Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 17:10
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
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, and from thence it is thought to have its name Labi, from “leb”, which signifies the heart; so Hercules is represented by the poet as having a lion’s heart f283, and others also; though Leo Africanus f284 relates of some lions in Africa that are so naturally fearful that they will flee at the cry of children, particularly at a place called Agla; hence it became a proverb with the inhabitants of Fez to call blustering cowards the lions of Agla; and he speaks of great numbers of lions elsewhere f285, who are easily driven away with a small stick by the most timorous persons; but for the most part lions are very bold and daring, as well as strong, to which the allusion is here. Some apply this to David himself, who was a valiant man, and whose heart was like that of a lion, and so read the last clause with an interrogation: “shall he utterly melt?” no, he will not; he is not to be made afraid so easily as Ahithophel has intimated: for all Israel knoweth that thy father [is] a mighty man, and [they] which be with him [are] valiant men: this is so universally known that it cannot be denied.
How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.
