Book of 1 Chronicles - Chapter 19 - Verse 6

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.

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.