War with the Ammonites and Syrians
2 Samuel 10:1-19
2 S.10.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- כן: ADV
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- תחתיו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 19:1 (verbal): Direct retelling of the same episode in Chronicles—the death of the Ammonite king and the accession of his son (parallel narrative wording).
- 2 Samuel 10:2 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation that explains David's motive for sending condolences—identifies the deceased as Nahash who had shown kindness to David.
- 1 Samuel 11:1 (thematic): Earlier appearance of Nahash the Ammonite king (besieging Jabesh‑Gilead); provides background on Nahash as a notable Ammonite ruler referenced in Samuel.
- Jeremiah 49:1 (thematic): Prophetic oracle concerning the Ammonites; situates the Ammonite monarchy within the wider prophetic and historical treatment of Ammon in the Hebrew Bible.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass afterward that the king of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun reigned in his place.
- And it came to pass afterward that the king of the sons of Ammon died, and his son Hanun reigned in his stead.
2 S.10.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- חנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- עמדי: PREP+1cs
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לנחמו: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,3,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- אל: NEG
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.9:1-13 (verbal): David pledges and performs chesed (’aseh chesed) on behalf of a fallen friend’s house (Mephibosheth for Jonathan), using the same verb and covenantal motive as his promise to Hanun’s house.
- 1 Sam.11:1-11 (allusion): Introduces Nahash the Ammonite earlier in the narrative world; helps explain the identity/background of ‘Nahash’ mentioned in 2 Sam 10:2 and frames Ammonite–Israelite relations.
- 2 Sam.10:3-5 (structural): Immediate narrative contrast: David’s envoy sent to show kindness/comfort is dishonored by Hanun’s princes (shaving and humiliation), turning David’s intended chesed into a casus belli.
- Ruth 1:16-17 (thematic): Exemplifies the broader biblical motif of hesed/loyalty and covenantal kindness across relationships and generations—the ethical principle motivating David’s offer to Hanun.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me." So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father, and the servants of David came into the land of the Ammonites.
- And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father; and the servants of David came to the land of the Ammonites to comfort him.
2 S.10.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- חנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדניהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- המכבד: ADJ,m,sg,def
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
- כי: CONJ
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- מנחמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הלוא: PART
- בעבור: PREP
- חקור: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ולרגלה: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf,-,f,sg
- ולהפכה: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf,-,f,sg
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 19:3 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the same episode; the princes of Ammon advise Hanun that David's envoys are spies seeking to undermine the city.
- 2 Samuel 10:1-2 (structural): Immediate narrative context: David learns of Nahash’s death and sends envoys to comfort Hanun, the action that provokes the princes’ suspicion in v.3.
- 2 Samuel 10:4-5 (structural): The princes’ counsel leads directly to Hanun’s humiliation of David’s envoys (shaving and stripping), showing the result of the suspicion expressed in v.3.
- 1 Chronicles 19:4-7 (verbal): Parallel continuation in Chronicles that mirrors Samuel’s account of the mistreatment of the envoys and the ensuing conflict with David.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, "Do you think that David honors your father in your eyes because he has sent comforters to you? Is it not to search the city, to spy it out, to overthrow it that he has sent them?"
- But the princes of the sons of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think David is honoring your father by sending you comforters? Is it not to probe the city, to spy out its openings, and to overthrow it?”
2 S.10.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חנון: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויגלח: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- חצי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זקנם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,pl
- ויכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מדויהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,pl
- בחצי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- שתותיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,pl
- וישלחם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf_wq,3,m,sg;obj=3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 19:4-5 (structural): Parallel retelling of the same episode; Chronicles records Hanun humiliating David’s envoys by shaving their beards and cutting their garments (essentially the same wording/event).
- Ezekiel 5:1-2 (thematic): Ezekiel is commanded to shave his head and beard and divide the hair as a sign of judgment—uses shaving/cutting of hair/beard as a symbolic act of humiliation and judgment similar to Hanun’s treatment of the envoys.
- Judges 16:19 (thematic): Delilah has Samson’s hair cut, resulting in his humiliation and loss of strength—another instance where cutting hair functions as disgrace and defeat.
- Leviticus 19:27 (thematic): Legal prohibition against shaving the edges of the beard highlights the cultural/religious importance of beards and explains why partially shaving the envoys was a profound insult and dishonoring act.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half their beards, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away.
- So Hanun seized David’s servants, shaved off half their beards, cut their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away.
2 S.10.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לקראתם: PREP,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נכלמים: VERB,nip,ptcp,m,pl
- מאד: ADV
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שבו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- בירחו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,pl
- עד: PREP
- יצמח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- זקנכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,pl
- ושבתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 19:1-3 (structural): Parallel retelling of the same incident: David's envoys are humiliated by Hanun, the men are ashamed, and David's immediate response mirrors 2 Samuel 10:1–5.
- 2 Samuel 10:1-4 (structural): Immediate context: describes the insult (shaving and tearing of garments) that produced the shame of the men mentioned in v.5.
- 2 Samuel 10:6-8 (structural): Direct continuation of the episode: David sends Joab to meet the Ammonites/Syrians and organizes the military response following the humiliation noted in v.5.
- 1 Chronicles 19:4-8 (structural): Parallel account of Joab's campaign and the hiring of Aramean allies, corresponding to the events that follow the pause David orders in v.5.
Alternative generated candidates
- When they told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, "Return, stay at Jerusalem until your beards have grown, and then return."
- When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed; and the king said, “Return, stay at Jericho until your beards have grown; and then come back.”
2 S.10.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נבאשו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,pl
- בדוד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישלחו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישכרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רחוב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צובא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- ואת: CONJ
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מעכה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 19:6-8 (verbal): A near-verbatim parallel: the Chronicler repeats the list of Aramean forces hired by the Ammonites (Aram of Beth-rehob, Aram Zobah, king of Maacah, and men of Tob) with very similar numbers and wording.
- 2 Samuel 10:9-14 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation describing Joab and the Israelite commanders' response and the ensuing battles in which the hired Aramean contingents are defeated—directly linked to the forces named in v.6.
- 2 Samuel 8:3-8 (thematic): Earlier chapter recounting David's victories over Hadadezer and the Arameans (including forces from Zobah and Beth-rehob), providing the broader context of Israel–Aram military conflict that frames the allied forces mentioned in 10:6.
- 1 Chronicles 18:3-6 (thematic): Parallel to 2 Samuel 8:3-8 in the Chronicler's account of David's campaigns against Aramean kings and forces—echoes the same Israel–Aram struggle and outcomes relevant to the coalition hired by the Ammonites.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the Ammonites saw that they were a stench to David, the Ammonites hired the Arameans of Beth-rehob and of Zobah, twenty thousand foot soldiers; and the king of Maacah brought one thousand men, and the men of Tob twelve thousand men.
- When the sons of Ammon saw that they were humiliated before David, the Ammonites hired the Arameans of Beth-rehob and Aram-zobah—twenty thousand foot soldiers; and the king of Maacah with a thousand men; and the men of Tob twelve thousand.
2 S.10.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Chron.19.6 (verbal): Near‑identical account in Chronicles — David hears and sends Joab and all the mighty men (direct parallel to Samuel 10:7).
- 2 Sam.11.1 (verbal): David dispatches Joab and the army to war (besiege Rabbah); similar wording and motif of the king sending Joab with the host.
- 2 Sam.8.16 (structural): Notes Joab’s official role as commander of the host — explains why David routinely sends Joab to lead military forces. (See also 1 Chron.18:15.)
- 2 Sam.18.5 (thematic): David gives orders to Joab and the commanders regarding a major military engagement (Absalom’s rebellion) — the recurring pattern of the king directing Joab and the army.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David heard of it and sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men.
- And David heard of it and sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men.
2 S.10.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויערכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צובא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ורחוב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ומעכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לבדם: ADV+PRON,3,m,pl
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1Chron.19.8 (verbal): Nearly identical account in Chronicles — same list/phrase describing the Ammonites and the Aramean contingents arrayed at the gate and in the field (verbal parallel/duplicate).
- 2Sam.10.9 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel/continuation — names the Aramean kings (Rehob, Zobah, Tob, Maacah) who join the Ammonites, echoing and expanding the military muster described in v.8.
- 2Sam.8.3 (thematic): Earlier Davidic warfare against Aramean polities (Zobah/Hadadezer) — shows the recurring motif of conflicts with Aramean states and the same geopolitical actors appearing as foes.
- Gen.14.2-9 (thematic): Coalition of allied kings going out to fight 'in the field' — a broader biblical motif of multiple kings/coalitions assembling for battle that parallels the scene of allied forces arrayed against Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Ammonites came out and formed battle at the entrance of the gate; and the Arameans of Zobah, Rehob, Tob, and Maacah were in the open country.
- The sons of Ammon came out and took their stand for battle at the entrance of the gate, while the Arameans of Zobah, Rehob, the men of Tob, and Maacah were drawn up by themselves in the open field.
2 S.10.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מפנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומאחור: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מכל: PREP
- בחורי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויערך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לקראת: PREP
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chron 19:9 (verbal): Near-verbatim retelling of the same event: Chronicles repeats that Joab saw there would be fighting on both front and rear and chose out of all the mighty men to array against the Syrians.
- 2 Sam 10:11 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Joab divides the people and sets parts of the army in motion — a structural parallel that completes the military decision described in 10:9.
- 1 Chron 12:1 (thematic): Lists the 'mighty men' who gathered to David; thematically parallels 2 Sam 10:9's emphasis on selecting Israel's valiant fighters for combat.
- Judges 7:7 (thematic): Different episode of battlefield assessment and selection of troops (Gideon’s reduction/selection of fighters); thematically related in showing a commander’s appraisal of battle conditions and the choosing of men suited for combat.
Alternative generated candidates
- Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, so he chose from all Israel the best men and put them in array against the Arameans.
- When Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose from all the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.
2 S.10.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- יתר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אבשי: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- ויערך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לקראת: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chron 19:10 (quotation): Direct parallel/retelling of 2 Samuel 10:10 — the narrator repeats that Abishai is given command of the remaining troops against the Ammonites.
- 2 Sam 18:2 (structural): David divides his forces into sections and assigns a command to Abishai (a third under his hand), echoing the motif of delegating military command to Abishai seen in 2 Sam 10:10.
- 1 Chron 11:22 (thematic): Lists Abishai among David’s mighty men and highlights his prowess in battle (killing many foes), supporting his role here as commander of troops.
- 2 Sam 23:18 (thematic): Within the roster of David’s elite warriors Abishai appears as a leading military figure; this background parallels his leadership of the remaining forces in 2 Sam 10:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the rest of the people he gave into the hand of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites.
- And he put the rest of the people in the hand of Abishai his brother, and arrayed them against the sons of Ammon.
2 S.10.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- תחזק: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- והיתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לישועה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואם: CONJ
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יחזקו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- והלכתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- להושיע: VERB,hiph,inf,-,-,-,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chron 19:10 (verbal): Parallel retelling of the same episode with nearly identical wording — the conditional pledge to support one party if the other proves too strong (Chronicles' version of 2 Samuel 10:11).
- Exod 17:12 (thematic): Aaron and Hur support Moses' hands during the battle with Amalek so Israel prevails — a theme of mutual/physical support in warfare and a leader relying on others to secure victory, echoing the conditional pledge of assistance in 2 Sam 10:11.
- 2 Kgs 3:7-8 (thematic): Kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom form an alliance and pledge mutual aid to fight Moab — a comparable instance of inter‑kingdom military cooperation and conditional support.
- 1 Sam 30:23-24 (thematic): David's declaration to share the spoils equally with those who stayed behind and those who fought highlights a leader's obligation to support and reward allies/assistants, resonating with the reciprocal‑support motif in 2 Sam 10:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joab said, "If the Arameans prevail against me, then you shall help me; but if the Ammonites prevail against you, then I will come and help you.
- And Joab said, “If the Arameans prevail against me, you shall help me; but if the sons of Ammon prevail against you, I will come and help you.
2 S.10.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חזק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ונתחזק: VERB,nip,impf,cohort,1,pl
- בעד: PREP
- עמנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ובעד: CONJ+PREP
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- הטוב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
Parallels
- 1Chron.19.13 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the same rallying cry; wording and context (urging strength for the people and cities and leaving the outcome to YHWH) are nearly identical to 2 Samuel 10:12.
- 1Sam.30.6 (thematic): David 'encouraged himself in the LORD' when his men despaired—same motif of mustering courage/trust in God before action and relying on Yahweh for the outcome.
- Ps.27.14 (thematic): 'Wait on the LORD: be of good courage...'—an exhortation to courage coupled with trust in the Lord's sustaining action, paralleling the call to be strong and leave success to God.
- Isa.41.10 (thematic): God's promise 'I will strengthen you; ... I will help you' echoes the reversal of human fear into divine-enabled strength and trust that God will act for his people.
Alternative generated candidates
- Be strong, and let us be of good courage for our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what seems good to him."
- Be strong, and let us strengthen ourselves for our people and for the cities of our God; and the LORD do what is good in his sight.”
2 S.10.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בארם: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- מפניו: PREP+3ms
Parallels
- 1 Chron.19.13 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the same episode: Joab and the men with him draw near to battle against the Arameans and the foe flees — Chronicles retells the Samuel narrative with similar wording.
- 2 Sam.10.18 (structural): Immediate sequel in the same narrative cycle: after the Arameans flee Joab/Israel press the advantage and David later pursues, showing the outcome of the clash described in v.13.
- 2 Sam.8.6 (thematic): Earlier report of David’s victories over the Syrians/Arameans and their subjugation; thematically parallels Joab’s successful engagement against Aram in ch.10.
- 1 Chron.18.3-5 (thematic): Parallel account to 2 Samuel 8 recounting David’s defeat of Hadadezer and the Syrians; thematically related as part of the broader pattern of Israel’s campaigns against Aram reflected in 2 Samuel 10.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to fight against the Arameans; and they fled before him.
- So Joab and the people who were with him came near to fight against the Arameans; and they fled before him.
2 S.10.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- כי: CONJ
- נס: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- מפני: PREP
- אבישי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעל: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 19:13-14 (structural): Chronicles retells the same episode: the Syrians flee, the Ammonites see this and also flee before Abishai, and Joab/Abishai return to Jerusalem — a parallel account of the same events.
- 2 Samuel 10:11-13 (verbal): Immediate context in the same chapter: these verses describe the Syrians' rout and the Ammonites' subsequent flight before Abishai, with Joab returning to Jerusalem — language and action closely mirror v.14.
- 2 Samuel 8:6-8 (thematic): An earlier account of Israelite victories over Aramean (Syrian) forces and Joab’s involvement; thematically connected as part of David’s wider successes against Syria and its allies.
- 1 Chronicles 19:12 (verbal): Verse 12 (Chronicles) parallels the pursuit by Abishai that routs the Syrians — it sets up the same sequence causing the Ammonites to leave their city and the subsequent return to Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Abishai, and entered their city. Then Joab returned from the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.
- When the sons of Ammon saw that the Arameans fled, they also fled before Abishai; and they entered the city. Then Joab returned to Jerusalem.
2 S.10.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נגף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאספו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- יחד: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Chron.19.15 (verbal): Chronicles retells the same episode; 1 Chr 19:15 corresponds closely to 2 Sam 10:15 (the Arameans/Syrians see they are defeated and gather themselves).
- 1 Chron.19.16 (verbal): Direct parallel/continuation in Chronicles: the Syrians of Damascus come to help Hadadezer, mirroring the narrative flow of 2 Sam 10:16 after v.15's gathering.
- 2 Sam.10.16 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation in Samuel: after the Syrians gather (v.15), the Syrians of Damascus come to aid Hadadezer (v.16), showing the assembled coalition referred to in v.15.
- 2 Sam.10.17 (thematic): Describes the battle's outcome after the Syrians assemble—Joab and Abishai defeat the assembled forces—providing the consequence of the gathering described in v.15.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the Arameans gathered themselves together from beyond the Jordan.
- When the Arameans saw that they were defeated before Israel, they gathered themselves together.
2 S.10.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הדדעזר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מעבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנהר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- חילם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prsfx=3mp
- ושובך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,const
- הדדעזר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Chron.19.15 (verbal): Near-identical retelling of the same episode: Hadadezer sends the Syrians from beyond the river to Helam, with Shobach as commander.
- 2 Sam.8.3-4 (thematic): Earlier conflict with Hadadezer and the Arameans; provides background on Israel's recurring warfare with Hadadezer's forces.
- 1 Chron.18.3-4 (verbal): Parallel account to 2 Samuel 8 describing David's victory over Hadadezer and control of territory beyond the river—background for Hadadezer's continued military activity.
- 2 Sam.10.6-8 (structural): Immediate narrative context in the same chapter describing the recruitment/movement of Aramean troops to support the Ammonites and naming their commanders.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River; and they came to Helam, and Shobach, commander of Hadadezer’s army, went before them.
- Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the river; and they came to Helam, with Shobach, the commander of Hadadezer’s army, going out before them.
2 S.10.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- חלאמה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויערכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לקראת: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילחמו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 19:18 (quotation): Direct retelling of the same episode—David crosses the Jordan, comes to Helam, and the Syrians array themselves against him (chronicle parallel to 2 Sam 10:17).
- 2 Samuel 8:3-8 (thematic): Earlier account of David’s campaigns against Hadadezer and the Arameans—similar motif of David fighting Syrian forces and subduing them beyond the Jordan/Euphrates region.
- 1 Chronicles 18:3-6 (thematic): Chronicles’ summary of David’s victories over Aram/Zobah parallels the military conflict with Syrian forces described in 2 Samuel 10.
- 2 Samuel 10:18 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same battle narrative; describes the outcome of the engagement after the Syrians array themselves against David in Helam.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was told David; so he assembled all Israel and crossed the Jordan, and came to Helam. The Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought with him.
- It was told David, and he gathered all Israel and crossed the Jordan, and came to Helam; and the Arameans were drawn up against David for battle.
2 S.10.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וינס: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהרג: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מארם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וארבעים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- פרשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- שובך: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבאו: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3m
- הכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 19:18 (verbal): Essentially the same account as 2 Sam 10:18 — identical report of Arameans fleeing and David slaying 700 chariots and 40,000 horsemen, with the death of Shobach (or Shobak).
- 2 Samuel 8:4 (thematic): Another report of David's victories over Aramean/near eastern forces that highlights the defeat of chariots and horsemen and David's military dominance; thematically parallel in depicting large-scale destruction of enemy cavalry/chariot forces.
- 1 Chronicles 18:4–5 (thematic): Parallel chronicler’s account of David’s campaigns that mentions the capture/defeat of chariots and horsemen and summarizes David’s subjugation of surrounding kings — a thematic parallel to the Aramean defeat in 2 Sam 10:18.
- Joshua 11:4–9 (thematic): Narrative of Israel routing a coalition with many chariots and horsemen; thematically comparable in portraying the rout of chariot/horse forces and Israel’s decisive victory over superior military resources.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David struck down of the Arameans seven hundred chariots and forty thousand horsemen; and Shobach, commander of their army, he struck down, and he died there.
- And the Arameans fled before Israel, and David struck down seven hundred chariots of the Arameans and forty thousand horsemen; and he struck down Shobach, the commander of their army, who died there.
2 S.10.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- המלכים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הדדעזר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- נגפו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישלמו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעבדום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להושיע: VERB,hiph,inf,-,-,-,abs
- עוד: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 19:19 (verbal): Direct parallel retelling of the same episode — the kings who served Hadadezer make peace with and serve Israel because they were defeated and feared Israel.
- 2 Samuel 8:6 (verbal): Earlier summary of David’s victories over Hadadezer and Damascus — likewise reports the Arameans/Syrians becoming servants to Israel and bringing tribute (similar language of subjection and peace).
- 1 Chronicles 18:3-6 (structural): Chronicles’ consolidated account of David’s campaigns parallels the motif and structure here: subjugation of Aramean kings, installation of garrisons, and nations becoming servants to Israel.
- Joshua 2:9-11 (thematic): Rahab’s testimony that the inhabitants ‘faint before us’ because they have heard how the LORD gave Israel victory — parallels the theme that fear of Israel (and YHWH’s power) causes foreign rulers to make peace and submit.
Alternative generated candidates
- When all the kings who were servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated before Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them; and the Arameans no longer helped the Ammonites.
- When all the kings who were servants of Hadadezer saw that they were defeated before Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them; and the Arameans were afraid to help the sons of Ammon any more.
And it came to pass afterward that the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father; and the servants of David went into the land of the Ammonites. But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Is David honoring your father in your sight because he has sent you comforters? Have not his servants come to you to search the city, to spy it out, and to overthrow it?” So Hanun seized David’s servants, shaved off half of their beards, cut their garments at the hips to their buttocks, and sent them away.
When it was told David, he sent and brought them back, for the men were greatly ashamed; and the king said, “Return home; stay there until your beards have grown, then come back.”
When the Ammonites saw that they had become a disgrace before David, the Ammonites hired the Arameans of Beth‑rehob and the Arameans of Zobah, twenty thousand footmen, and the king of Maacah with one thousand men, and twelve thousand men from Tob. And David heard of it and sent Joab and all the mighty men of the host.
The Ammonites went out and made a stand at the entrance of the gate, while the Arameans of Zobah, Rehob, the men of Tob, and Maacah stood separately in the field.
Joab saw that the battle spread against him before and behind; so he chose from all Israel the best of the young men and arrayed them against the Arameans. And he put the rest of the people in the hand of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. And he said, “If the Arameans prevail against me, then you shall help me; and if the Ammonites prevail against you, then I will come and help you.
Be strong, and let us strengthen ourselves for our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in his sight.” So Joab and the people who were with him came to fight against the Arameans, and they fled before him.
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they fled before Abishai and withdrew into the city; and Joab returned from the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.
When the Arameans saw that they were defeated before Israel, they gathered themselves together.
Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the river; they came to Helam, and Shobach, commander of his host, went out before them.
When it was told David, he gathered all Israel and crossed the Jordan and came to Helam; and the Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought him.
The Arameans fled before Israel, and David struck down from the Arameans seven hundred chariots and forty thousand horsemen; and Shobach, commander of their host, he struck down, and he died there.
All the kings who were servants of Hadadezer saw that they were defeated before Israel; they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. And the Arameans ceased to help the Ammonites.