MPV Commentary

6. When the Ammonites saw that they had insulted David and made themselves enemies of Israel, they became widely hated throughout the nation.

Hanun sent a huge sum of silver, equivalent to £342,100, to hire foreign mercenaries from Mesopotamia, Syria-maachah, and Zobah.

7. The Ammonites hired 32,000 cavalrymen, who were skilled in fighting on horseback, in chariots, or on foot. This number matches the total of 20,000 from Syria, 12,000 from Tob, and 1,000 with the king of Maachah (2 Samuel 10:6).

8. David sent Joab and all his mighty men to lead the Israelite forces into battle.

9-15. The Ammonites formed their army outside the walls of Medeba, a frontier town near the Arnon River. Meanwhile, the kings who had allied with them were stationed separately in the field.

The Israelitish army was surrounded by the Ammonites in front and the Syrian mercenaries behind. Joab decided to attack the latter, while directing his brother Abishai to engage the Ammonites. Before the battle, Joab gave a speech that reflected the faith and piety expected of a Hebrew commander. The mercenaries were defeated, causing the Ammonites to lose their courage and flee for safety within the fortified walls.