Unless otherwise stated, all citations are taken from the New International Version (NIV).
Summary: David goes to share mercy on Hanun—an Ammonite king. Hanun became paranoid that David was trying to spy out his land. He took David’s men, and he shaved half of their beards, which was a sign of humiliation (v.5). He also cut their garments so their genitals and butt crack were showing and sent them home (v.4). David considers this a declaration of war. He destroyed the Ammonites as a result.
(10:1) The king of the Ammonites was Nahash (1 Sam. 12:12), the king defeated by Saul (1 Sam. 11:1-11).
(10:2) Youngblood states that “the kindness he showed to David may have been expressed during David’s days as a fugitive from the Israelite royal court.”[1]
David sent men to “console” Hanun during his time of grief.
(10:3) The city was “Amman” which was “about forty miles east-northeast of Jerusalem.”[2]
(10:4) Shaving a man’s beard was a sign of humiliation (Isa. 7:20). Cutting off their garments above their hips would show their butt crack and their genitals, which was also an obvious sign of humiliation (Isa. 20:4). These acts were a parody of the typical signs of mourning.[3] It’s as if Hanun was saying, “So, you came here to mourn my father? Well, then we’ll help you by shaving your beards and tearing your clothes!” It is what Youngblood calls a “grotesque parody” of mourning.[4]
(10:5) David lets the dust settle for a considerable amount of time, so that they can recover from their humiliation by growing their beards back.
Round 1
(10:6) The parallel passage states that they spent 1,000 talents of silver to hire this militia from the Arameans.
(10:7) Joab is the commander of the Israelite military.
(10:8-9) Joab sees that he is outnumbered.
(10:10) So, Joab enlists his brother Abishai to lead a contingent of troops.
(10:11) By diversifying their forces, they will be able to help one another.
(10:12) The twice repeated phrase, “Be strong” is reminiscent of Moses (Deut. 31:6-7) and Joshua (Josh. 1:6-9).
(10:13) These hardcore mercenaries for hire (v.6) flee at the army of Joab.
(10:14) This causes the Ammonites to panic and flee as well. Joab unites with his brother, Abishai, and chases them down.
Round 2
(10:15-16) Undeterred by their failure, the Arameans regroup to fight under Hadadezer.
(10:17) Now, David gathers his whole army to fight. He wants to send a powerful message in this second battle. Otherwise, the Arameans and Ammonites might continue to fight on and on. Moreover, David himself leads the army (in stark contrast to chapter 11!).
(10:18) The parallel passage says that there were 7,000 charioteers—not 700 (1 Chron. 19:18). This can be resolved by understanding the number 700 as a title—not a number. The Hebrew word reḵeḇ can be translated as “men of.”[5]
(10:19) These are the “kings” from verse 8. The Aramean mercenaries are completely defeated, and now, the Ammonites are “on their own.”[6]
Concluding insights
David wasn’t looking for war, but war was looking for him. He sent out his men to “console” the Ammonite king (v.2), but the Ammonite king made an act of war on these dignitaries. David didn’t start the war, but he certainly finished it.
[1] Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), 921.
[2] Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), 922.
[3] Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), 923.
[4] Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), 923.
[5] Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), 925.
[6] Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), 926.