2 Samuel 10:1-19
Q.1. Why did David send servants to the Ammonites? How were these men mistreated? What were the repercussions? – (2 Sam.10:1-8)
Saul had proven his credentials to be Israel’s king by delivering the people of Jabesh-gilead from Nahash, the king of the Ammonites (1 Sam.11:1-11). Perhaps that is why David formed a friendship with Nahash during the years when he was being hunted by Saul (2 Sam.10:1-2). When Nahash died, David sent servants to commiserate with his son, Hanun. However, King Hanun’s princes maligned David’s motives, and claimed he was spying out the land. As a result, Hanun humiliated David’s servants, shaved off half their beards, and cut off their garments to the hips. David was furious and sent the men to stay in Jericho until their beards regrew (2 Sam.10:3-6). The Ammonites realized that they were in trouble with David, so hired armies from their neighbouring territory, including thousands of foot soldiers, chariots, and horsemen (c.f. 1 Chron.19:6-7). They amassed in the plains of Medeba located in the territory of Reuben east of the Jordan River (c.f. Josh.13:16; 1 Chron.19:7). Upon hearing this, David sent Joab and a select army to engage them in battle (2 Sam.10:6-8).
Q.2. Did Joab include God in his battle plans? How did Joab overcome the enemy? What part did David play in the victory? – (2 Sam.10:9-18)
Joab divided his army between his own and his brother, Abishai’s leadership. He knew he needed more than a good battle plan, so instructed his army to – Be strong and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the Lord do what is good in His sight (2 Sam.10:12). Though the size of Israel’s army was not recorded, they had to fight a huge and well-equipped army of Ammonites and Arameans. The enemy was routed with God’s help (2 Sam.10:13-14). David had become a real threat to the opposing kingdoms. Consequently, the remaining Aramean tribes combined to try to destroy Israel (2 Sam.10:15-16). When David heard the news, he led his army against them – But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed 700 charioteers of the Arameans and 40,000 horsemen and struck down Shobach the commander of their army, and he died there (2 Sam.20:18). As a result, the kings made peace with Israel, and served them (2 Sam.10:19).