2 Samuel 10:17
And 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.
And when it was told {H5046} David {H1732}, he gathered {H622} all Israel {H3478} together {H622}, and passed over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}, and came {H935} to Helam {H2431}. And the Syrians {H758} set themselves in array {H6186} against {H7125} David {H1732}, and fought {H3898} with him.
It was reported to David; so he gathered all Isra'el together, crossed the Yarden and came to Heilam. Aram deployed themselves against David and fought him.
When 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.
And it was told David; and he gathered all Israel together, and passed over the Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.
Cross-References
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1 Chronicles 19:17
And it was told David; and he gathered all Israel, and passed over Jordan, and came upon them, and set [the battle] in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him.
Commentary
2 Samuel 10:17 describes a pivotal moment in King David's military campaigns against the allied forces of the Ammonites and Syrians. Following an initial engagement where the Syrians were defeated but regrouped with greater numbers, David takes personal command, demonstrating his decisive leadership.
Context
This verse follows the initial phase of the war with the Ammonites, which began when King Hanun of Ammon grievously insulted David's envoys (see 2 Samuel 10:4). This insult escalated into a major conflict. Joab, David's commander, had already engaged the combined Ammonite and Syrian forces in a previous battle (2 Samuel 10:9-14). However, the Syrians, particularly those from beyond the Euphrates (Aram-Naharaim), reinforced their armies, posing a significant threat. David's direct involvement signifies the seriousness of the renewed Syrian challenge, demanding the king's personal attention and the full might of Israel's army.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "passed over Jordan" (Hebrew: ืขึธืึทืจ ืึถืชึพืึทืึผึทืจึฐืึผึตื, 'avar et-hayarden) simply means to cross the Jordan River. This geographical movement is significant, as the Jordan often served as a natural boundary. Crossing it indicated an offensive maneuver into enemy territory or to confront an enemy that had crossed into Israelite influence. The location "Helam" is generally identified as a place in Transjordan, possibly near the border with Syria, serving as the staging ground for this decisive battle.
Practical Application
This verse offers insights into leadership and commitment. In times of significant challenge or threat, true leaders rise to the occasion, mobilizing resources and personally engaging with the problem. David's willingness to lead his people into battle, even after initial victories, demonstrates perseverance and a commitment to protecting his nation. For believers, this can be a reminder to not grow complacent after initial successes, but to remain vigilant and prayerfully seek God's guidance in facing continued challenges, trusting that strength comes from the Lord.
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