Challenge against Israel

The Arameans (Syrians), though once defeated, did not simply retreat. (1) They called upon their fellow countrymen from across the Euphrates River and formed a large force to fight against Israel, advancing as far as Helam. This vast army was led by Shobach, the commander of Hadadezer. (2) This time, David himself led all Israel, crossed the Jordan River, and confronted the enemy who had encamped at Helam. (3) The battle ended in a great victory for Israel. David’s army routed the Arameans and killed many of their soldiers (It says 700 charioteers and 40,000 horsemen, but “horsemen” is likely a scribal error and should be “foot soldiers”). (4) Furthermore, David killed the commander Shobach. (5) All the kings of Syria (Aram) acknowledged their defeat, surrendered to David, and made peace treaties with him. They no longer sent troops to aid the Ammonites.

Lessons for us

Through this battle, David extended his sphere of influence beyond the Euphrates River. David himself never initiated war against other nations out of a desire for territorial expansion, but as he engaged in defensive battles, the territory of his kingdom gradually expanded. This is the fulfillment of Genesis 15:18: “On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates.’” It is also the fulfillment of Joshua 1:4: “From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory.” We must be very careful about whom we support and whose side we take. If we side with those who oppose God, we too will perish when they are destroyed. God’s promises never change. Blessed are those who stand with the Lord Jesus, the Son of David.