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2 Samuel 17:10

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 17:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And even he that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, will utterly melt; for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they that are with him are valiant men.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And even he that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, will utterly melt; for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they that are with him are valiant men.
2 Samuel 17:10 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given this time is not good.
8Hushai said moreover, Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field; and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
9Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some [other] place: and it will come to pass, when some of them are fallen at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
10And even he that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, will utterly melt; for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they that are with him are valiant men.
11But I counsel that all Israel be gathered together unto thee, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
12So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground; and of him and of all the men that are with him we will not leave so much as one.
13Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
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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
“And he also [that is] valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt, etc.] That is, whoever should hear of Absalom’s forces, or a part of them, being routed, would be intimidated, though ever so courageous, or of such a lion-like temper and disposition; and even Ahithophel himself, notwithstanding all his boasted courage, his heart would fail, he would melt like water f282, (<060705>Joshua 7:5); should he meet with such a rebuff at first setting out. A lion is well known for its courage as well as strength, and has not only a fierce countenance, hence we read of lion-like men in their faces, (<102320>2 Samuel 23:20 <131208>1 Chronicles 12:8); but has a courageous heart,…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“heart: Sa2 1:23, Sa2 23:20; Gen 49:9; Num 24:8, Num 24:9; Pro 28:1 utterly melt: Exo 15:15; Deu 1:28; Jos 2:9-11; Isa 13:7, Isa 19:1 thy father: Sa1 18:17; Heb 11:34 and they which: Sol 3:7 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 17:11”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“"And even if he (the hearer, Sa2 17:9) be a brave man, who has a lion's heart (lion-like courage), he will be thrown into despair; for all Israel knows that thy father is a hero, and brave men (are those) who are with him." 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 17:11”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 17 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification