2 Samuel 10:9-12 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 10:9

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

John Gill

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

And the rest of the people he delivered into the hands of Abishai his brother ,.... Who was a commander under him, and a very valiant man; and thus, as his enemy had two armies, he divided his into two parts, that he might the better attack them: that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon : draw them up in a line, place them rank and file to meet the children of Ammon, and give them battle. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:11

And he said, if the Syrians be too strong for me ,.... Which he might perceive by Joab's forces giving way, or by some signal agreed on between them then thou shall help me ; detach a part of his army to his support and assistance: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee ; in the same manner. 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 10:9

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

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 10:6-11

( 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

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:9

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:11

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

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

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

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:6-11

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:6-19

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 10:9

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