2 Samuel 10:13

And Joab drew nigh, and the people that [were] with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.

And Joab {H3097} drew nigh {H5066}, and the people {H5971} that were with him, unto the battle {H4421} against the Syrians {H758}: and they fled {H5127} before {H6440} him.

So Yo'av and the people with him went to battle Aram, and they fled before him.

So Joab and his troops advanced to fight the Arameans, who fled before him.

So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.

Commentary

Context of 2 Samuel 10:13

This verse is situated within the narrative of King David's war against the Ammonites and their Syrian allies. The conflict began after Hanun, the Ammonite king, grievously insulted David's messengers, who had been sent with condolences for Hanun's father. This act of disrespect escalated into a full-scale war. In response, the Ammonites hired vast numbers of Syrian mercenaries. David dispatched his formidable general, Joab, with the entire army. Facing a two-front battle, Joab strategically divided his forces, placing himself against the Syrians and his brother Abishai against the Ammonites. Verse 13 describes the immediate outcome of Joab's direct engagement with the Syrian forces.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Decisive Leadership and Courage: Joab's swift and determined approach to the battle is evident in the phrase "drew nigh." His willingness to confront the enemy directly, even when outnumbered, showcases his military prowess and courage. This reflects the strategic leadership and faith demonstrated by Joab just before the battle.
  • Swift Victory and Rout: The immediate flight of the Syrians ("they fled before him") signifies a decisive and overwhelming victory for Joab and the Israelite army. It was not a prolonged struggle but a rapid rout, indicating the superior strength or morale of David's forces, or perhaps a panic among the Syrians.
  • Divine Favor (Implied): While not explicitly stated as God's direct intervention in this verse, the swiftness and completeness of the victory often imply divine favor for Israel in their battles, particularly when they were fighting against those who had defied God's anointed king. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God fighting for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "drew nigh" is vayyiggash (ื•ึทื™ึผึดื’ึผึทืฉื), which indicates a determined, purposeful approach, not merely a casual movement. It conveys a sense of readiness and aggression in engaging the enemy. The phrase "fled before him" (ื•ึทื™ึผึธื ึปืกื•ึผ ืžึดืคึผึธื ึธื™ื• - vayyanusu mippanav) emphasizes a complete and immediate retreat, signifying that the Syrians could not withstand Joab's advance and were utterly defeated in that initial confrontation. It paints a picture of a rout rather than an organized withdrawal.

Practical Application

The account of Joab's victory offers several insights for believers today. It highlights the importance of decisive action and courage when facing daunting challenges, whether spiritual, personal, or professional. Just as Joab led with resolve, we are called to approach our difficulties with faith and determination, trusting that God is with us. This verse also reminds us that when we act in accordance with God's will and principles, even formidable adversaries can be overcome, often more swiftly than anticipated. It encourages us to confront obstacles directly, relying on divine strength and wisdom rather than shrinking from them.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 20:13

    And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.

  • 1 Kings 20:21

    And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter.

  • 1 Chronicles 19:14

    So Joab and the people that [were] with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.

  • 1 Chronicles 19:15

    And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

  • 2 Chronicles 13:5

    Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, [even] to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?

  • 2 Chronicles 13:16

    And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand.

  • 1 Kings 20:28

    And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD [is] God of the hills, but he [is] not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.
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