Topical Bible: Syria: David: Sent Joab Against the Armies of, Hired by the Ammonites

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In the biblical narrative, the nation of Syria plays a significant role during the reign of King David, particularly in the context of military conflicts involving the Israelites. One notable episode is the alliance between the Syrians and the Ammonites against Israel, which is detailed in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.

The conflict arose when the Ammonites, feeling threatened by David's growing power, sought to strengthen their position by hiring Syrian mercenaries. This alliance is recorded in 2 Samuel 10:6 : "When the Ammonites realized they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zobah, as well as the king of Maacah with a thousand men, and twelve thousand men from Tob."

In response to this threat, David dispatched his military commander, Joab, to confront the combined forces of the Ammonites and their Syrian allies. The ensuing battle is a testament to the strategic prowess and military might of David's forces. Joab, demonstrating tactical acumen, divided his troops to face both the Syrians and the Ammonites. As recorded in 2 Samuel 10:9-10 : "When Joab saw the battle lines drawn up against him both in front and rear, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. And he placed the rest of the forces under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites."

The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Israel. The Syrians, unable to withstand the onslaught, fled before Joab and his forces. This victory is further elaborated in 2 Samuel 10:13-14 : "So Joab and his troops advanced to fight the Arameans, who fled before him. When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Abishai and retreated into the city. So Joab returned from fighting the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem."

This conflict underscores the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East, where alliances and enmities were often fluid, and military strength was a crucial determinant of power. The involvement of Syria in this episode highlights the broader regional implications of David's reign and the challenges he faced in consolidating his kingdom.

The biblical account of David's conflict with the Syrians and Ammonites serves as a reminder of the complexities of leadership and the necessity of wisdom and courage in the face of external threats. It also reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to David, as he continued to establish Israel as a formidable nation under divine guidance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 10:6-14
And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... described at length in the duel between David and Goliath (1 ... at least, of their sojourn
in Syria, as well ... They sent out five emissaries, therefore, to look out ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm