5 figures
King of Israel and leader of the military campaign against the Ammonites and Arameans.
David sends messengers to comfort Hanun, the new king of the Ammonites, but they are humiliated, leading to a military conflict. David's leadership and military strategy are evident as he sends Joab and the army to confront the Ammonites and their allies.
Commander of David's army.
Joab leads the Israelite forces against the Ammonites and their Aramean allies. He demonstrates strategic military leadership by dividing his forces to face the two threats simultaneously.
King of the Ammonites.
Hanun, the son of Nahash, becomes king after his father's death. He misinterprets David's gesture of kindness as espionage, leading to the humiliation of David's envoys and subsequent war.
Former king of the Ammonites and father of Hanun.
Though not directly involved in this chapter, Nahash's past relationship with David sets the stage for the initial peaceful intentions.
Commander of the Aramean army.
Shobach leads the Aramean forces allied with the Ammonites against Israel. He is ultimately defeated by David's forces.