This verse, 2 Samuel 10:19, describes the outcome of the conflict between Israel and a coalition of forces led by Hadadezer, the king of Zobah (a Syrian kingdom). Let's break it down:
"When all the kings who were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were defeated before Israel..." This indicates that Hadadezer was a powerful leader who had vassal kings serving under him. These kings had joined him in fighting against Israel. However, they witnessed Israel's military superiority and the defeat of Hadadezer's forces.
"...they made peace with Israel, and served them." Faced with defeat, these vassal kings recognized Israel's power and chose to switch allegiances. They sued for peace and agreed to become tributaries or vassals of Israel, meaning they would pay tribute and be subject to Israel's authority.
"So the Syrians were afraid to help the children of Ammon any more." The Ammonites had initiated the conflict with Israel, and Hadadezer's coalition had come to their aid. However, after the defeat and the subsequent subjugation of Hadadezer's vassal kings, the Syrians (the people under Hadadezer's rule) became hesitant to support the Ammonites any further. They feared facing Israel's military might again.
In essence, the verse signifies a significant victory for Israel. It resulted in:
Expansion of Israel's influence: Israel gained control over several Syrian kingdoms who became their tributaries.
Weakening of Israel's enemies: The Ammonites were left isolated and without the support they had relied upon.
Demonstration of Israel's military power: The victory established Israel as a dominant force in the region, deterring other nations from challenging them.
This verse is a crucial part of the narrative in 2 Samuel 10, highlighting David's military prowess and the expansion of Israel's kingdom during his reign.
This verse, 2 Samuel 10:19, describes the outcome of the conflict between Israel and a coalition of forces led by Hadadezer, the king of Zobah (a Syrian kingdom). Let's break it down:
"When all the kings who were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were defeated before Israel..." This indicates that Hadadezer was a powerful leader who had vassal kings serving under him. These kings had joined him in fighting against Israel. However, they witnessed Israel's military superiority and the defeat of Hadadezer's forces.
"...they made peace with Israel, and served them." Faced with defeat, these vassal kings recognized Israel's power and chose to switch allegiances. They sued for peace and agreed to become tributaries or vassals of Israel, meaning they would pay tribute and be subject to Israel's authority.
"So the Syrians were afraid to help the children of Ammon any more." The Ammonites had initiated the conflict with Israel, and Hadadezer's coalition had come to their aid. However, after the defeat and the subsequent subjugation of Hadadezer's vassal kings, the Syrians (the people under Hadadezer's rule) became hesitant to support the Ammonites any further. They feared facing Israel's military might again.
In essence, the verse signifies a significant victory for Israel. It resulted in:
Expansion of Israel's influence: Israel gained control over several Syrian kingdoms who became their tributaries.
Weakening of Israel's enemies: The Ammonites were left isolated and without the support they had relied upon.
Demonstration of Israel's military power: The victory established Israel as a dominant force in the region, deterring other nations from challenging them.
This verse is a crucial part of the narrative in 2 Samuel 10, highlighting David's military prowess and the expansion of Israel's kingdom during his reign.