And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.
When the Syrians saw that they were losing the battle against Israel, they sent messengers and brought in more Syrian troops from beyond the river. Shophach, who was the commander of King Hadarezer's army, led them into battle.
The writer is describing how the Syrians, after losing to Israel, called for backup troops from across the river and sent their best commander to lead them.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is set during the reign of King David in ancient Israel, around the 10th century BC, as part of the ongoing wars against neighboring nations. The Ammonites had insulted David's envoys, leading to a conflict that drew in the Syrians as allies, and this particular battle shows the Syrians facing defeat and calling for reinforcements from across the Euphrates River. Shophach, as the commander of Hadadezer's forces, led these additional troops in an attempt to turn the tide.
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