Realizing they have deeply offended David, the Ammonites hire mercenary forces from nearby regions to prepare for war. The Hebrew word sakar (to hire) points to the transactional, desperate nature of their response. Instead of seeking reconciliation, they double down on fear and self-protection.

This move is counter-intuitive: rather than de-escalate, the Ammonites invest heavily in making the situation worse. It’s a pattern seen in many conflicts—when people feel threatened, they often react by building alliances or defenses, even if it means more danger in the long run.

If you’ve ever tried to fix a mistake by overcompensating or going on the defensive, this verse names that impulse. It’s a caution against letting pride and fear drive decisions, especially when things could still be made right.