Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him.
The war-cry
I. The purpose for which they fought.
II. The method in which they fought.
1. A wise economy of forces.
2. A determination to render mutual help.
III. The spirit in which they fought.
1. Of exalted courage.
2. Of true patriotism.
3. Of submission to God. (J. Wolfendale.)
16 And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river:e and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.
17 And it was told David; and he gathered all Israel, and passed over Jordan, and came upon them, and set the battle in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him.
18 But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.