Chapter 10

Chapter 10 follows the story of David's kindness to Mephibosheth.  We are still early in David's consolidated reign over all Israel.

The King of Ammon dies.  David thinks to befriend the new king, but his leaders poison him against David.  They demean and embarrass the messengers that David sent to offer condolences.  The poisoners call them spies.  David meets them coming back and does not require them to come home until their beards have grown back. 

After this, the nation of Ammon realize that "they are a stench" to David.  So they hire mercenaries - the Syrians - to fight for/with them. When David learns that an army has been raised he sends Joab and the mighty men to deal with it.  The Ammonites form into battle lines...but stay near the gate. They send their mercenaries out into the open field.  Joab has opposing armies in front of him and behind him.  So he puts some under the command of his brother.  There are a few more battles, but ultimately all of Syria - under Hadad-ezer - is defeated, and all those in service to Syria become vassals of David.  The Syrians will no longer help Ammon either.