1 Chronicles 19:6
And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syriamaachah, and out of Zobah.
1 Chronicles 19:6 · King James Version
Meaning
When the children of Ammon realized that they had offended King David, they sought to strengthen their military forces by hiring chariots and horsemen from various regions. Hanun, the king of Ammon, along with his people, sent a significant amount of silver to Mesopotamia, Syriamaachah, and Zobah to recruit these skilled warriors. This action was a strategic move by the Ammonites to defend themselves against any potential retaliation from David, who they had angered. By bolstering their military might with hired forces, the children of Ammon attempted to prepare for any future conflict that may arise due to the diplomatic tension between them and King David. This verse highlights the political maneuvering and military strategies employed during ancient times to protect one's interests and maintain power.
Theological Overview
In this verse from 2 Samuel 10:6, we see the children of Ammon attempting to strengthen their army by hiring chariots and horsemen from neighboring regions. The phrase "made themselves odious to David" signifies that the Ammonites had offended or provoked King David in some way, leading to this hostile response. The act of sending a thousand talents of silver to hire mercenaries highlights the strategic emphasis on military might during this time, showcasing a reliance on wealth to bolster their forces. The mention of Mesopotamia, Syriamaachah, and Zobah indicates the widespread recruitment efforts of the Ammonites, reaching out to various regions to secure skilled warriors. This verse serves as a reminder of the political complexities and military tactics utilized in biblical times, shedding light on the dynamics of power and conflict in ancient societies.
1 Chronicles 19:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Arammaacah, and out of Zobah.
World English Bible
When the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent one thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Arammaacah, and out of Zobah.
Douay-Rheims
And when the children of Ammon saw that they had done an injury to David, Hanon and the rest of the people sent a thousand talents of silver, to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia and out of Syria Maacha, and out of Soba.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When the children of Ammon saw that they stanke in the sight of Dauid, then sent Hanun and the children of Ammon a thousande talents of siluer to hire them charets and horsemen out of Aram Naharaim and out of Aram Maachah, and out of Zobah.