Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Samuel 10

After the break in 2 Samuel 9, the story goes back to David's military successes. The Ammonites were likely the dominant political power in Transjordan (the area east of the Jordan) during Saul’s reign and the early years of David’s reign.

The king of Ammon insulted David’s ambassadors, which led to two battles between Israel and Ammon (2 Samuel 10:6–12:31).

Some time later: King Hadadezer appears in 2 Samuel 10:1–19 as a strong opponent of David (2 Samuel 10:16). This seems surprising, because David had already defeated Hadadezer earlier and taken plunder from his city (2 Samuel 8:3; 7, 12). There are two possible explanations. Either Hadadezer was still alive, rebuilt his forces, and rebelled again in 2 Samuel 10:1–19. Or, 10:1–19 explains in more detail the events summarized in 8:1–18 and prepares the reader for what happens next in 11:1–27.

In both 2 Samuel 9 and 10, David wanted to show loyalty (chesed, a Hebrew word meaning faithful love and committed kindness). This word also appears in 2 Samuel 9:1, 3.

• This act was meant to cause extreme shame and public ridicule. In that culture, a man’s beard was a sign of honor and dignity. Cutting off only half made the humiliation visible and impossible to hide.

• cut off their garments: This action exposed the men’s bodies and brought further shame. Public exposure of the body was linked with military defeat and exile in the ancient world (Isaiah 20). The prophet Isaiah describes similar acts of humiliation connected with conquest and captivity.

The city of Jericho had not been officially rebuilt (see 1 Kings 16:34). However, the site lay next to the largest and most reliable spring in the land, so people continued to live nearby.

Anyone traveling from Ammon to Jerusalem would pass by this area. Because of this, Jericho provided a quiet and private place where the men could stay hidden while they recovered from their humiliation.

• Aramean foot soldiers: See 2 Samuel 8:5–6.

• Beth-rehob and Zobah: See 2 Samuel 8:3, 12.

• Tob may refer to a smaller kingdom and region ruled by a vassal king (a local ruler under the control of a stronger king). In this case, Tob was likely under the authority of Hadadezer.

The Israelites had a double battle: against the Ammonites in front of their fortifications at the entrance of the city gate and against the Aramean army in the open fields.

Be strong: Before battles, a priest or leader often gave speeches to encourage the people (compare Numbers 31:6; Deuteronomy 20:2; Judges 4:14; 1 Samuel 4:4; 14:3; 23:9).

• Hadadezer: See study note on 2 Samuel 10:1.

• The location of Helam is unknown.

• This passage suggests that David had expanded his kingdom as far north as the Euphrates River (see also study note on 2 Samuel 8:3).