Hadadezer

Hadadezer was the king of Zobah, an Aramean kingdom, during the reign of King David of Israel. He is mentioned in 2Samuel 8, 10, and 1Chronicles 18, 19. Hadadezer went to restore his control along the Euphrates River, but David defeated him, capturing many of his chariots, horsemen, and foot soldiers (2Sa.8.3-4, 1 Chronicles 2 Samuel 18:3–4). David also took gold shields from Hadadezer's officers and brought them to Jerusalem (2Sa.8.7, 1 Chronicles 2 Samuel 18:7). When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer, David defeated them as well, and they became subject to Israel (2Sa.8.5-6, 1 Chronicles 2 Samuel 18:5–6). Later, when David's messengers were mistreated by the Ammonites, Hadadezer sent his army to help the Ammonites fight against Israel (2Sa.10.16, 1 Chronicles 2 Samuel 19:16). However, Joab and Abishai, David's commanders, defeated the Arameans and the Ammonites. After this defeat, Hadadezer's allies made peace with Israel and became subject to them (2Sa.10.19, 1 Chronicles 2 Samuel 19:19). The biblical account portrays Hadadezer as a powerful king who posed a significant threat to Israel, but was ultimately defeated by David and his army.