And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.
Ver. 17. He gathered all Israel together.] The best of all, and fittest for his purpose; leading them forth himself. See 2 Samuel 8:6. This put life into his soldiers, as Queen Elizabeth also did by her personal presence at Tilbury Camp; and as the thrice valiant King of Sweden did.
And fought with him.] Very desperately, no doubt; for they had no hope of having quarter, since they had before this rebelled and joined with the Ammonites, to make war against him.