 18

to Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 10:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study