2 Samuel 10:19

And 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.

And when all the kings {H4428} that were servants {H5650} to Hadarezer {H1928} saw {H7200} that they were smitten {H5062} before {H6440} Israel {H3478}, they made peace {H7999} with Israel {H3478}, and served {H5647} them. So the Syrians {H758} feared {H3372} to help {H3467} the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} any more.

When all Hadad'ezer's vassal kings saw that they had been defeated by Isra'el, they made peace with Isra'el and became their subjects. So Aram was afraid to help the people of 'Amon any more.

When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore.

And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.

Commentary

2 Samuel 10:19 KJV Commentary

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse concludes a pivotal phase in King David's reign, marking a significant expansion of Israel's influence and power. The conflict began when the Ammonites, led by King Hanun, severely insulted David's envoys, mistaking their diplomatic mission for espionage. This act of aggression, detailed in 2 Samuel 10:4, escalated into war. The Ammonites, fearing Israel's might, hired a vast mercenary force from the Aramean (Syrian) kingdoms, primarily led by Hadarezer, king of Zobah. David's military, under the command of Joab, decisively defeated the Ammonites and their Syrian allies in two major battles. The first battle saw the rout of the Ammonites and some Syrian forces, while the second, even larger confrontation, resulted in a crushing defeat for Hadarezer's confederacy, as described in 2 Samuel 10:18. Verse 19 describes the immediate aftermath of this overwhelming victory.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Israel's Victory: The swift and decisive defeat of such a formidable alliance highlights God's hand in protecting and empowering His chosen people. Israel's success was not merely due to military prowess but to divine favor, reinforcing the idea that the LORD preserved David wherever he went.
  • Consequences of Opposition: The kings who had served Hadarezer learned a harsh lesson about opposing God's anointed king and His people. Their defeat led directly to their submission, illustrating the futility of fighting against divine purposes.
  • Expansion of Davidic Kingdom: By making peace and serving Israel, these formerly hostile kingdoms effectively became vassal states, expanding David's sphere of influence and control. This fulfilled prophecies of Israel's dominion over surrounding nations.
  • Fear and Submission: The phrase "So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more" underscores the psychological impact of Israel's victory. The fear instilled in the defeated nations ensured their submission and prevented further alliances against Israel, establishing a period of relative peace and security for David's kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The word "smitten" (Hebrew: Χ ΦΈΧ’Φ·Χ£, nagaph) implies a decisive, often catastrophic defeat or striking down. It emphasizes the completeness of Israel's victory over the allied forces. The phrase "served them" signifies that these kings became tributaries or vassals to Israel, obligated to pay tribute and potentially provide military support, rather than merely ceasing hostilities. This established a new political reality in the region.

Practical Application

This passage offers several timeless lessons:

  • Trust in God's Deliverance: Just as God fought for Israel, believers today can trust that God fights on their behalf against spiritual and sometimes physical adversaries.
  • Consequences of Hostility: Those who actively oppose God's will or His people may face significant repercussions. The narrative serves as a warning against aligning oneself with unrighteous causes.
  • The Power of Reputation: Israel's military success, backed by God, created a reputation that instilled fear and respect among neighboring nations. Similarly, a life lived in obedience to God can have a powerful, positive influence on those around us, even inspiring respect from former adversaries.
  • Achieving Peace Through Strength: While the Bible advocates for peace, this account shows that at times, decisive action is necessary to establish peace and secure one's borders against aggression, leading to a state where former enemies "feared to help" and instead sought accord.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 8:6

    Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, [and] brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

  • Judges 1:7

    And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered [their meat] under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.

  • Genesis 14:1

    ΒΆ And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;

  • Genesis 14:5

    And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that [were] with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,

  • Isaiah 26:11

    LORD, [when] thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: [but] they shall see, and be ashamed for [their] envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

  • Psalms 18:37

    I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.

  • Psalms 18:38

    I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.