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2 Samuel 10:9

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 10:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:
2 Samuel 10:9 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And when the children of Ammon saw that they were become odious to David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zobah, twenty thousand footmen, and the king of Maacah with a thousand men, and the men of Tob twelve thousand men.
7And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.
8And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entrance of the gate: and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob, and the men of Tob and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
9Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:
10And the rest of the people he committed into the hand of Abishai his brother; and he put them in array against the children of Ammon.
11And he said, 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.
12Be of good courage, and let us play the man for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Jehovah do that which seemeth him good.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, etc.] Or “the face” of it f166; 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 famous for warlike exploits, the flower of the army: and put [them] in array against the Syrians; who might be the strongest party, and the best soldiers; though being but mercenaries, if hard beset, would sooner give way, as he might suppose, upon which…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Jos 8:21, Jos 8:22; Jdg 20:42, Jdg 20:43 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 10:11”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification