19:1 Nahash the king of the Ammonites Nahash—whose name means “snake” or “serpent”—besieged the Israelite territory of Jabesh Gilead during the reign of Saul. See note on 1 Sam 11:1. The Ammonites were distant relatives of the Israelites (Gen 19:38) and had a history of conflict with them.

19:2 his father showed kindness Nahash may have helped David because they both were enemies of Saul (1 Sam 11:1–11). Alternatively, this may refer to a treaty between David and the Ammonites.

19:4 shaved them The Samuel account states that he shaved half their beards—a way of humiliating one’s enemies (2 Sam 10:4).

cut off their garments at the middle Leaving them naked from the hips down. This type of shaming was used for prisoners of war (Isa 20:4).

19:5 Dwell in Jericho See 2 Sam 10:5 and note.

19:6 one thousand talents of silver A talent was about 75 pounds (34 kilograms). While 1,000 talents of silver was a substantial amount, it was also a common payment between countries (see 2 Kgs 15:19 and note).

from Aram-Naharaim, Aram-Maacah, and Zobah These mercenary fighters, from north of Israel, also were David’s vassals (1 Chr 18:3–8).

19:7 encamped before Medeba Located east of the Dead Sea, about 20 miles south of Ammon’s capital. See note on v. 9.

19:8 mighty warriors See 11:10–47.

19:9 at the entrance of the city Most likely the Ammonite capital of Rabbah, located about 24 miles east of the Jordan River at modern-day Amman, Jordan.

19:11 Abishai his brother See note on 2 Sam 2:13.

19:16 the army of Hadadezer David had already defeated Hadadezer once (1 Chron 18:3–8). Hadadezer perhaps wanted to avenge that defeat.

Battles of Saul and David Table

19:18 seven thousand chariots The Samuel account says 700 chariots (2 Sam 10:18).

19:19 the servants of Hadadezer Probably small city-states.