Lux Domini
And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.

What does 2 Samuel 10:17 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

David Person

Beloved, the eighth and youngest son of Jesse, a citizen of Bethlehem. His father seems to have been a man in humble life. His mother’s name is not recorded. Some think she was the Nahash of 2 Sam. 17:25 .

Syria Place

Biblical region. Modern identification: Damascus.

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.

Jordan Place

Biblical river. Modern identification: Jordan River.