Lux Domini
And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.

What does 2 Samuel 10:16 mean?

Here is a new attempt of the Syrians. Even the baffled cause will make head as long as there is any life in it; the enemies of the Son of David do so.

Key themes

Justice and mercyDavidic covenantSin and judgmentMercy

Read with

Keep this verse inside 2 Samuel 10:15-19 and alongside a few nearby related passages.

Glossary

Euphrates Place

Biblical river. Modern identification: Euphrates River.

Helam Place

Place of abundance, a place on the east of Jordan and west of the Euphrates where David gained a great victory over the Syrian army ( 2 Sam. 10:16 ), which was under the command of Shobach. Modern identification: Alma.

Shobach Person

Poured out, the “captain of the host of Hadarezer” when he mustered his vassals and tributaries from beyond “the river Euphrates” ( 2 Sam. 10:15-18 ); called also Shophach ( 1 Chr. 19:16 ).