2 Samuel 10:18
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there.
But the Arameans fled before Israel
The Arameans, also known as Syrians, were a significant power in the ancient Near East. Their flight before Israel signifies a divine intervention, as Israel was often outnumbered by their enemies. The Hebrew root for "fled" (נוס, nus) implies a sudden and complete retreat, indicating a decisive victory granted by God. This reflects the recurring biblical theme that God fights for Israel, as seen in other battles where the odds were against them.

and David killed seven hundred charioteers
The mention of "seven hundred charioteers" highlights the military prowess of David and his forces. Chariots were a formidable component of ancient warfare, often used by powerful armies. The Hebrew word for "charioteers" (רכב, rekeb) can also refer to the chariot itself, emphasizing the destruction of both the warriors and their vehicles. This victory underscores David's strategic acumen and God's favor upon him as king.

and forty thousand foot soldiers
The large number of "forty thousand foot soldiers" indicates the scale of the battle and the magnitude of the victory. In ancient warfare, foot soldiers formed the backbone of an army. The Hebrew term for "foot soldiers" (רגלי, ragli) suggests infantrymen who were essential for ground combat. This overwhelming defeat of the Aramean forces serves as a testament to the strength and divine backing of Israel under David's leadership.

He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army
Shobach, the commander, represents the leadership and strategic mind of the Aramean forces. The Hebrew verb for "struck down" (נכה, nakah) implies a decisive and fatal blow, indicating the complete dismantling of the enemy's command structure. The death of Shobach symbolizes the collapse of the Aramean resistance and the futility of opposing God's anointed king.

who died there
The phrase "who died there" emphasizes the finality of the victory. The location of Shobach's death marks the place of Israel's triumph and the end of the Aramean threat in this campaign. This serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and His ability to bring about His purposes through His chosen leaders.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, known for his military prowess and leadership. In this passage, he leads Israel to victory against the Arameans.

2. Arameans
A group of people from the region of Aram, often in conflict with Israel. They are defeated in this battle.

3. Shobach
The commander of the Aramean army, who is killed in the battle against Israel.

4. Israel
The nation led by King David, victorious in this battle.

5. Battle
A significant military engagement where Israel defeats the Arameans, showcasing God's favor and David's leadership.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Battles
The victory over the Arameans demonstrates God's control over nations and battles. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty in their own struggles.

Leadership and Responsibility
David's role as a leader is crucial. Effective leadership involves courage, strategy, and reliance on God. Christians in leadership should emulate these qualities.

The Consequences of Opposition to God
The defeat of the Arameans serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's people. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, knowing God defends His own.

The Importance of Obedience
David's success is tied to his obedience to God. Obedience to God's commands leads to blessings and victories in life.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as David fought physical battles, Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages believers to put on the full armor of God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's victory over the Arameans reflect God's faithfulness to His promises to Israel?

2. In what ways can we see the importance of godly leadership in this passage, and how can we apply these principles in our own leadership roles?

3. What does this passage teach us about the consequences of opposing God's will, and how can this understanding impact our daily decisions?

4. How can we apply the concept of spiritual warfare from this passage to our own lives, and what "armor" do we need to put on according to Ephesians 6:10-18?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How can David's reliance on God during battles encourage you to trust God in your own life situations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 19:18
This parallel account provides additional details about the battle and the defeat of the Arameans, reinforcing the account of David's military success.

Psalm 20:7
This verse highlights trust in God over military might, which is a theme seen in David's reliance on God for victory.

Romans 8:31
This New Testament verse echoes the theme of God being with His people, as seen in David's victories.
A Father's Kindness Repaid to His SonL. A. Banks, D. D.2 Samuel 10:2-19
David and HanunW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 10:2-19
Two Aspects of DavidJ. Parker, D. D.2 Samuel 10:2-19
Ungenerous JudgmentsH. W. Beecher.2 Samuel 10:2-19
People
Abishai, Ammonites, Aram, David, Hadadezer, Hadarezer, Hanun, Israelites, Joab, Maacah, Nahash, Rehob, Shobach, Syrians
Places
Beth-rehob, Euphrates River, Helam, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Maacah, Rehob, Tob, Zobah
Topics
Aram, 40000, Aramaean, Aramaeans, Arameans, Army, Captain, Charioteers, Chariots, Commander, David, Death, Died, Dieth, Drivers, Fled, Fleeth, Flight, Foot, Footmen, Forty, Horsemen, Host, Hundred, Killed, Presence, Seven, Shobach, Slayeth, Slew, Smitten, Smote, Soldiers, Struck, Sword, Syrians, Thousand, War-carriages, Wounded
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 10:1-19

     5087   David, reign of

2 Samuel 10:15-19

     4207   land, divine gift

Library
'More than Conquerors through Him'
'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. 9. 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: 10. 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.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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