Study note

2 Samuel 10:1

Some time later: King Hadadezer appears in 2 Samuel 10:1–19 as a strong opponent of David (2 Samuel 10:16). This seems surprising, because David had already defeated Hadadezer earlier and taken plunder from his city (2 Samuel 8:3; 7, 12). There are two possible explanations. Either Hadadezer was still alive, rebuilt his forces, and rebelled again in 2 Samuel 10:1–19. Or, 10:1–19 explains in more detail the events summarized in 8:1–18 and prepares the reader for what happens next in 11:1–27.