2 Samuel 17:10

KJV

And he also [that is] valiant, whose heart [is] as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father [is] a mighty man, and [they] which [be] with him [are] valiant men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he also that is valiant {H1121}{H2428}, whose heart {H3820} is as the heart {H3820} of a lion {H738}, shall utterly {H4549} melt {H4549}: for all Israel {H3478} knoweth {H3045} that thy father {H1} is a mighty man {H1368}, and they which be with him are valiant {H2428} men {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then even the strongest among them, someone whose courage is that of a lion, will completely collapse! For all Isra'el knows that your father is a powerful man, and those with him are powerful men.

Berean Standard Bible

Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 17:10 encapsulates a critical psychological assessment by Ahithophel during Absalom's rebellion, predicting the complete demoralization of David's most courageous warriors. It asserts that even those whose hearts are as brave as a lion's will utterly lose resolve and flee once David, universally known as a formidable "mighty man," is decisively defeated. This verse highlights the profound impact of a leader's reputation and the anticipated psychological collapse of an army when its revered commander is overcome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic and tragic narrative of Absalom's usurpation of King David's throne. Following David's hasty and sorrowful flight from Jerusalem, Absalom seeks counsel on how to consolidate his power and decisively eliminate his father. Ahithophel, a former and highly esteemed advisor to David who had defected to Absalom's side, offers what is presented as strategically brilliant advice: a swift, targeted pursuit and assassination of David alone ([2 Samuel 17:1-3](/2_samuel/17-1-3 "2 Samuel 17:1-3 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom")). Verse 10 serves as Ahithophel's justification for this aggressive, surgical strike, explaining the profound psychological collapse he anticipates among David's loyal but currently scattered forces. It directly precedes the pivotal counter-counsel of Hushai the Archite, whom God providentially used to frustrate Ahithophel's seemingly infallible plan, ultimately leading to Ahithophel's suicide and David's eventual restoration to power. The tension between human wisdom and divine sovereignty is a central narrative thread woven throughout [2 Samuel 17](/2_samuel/17 "2 Samuel 17 - Ahithophel's Counsel and Hushai's Counter-Counsel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in 2 Samuel 17 unfold around 1000 BC, a period of nascent monarchical consolidation in ancient Israel. Kings in this era, particularly figures like David, were not merely political heads but also supreme military commanders, and their personal reputation for valor, strategic acumen, and success in battle was absolutely paramount to the morale and cohesion of their armies. David, in particular, had cultivated a legendary status as a "mighty man" (Hebrew: _gibbôwr_), a reputation forged through iconic victories such as his defeat of Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:50-51](/1_samuel/17-50-51 "1 Samuel 17:50-51 - David Defeats Goliath")) and numerous successful military campaigns against surrounding nations. Ahithophel's counsel shrewdly leverages this established reputation, arguing that David's very fame, if shattered by his personal defeat, would trigger an immediate and widespread panic among his followers. Warfare in the ancient Near East often incorporated significant psychological elements, where the perceived strength or weakness of a leader could indeed turn the tide of battle as much as, or even more than, physical might or numerical superiority.
* **Key Themes:** Several significant themes resonate within this verse and its broader narrative context. First, the **Profound Influence of Reputation and Leadership** is evident, as David's established image as a "mighty man" is acknowledged by "all Israel," profoundly influencing the morale of both his allies and adversaries. Ahithophel's strategy hinges entirely on exploiting this formidable reputation. Second, the theme of **Psychological Warfare and Demoralization** is central, as Ahithophel predicts that even the bravest hearts will "utterly melt" at the prospect of David's defeat, underscoring the destructive power of fear and despair in conflict. This highlights how a psychological blow can be more devastating than a physical one. Third, and perhaps most profoundly, the overarching narrative implicitly showcases the theme of **Human Wisdom vs. Divine Sovereignty**. While Ahithophel's counsel is undeniably brilliant and strategically sound from a human perspective, the larger story reveals that God ultimately "frustrated the good counsel of Ahithophel" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")) through Hushai. This demonstrates that even the most astute and well-conceived human plans are ultimately subject to God's overarching purposes, a truth echoed in passages like [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans in a Person's Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Valiant (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This term (H2428) carries a rich semantic range beyond simple bravery, encompassing "strength," "might," "wealth," "military prowess," "valor," and even "virtue." In this context, it refers to David's seasoned warriors, men of proven capability, courage, and resources. Ahithophel's acknowledgment of their inherent strength makes his prediction of their "melting" even more impactful, suggesting that even their formidable qualities would be insufficient against the psychological blow of David's fall.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This word (H3820) is used very widely in Hebrew for the "feelings," "will," "intellect," and even the "center of anything." When paired with "lion," it denotes the core of courage and resolve. The phrase "whose heart is as the heart of a lion" refers to the deepest seat of courage and inner fortitude, emphasizing the extraordinary bravery of David's men. Ahithophel's prediction is that this very core of courage will dissolve.
* **Melt (Hebrew, _mâçaç'_):** This vivid verb (H4549) literally means "to liquefy," "to dissolve," or "to waste away." Figuratively, it denotes "to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)" or "to be discouraged." It paints a powerful picture of utter collapse, not just of physical strength but of spirit, courage, and resolve. It implies a complete loss of cohesion and will to fight, akin to a solid substance turning into liquid. This imagery is used elsewhere in scripture to describe overwhelming fear, such as the hearts of the Canaanites melting before Israel ([Joshua 14:8](/joshua/14-8 "Joshua 14:8 - Caleb's Faith and the Melting Hearts")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he also [that is] valiant, whose heart [is] as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt":** This clause presents Ahithophel's core prediction and the devastating psychological effect he anticipates. It targets David's most courageous and capable men, those possessing the ultimate symbol of bravery—a lion's heart. The intensive verb "shall utterly melt" emphasizes the absolute and irreversible nature of the predicted psychological collapse, suggesting that even the bravest will be completely incapacitated by fear and despair, losing all will to resist.
* **"for all Israel knoweth that thy father [is] a mighty man":** This provides the crucial justification for Ahithophel's prediction. David's formidable reputation as a warrior, a hero, and a powerful leader (a "mighty man," _gibbôwr_) is universally acknowledged throughout Israel. It is this very reputation, if decisively shattered by his personal defeat, that Ahithophel believes will cause the widespread and immediate demoralization among his followers. The collective knowledge of David's strength makes the predicted "melting" of his followers' hearts a logical and inevitable consequence of his personal downfall.
* **"and [they] which [be] with him [are] valiant men":** This final clause acknowledges the quality and capability of David's loyalists. Ahithophel is not underestimating David's forces or suggesting they are weak; rather, he is arguing that despite their individual valor and collective strength, their spirit and resolve are so intrinsically tied to David's personal leadership and reputation that his downfall would render their courage meaningless. Their collective spirit would dissolve, leading to their complete dispersion and inability to fight.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey Ahithophel's shrewd assessment and the anticipated psychological impact. **Simile** is prominently featured in the phrase "whose heart [is] as the heart of a lion," vividly comparing human courage to the renowned ferocity, strength, and fearlessness of a lion. This immediately establishes the exceptionally high caliber of David's men, making the subsequent prediction of their collapse even more striking. The phrase "shall utterly melt" functions as a powerful **metaphor** (or perhaps **hyperbole**, given its extremity), transforming the abstract concept of losing courage into a tangible, visceral image of dissolution and complete disintegration. This **vivid imagery** underscores the debilitating and absolute nature of the predicted fear and despair. Furthermore, there is a subtle **irony** at play: Ahithophel uses David's formidable reputation and the valor of his men, which are typically sources of strength and intimidation, as the very reasons why their morale will shatter if David himself is targeted. This strategic use of David's strengths against him highlights Ahithophel's cunning and ruthless insight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while rooted in a strategic military assessment, carries profound theological implications regarding the nature of human courage and the ultimate source of security. It powerfully illustrates the inherent fragility of human strength and resolve when confronted with overwhelming fear or the perceived loss of a foundational leader. Ahithophel's counsel, though brilliant in its human wisdom and psychological insight, ultimately failed because it did not account for the sovereign hand of God. The narrative reminds us that true security and unwavering courage do not ultimately stem from human reputation, military might, or even the "heart of a lion," but from an abiding trust in the Lord. God can frustrate the plans of the wisest human strategists and preserve His chosen ones, demonstrating that His purposes will always prevail over human machinations. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that "there is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel against the Lord."
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prediction that even the "lion-hearted" will "utterly melt" offers a sobering reflection on the nature of courage and fear. It reminds us that human bravery, no matter how great or celebrated, has its inherent limits, especially when faced with overwhelming odds, the collapse of trusted leadership, or profound personal adversity. For believers, this passage highlights the critical distinction between courage derived from human strength or circumstances and fortitude that is divinely bestowed. Our ultimate strength and steadfastness should not be rooted in the reputation or abilities of any person, including ourselves, but in the unshakeable character, faithfulness, and promises of God. When we face situations that threaten to make our hearts "melt"—be it personal crises, societal upheaval, spiritual battles, or the perceived failure of human systems—this passage calls us to remember that our true source of courage and resilience is the Lord, who is our light, our salvation, and our stronghold. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and to cultivate a faith that remains resolute even when human strength falters, knowing that God's presence is our unfailing anchor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of true courage, distinguishing between human bravery and divinely-empowered fortitude?**
* **In what ways might we, like Absalom, be tempted to rely solely on human wisdom, strategic brilliance, or perceived strength rather than seeking God's guidance and trusting in His ultimate sovereignty?**
* **When faced with fear, demoralization, or overwhelming circumstances, what practical steps can we take to root our courage and hope in God rather than in our own abilities, the strength of others, or the stability of our circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahithophel's counsel considered so wise?**

Answer: Ahithophel's counsel was considered exceptionally wise because it was strategically brilliant and deeply insightful into human psychology and military dynamics. He understood David's formidable reputation as a "mighty man" and correctly assessed that a swift, decisive strike against David himself would psychologically incapacitate his followers, leading to a complete collapse of their morale. His plan was efficient, minimizing prolonged conflict and aiming for a quick, decisive victory by targeting the head of the rebellion. It played on the known impact of a leader's fall in ancient warfare, where the loss of the commander often meant the immediate dissolution of the army.

**How did God frustrate Ahithophel's counsel?**

Answer: God frustrated Ahithophel's counsel through Hushai the Archite, David's loyal friend, whom David had sent back to Jerusalem specifically to counter Ahithophel's advice. Hushai presented an alternative strategy to Absalom that, while seemingly more comprehensive and appealing to Absalom's vanity, actually played directly into David's hands by delaying the attack. This crucial delay gave David sufficient time to escape across the Jordan River, regroup, and prepare his forces for battle. The Bible explicitly states in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel") that "the Lord had purposed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom," demonstrating divine intervention in human affairs.

**What does "heart as the heart of a lion" signify?**

Answer: The phrase "heart as the heart of a lion" is an ancient idiom signifying exceptional bravery, courage, and ferocity. Lions were widely recognized in the ancient Near East as apex predators and symbols of strength, fearlessness, and dominance. To possess a "lion's heart" meant to be incredibly courageous, resolute, and intimidating to one's enemies. Ahithophel's use of this simile underscores the high caliber of David's warriors, acknowledging their formidable courage, which in turn makes his prediction of their "melting" even more striking and indicative of the extreme demoralization he envisioned upon David's defeat.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 17:10 vividly describes the potential "melting" of even lion-hearted men in the face of a formidable foe, it ultimately points to the unshakeable courage and ultimate victory of Jesus Christ. David, though a "mighty man" whose reputation instilled both respect and fear, was still a human king susceptible to rebellion, temporary defeat, and the scattering of his followers. This foreshadows the ultimate "mighty man," Jesus, whose own disciples also "melted" and scattered in fear when He was arrested and crucified ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - All the Disciples Deserted Him")). Yet, unlike David, whose deliverance was through human counter-counsel and strategic flight, Jesus' "defeat" on the cross was, paradoxically, His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. This victory was one that no human wisdom could thwart and no human courage could achieve. His "reputation" is not one that causes fear to those who follow Him, but rather brings eternal life, unwavering hope, and perfect peace. The true "heart of a lion"—unyielding, courageous, and perfectly resolute—is found in Christ's unwavering obedience to the Father, even unto the ignominious death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), and His triumphant defeat of all hostile powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). It is through His finished work that believers are empowered to face fears and trials, knowing that "in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). He is the one whose constant presence ensures that our hearts, though weak and prone to fear, need not "melt," for He is always with us, a steadfast refuge and an indomitable King.

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

Joshua 2:9

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

Joshua 2:11

And as soon as we had heard [these things], our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he [is] God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

Deuteronomy 1:28

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.

Hebrews 11:34

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

2 Samuel 23:20

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

Isaiah 19:1

¶ The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

Genesis 49:9

Judah [is] a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?