Definition: And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 10:17. It's a really important passage that describes a significant event in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: David is Facing a Threat: David was King of Israel at this time. He was facing a serious problem – the Syrians, led by their king Antioch, were planning to attack him and his kingdom. He Moves His Army: David, instead of ignoring them, decided to take action. He gathered all the Israelites (basically, everyone in the region) together and moved his army away from Jordan River and towards Helam (a city near modern-day Lebanon). The Battle Begins: The Syrians then set up a large defensive line against David, ready to fight. What’s Happening – It's a Bit of a Twist: This verse tells us that despite David’s efforts to move his army away, the Syrians still fought him. It sounds like they were able to defeat him! So, what does this mean? Divine Protection: This is often interpreted as a sign of God's protection and favor for David. It suggests that God actively intervened to prevent the Syrians from completely conquering Israel. God’s Will: The verse could be seen as a demonstration of God’s plan for Israel, even when it seems like things are going wrong. Important Note: The exact meaning of this passage has been debated over the centuries. It's a complex story that involves strategy, divine intervention, and a battle that ultimately resulted in victory for David. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the time period? Talk about the significance of this event in the Bible?