When David was informed, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan River, ¹  and came to Helam. The Arameans deployed their forces against David and fought with him.

They abandoned all the commandments of the Lord their God; they made two metal calves and an Asherah pole, bowed down to all the stars in the sky, ¹  and worshiped ²  Baal.

It was reported to the family ¹  of David, “Syria has allied with ²  Ephraim.” They and their people were emotionally shaken, just as the trees of the forest shake before the wind. ³ 

¹ There is a loud noise on the mountains – it sounds like a large army! ²  There is great commotion among the kingdoms ³  – nations are being assembled! The Lord who commands armies is mustering forces for battle.

Then you will look and smile, ¹  you will be excited and your heart will swell with pride. ²  For the riches of distant lands ³  will belong to you and the wealth of nations will come to you.

Your gates will remain open at all times; they will not be shut during the day or at night, so that the wealth of nations may be delivered, with their kings leading the way. ¹ 

However, I will first tell you what is written in a dependable book. ¹  (There is no one who strengthens me against these princes, ²  except Michael your ³  prince.

What he will honor is a god of fortresses – a god his fathers did not acknowledge he will honor with gold, silver, valuable stones, and treasured commodities.

Then I will surround my temple ¹  to protect it like a guard ²  from anyone crossing back and forth; so no one will cross over against them anymore as an oppressor, for now I myself have seen it.

Now Abimelech had come ¹  to him from Gerar along with ²  Ahuzzah his friend ³  and Phicol the commander of his army.

When Sihon and all his troops ¹  emerged to encounter us in battle at Jahaz, ² 

When King Toi ¹  of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer,

David assembled the army that was with him. He appointed leaders of thousands and leaders of hundreds.

In the two courtyards of the Lord’s temple he built altars for all the stars in the sky.

and Asa went out to oppose him. They deployed for battle in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.

He had many supplies stored in the cities of Judah and an army of skilled warriors stationed in Jerusalem. ¹ 

Uzziah supplied shields, spears, helmets, breastplates, bows, and slingstones for the entire army.

All of them conspired together to move with armed forces ¹  against Jerusalem and to create a disturbance in it.

God does not restrain his anger; ¹  under him the helpers of Rahab ²  lie crushed. ³ 

You bring new witnesses ¹  against me, and increase your anger against me; relief troops ²  come against me.