2 Sam. 10 David sendeth messengers to comfort the king of the Ammonites: he abuseth them, 2 Sam. 10:1–5. The Ammonites and Syrians prepare to fight against the Israelites; and are overcome by Joab and Abishai, 2 Sam. 10:6–14. They renewing their forces, are again conquered by David, 2 Sam. 10:15–19.

The king of the children of Ammon; Nahash, 2 Sam. 10:2; probably the same whose army Saul defeated and destroyed, 1 Sam. 11:0, who out of enmity to Saul showed kindness to David, as it follows; hoping also by fomenting the differences between Saul and David, to make way for his future conquests.

Therefore there had hitherto been peace and friendship between David and him; and therefore the spoils of the children of Ammon are mentioned 2 Sam. 8:12, by way of anticipation, and with respect to the story here following.

To observe where the city is weakest, and may soonest be taken. The ground of this suspicion was, partly, the conscience of their ill deserts and carriage towards the Israelites, whose quarrel David had espoused; partly, the opinion they had of David’s policy; and partly, the severity of God’s law,…

Shaved off the one half of their beards; partly that he might compel them to bear a part in their mourning, and that in such a way as was usual with them, but forbidden to the Israelites, Lev. 19:27, Deut.

He sent to meet them; he sent them clothes and other necessaries. Tarry at Jericho; both because this was one of the first places which they came to in Canaan; and because it was now a very obscure village, and therefore fittest for them in their circumstances; for it was not built as a city till…

Beth-rehob, near Hamath, Num. 13:21. Zoba; of which see 1 Sam. 14:47, 2 Sam. 8:3. Of king Maacah, i. e. of that part of Syria which was under king Maacah; for Syria was a large country, and there were divers kings in the several parts of it. This part was near Gilead. See Deut. 3:14.

Choosing wisely to carry the war into their country, rather than to expect it in his own.

Of the gate, to wit, of Medeba, as it is expressed, 1 Chron. 19:7, which was a frontier city. See Num. 21:30. This place they chose for the fight, that they might both defend that city and their country, whereof that was the entrance, and, if need were, might retreat into it.

Which were the most valuable valiant and expert soldiers.

For our people; for the preservation of ourselves and all our brethren from that utter ruin which our enemies design for us. Our war is not vainly undertaken to enlarge our empire or glory, but for our own just and necessary defence; and therefore we may hope for God’s blessing and assistance in…

He prudently falls upon them first, because they were but mercenaries, and not concerned so much in the success as the Ammonites were, all whose interest lay at stake; and therefore not likely to venture too far in their defence.

That the Syrians were fled; in whose numbers and prowess they had the most confidence. Joab returned from the children of Ammon; not judging it convenient or safe to pursue them, because the forces were not utterly ruined, but only dispersed and put to flight, and so might easily rally together.

Partly, to wipe out the stain of cowardice which they had now contracted; partly, to prevent that vengeance which they supposed David would execute upon them for their last attempt; and partly, to shake off the yoke that David had lately put upon them.

Hadarezer; the same with Hadadezer, 2 Sam. 8:3. The Syrians that were beyond the river; who having engaged themselves in the former expedition, as was noted before, were now obliged to proceed in their own defence, being also persuaded and hired to this second expedition, 2 Sam. 10:19.

All Israel, i.e. the chosen and valiant men picked out of all Israel.

The men of seven hundred chariots; Heb. seven hundred chariots, i.e. the men belonging to them, that fought in or with them; as plainly appears, 1. Because the men only, and not the chariots, were capable of being killed, as these are said to have been. 2.

The kings that were servants to Hadarezer, to wit, for that time, or in that expedition to which he hired them.