Summary
After the Ammonite king dies, David offers comfort to his successor Hanun, mirroring the kindness Nahash showed to David. The Ammonite princes suspect David of espionage, strip the comforters, and seek to ally with Syrian mercenaries. David dispatches Joab with Israelite forces, who divide their troops: one wing faces the Syrians, another the Ammonites. Joab successfully defeats the Syrians, prompting the Ammonites to retreat. The Syrian army, after regrouping near Helam, is again defeated; Israel captures 7,000 chariots and 40,000 horsemen, killing their commander. The surviving Syrian leaders submit to Israel, ending the threat to Ammon.