דברי הימים א, פרק י״ט, פסוק ו׳

Realizing the severe consequences of a deep public insult, the Ammonites prepare for an inevitable military clash. They understand they have made themselves utterly despised and detestable in David's eyes, likening their reputation to a foul stench. Recognizing that their actions amount to a direct challenge and a clear declaration of war, they are overcome with fear, knowing well that David will respond with heavy force [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

To counter this looming threat, Hanun and the Ammonites spend a thousand talents of silver to hire a large auxiliary army. This mercenary force includes chariots and horsemen gathered from various foreign lands [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The hired soldiers originate from several distinct regions, specifically Aram-naharaim, Aram-maacah, and Zobah. The Aramean nation was vast and widely dispersed, with different branches taking on the names of their specific locations [רש״י]. For instance, Aram-maacah refers to the Arameans settled in the Maacah region, while Aram-naharaim refers to those living along the Euphrates River [רש״י], a group some identify as Aram-beth-rehob [מלבי״ם]. Zobah is also an Aramean state, known as Aram-zobah [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This practice of naming local branches of a larger nation after their specific geographic settlements, even when the main body of the people resides elsewhere, is not unique to the Arameans. A similar pattern is found among the Ammonites themselves, as well as the descendants of Esau who settled in Seir in Edom [רש״י].