MPV Commentary

3. Zobah was a kingdom located east of the Euphrates River and extended westward from there, possibly as far north as Aleppo. It was a prominent among the smaller kingdoms of Syria, with its king bearing the hereditary title of "Hadadezer" or "Hadarezer," meaning "helped by Hadad."

As he marched to reclaim his territory along the Euphrates River, Hadadezer was fulfilling God's promise to Israel that He would give them all the land up to the Euphrates (Genesis 15:18; Numbers 24:17). In their first campaign, David decisively defeated Hadadezer. Along with many foot soldiers taken prisoner, he seized a vast amount of plunder in chariots and horses. After setting aside only a small number of the latter, he crippled the rest by hamstringing them. The Hebrews were forbidden from owning these animals for both military and agricultural purposes (Genesis 46:6; Joshua 11:6, 9). By rendering their cavalry useless, David severely damaged his enemies.

A king from Damascus-Syria came to Hadadezer's aid, but David routed those auxiliary forces as well. He took control of their territory, stationed garrisons in their fortified cities, and made them pay tribute.

9. Toi, the king of Hamath (Coele-Syria), extended northward from his capital city on the Orontes River to the city of Hamath. After being freed from the fear of a powerful neighbor, Toi sent his son with valuable gifts to David to congratulate him on his victories and ask for his alliance and protection.

10. Joram (also known as Hadoram) was the king's representative.

11. King David dedicated some of this plunder to the Lord. Eastern princes were accustomed to hoarding vast amounts of gold, but David consistently set aside a portion of the spoils after paying his soldiers and rewarding them for their service. He intended to use these funds for the grand project of building a national temple in Jerusalem.

13. When David returned from defeating the Edomites (as opposed to Syrians), he gained great recognition. This conquest, led by Abishai and Joab's skilled generalship and bravery, was a significant achievement (1 Chronicles 18:12; compare Psalm 60:1). The valley referred to here is likely the Ghor, a ravine near the Salt Mountain at the southwestern edge of the Dead Sea, separating the ancient territories of Judah and Edom.