16. When the Syrians saw. When the proud Syrians realized that they had been defeated by the armies of Israel, they were greatly chagrined and determined to wipe out their shame by another test of arms.
Beyond the river. The Euphrates. There was a tremendous gathering of Aramaean peoples, including not only those in northern Syria west of the Euphrates, but some from east of the river. With such a formidable army the Syrians must have felt reasonably certain of victory.
Hadarezer. This was Hadadezer, the king previously mentioned in 18:3 as king of Zobah, and the struggle there mentioned is probably connected with this summoning of allies from across the Euphrates.
Went before them. According to 2 Sam. 10:16 the Syrians “came to Helam.” Helam is possibly to be identified with ‘Alma in the district of Hauran, east of Galilee.
