MPV Commentary

Hadarezer sent and brought out the Syrians who lived beyond the river. This prince had enjoyed a brief respite after his defeat (2Sa 8:3). However, alarmed by David's growing power and influence, as well as his alliance with the Ammonites, he assembled a massive army not only in Syria but also in Mesopotamia to invade the Hebrew kingdom.

Shobach, Hadarezer's commander, led his troops as far as Kelam, a border town of eastern Manasseh. Meanwhile, David marched his forces across the Jordan with great speed and surprise, catching Shobach's army off guard. He defeated them decisively, scattering their troops in all directions.

As a result of this significant victory, all the smaller kingdoms of Syria submitted to David's authority and became his vassals (see 1Ch 19:1).