2 Samuel 10:9

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 10:9

When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind ,.... Or "the face" of it F23 פני "facies", Pagninus, Montanus. ; armies appeared both before and behind, about to attack him both in front and rear; the Targum is,"and Joab saw that the warriors, or those that made war, were strong against him before and behind:" he chose of all the choice men of Israel ; the most eminent for strength, and valour, and military skill, who had been tried, and were... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 10:9

Before and behind - It is probable that one of the armies was in the field, and the other in the city, when Joab arrived. When he fronted this army, the other appears to have issued from the city, and to have taken him in the rear; he was therefore obliged to divide his army as here mentioned; one part to face the Syrians commanded by himself, and the other to face the Ammonites commanded by his brother Abishai. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:6-11

( 1 Chronicles 19:6-12 ). ( MEDEBA .) An agreement of mutual help. "If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee" ( 2 Samuel 10:11 ). 1 . On perceiving the effect of their treatment of David s ambassadors ( 2 Samuel 10:6 ; "That they had made themselves odious," 1 Chronicles 19:6 ), the Ammonites obtained, for "a thousand talents of silver," the aid of the Syrians of... 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 10:9

The front of the battle. The object of Joab was to prevent at all hazards the junction of the Syrians with the Ammonites, and he was only just in time to throw himself between them. This was resolute but dangerous policy, as, in case of defeat, he would have a powerful enemy in his rear. Apparently, however, he was aware that his real work lay with the Syrian mercenaries, who were dangerous enough by themselves, and would become more than a match for him if they were reinforced by the men of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 10:9

The two armies of the Ammonites and the Syrians were drawn up facing one another; the Ammonites supported by the city Rabbah behind them; the Syrians in great force, with numerous chariots able to manoeuvre in the plain in front of Medeba. If Joab advanced against either, he would have the other in his rear. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 10:9

2 Samuel 10:9 . The front of the battle Hebrew, the face of the battle; was against him before, and behind That is, they had divided their forces, the Syrians appearing before him, and the Ammonites behind him. He put them in array against the Syrians He also, like an expert commander, presently divided his army into two bodies, and picked out the best soldiers to engage the Syrians, who, it seems, were the strongest, or the most valiant. 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

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Samuel 10:9

THE GREAT VICTORY WON BY JOAB"When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the picked men of Israel, and arrayed them against the Syrians; the rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites. And he said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us play the man for... read more

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