Definition: And when all the kings [that were] servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
Explanation: Okay, letโs break down this verse from 2 Samuel 10:19 together. Itโs a really significant passage about a conflict between the Syrians and the Israelites. Hereโs what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Hadarezer: This was a powerful Syrian king who had been dealing with Israel for a long time. He was essentially a bully, constantly harassing them. Smitten Before Israel: The Israelites were being treated terribly by Hadarezer. They were suffering greatly and being humiliated. Itโs like they were in a terrible situation. Made Peace with Israel: The Syrians, seeing this, decided to make peace with the Israelites. This wasn't a war; it was an agreement to stop harassing them. Served Them: The Syrians then started helping the Israelites โ offering them protection, supplies, and even some assistance. Whatโs the Big Picture? This verse tells us that the Syrians were feeling less confident about helping the people of Ammon (a neighboring region) because they were now working with the Israelites. The Syrians were essentially saying, "Let's focus on these guys; letโs not bother them." In a nutshell: The Syrians realized they couldn't continue to help Ammon and decided to turn their attention to the Israelites, creating a situation where the Syrians felt less secure and less willing to intervene in other areas. Important Note: This verse is a bit complex because it involves a shift in power dynamics. It suggests a change in how the conflict was being handled. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you another Bible verse with a different focus?