2 Samuel 10:12 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:6-14

Here we have, I. The preparation which the Ammonites made for war, 2 Sam. 10:6. They saw they had made themselves very odious to David and obnoxious to his just displeasure. This they might easily have foreseen when they abused his ambassadors, which was no other than a challenge to war, and a bold defiance of him. Yet, it seems, they had not considered how unable they were, with their thousands, to meet his; for now they found themselves an unequal match, and were forced to hire forces of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:12

Be of good courage, and let us play the men ,.... This Joab said, not only to encourage Abishai and himself, but in the hearing of the rest of the officers of the army, and of many of the people, to hearten them to the battle; who might be somewhat intimidated with the number of their enemies, and the position they were in, being before and behind them; and therefore he thought proper to make such a speech to them to animate them to light: for our people, and for the cities of our God ;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 10:12

Be of good courage - This is a very fine military address, and is equal to any thing in ancient or modern times. Ye fight pro aris et focis ; for every good, sacred and civil; for God, for your families, and for your country. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:6-19

International quarrels. The facts are: 1 . The Ammonites, discovering the displeasure of David, hire mercenaries of the neighbouring peoples. 2 . As a countermovement, David sends out a strong force under Joab. 3 . The opposing forces coming into contact, Joab arranges that he should confront the Syrians, while Abishai deals with the Ammonites. 4 . Joab, exhorting Abishai to courage, in dependence on God, arranges also for mutual support, in case of need, in their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:11-12

Cooperation, courage, and resignation. Joab here appears at his best. A great occasion, involving great peril for the army and the kingdom, calls forth, not only his eminent military qualities, but sentiments of piety and religious patriotism worthy of David himself. He presents an example worthy of imitation by commanders of armies; but we take his words as adapted to guide and animate the soldiers of Christ in their warfare against error and sin. They Call attention to three duties... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:12

Be of good courage, and let us play the men. The Hebrew employs two conjugations of the same verb, literally, be strong, and let us show ourselves strong. And need there was for bravery; for the welfare, as he went on to show, of all Israel, and the honour of Israel's God, were in jeopardy. Finally he adds, The Lord do that which seemeth him good. They are the words not so much of confidence as of determined resolution. Come good or ill, he and Abishai would do their utmost. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:12

( 1 Chronicles 19:13 ). ( MEDEBA .) Martial courage. "Be of good courage," etc. Human life is a warfare, unavoidable, arduous, enduring; and spiritual life, more especially, is a warfare of a similar kind. In this conflict nothing is more needful than manly or martial courage ("virtue," 1 Peter 1:5 ). It is that quality of mind which meets difficulty, danger, pain, or death, calmly and fearlessly. It has been reckoned by moralists among the four cardinal virtues (prudence,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 10:12

For the cities of our God - This rather indicates that the relief of Medeba was one of the immediate objects in view, and consequently that at this time Medeba was still in the possession of the Reubenites. To prevent an Israelite city falling into the hands of a pagan people, and the rites of Moloch being substituted for the worship of Yahweh, was a very urgent motive to valor. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 10:12

2 Samuel 10:12. Be of good courage, &c. These words, it is likely, were not spoken to Abishai alone, but to all the army by their officers, that they might not be disheartened at the sight of such numerous forces as in a manner encompassed them, but be so much the more resolute for the preservation of their country. And the Lord do that which seemeth him good If they did their duty, he trusted Divine Providence would favour them. But if not, he would be resigned to God’s will: he... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:1-19

Remembering former kindnesses (9:1-10:19)Although his power was now great, David did not forget his covenant with Jonathan. Unlike other kings, David would not destroy the family of the king whom he replaced (9:1; see 1 Samuel 20:12-17). David not only spared the life of Jonathan’s sole surviving son, the crippled Mephibosheth, but also restored to him Saul’s family property (2-8; cf. 4:4). David gave Mephibosheth the privilege of free access into the palace, and appointed one of Saul’s former... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:6-14

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:12

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 10:12

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:6-19

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:11-12

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:12

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:12

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 10:12

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 10:12

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:1-19

Group of Brands