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19:1–19 This chapter describes another military victory; the parallel account appears in 2 Sam 10:1–19. 1–2 Chronicles skips the story of David’s kindness to Saul’s grandson, Mephibosheth (2 Sam 9:1–13), having stated earlier that Saul’s entire house had died (see 1 Chr 10:6 and note).

19:1 Nahash the king of the Ammonites Nahash—whose name means “snake” or “serpent”—besieged the Israelite territory of Jabesh Gilead during the reign of Saul. See note on 1 Sam 11:1. The Ammonites were distant relatives of the Israelites (Gen 19:38) and had a history of conflict with them.

Ammon ISBE

Ammonites AEHL

Ammonites

The Ammonites were descendants of Ben-ammi (Lot’s son with his younger daughter; Gen 19:30–38) and lived on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Their territory essentially was surrounded by the Jabbok River and its tributaries. As a result, the border of Ammonite territory was referred to simply as the Jabbok River (Deut 3:16; Josh 12:2). This territory previously belonged to the Rephaim, an ancient people (Deut 2:20–21). The earliest report of hostilities between Ammon and Israel comes Judg 3:12–14, where the Ammonites join the coalition formed by Eglon, king of Moab. Jephthah later defeats an unnamed king of Ammon (Judg 11). Notable Ammonites include Naamah, the wife of Solomon and mother of Rehoboam (1 Kgs 14:21, 31; 2 Chr 12:13), and Tobiah, one of the major antagonists of Nehemiah (Neh 2:19; 4:3). Solomon built a sanctuary for Molech, the chief god of the Ammonites, on the Mount of Olives (1 Kgs 11:7). Child sacrifice was a significant part of the Ammonite religion (Lev 18:21; 20:2–5; 2 Kgs 23:10; Jer 32:35).

19:2 his father showed kindness Nahash may have helped David because they both were enemies of Saul (1 Sam 11:1–11). Alternatively, this may refer to a treaty between David and the Ammonites.

19:4 shaved them The Samuel account states that he shaved half their beards—a way of humiliating one’s enemies (2 Sam 10:4).

cut off their garments at the middle Leaving them naked from the hips down. This type of shaming was used for prisoners of war (Isa 20:4).

19:5 Dwell in Jericho See 2 Sam 10:5 and note.

19:6 one thousand talents of silver A talent was about 75 pounds (34 kilograms). While 1,000 talents of silver was a substantial amount, it was also a common payment between countries (see 2 Kgs 15:19 and note).

from Aram-Naharaim, Aram-Maacah, and Zobah These mercenary fighters, from north of Israel, also were David’s vassals (1 Chr 18:3–8).

19:7 encamped before Medeba Located east of the Dead Sea, about 20 miles south of Ammon’s capital. See note on v. 9.

Medeba ISBE

19:8 mighty warriors See 11:10–47.

19:9 at the entrance of the city Most likely the Ammonite capital of Rabbah, located about 24 miles east of the Jordan River at modern-day Amman, Jordan.

Joab subdues Rabbah, along with all the cities of the Ammonites (20:1–3). The city apparently regained some power as the prophets often spoke against Rabbah when they prophesied against Ammon (Jer 49:2; Ezek 21:20; 25:5). After the rise of the Greek Empire, Rabbah was renamed Philadelphia and became one of the cities of the Decapolis.

Rabbah ISBE

Rabbah NBD

19:11 Abishai his brother See note on 2 Sam 2:13.

19:16 the army of Hadadezer David had already defeated Hadadezer once (1 Chron 18:3–8). Hadadezer perhaps wanted to avenge that defeat.

Battles of Saul and David Table

19:18 seven thousand chariots The Samuel account says 700 chariots (2 Sam 10:18).

19:19 the servants of Hadadezer Probably small city-states.

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