Matthew Henry's Commentary – Chapter 10
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Chapter 10

This chapter gives us an account of a war David has with the Ammonites and the Syrians their allies, with the occasion and success of it. I. David sent a friendly embassy to Hanun king of the Ammonites, 2 Sam. 10:1, 2. II. He, upon a base surmise that it was ill intended, abused David’s ambassadors, 2 Sam. 10:3, 4. III. David resenting it (2 Sam. 10:5), and the Ammonites prepared for war against him, 2 Sam. 10:6. IV. David carried the war into their country, sent against them. Joab and Abishai, who addressed themselves to the battle with a great deal of conduct and bravery, 2 Sam. 10:7-12. V. The Ammonites, and the Syrians their allies, were totally routed, 2 Sam. 10:13, 14. VI. The forces of the Syrians, which rallied again, were a second time defeated, 2 Sam. 10:15-19. Thus did David advance his own reputation for gratitude, in returning kindness, and for justice, in repaying injuries.