And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.
The Syrians ran away from the Israelites in battle. David's army killed 700 Syrian chariot crews and 40,000 cavalry soldiers, and they also struck down Shobach, the commander of their army, and he died right there on the battlefield.
This verse describes David's decisive military victory over the Syrian army, where their forces were completely defeated and their commander was killed.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel, King David was engaged in military campaigns to secure Israel's borders against hostile neighbors, including the Ammonites and their allies, the Syrians. This specific verse recounts a battle where David's army decisively defeated the Syrian forces after the Ammonites had provoked conflict by mistreating David's envoys, demonstrating God's favor toward Israel during David's reign. The account reflects the broader historical context of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where alliances and battles were common as nations vied for power.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.