And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.
Read it in contextDavid Defeats Ammon and Aram
Start reading at 2 Samuel 10:9 (2 Samuel 10:9 to 2 Samuel 10:19).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
10:9When 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:
10:10And 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.
10:11And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
10:12Be 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.
10:13And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.
10:14And 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.
10:15And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together.
10:16And 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.
10:17And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.
10:18And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.
10:19And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? The final compiler is unknown. Jewish tradition connects the continuation of Samuel's history with Nathan and Gad; Chronicles also names their records concerning David. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 29:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Samuel 10:1–10:19): David's envoys, Hanun and the Ammonites, Joab and Abishai, and the Syrian forces are involved in the war. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israelite readers learning about David's kingship, God's promise to his house, and the consequences of his family's actions. Biblical references: 2 Samuel 7:12; 2 Samuel 12:10; 2 Samuel 23:1. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? David Defeats Ammon and Aram. Read 2 Samuel 10:9 through 2 Samuel 10:19 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The account follows Saul's death and concerns David's reign. Its final collected episodes and songs are not all presented as a strictly sequential diary. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? David first reigns in Hebron and then in Jerusalem; campaigns and rebellions range beyond the capital. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in David Defeats Ammon and Aram (2 Samuel 10:9 to 2 Samuel 10:19).
Start reading at 2 Samuel 10:9. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The promise concerning David's house is taken up in the New Testament's account of Jesus' kingship. Keep the nearer historical setting of David's family and the later messianic application distinguishable. See 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Take responsibility for sin and its effects on others. God's promises should not be used to excuse a leader's conduct or silence a truthful rebuke. interpretation
Cited: 2 Samuel 10:9, 2 Samuel 10:19, 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nathan and Gad (traditional)From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Chronicles refers to written records of Nathan and Gad. 1 Chronicles 29:29
Early traditionJewish tradition credits Nathan and Gad.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated in Scripture.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel 10
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view.
Connection to the wholeThe final collection brings together episodes and songs that reflect on David's reign rather than supplying a simple uninterrupted chronology.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.