The Ammonites & Syrians Defeated
June 18, 2021
Commentary
It appears that Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had shown kindness to David when he was fleeing from Saul. For this reason, David considered Nahash a friend and wanted to honor him by sending a delegation to express sympathy at his death (10:1–2). However, Nahash’s son Hanun did not share his father’s character. When he heard that men from Israel were com-ing, he assumed their intentions were evil. Listening to his advisors, Hanun believed David had sent spies to gather information before attacking, as he had done to other nations (10:3).
Instead of showing respect, Hanun chose to humiliate David’s messengers. He shaved off half of each man’s beard and cut their garments at the waist, exposing them publicly (10:4). This act was deeply shameful and insulting. When David heard what had happened, he showed compassion for his men. He sent word for them to stay in Jericho until their beards grew back, sparing them further embarrassment (10:5). Hanun’s actions turned a peaceful gesture into an unnecessary conflict.
Realizing they had offended David, the Ammonites did not seek peace. Instead, they hired Syrian mercenaries to strengthen their forces (10:6). When battle began, the Syrians fled, and the Ammonites retreated to their fortified city (10:7–10). David was willing to stop, but the Syrians returned for another attack. Joab arranged Israel’s forces wisely, preventing the enemy armies from joining together. This time, Israel was completely defeated, and the surviving kings made peace with David (10:11–19). The chapter shows how pride and suspicion lead to defeat, while wisdom and unity bring victory.
Application
When someone misunderstands my actions, how do I respond? Do I assume the worst about others, or do I act with patience and wisdom? When pride is wounded, do I choose peace or let conflict grow? Today I will ask God to guard my heart from suspicion and humbly trust Him to bring justice when I’m treated unfairly.
2 Samuel 10:1–19 (NET)
1 Later the king of the Ammonites died and his son Hanun succeeded him. 2 David said, “I will express my loyalty to Hanun son of Nahash just as his father was loyal to me.” So David sent his servants with a message expressing sympathy over his father’s death. When David’s servants entered the land of the Ammonites, 3 the Ammonite officials said to their lord Hanun, “Do you really think David is trying to honor your father by sending these messengers to express his sympathy? No, David has sent his servants to you to get information about the city and spy on it so they can overthrow it!”
4 So Hanun seized David’s servants and shaved off half of each one’s beard. He cut the lower part of their robes off so that their buttocks were exposed, and then sent them away. 5 Messengers told David what had happened, so he sent them to the men who were thoroughly humiliated. The king said, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown again; then you may come back.”
6 When the Ammonites realized that David was disgusted with them, they sent and hired 20,000 foot soldiers from Aram Beth Rehob and Aram Zobah, in addition to 1,000 men from the king of Maacah and 12,000 men from Ish Tob.
7 When David heard the news, he sent Joab and the entire army to meet them. 8 The Ammonites marched out and were deployed for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the men from Aram Zobah, Rehob, Ish Tob, and Maacah were by themselves in the field.
9 When Joab saw that the battle would be fought on two fronts, he chose some of Israel’s best men and deployed them against the Arameans. 10 He put his brother Abishai in charge of the rest of the army and they were deployed against the Ammonites. 11 Joab said, “If the Arameans start to overpower me, you come to my rescue. If the Ammonites start to overpower you, I will come to your rescue. 12 Be strong! Let’s fight bravely for the sake of our people and the cities of our God! The Lord will do what he decides is best!”
13 So Joab and his men marched out to do battle with the Arameans, and they fled before him. 14 When the Ammonites saw the Arameans flee, they fled before his brother Abishai and went into the city. Joab withdrew from fighting the Ammonites and returned to Jerusalem.
15 When the Arameans realized that they had been defeated by Israel, they consolidated their forces. 16 Then Hadadezer sent for Arameans from beyond the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam. Shobach, the general in command of Hadadezer’s army, led them.
17 When David was informed, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan River, and came to Helam. The Arameans deployed their forces against David and fought with him. 18 The Arameans fled before Israel. David killed 700 Aramean charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach, the general in command of the army, who died there. 19 When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer saw they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subjects of Israel. The Arameans were no longer willing to help the Ammonites.
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