Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

2 Samuel 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 Samuel 10:1, 10:2. II. He, upon a base surmise that it was ill intended, abused David’s ambassadors, 2 Samuel 10:3, 10:4. III. David resenting it (2 Samuel 10:5), and the Ammonites prepared for war against him, 2 Samuel 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 Samuel 10:7-10:12. V. The Ammonites, and the Syrians their allies, were totally routed, 2 Samuel 10:13, 10:14. VI. The forces of the Syrians, which rallied again, were a second time defeated, 2 Samuel 10:15-10:19. Thus did David advance his own reputation for gratitude, in returning kindness, and for justice, in repaying injuries. MHBCC 278.1