It is not clear whether David or Hadadezer took the initiative.1 It is possible that David engaged in a military expedition to the Euphrates in order to extend his territory in line with the promises made to Abraham and Moses (Genesis 15:18; Exodus 23:31; Deuteronomy 1:7; Deuteronomy 11:24; Joshua 1:4).2 At the same time, Hadadezer could have gone out to establish his power (an idea that is suggested by the previous conflict between him and Saul in 1 Samuel 14:47).
3 David battit Hadadézer, fils de Rehob, roi de Tsoba, lorsqu'il alla rétablir sa domination sur le fleuve de l'Euphrate.