2
Then Davidsaid, "I will showkindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, just as his fathershowedkindness to me." So Davidsentsome of his servants to console him concerning his father. But when David'sservantscame to the land of the Ammonites*,
3
the princes of the Ammonites*said to Hanun their lord, "Do you think that David is honoring your fatherbecause he has sentconsolers to you? Has David not sent his servants to you in order to search the city, to spy it out and overthrow it?"
5
When they told it to David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatlyhumiliated. And the kingsaid, "Stay at Jerichountil your beardsgrow, and then return."
6
Now when the sons of Ammonsaw that they had becomeodious to David, the sons of Ammonsent and hired the Arameans of Beth-rehob and the Arameans of Zobah, 20,000*footsoldiers, and the king of Maacah with 1,000men, and the men of Tob with 12,000**men.
8
The sons of Ammoncame out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the city, while the Arameans of Zobah and of Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the field.
9
Now when Joabsaw that the battle* was set against him in front and in the rear, he selected from all the choice men of Israel, and arrayed them against the Arameans.
11
He said, "If the Arameans are toostrong for me, then you shall help me, but if the sons of Ammon are toostrong for you, then I will come to help you.
12
"Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORDdowhat is good in His sight."
14
When the sons of Ammonsaw that the Arameansfled, they also fledbefore*Abishai and entered the city. Then Joabreturned from fighting against the sons of Ammon and came to Jerusalem.
16
And Hadadezersent and brought out the Arameanswho were beyond* the River, and they came to Helam; and Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezerled them.
17
Now when it was toldDavid, he gatheredallIsrael together and crossed the Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Arameansarrayed themselves to meetDavid and foughtagainst him.
18
But the Arameansfledbefore*Israel, and Davidkilled*charioteers of the Arameans and 40,000*horsemen and struckdownShobach the commander of their army, and he diedthere.
19
When all the kings, servants of Hadadezer, saw that they were defeated by Israel, they madepeace with Israel and served them. So the Arameansfeared to help the sons of Ammonanymore.