Definition: And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 10:6. It’s a really significant passage about a massive military force sent to protect David! Here's a simple explanation: What it means: When the Ammonites (a group of people from the region of Ammon) saw that they were smelling strongly – like a bad smell – before King David, they decided to send a huge army to help him. They hired soldiers from several neighboring tribes and even sent a king named Maacah. Let’s unpack it further: The Ammonites: These people were known for being restless and perhaps a bit rebellious. They weren't particularly friendly with David, so this was a significant event. Sending the Army: The Ammonites didn't just send a small group; they sent 20,000 footmen – that’s a lot of soldiers! They also sent a king named Maacah, who is a prominent figure in the story. The Tribes Involved: They enlisted help from several other tribes: Syrians (from Bethrehob), Syrians from Zoba, and even Ishtob (a tribe known for its strength). It’s a massive force! Why was this happening? This is part of a larger story about David’s growing power and the challenges he faced. The Ammonites were essentially trying to protect David – maybe they felt threatened by his rise or wanted to keep him safe. In short, this verse describes a massive military response sent to bolster King David's defenses against a potential threat. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of the Bible?