2 Samuel 10:16
New International Version
Hadadezer had Arameans brought from beyond the Euphrates River; they went to Helam, with Shobak the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them.

New Living Translation
they were joined by additional Aramean troops summoned by Hadadezer from the other side of the Euphrates River. These troops arrived at Helam under the command of Shobach, the commander of Hadadezer’s forces.

English Standard Version
And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the Euphrates. They came to Helam, with Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head.

Berean Standard Bible
Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them.

King James Bible
And 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.

New King James Version
Then Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the River, and they came to Helam. And Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army went before them.

New American Standard Bible
And Hadadezer sent word and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer led them.

NASB 1995
And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River, and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer led them.

NASB 1977
And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River, and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer led them.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River, and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer led them.

Amplified Bible
Hadadezer sent word and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River [Euphrates]; and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer led them.

Christian Standard Bible
Hadadezer sent messengers to bring the Arameans who were beyond the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam with Shobach, commander of Hadadezer’s army, leading them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Hadadezer sent messengers to bring the Arameans who were across the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam with Shobach, commander of Hadadezer’s army, leading them.

American Standard Version
And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the River: and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer at their head.

Contemporary English Version
Hadadezer sent messengers to call in the Arameans who were on the other side of the Euphrates River. Then Shobach, the commander of Hadadezer's army, led them to the town of Helam.

English Revised Version
And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the River: and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer at their head.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Hadadezer sent [messengers] to get Arameans from beyond the Euphrates River. The Arameans came to Helam with Shobach, the commander of Hadadezer's army, leading them.

Good News Translation
King Hadadezer sent for the Syrians who were on the east side of the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam under the command of Shobach, commander of the army of King Hadadezer of Zobah.

International Standard Version
Hadadezer sent for the Arameans who lived beyond the Euphrates River, and they set out for Helam, with Shobach leading them as commander of Hadadezer's army.

Majority Standard Bible
Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer?s army leading them.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
Hadadezer sent, and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River: and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the army of Hadadezer at their head.

Webster's Bible Translation
And 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.

World English Bible
Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the River; and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the army of Hadadezer at their head.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Hadadezer sends, and brings out Aram which [is] beyond the River, and they come to Helam, and Shobach, head of the host of Hadadezer, [is] before them.

Young's Literal Translation
and Hadadezer sendeth, and bringeth out Aram which is beyond the River, and they come in to Helam, and Shobach head of the host of Hadadezer is before them.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Hadadezer will send and will bring forth Aram that was beyond the river: and they will come to Helam and Shobach, chief of the army of Hadadezer, before them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Adarezer sent and fetched the Syrians, that were beyond the river, and brought over their army: and Sobach, the captain of the host of Adarezer, was their general.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Hadadezer sent and brought the Syrians who were beyond the river, and he led in their army. And Shobach, the rule of the military of Hadadezer, was their leader.

New American Bible
Hadadezer sent for and brought Arameans from beyond the River. They came to Helam, with Shobach, the captain of Hadadezer’s army, at their head.

New Revised Standard Version
Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the Euphrates; and they came to Helam, with Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Hadarezer sent and brought out the Arameans that were beyond the river Euphrates; and they came to Helam; and Shobach the general of Hadarezer's army went before them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Hedarezar sent and he brought out Adum which was from across the river, and they came to Khilam, and Shubak the General of the army of Hedarezar went before them
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Hadadezer sent, and brought out the Arameans that were beyond the River; and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the host of Hadadezer at their head.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Adraazar sent and gathered the Syrians from the other side of the river Chalamak, and they came to Aelam; and Sobac the captain of the host of Adraazar was at their head.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Defeats Ammon and Aram
15When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they regrouped. 16Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. 17When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. Then the Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought against him.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 19:16-19
When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. / When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, advanced toward the Arameans, and arrayed for battle against them. When David lined up to engage them in battle, they fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army. ...

2 Samuel 8:3-8
David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. / David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots. / When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of their men. ...

1 Kings 11:23-25
And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah, / and had gathered men to himself. When David killed the Zobaites, Rezon captained a band of raiders and went to Damascus, where they settled and gained control. / Rezon was Israel’s enemy throughout the days of Solomon, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled over Aram with hostility toward Israel.

Psalm 83:5-8
For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— / the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, / of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. ...

Isaiah 7:1-2
Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. / When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.

Isaiah 8:9-10
Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! / Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”

Jeremiah 46:9-10
Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth—Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow. / For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of Hosts, a day of vengeance against His foes. The sword will devour until it is satisfied, until it is quenched with their blood. For the Lord GOD of Hosts will hold a sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates.

Ezekiel 38:5-6
Persia, Cush, and Put will accompany them, all with shields and helmets, / as well as Gomer with all its troops, and Beth-togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you.

Joshua 11:4-5
So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots. / All these kings joined forces and encamped at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.

Judges 3:12-13
Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. So He gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. / After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms.

1 Samuel 14:47
After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them.

2 Kings 24:2
And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets.

Nehemiah 4:7-8
When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious, / and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance.

Matthew 24:6-7
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Luke 21:10
Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.


Treasury of Scripture

And 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.

Hadarezer

2 Samuel 8:3-8
David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates…

1 Chronicles 18:3,5
And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates…

the river.

1 Chronicles 19:16
And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.

Jump to Previous
Aram Aramaeans Arameans Army Captain Commander Drew Euphra'tes Forth Hadadezer Hadade'zer Hadadezer's Hadarezer Head Helam Host Led River Shobach Side Syrians
Jump to Next
Aram Aramaeans Arameans Army Captain Commander Drew Euphra'tes Forth Hadadezer Hadade'zer Hadadezer's Hadarezer Head Helam Host Led River Shobach Side Syrians
2 Samuel 10
1. David's messengers, sent to comfort Hanun are villainously treated
6. The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, overcome by Joab and Abishai
15. Shobuch, making a new supply of the Syrains at Helam, is slain by David














Hadadezer sent word
The name "Hadadezer" is of Aramaic origin, meaning "Hadad is my help," with Hadad being a storm and rain god in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This highlights the polytheistic beliefs of the Arameans, contrasting with the monotheism of Israel. The act of sending word indicates a strategic military decision, reflecting the political and military alliances of the time. It underscores the seriousness of the conflict with Israel, as Hadadezer seeks to bolster his forces.

to bring more Arameans
The Arameans were a group of Semitic peoples who lived in what is now modern-day Syria. Historically, they were known for their skills in trade and warfare. The phrase suggests a coalition of forces, emphasizing the threat posed to Israel. This gathering of additional troops signifies the escalation of hostilities and the determination of Hadadezer to challenge Israel's dominance.

from beyond the Euphrates
The Euphrates River was a significant geographical landmark in the ancient Near East, often serving as a boundary for empires. The mention of "beyond the Euphrates" indicates the vast reach of Hadadezer's influence and the extensive resources he could draw upon. It also highlights the strategic importance of the region and the interconnectedness of various kingdoms through trade and military alliances.

and they came to Helam
Helam is believed to be a location east of the Jordan River, though its exact site remains uncertain. The movement of troops to Helam suggests a strategic positioning for battle, possibly chosen for its tactical advantages. This reflects the military acumen of Hadadezer and his commanders, as they prepare to confront Israel's forces.

with Shobach the commander
Shobach, also known as Shophach in some translations, was a prominent military leader under Hadadezer. His presence indicates the importance of the campaign, as a high-ranking officer is entrusted with leading the forces. This highlights the organized military structure of the Arameans and their commitment to the conflict.

of Hadadezer’s army leading them
The phrase underscores the hierarchical nature of ancient armies, with commanders playing crucial roles in directing troops. The leadership of Shobach suggests a well-coordinated effort to challenge Israel. This reflects the broader theme of leadership and authority, both in military and spiritual contexts, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.

(16) Hadarezer.--On the form of the name see Note on 2Samuel 8:3. He felt the importance of the defeat he had sustained, and now evidently made an effort to rally all his forces, even calling together vassal tribes from beyond the Euphrates.

They came to Helam.--The Hebrew word here is not necessarily a proper name, and might be translated their host; but as the name unquestionably occurs in 2Samuel 10:17, it is better taken as a proper name here also. It is entirely omitted in Chronicles. Its exact situation is unknown, but from 2Samuel 8:3; 1Chronicles 18:3, it is plain that it was in the general direction of the Euphrates and not very far from Hamath.

Verse 16. - Hadarezer (see note on 2 Samuel 8:3). Hadarezer probably had been well content to let his subjects receive the pay of the Ammonites, and extend his empire at their cost. But as paramount king in Aram, the defeat of the mercenaries obliged him to make the war a national affair, and undertake the management of it himself. He therefore summons troops from all the Aramean states on both sides of the Euphrates, and places his own general, Shobach, in command, and makes Helam the place of gathering. Helam. No such place is known, and the word might mean "their army," in which case the translation would be, "and they came in full force." The Vulgate takes it in this way, but makes the verb the causative singular, and translates, "and he brought their army." On the other hand, the LXX., the Syriac, and the Chaldee make it a proper name here, as even the Vulgate necessarily does in ver. 17, where there can be no doubt. In the parallel place (1 Chronicles 19:16, 17) it is omitted in the first place, and in the second we find in its stead, "upon them." Either, therefore, the chronicler did not know of such a place, or the text is corrupt. Ewald and others suppose that Helam may be identified with Alamata; but we learn from 1 Chronicles 18:3 that the battle was fought near Hamath, and Alamata is on the Euphrates, too far away for David to have made his attack there.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Hadadezer
הֲדַדְעֶ֗זֶר (hă·ḏaḏ·‘e·zer)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1909: Hadadezer -- 'Hadad is help(er)', an Aramean (Syrian) king

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

messengers to bring
וַיֹּצֵ֤א (way·yō·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

[more] Arameans
אֲרָם֙ (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

from beyond
מֵעֵ֣בֶר (mê·‘ê·ḇer)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side

the Euphrates,
הַנָּהָ֔ר (han·nā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity

and they came
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to Helam
חֵילָ֑ם (ḥê·lām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2431: Helam -- a place East of the Jordan

with Shobach
וְשׁוֹבַ֛ךְ (wə·šō·w·ḇaḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7731: Shobach -- an Aramean (Syrian) general

the commander
שַׂר־ (śar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of Hadadezer’s
הֲדַדְעֶ֖זֶר (hă·ḏaḏ·‘e·zer)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1909: Hadadezer -- 'Hadad is help(er)', an Aramean (Syrian) king

army
צְבָ֥א (ṣə·ḇā)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

leading them.
לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃ (lip̄·nê·hem)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face


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OT History: 2 Samuel 10:16 Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 10:15
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