2 Samuel 10:19
When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore.
When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer
This phrase refers to the coalition of kings allied with Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, a region in Aram (modern-day Syria). Hadadezer was a powerful ruler who had previously expanded his territory. The mention of "all the kings" indicates a significant alliance, suggesting Hadadezer's influence and the threat he posed to Israel. This coalition reflects the common practice in the ancient Near East of forming alliances for mutual defense and aggression.

saw that they had been defeated by Israel
The defeat by Israel highlights the military prowess of King David and his army. This victory is part of a series of military campaigns that established Israel as a dominant power in the region. The phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to David of giving him victory over his enemies (2 Samuel 8:6, 14). It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God fighting for Israel and granting them success against formidable foes.

they made peace with Israel and became subject to them
The making of peace and becoming subject indicates a shift in power dynamics. These kings, once adversaries, now recognize Israel's dominance and submit to its authority. This submission often involved paying tribute, providing military support, or acknowledging Israel's sovereignty. This outcome aligns with the Deuteronomic promise that Israel would be the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13) if they obeyed God.

So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore
The Arameans' fear signifies a strategic withdrawal from supporting the Ammonites, who were also enemies of Israel. This fear is a direct result of witnessing Israel's military strength and God's favor upon David. The cessation of support to the Ammonites further isolates them, demonstrating the effectiveness of David's campaigns in neutralizing threats. This phrase also illustrates the broader biblical principle of God instilling fear in Israel's enemies (Deuteronomy 2:25).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hadadezer
A king of Zobah, a region in Aram (modern-day Syria), who was a powerful adversary of Israel. His defeat marked a significant shift in regional power.

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

3. Ammonites
A neighboring nation of Israel, often in conflict with them. They initially sought the help of the Arameans against Israel.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, led by King David during this time. Their victory over the Arameans and Ammonites demonstrated God's favor and protection.

5. David
The King of Israel, known for his military prowess and his heart for God. His leadership was instrumental in the victory over Hadadezer and his allies.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Battles
The victory of Israel over Hadadezer and the Arameans illustrates God's control over nations and His ability to bring about His purposes through His chosen people.

The Importance of Seeking Peace
The defeated kings sought peace with Israel, highlighting the value of reconciliation and the futility of opposing God's will.

Fear of the Lord
The Arameans' fear of helping the Ammonites again underscores the reverence and awe that God's power should inspire in us.

Leadership and Obedience
David's leadership and reliance on God serve as a model for how we should lead and make decisions in our own lives.

Divine Protection and Favor
Just as God protected Israel, believers can trust in His protection and favor in their spiritual battles.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the defeat of Hadadezer and the Arameans demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations?

2. In what ways can we seek peace in our own lives, following the example of the defeated kings who made peace with Israel?

3. How does the fear of the Lord influence our decisions and actions, as seen in the Arameans' response to their defeat?

4. What leadership qualities of David can we apply in our personal and professional lives today?

5. How can we trust in God's protection and favor in our own spiritual battles, drawing from Israel's experience in this passage?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 19
This chapter provides a parallel account of the events in 2 Samuel 10, offering additional details about the battle and its outcomes.

Psalm 20
A psalm of David that reflects trust in God's deliverance in times of battle, which is relevant to the context of Israel's victory.

Romans 8:31
This verse speaks to the assurance of God's support for His people, echoing the theme of divine favor seen in Israel's victory.
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
Afraid, Ammon, Ammonites, Anymore, Aram, Aramaeans, Arameans, Bene-ammon, Defeated, Fear, Feared, Hadadezer, Hadade'zer, Hadarezer, Israelites, Kings, Overcome, Peace, Routed, Servants, Serve, Served, Smitten, Sons, Subject, Syrians, Vassals, Worse
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 10:19

     8343   servanthood, in society
     8754   fear

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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