Translations
Original
Notes
Hadadezer: See study note on 2 Samuel 10:1.
The location of Helam is unknown.
This passage suggests that David had expanded his kingdom as far north as the Euphrates River (see also study note on 2 Samuel 8:3).
After the break in 2 Samuel 9, the story goes back to David's military successes. The Ammonites were likely the dominant political power in Transjordan (the area east of the Jordan) during Saul’s reign and the early years of David’s reign.
Events
Parallels
People
Hadadezer: King of Zobah, defeated by David Shobach: Commander of Hadadezer's army, killed by David's men
Places
Euphrates: Major river in ancient Near East; boundary of Promised Land Helam: Place where David defeated the Arameans Syria: Ancient region north of Israel, often in conflict
Glossary
Alema David Euphrates River Gilead (Place) God, Names of Hadadezer Helam Kindness Kings, Books of First and Second Samuel, Books of First and Second Shobach Zobah
Topics
Armies: March in Ranks: Confederated Hadadezer: King of Zobah, Vanquished by David Helam: A Place East of the Jordan River Shobach: Captain of the Army of Hadarezer; Killed by David's Army Syria: David: Destroyed a Second Army of Zobah: Its Inhabitants Mercenaries of the Ammonites Against David