Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Hadadezer had Arameans brought from beyond the Euphrates River; they went to Helam, with Shobak the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. New Living Translation they were joined by additional Aramean troops summoned by Hadadezer from the other side of the Euphrates River. These troops arrived at Helam under the command of Shobach, the commander of Hadadezer’s forces. English Standard Version And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the Euphrates. They came to Helam, with Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head. Berean Standard Bible Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. King James Bible And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them. New King James Version Then Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the River, and they came to Helam. And Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army went before them. New American Standard Bible And Hadadezer sent word and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer led them. NASB 1995 And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River, and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer led them. NASB 1977 And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River, and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer led them. Legacy Standard Bible And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River, and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer led them. Amplified Bible Hadadezer sent word and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River [Euphrates]; and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer led them. Christian Standard Bible Hadadezer sent messengers to bring the Arameans who were beyond the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam with Shobach, commander of Hadadezer’s army, leading them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Hadadezer sent messengers to bring the Arameans who were across the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam with Shobach, commander of Hadadezer’s army, leading them. American Standard Version And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the River: and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer at their head. Contemporary English Version Hadadezer sent messengers to call in the Arameans who were on the other side of the Euphrates River. Then Shobach, the commander of Hadadezer's army, led them to the town of Helam. English Revised Version And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the River: and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer at their head. GOD'S WORD® Translation Hadadezer sent [messengers] to get Arameans from beyond the Euphrates River. The Arameans came to Helam with Shobach, the commander of Hadadezer's army, leading them. Good News Translation King Hadadezer sent for the Syrians who were on the east side of the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam under the command of Shobach, commander of the army of King Hadadezer of Zobah. International Standard Version Hadadezer sent for the Arameans who lived beyond the Euphrates River, and they set out for Helam, with Shobach leading them as commander of Hadadezer's army. NET Bible Then Hadadezer sent for Arameans from beyond the Euphrates River, and they came to Helam. Shobach, the general in command of Hadadezer's army, led them. New Heart English Bible Hadadezer sent, and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River: and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the army of Hadadezer at their head. Webster's Bible Translation And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. World English Bible Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the River; and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the army of Hadadezer at their head. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Hadadezer sends, and brings out Aram which [is] beyond the River, and they come to Helam, and Shobach, head of the host of Hadadezer, [is] before them. Young's Literal Translation and Hadadezer sendeth, and bringeth out Aram which is beyond the River, and they come in to Helam, and Shobach head of the host of Hadadezer is before them. Smith's Literal Translation And Hadadezer will send and will bring forth Aram that was beyond the river: and they will come to Helam and Shobach, chief of the army of Hadadezer, before them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Adarezer sent and fetched the Syrians, that were beyond the river, and brought over their army: and Sobach, the captain of the host of Adarezer, was their general. Catholic Public Domain Version And Hadadezer sent and brought the Syrians who were beyond the river, and he led in their army. And Shobach, the rule of the military of Hadadezer, was their leader. New American Bible Hadadezer sent for and brought Arameans from beyond the River. They came to Helam, with Shobach, the captain of Hadadezer’s army, at their head. New Revised Standard Version Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the Euphrates; and they came to Helam, with Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Hadarezer sent and brought out the Arameans that were beyond the river Euphrates; and they came to Helam; and Shobach the general of Hadarezer's army went before them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Hedarezar sent and he brought out Adum which was from across the river, and they came to Khilam, and Shubak the General of the army of Hedarezar went before them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Hadadezer sent, and brought out the Arameans that were beyond the River; and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the host of Hadadezer at their head. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Adraazar sent and gathered the Syrians from the other side of the river Chalamak, and they came to Aelam; and Sobac the captain of the host of Adraazar was at their head. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Defeats Ammon and Aram…15When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they regrouped. 16Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. 17When 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.… Cross References 1 Chronicles 19:16-19 When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. / When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, advanced toward the Arameans, and arrayed for battle against them. When David lined up to engage them in battle, they fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army. ... 2 Samuel 8:3-8 David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. / David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots. / When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of their men. ... 1 Kings 11:23-25 And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah, / and had gathered men to himself. When David killed the Zobaites, Rezon captained a band of raiders and went to Damascus, where they settled and gained control. / Rezon was Israel’s enemy throughout the days of Solomon, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled over Aram with hostility toward Israel. Psalm 83:5-8 For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— / the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, / of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. ... Isaiah 7:1-2 Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. / When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. Isaiah 8:9-10 Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! / Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.” Jeremiah 46:9-10 Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth—Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow. / For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of Hosts, a day of vengeance against His foes. The sword will devour until it is satisfied, until it is quenched with their blood. For the Lord GOD of Hosts will hold a sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates. Ezekiel 38:5-6 Persia, Cush, and Put will accompany them, all with shields and helmets, / as well as Gomer with all its troops, and Beth-togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you. Joshua 11:4-5 So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots. / All these kings joined forces and encamped at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel. Judges 3:12-13 Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. So He gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. / After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms. 1 Samuel 14:47 After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. 2 Kings 24:2 And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets. Nehemiah 4:7-8 When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious, / and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance. Matthew 24:6-7 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Luke 21:10 Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Treasury of Scripture And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them. Hadarezer 2 Samuel 8:3-8 David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates… 1 Chronicles 18:3,5 And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates… the river. 1 Chronicles 19:16 And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them. Jump to Previous Aram Aramaeans Arameans Army Captain Commander Drew Euphra'tes Forth Hadadezer Hadade'zer Hadadezer's Hadarezer Head Helam Host Led River Shobach Side SyriansJump to Next Aram Aramaeans Arameans Army Captain Commander Drew Euphra'tes Forth Hadadezer Hadade'zer Hadadezer's Hadarezer Head Helam Host Led River Shobach Side Syrians2 Samuel 10 1. David's messengers, sent to comfort Hanun are villainously treated6. The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, overcome by Joab and Abishai 15. Shobuch, making a new supply of the Syrains at Helam, is slain by David Hadadezer sent messengers Hadadezer was the king of Zobah, a region in Syria. His actions reflect the common practice of ancient Near Eastern kings to form alliances and gather reinforcements when threatened. This phrase indicates Hadadezer's strategic response to the defeat of his forces by David's army, as recorded earlier in 2 Samuel 10. The sending of messengers highlights the communication networks and diplomatic efforts typical of the period. to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them Persons / Places / Events 1. HadadezerA king of Zobah, an Aramean kingdom. He was a significant adversary of Israel during King David's reign. 2. Arameans A group of people from the region of Aram, often in conflict with Israel. They were known for their skilled warriors and chariots. 3. Euphrates A major river in the Middle East, often serving as a geographical boundary in biblical times. 4. Helam A location where the battle took place between the Israelites and the Arameans. 5. Shobach The commander of Hadadezer’s army, leading the Aramean forces against Israel. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in ConflictDespite the formidable alliance against Israel, God’s sovereignty is evident. Believers can trust in God’s control over their circumstances, even when facing overwhelming opposition. The Importance of Leadership Shobach’s role as a commander highlights the influence of leadership in warfare. In spiritual battles, strong, godly leadership is crucial for victory. The Consequences of Alliances Hadadezer’s alliance with the Arameans serves as a reminder of the impact of our associations. Christians should be discerning about their partnerships and alliances. Faithfulness in Adversity David’s consistent reliance on God during conflicts encourages believers to remain faithful and trust in God’s deliverance in times of trouble. Historical Context and Spiritual Lessons Understanding the historical context of biblical events enriches our comprehension of spiritual truths and their application in our lives today. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 10:16?2. How does 2 Samuel 10:16 demonstrate God's sovereignty over Israel's enemies? 3. What role does Joab play in the events of 2 Samuel 10:16? 4. How can we trust God when facing overwhelming opposition like Israel did? 5. What similar situations in Scripture show God delivering His people from enemies? 6. How can believers today apply the lessons from 2 Samuel 10:16 in spiritual battles? 7. Why did Hadadezer summon Arameans from beyond the Euphrates in 2 Samuel 10:16? 8. What does 2 Samuel 10:16 reveal about ancient Near Eastern military alliances? 9. How does 2 Samuel 10:16 reflect God's sovereignty over nations? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 10? 11. (2 Samuel 16) Are there any independent historical or archaeological records confirming these specific events and people mentioned in this chapter? 12. Why does 1 Chronicles 16 differ from 2 Samuel 6 in describing the Ark's journey and the people's offerings? 13. How can 1 Chronicles 10's account that Saul died by falling on his own sword (1 Chronicles 10:4) be reconciled with 2 Samuel 1:10, where an Amalekite claims to have killed him? 14. In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13? What Does 2 Samuel 10:16 Mean Hadadezer sent messengers• The verse opens with decisive action: “Hadadezer sent messengers” (2 Samuel 10:16). This king of Zobah had already tasted defeat at David’s hand (2 Samuel 8:3–4), so his outreach signals an intentional regrouping, not a casual alliance. • Similar royal networking appears when Ben-hadad heeds King Asa’s request against Israel (1 Kings 15:18-20), showing how rulers leveraged diplomacy and military pacts to counter God’s people. • The messengers reveal Hadadezer’s determination to resist David’s expanding kingdom—foreshadowed in Psalm 2:1-2 where “the kings of the earth take their stand… against the LORD and against His Anointed.” to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates • He seeks “more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates,” tapping distant kin for reinforcements. This is north-Mesopotamian territory, the region of “Aram-naharaim” (Psalm 60, title), underscoring how far opposition will travel to challenge God’s purposes. • The scale of the call-up echoes the eastern coalition Abram defeated (Genesis 14:1-16), reminding us that numerical strength never guarantees victory when God is on the other side (Psalm 33:16-17). • In 1 Chronicles 19:16 Hadadezer “sent word and summoned the Arameans who were beyond the River,” a parallel account that confirms the historical detail and highlights Scripture’s internal harmony. and they came to Helam • “They came to Helam” brings the coalition into Israel’s sphere. Helam likely lay east of the Jordan, a strategic staging ground. • The move imitates earlier invasions: Pharaoh Neco met Josiah at Megiddo (2 Kings 23:29), and Sennacherib advanced to Lachish (2 Chronicles 32:9). Enemy forces repeatedly step onto covenant soil, only to discover God defends what He has promised (Joshua 1:3-5). • David will meet them there (2 Samuel 10:17), illustrating godly leadership that confronts threat head-on rather than waiting passively (cf. 1 Samuel 17:48). with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them • Hadadezer’s confidence rests in Shobach, “the commander of Hadadezer’s army.” People often trust human champions—like Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4-10) or Rabshakeh (2 Kings 18:19-25)—but Scripture records their downfall when they oppose the Lord (Psalm 147:10-11). • 1 Chronicles 19:18 notes that Joab and Abishai kill “Shophak the commander,” confirming both his identity and his fate. • By naming the general, the text personalizes the conflict: this is not faceless opposition but a leader who stands against God’s anointed king and, by extension, against God Himself (2 Samuel 7:8-16). summary 2 Samuel 10:16 shows Hadadezer rallying distant Arameans and marching under a famed general to the border town of Helam. The verse exposes the lengths human power will go to resist God’s kingdom and sets the stage for God to vindicate His promise to David. Numerical might, distant alliances, and renowned commanders cannot overturn the Lord’s sovereign plan; instead, they highlight His glory when He brings victory through His chosen king. (16) Hadarezer.--On the form of the name see Note on 2Samuel 8:3. He felt the importance of the defeat he had sustained, and now evidently made an effort to rally all his forces, even calling together vassal tribes from beyond the Euphrates.They came to Helam.--The Hebrew word here is not necessarily a proper name, and might be translated their host; but as the name unquestionably occurs in 2Samuel 10:17, it is better taken as a proper name here also. It is entirely omitted in Chronicles. Its exact situation is unknown, but from 2Samuel 8:3; 1Chronicles 18:3, it is plain that it was in the general direction of the Euphrates and not very far from Hamath. Verse 16. - Hadarezer (see note on 2 Samuel 8:3). Hadarezer probably had been well content to let his subjects receive the pay of the Ammonites, and extend his empire at their cost. But as paramount king in Aram, the defeat of the mercenaries obliged him to make the war a national affair, and undertake the management of it himself. He therefore summons troops from all the Aramean states on both sides of the Euphrates, and places his own general, Shobach, in command, and makes Helam the place of gathering. Helam. No such place is known, and the word might mean "their army," in which case the translation would be, "and they came in full force." The Vulgate takes it in this way, but makes the verb the causative singular, and translates, "and he brought their army." On the other hand, the LXX., the Syriac, and the Chaldee make it a proper name here, as even the Vulgate necessarily does in ver. 17, where there can be no doubt. In the parallel place (1 Chronicles 19:16, 17) it is omitted in the first place, and in the second we find in its stead, "upon them." Either, therefore, the chronicler did not know of such a place, or the text is corrupt. Ewald and others suppose that Helam may be identified with Alamata; but we learn from 1 Chronicles 18:3 that the battle was fought near Hamath, and Alamata is on the Euphrates, too far away for David to have made his attack there.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Hadadezerהֲדַדְעֶ֗זֶר (hă·ḏaḏ·‘e·zer) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1909: Hadadezer -- 'Hadad is help(er)', an Aramean (Syrian) king sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out messengers to bring וַיֹּצֵ֤א (way·yō·ṣê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim [more] Arameans אֲרָם֙ (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria from beyond מֵעֵ֣בֶר (mê·‘ê·ḇer) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side the Euphrates, הַנָּהָ֔ר (han·nā·hār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity and they came וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to Helam חֵילָ֑ם (ḥê·lām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2431: Helam -- a place East of the Jordan with Shobach וְשׁוֹבַ֛ךְ (wə·šō·w·ḇaḵ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7731: Shobach -- an Aramean (Syrian) general the commander שַׂר־ (śar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of Hadadezer’s הֲדַדְעֶ֖זֶר (hă·ḏaḏ·‘e·zer) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1909: Hadadezer -- 'Hadad is help(er)', an Aramean (Syrian) king army צְבָ֥א (ṣə·ḇā) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign leading them. לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃ (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face Links 2 Samuel 10:16 NIV2 Samuel 10:16 NLT 2 Samuel 10:16 ESV 2 Samuel 10:16 NASB 2 Samuel 10:16 KJV 2 Samuel 10:16 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 10:16 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 10:16 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 10:16 French Bible 2 Samuel 10:16 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 10:16 Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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