2 Samuel 10:7
On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men.
On hearing this
This phrase indicates a response to a report or news. In the context of 2 Samuel 10, David receives intelligence about the Ammonites hiring Aramean mercenaries to bolster their forces against Israel. The Hebrew root for "hearing" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and responding. This highlights the importance of being attentive and responsive to situations, a principle that is echoed throughout Scripture as God’s people are called to be vigilant and discerning.

David sent Joab
David, the king of Israel, acts decisively by sending Joab, his trusted military commander. The name "David" in Hebrew means "beloved," reflecting his status as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Joab, whose name means "Yahweh is father," is a key military leader known for his strategic prowess. This action underscores the importance of leadership and delegation in fulfilling God’s purposes. David’s reliance on Joab also illustrates the necessity of surrounding oneself with capable and faithful individuals to accomplish God’s work.

and the entire army of mighty men
The phrase "mighty men" refers to David’s elite warriors, known in Hebrew as "גִּבּוֹרִים" (gibborim). These were not just ordinary soldiers but valiant and skilled fighters who had proven themselves in battle. The mention of the "entire army" signifies a full commitment to the task at hand, reflecting the seriousness of the threat posed by the Ammonites and their allies. Historically, these mighty men were renowned for their loyalty and bravery, serving as a model of dedication and courage for believers. Their inclusion in this narrative highlights the collective strength and unity required to face spiritual and physical battles.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, known for his leadership and devotion to God. In this context, he is responding to a threat against Israel.

2. Joab
The commander of David's army, a skilled military leader known for his loyalty to David and his strategic prowess in battle.

3. The Army of Mighty Men
A group of elite warriors in David's service, renowned for their strength and bravery. They were often called upon in times of significant military need.

4. Ammonites
A neighboring nation to Israel, who had insulted David's envoys, leading to the conflict described in this chapter.

5. Syria
Allied with the Ammonites against Israel, they play a significant role in the ensuing battle.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
David's immediate response to the threat against Israel demonstrates the importance of decisive leadership. Leaders must be prepared to act swiftly and wisely in times of crisis.

The Role of Trusted Allies
Joab's role highlights the value of having trusted and capable individuals to carry out important tasks. In our lives, we should cultivate relationships with those who can support us in our endeavors.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as David sent his mighty men to battle, Christians are called to engage in spiritual warfare with the armor of God. Preparation and reliance on God's strength are crucial.

Responding to Insults and Provocations
The conflict began with an insult to David's envoys. This teaches us to consider our responses to provocations carefully, seeking God's wisdom in handling conflicts.

God's Sovereignty in Battles
Throughout David's military campaigns, there is an underlying theme of God's sovereignty and provision. Trusting in God's plan and timing is essential, even in challenging situations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's response to the Ammonite threat reflect his leadership qualities, and how can we apply these qualities in our own leadership roles?

2. In what ways can we identify and cultivate "mighty men" or trusted allies in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6 relate to the physical battles described in 2 Samuel 10?

4. What can we learn from David's handling of insults and provocations that can guide us in our interactions with others?

5. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in battles encourage us to trust in His plan during our personal challenges and conflicts?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 19
This chapter provides a parallel account of the events in 2 Samuel 10, offering additional details and insights into the conflict with the Ammonites and Syrians.

Psalm 60
Traditionally attributed to David, this psalm reflects on God's help in battles, which can be seen as a spiritual backdrop to the military events in 2 Samuel 10.

Ephesians 6:10-18
The "Armor of God" passage in the New Testament draws a spiritual parallel to the physical preparation and reliance on God seen in David's military campaigns.
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
Army, Best, David, Entire, Fighting, Fighting-men, Heareth, Hearing, Host, Joab, Jo'ab, Mighty
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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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