2 Samuel 10:8
2 Samuel 10:8 in Multiple Translations
The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entrance of the gate: and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob, and the men of Tob and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
And the children of Ammon came out and put their forces in position at the way into the town: and the Aramaeans of Zobah and of Rehob, with the men of Tob and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
The Ammonites set up their battle lines near the entrance to their town gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah took up positions by themselves in the open fields.
And the children of Ammon came out, and put their armie in araye at the entring in of the gate: and the Aramites of Zoba, and of Rehob, and of Ish-tob, and of Maacah were by themselues in the fielde.
And the Bene-Ammon come out, and set battle in array, at the opening of the gate, and Aram of Zoba, and Rehob, and Ish-Tob, and Maacah, [are] by themselves in the field;
The children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entrance of the gate. The Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the field.
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entrance of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
And the children of Ammon came out, and set their men in array at the entering in of the gate: but the Syrians of Soba, and of Rohob, and of Istob, and of Maacha were by themselves in the field.
The soldiers of the Ammon people-group marched out and ◄stood in their positions/arranged themselves for battle► at the entrance to their capital city, Rabbah. The other soldiers from Syria and Tob and Maacah stood by themselves ◄in their positions/arranged themselves for battle► in the nearby fields.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 10:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 10:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּֽצְאוּ֙
בְּנֵ֣י
עַמּ֔וֹן
וַ/יַּעַרְכ֥וּ
מִלְחָמָ֖ה
פֶּ֣תַח
הַ/שָּׁ֑עַר
וַ/אֲרַ֨ם
צוֹבָ֤א
וּ/רְחוֹב֙
וְ/אִֽישׁ
ט֣וֹב
וּ/מַֽעֲכָ֔ה
לְ/בַדָּ֖/ם
בַּ/שָּׂדֶֽה
וַ/יֵּֽצְאוּ֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
עַמּ֔וֹן
ʻAmmôwn
H5983
Ammon
N-proper
וַ/יַּעַרְכ֥וּ
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִלְחָמָ֖ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
פֶּ֣תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁ֑עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Art | N-ms
וַ/אֲרַ֨ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
Conj | N-proper
צוֹבָ֤א
Tsôwbâʼ
H6678
Zobah
N-proper
וּ/רְחוֹב֙
Rᵉchôb
H7340
Rehob
Conj | N-proper
וְ/אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
ט֣וֹב
Ṭôwb
H2897
Tob
N-proper
וּ/מַֽעֲכָ֔ה
Maʻăkâh
H4601
Maacah
Conj | N-proper
לְ/בַדָּ֖/ם
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
בַּ/שָּׂדֶֽה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 10:8
וַ/יֵּֽצְאוּ֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עַמּ֔וֹן
ʻAmmôwn
H5983
"Ammon"
N-proper
Ammon refers to a son of Lot and his descendants, who lived in Transjordan. The Ammonites are mentioned in the Bible as a distinct people. They appear in the book of Genesis and are also referenced in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Ammon = "tribal" a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: Ammon, Ammonites. See also: Genesis 19:38; 2 Samuel 11:1; Psalms 83:8.
וַ/יַּעַרְכ֥וּ
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
מִלְחָמָ֖ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
פֶּ֣תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
הַ/שָּׁ֑עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
וַ/אֲרַ֨ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
"Aram"
Conj | N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
צוֹבָ֤א
Tsôwbâʼ
H6678
"Zobah"
N-proper
Zobah was a region in Syria, mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:47, where King Saul fought battles. It was a separate kingdom during the times of Saul, David, and Solomon.
Definition: Zoba or Zobah = "station" the name of a portion of Syria which formed a separate kingdom in the times of Saul, David, and Solomon; located northeast of Damascus Another name of tso.va (צוֹבָא "Zobah" H6678G)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Zoba, Zobah. See also: 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Samuel 23:36; 1 Chronicles 19:6.
וּ/רְחוֹב֙
Rᵉchôb
H7340
"Rehob"
Conj | N-proper
Rehob, a place in Syria and the name of a few individuals, including a Syrian and an Israelite. This term refers to a specific location on the road to Hamath, mentioned in stories about exploration and conquest. It appears in books like Numbers and Judges.
Definition: Rehob = "broad place" the northern limit of the exploration of the spies in Canaan; on the road to Hamath Another name of bet re.chov (בֵּית־רְחוֹב "Beth-rehob" H1050)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Rehob. See also: Numbers 13:21; 2 Samuel 8:3; Nehemiah 10:12.
וְ/אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
ט֣וֹב
Ṭôwb
H2897
"Tob"
N-proper
Tob is a region mentioned in the Bible, located east of the Jordan River, possibly in an area now known as Gilead. It is referenced in the book of Judges. The exact location is not certain.
Definition: § Tob = "good" a region east of the Jordan, north or northeast of Gilead, probably Aramean, location uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Tob. See also: Judges 11:3; 2 Samuel 10:6; 2 Samuel 10:8.
וּ/מַֽעֲכָ֔ה
Maʻăkâh
H4601
"Maacah"
Conj | N-proper
Maacah is a name that refers to a place in Syria, several Israelites, and some women, meaning 'oppression'. It's also the name of a city with a king in Israel. The name appears in the Bible as 'Maachah' or 'Maacah'.
Definition: Maachah = "oppression" a city with a king that continued within Israel Also named: ma.a.kha.ti (מַעֲכָתִי "Maacathite" H4602)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Maachah, Maachathites. See also H1038 (בֵּית מַעֲכָה). See also: Genesis 22:24; 1 Chronicles 7:15; 2 Chronicles 15:16.
לְ/בַדָּ֖/ם
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶֽה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 10:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 10:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 10:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 10:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:8
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 10:8
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 10:8
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:8
Context — David’s Messengers Disgraced
6When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob.
7On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men.
8The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.
9When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. 10And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 10:6 | When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob. |
| 2 | Joshua 19:28 | It went on to Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon. |
| 3 | Numbers 13:21 | So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath. |
| 4 | Judges 1:31 | Asher failed to drive out the inhabitants of Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, and Rehob. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 19:7 | So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots, as well as the king of Maacah with his troops, who came and camped near Medeba while the Ammonites came from their cities and marched out for battle. |
2 Samuel 10:8 Summary
In 2 Samuel 10:8, the Ammonites and their allies are getting ready for a big battle against Israel. The Ammonites are standing at the entrance of their city, while their allies are waiting in the open country. This shows that they have a plan to work together, but also to fight separately. As Christians, we can learn from this that we need to be prepared for the spiritual battles we face, and trust in God's power to help us, just like David did in 1 Samuel 30:6, and be ready to stand strong in our faith, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the military strategy of the Ammonites in 2 Samuel 10:8?
The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, indicating they were prepared to defend their city, while their allies were positioned in the open country, as seen in 2 Samuel 10:8 and supported by the context of 2 Samuel 10:6-7.
Who were the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob, and what role did they play in this battle?
The Arameans of Zobah and Rehob were allies of the Ammonites, hired as part of their army, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 10:6, and they were positioned in the open country, separate from the Ammonites, as stated in 2 Samuel 10:8.
What does this verse reveal about the Ammonites' relationship with their allies?
This verse shows that the Ammonites and their allies, such as the Arameans, men of Tob, and Maacah, had a coordinated but separate military strategy, indicating a level of cooperation and planning between them, similar to the alliances seen in other biblical accounts, like 1 Kings 10:1-13.
How does this battle relate to God's larger plan for Israel?
This battle is part of the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors, and it ultimately reflects God's sovereignty over the nations, as stated in Psalms 47:8, and His plan to establish Israel as a prominent nation, as promised in Genesis 12:2-3 and Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- What does the Ammonites' decision to array themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate reveal about their confidence in their military strength, and how can we apply this to our own trust in God's power?
- How do the separate positions of the Ammonites and their allies illustrate the importance of strategy and cooperation in our own spiritual battles, as discussed in Ephesians 6:10-18?
- In what ways can we, like Joab, select the best 'men' (or spiritual resources) for the battles we face, and trust in God's power to overcome them, as seen in 2 Samuel 10:9 and supported by 1 Corinthians 10:13?
- What can we learn from the Ammonites' and their allies' military preparations, and how can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the challenges we face, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:15 and 2 Timothy 2:15?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 10:8
And the children of Ammon came out,.... Either out of Rabbah their metropolis, as Josephus (u); or rather out of Medeba, as it seems from 1 Chronicles 19:7; a city that lay on the borders of their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 10:8
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:8
Of the gate, to wit, of Medeba, as it is expressed, , which was a frontier city. See . This place they chose for the fight, that they might both defend that city and their country, whereof that was the entrance, and, if need were, might retreat into it. The Syrians were by themselves in the field; that by their numerous forces they might fall upon the Israelites on the other side. Which were the most valiant and expert soldiers.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:8
2 Samuel 10:8 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, [were] by themselves in the field.Ver. 8. At the entering in of the gate,] viz., Of Medeba; for that bush they thought good to keep on their backs, however the day should happen; and that stake to have still in store, however the dice chanced to turn. But how wretchedly reckless was Pompey, who never considered into what place he should retire if beaten by Julius Caesar, as he was at the Pharsalian field. Were by themselves in the field.] As not fit to be trusted near the town, being such a multitude of mercenaries, and, in reference to David, who had lately subdued them, a rabble of rebels.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:8
(8) At the entering in of the gate.—The Ammonites and their allies formed separate armies, the former taking their stand immediately before the city, the latter “by themselves” at some distance, where the ground was more favourable for the manœuvres of their chariots.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:8
Verse 8. At the entering in of the gate] This was the city of Medeba, as we learn from 1 Chronicles 19:7.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 10:8
8. at the entering in of the gate] This is generally supposed to be the gate of the Ammonite capital Rabbah. But the account in Chronicles states explicitly that the Syrian mercenaries mustered at Medeba, which was nearly 20 miles south-west of Rabbah, and clearly implies that it was the city which the Ammonites occupied. Further it is evident from 2 Samuel 10:9, which describes Joab as in danger of being crushed between the two forces, that the Syrians were at no great distance from the city. And how came the Syrian force to march past Rabbah to Medeba, if the Ammonites meant to make their stand at Rabbah? or how could Joab possibly have advanced to Rabbah, leaving this huge Syrian force in his rear? Medeba, the modern Mâdeba, was four miles south-east of Heshbon, on a rounded but rocky hill. It existed before the Israelite conquest (Numbers 21:30), was assigned to Reuben (Joshua 13:9), and now seems to have been in the hands of the Ammonites. It is mentioned on the famous Moabite stone as having been recaptured by Mesha, and in the time of Isaiah was a Moabite sanctuary (Isaiah 15:2). in the field] “The plain of Medeba” (Joshua 13:9; Joshua 13:16) would be an advantageous place for the manœuvres of a large army, especially with chariots and cavalry.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 10:8
Came out - From their city, Rabbah Deuteronomy 3:11, Deuteronomy 3:15 or 20 miles from Medeba, where 1 Chronicles 19:7 the Syrian army was encamped.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:8
8. At the entering in of the gate — That is, most obviously, at the gate of their capital city, Rabbah.