2 Samuel Chapter 10 – Who are your Allies?

In 2 Samuel 10, we read of how David’s act of kindness towards Hanun king of Ammon was misunderstood, eventually resulting in a battle between Israel and Ammon. The Syrians were somehow roped in as well, who eventually made peace with Israel due to Israel’s strength in battle.

This chapter involves many people, David, Joab, Abishai, Hanun and his princes, and the Syrians and the various interactions between these people. We can see how the people we choose to seek advice from, or ally with, can have a huge impact on us.

Firstly, we see that Hanun was greeted by an act of kindness from David. Yet, he was led to respond unkindly by his princes (v3-4). This example is reminiscent of King Rehoboam, who similarly sought the advice of wrong people, leading to Israel revolting against him (1 Kgs 12). Though it can be argued that he was not wrong to be wary of David, there was no need to shame the men sent to comfort him. That was simply uncalled for. He could have just sent the men away with dignity. We see taking advice from the wrong people caused more problems for Hanun, having to go to war against Israel (v6-7).

Secondly, we see that the Syrians chose to ally themselves with the Ammonites. Perhaps it was for money, seeing they were hired. Nevertheless, they chose to ally with the wrong side and eventually lost 40,700 men (v18). This was more than the original number of men hired (v6). Most likely, more Syrians were gathered by Hadadezer (v16). After the first defeat, the Syrians still had not realized that they allied with the wrong side and made the wrong decision to continue fighting. Fortunately for them, they eventually made peace with Israel and were no longer willing to side with Ammon (v19).

Lastly, we see the partnership between Joab and Abishai.

“Then he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.””

II Samuel 10:11-12 NKJV

What we see are two brothers who fought for God, supporting each other in times of weakness, encouraging each other to be strong for God and His people, and entrusting their battles to God. When we form such alliances in the Lord, this will be both beneficial for our faith and for the growth of the church.

Today, let us consider, whom do we seek advice from? Can we trust the people who give us advice? Also, have we allied ourselves with God or with the world? Like Syria, have we chosen the wrong side to ally with, pitting ourselves against God? (Jas 4:4).

The right companions will guide us in the right way, while choosing the wrong companions will, much like Hanun and Syria, result in mistake after mistake, with possibly catastrophic consequences.

May God give us the wisdom to choose the right companions who recognize the gravity of befriending the world and will pull us back from disaster.

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