2 Samuel 10:12

KJV

Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be of good courage {H2388}, and let us play the men {H2388} for our people {H5971}, and for the cities {H5892} of our God {H430}: and the LORD {H3068} do {H6213} that which seemeth {H5869} him good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Take courage, and let's be strong for the sake of our people and the cities of our God. May ADONAI do what seems good to him."

Berean Standard Bible

Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

American Standard Version

Be 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joab's powerful declaration in 2 Samuel 10:12 serves as a pivotal rallying cry to the Israelite army, facing a formidable combined force of Ammonites and Syrians. It encapsulates a profound blend of human courage, military resolve, and unwavering trust in divine sovereignty. Facing overwhelming odds and a two-front battle, Joab exhorts his men to fight valiantly for their people and the cities of their God, while simultaneously acknowledging that the ultimate outcome rests entirely in the hands of the Lord, who will do what is good in His sight. This verse masterfully balances human responsibility with divine omnipotence, offering a timeless principle for navigating life's most challenging circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the war between Israel and Ammon, specifically following a grave insult by Hanun, the Ammonite king, towards David's envoys. David, seeking to show kindness after the death of Hanun's father, sent messengers of condolence, but Hanun, misled by his advisors, publicly humiliated them by shaving half their beards and cutting their garments. This act of profound dishonor ignited the conflict. David dispatched his mighty army under Joab and Abishai. The immediate narrative leading to this verse describes the strategic dilemma Joab faced: the Ammonites had hired Syrian mercenaries, positioning themselves to attack Israel from both the front and the rear. Joab's words are a direct response to this dire tactical situation, as he divides his forces and prepares for a desperate, yet determined, engagement. The subsequent verses detail the successful execution of Joab's plan and the initial victory against the Syrians, followed by the Ammonites.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was characterized by a complex web of alliances, rivalries, and frequent warfare. Acts of diplomacy, like David's initial gesture, were highly significant, and their deliberate desecration, as committed by Hanun, was an extreme provocation, tantamount to a declaration of war. Such public shaming was deeply offensive, striking at the honor of both the individuals and the king they represented. The hiring of mercenaries was a common practice among smaller kingdoms like Ammon, who lacked the military might to confront larger powers like Israel alone. The mention of "cities of our God" reflects the deep connection between the people, their land, and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Battles were often seen not merely as clashes between armies but as contests between their respective deities. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, understood their battles to have a sacred dimension, fought for the preservation of their divinely appointed heritage and the honor of their God.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the book of 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. First, it highlights the theme of **courage and leadership** in the face of adversity, exemplified by Joab's resolute command. This echoes the calls for strength and steadfastness found throughout Israel's history, such as Joshua's commission in [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous"). Second, it underscores the theme of **national identity and sacred duty**, as the soldiers are called to fight "for our people, and for the cities of our God." This emphasizes that their struggle is not for personal gain but for the preservation of the covenant community and its divinely designated territories, a concept deeply rooted in the promises made to Abraham and the laws given in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy"). Finally, and most profoundly, the verse articulates the theme of **divine sovereignty and human responsibility**. Joab's declaration, "and the LORD do that which seemeth him good," is a profound expression of trust in God's ultimate control over all outcomes, even amidst intense human effort. This theological tension—between diligent human action and humble submission to God's will—is a recurring motif in biblical narratives, often seen in the lives of figures like David himself, who consistently sought the Lord's guidance (e.g., [2 Samuel 5:19](/2_samuel/5-19 "2 Samuel 5:19 - David Inquires of the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Courage (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** The KJV phrase "Be of good courage" translates the Hebrew verb root *chazaq* (חָזַק), which fundamentally means "to be strong, firm, courageous, or resolute." It is an active imperative, a command not merely to *feel* brave, but to *demonstrate* strength and valor. In a military context, it implies holding one's ground, standing firm against an enemy, and acting with unwavering determination. This word is frequently used in the Old Testament to encourage leaders and people to be strong in the Lord, often in the face of daunting tasks or enemies, as seen in God's repeated instruction to Joshua.
* **Good (Hebrew, _tov'_):** The concluding phrase, "seemeth him good," employs the Hebrew word *tov* (טוֹב), meaning "good," "pleasing," "agreeable," or "beneficial." When applied to God, it emphasizes that whatever He decides or brings to pass will ultimately be in accordance with His perfect character, His benevolent will, and His wise purposes. It signifies that God's actions are inherently righteous and ultimately lead to the best possible outcome from His divine perspective, even if it is not immediately apparent or desirable from a human viewpoint.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be of good courage":** This opening imperative is a direct command to the soldiers to steel their resolve and overcome fear. It is a call to mental and spiritual fortitude, recognizing that courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to act despite it. It sets the tone for the subsequent call to action, emphasizing the internal disposition necessary for effective combat.
* **"and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God":** This clause provides the motivation and purpose for their courage. "Let us play the men" is an idiomatic expression, urging them to act like true warriors, to embody masculine strength, bravery, and unwavering commitment. The objects of their defense are twofold: "our people" (their families, kin, and nation) and "the cities of our God" (the physical dwelling places of the covenant community, sacred because they are where God's people reside and worship). This elevates the battle from a mere territorial dispute to a sacred defense of their identity, heritage, and divine relationship.
* **"and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.":** This concluding statement is a profound theological pivot. After exhorting maximal human effort and courage, Joab immediately shifts the ultimate responsibility and outcome to God. It is an expression of humble submission and profound trust in divine sovereignty. It acknowledges that despite their best efforts, the final victory or defeat rests solely in God's hands, and whatever He chooses to do will be inherently righteous and good. This prevents human pride in victory and offers solace in potential defeat, anchoring their hope in God's perfect will.

#### Literary Devices
Joab's declaration is a masterclass in **Rhetoric** and **Exhortation**. It functions as a powerful **rallying cry**, designed to inspire and unify the troops in a moment of extreme peril. The use of the imperative "Be of good courage" and the cohortative "let us play the men" directly addresses the soldiers, creating a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility. There is a clear **Juxtaposition** between human responsibility and divine sovereignty: the call to courageous action is immediately followed by a surrender to God's will. This creates a theological **Paradox** where human effort is maximized, yet ultimate control is relinquished. The phrase "for our people, and for the cities of our God" employs **Parallelism** and **Merism**, encompassing the totality of what they are fighting for—their national and spiritual identity. The repetition of the concept of "good" (courage, and God doing what is "good") subtly reinforces the positive and righteous nature of their cause and the divine character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 10:12 masterfully weaves together the biblical themes of human responsibility, courage, and divine sovereignty. It teaches that while we are called to exert our utmost effort, wisdom, and bravery in the face of life's challenges, the ultimate outcome belongs to God. This balance is crucial for a healthy faith, preventing both fatalistic passivity and arrogant self-reliance. Joab's words remind us that our actions have purpose and consequence, but our trust must ultimately rest in the One who orchestrates all things according to His perfect will. It is a call to courageous faithfulness, coupled with humble submission, acknowledging that God's "good" is always the best possible outcome.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Presence and Strength")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joab's ancient battle cry transcends its original context to offer profound guidance for believers facing the "battles" of modern life. We are frequently confronted with situations that demand courage—whether it's standing for truth in a compromising world, persevering through personal trials, or making difficult ethical decisions. This verse calls us to "be of good courage" and "play the men" (or "play the women"), meaning to act with integrity, strength, and resolve, not shrinking from our responsibilities. Our "people" and "cities of our God" today might represent our families, communities, the Church, or even the broader cause of justice and righteousness. We are to fight for these with all our might. Yet, after we have exerted every effort, we are to echo Joab's profound faith: "and the LORD do that which seemeth him good." This surrender to divine sovereignty frees us from anxiety over outcomes, allowing us to rest in God's perfect wisdom and benevolent plan, knowing that His definition of "good" is always ultimate and true. It cultivates a spirit of diligent effort coupled with peaceful trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "battles" or challenges in your life currently require you to "be of good courage" and "play the men/women"?**
* **For whom or what "people" and "cities of our God" are you called to stand firm and act with resolve today?**
* **How does the phrase "and the LORD do that which seemeth him good" help you release anxiety and trust God with the outcome of your efforts?**
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to balance diligent human effort with humble submission to God's will?**

### FAQ
**What does "play the men" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "play the men" (KJV) is an idiomatic expression from the Hebrew, meaning to act courageously, bravely, and with the strength and resolve expected of mature warriors. It's an exhortation to demonstrate valor, fortitude, and unwavering determination in the face of danger, rather than succumbing to fear or weakness. It's a call to embody the highest ideals of a soldier, fighting with all one's might for a noble cause. It implies taking full responsibility for one's actions in battle and giving one's utmost effort, as seen in other calls to strength in the Old Testament, such as when David instructs Solomon to "be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man" in [1 Kings 2:2](/1_kings/2-2 "1 Kings 2:2 - David's Charge to Solomon").

**How does this verse balance human responsibility and divine sovereignty?**

Answer: This verse provides a beautiful and profound balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Joab first commands his soldiers to "be of good courage" and "play the men," emphasizing their active role, their duty, and their need for personal resolve and effort. This highlights human agency and the importance of diligent action. Immediately following this, however, he declares, "and the LORD do that which seemeth him good." This second part acknowledges that despite human effort, the ultimate outcome is not in their hands but rests entirely with God's sovereign will. It teaches that humans are to act with courage and diligence, fulfilling their part, while simultaneously surrendering the results to God, trusting in His perfect wisdom and control. This theological tension is a cornerstone of biblical faith, encouraging faithful action without presumption, and humble trust without passivity. This principle is echoed in passages like [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Prepared for Battle, But Victory Belongs to the Lord"), which states, "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 10:12, while a battle cry from ancient Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joab's call to "be of good courage" and "play the men" for "our people, and for the cities of our God" foreshadows the ultimate courageous act of the true King and Commander, Jesus. He faced the ultimate battle against sin, death, and the powers of darkness, not with swords and shields, but with unwavering resolve and perfect obedience to His Father's will. He courageously "played the man" by enduring the cross, despising its shame, for the sake of His "people"—the elect from every tribe and nation whom He came to redeem ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Saves His People from Their Sins")). His sacrifice was for the "cities of our God," not merely earthly Jerusalem, but the heavenly Jerusalem, the New Creation, and His Church, which is the spiritual dwelling place of God among humanity ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). Most significantly, Jesus perfectly embodied the final phrase: "and the LORD do that which seemeth him good." In Gethsemane, facing unimaginable suffering, He prayed, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). His entire life and redemptive work were an act of perfect submission to the Father's "good" and sovereign plan, even unto death. Through His courageous obedience and submission, Christ secured the ultimate victory, demonstrating that true courage is found in absolute trust in God's perfect will, leading to the salvation of His people and the establishment of His eternal kingdom ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Samuel 3:18

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Nehemiah 4:14

And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

1 Samuel 4:9

Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

Judges 10:15

And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.