2 Samuel 10:6
When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob.
When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David
The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, had a long-standing enmity with Israel. Their actions, particularly the humiliation of David's envoys, were seen as a grave insult, making them "a stench" to David. This phrase indicates a severe breach in diplomatic relations, leading to inevitable conflict. The term "stench" suggests a deep offense, echoing the language used in Genesis 34:30 when Jacob's sons made him "obnoxious" to the Canaanites and Perizzites.

they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba
The Ammonites sought military support from the Arameans, a group of Semitic tribes in the region of modern-day Syria. Beth-rehob and Zoba were significant Aramean city-states. This hiring of mercenaries reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of forming alliances through paid military support. The Arameans were known for their skilled warriors, and their involvement indicates the seriousness of the Ammonites' preparations against Israel.

as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah
Maacah was a small kingdom located near the northern borders of Israel. The inclusion of Maacah's forces highlights the regional alliances against Israel. The king of Maacah's participation suggests a coalition of smaller states feeling threatened by Israel's growing power under David. This reflects the political landscape of the time, where smaller kingdoms often banded together against a common threat.

and twelve thousand men from Tob
Tob was a region east of the Jordan River, possibly linked to the area where Jephthah, the judge of Israel, had previously found refuge (Judges 11:3). The mention of Tob indicates the widespread nature of the coalition against David. The recruitment of men from Tob underscores the Ammonites' desperation and the extent of their efforts to counter David's military might. This coalition of forces from various regions illustrates the geopolitical dynamics of the time, where alliances were crucial for survival and influence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ammonites
A people descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. In this context, they realize their actions have angered King David.

2. David
The King of Israel, known for his military prowess and leadership. The Ammonites' actions have made them "a stench" to him, indicating severe disfavor.

3. Arameans
A group of people from the region of Aram, hired by the Ammonites as mercenaries to bolster their military strength against Israel.

4. Beth-rehob and Zobah
Regions in Aram from which the Ammonites hired soldiers. These areas were known for their military capabilities.

5. Maacah and Tob
Additional regions that provided troops to the Ammonites, indicating a coalition against Israel.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Pride and Misjudgment
The Ammonites' actions against David were rooted in pride and misjudgment, leading to their downfall. This serves as a warning against letting pride cloud our judgment.

The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel
The Ammonites failed to seek wise counsel, leading to poor decisions. As believers, we should seek guidance from God and wise counselors in our lives.

God's Sovereignty in Conflict
Despite the formidable coalition against Israel, God's sovereignty is evident. Trusting in God's plan and protection is crucial, even when facing overwhelming odds.

The Dangers of Alliances Against God's People
The coalition against David illustrates the futility of opposing God's anointed. Aligning against God's purposes leads to failure.

Faith in Action
David's response to the threat demonstrates faith in action. Believers are called to act in faith, trusting God to guide and protect them.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the Ammonites' decision to hire mercenaries instead of seeking peace with David?

2. How does the coalition against David reflect the spiritual battles we face today, and how can we prepare for them?

3. In what ways can pride lead to conflict in our personal lives, and how can we guard against it?

4. How does David's response to the Ammonite threat demonstrate his faith in God, and how can we apply this to our own challenges?

5. What other biblical examples illustrate the futility of opposing God's plans, and how do they encourage us to align with His will?
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 conflict between Israel and the Ammonites.

Psalm 2
This psalm speaks of nations conspiring against God's anointed, which can be related to the coalition formed against David, God's chosen king.

Romans 8:31
This verse speaks to the assurance of God's support for His people, relevant to understanding David's confidence in facing the coalition.
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
An Agreement of Mutual HelpB. Dale 2 Samuel 10:6-11
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
Abhorred, Ammon, 20000, Ammonites, Aram, Aramaeans, Aramean, Arameans, Bene-ammon, Beth, Bethrehob, Beth-rehob, Beth-re'hob, David, David's, Foot, Footmen, Got, Hated, Hire, Hired, Ishtob, Ish-tob, Maacah, Ma'acah, Nostrils, Odious, Payment, Realized, Rehob, Soldiers, Sons, Stank, Stench, Syrians, Themselves, Thousand, Tob, Twelve, Twenty, Zoba, Zobah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 10:6

     5171   nose
     5183   smell
     5337   hiring
     5406   mercenaries
     5544   soldiers
     6206   offence
     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah

2 Samuel 10:1-19

     5087   David, reign of

2 Samuel 10:4-7

     5496   revenge, examples

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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