2 Samuel 10:9

When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice [men] of Israel, and put [them] in array against the Syrians:

When Joab {H3097} saw {H7200} that the front {H6440} of the battle {H4421} was against him before {H6440} and behind {H268}, he chose {H977} of all the choice {H977} men of Israel {H3478}, and put them in array {H6186} against {H7125} the Syrians {H758}:

When Yo'av saw that he would be fighting on two fronts, ahead and behind, he chose the best troops of Isra'el to deploy against Aram;

When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.

Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:

Commentary

Context of 2 Samuel 10:9

This verse is set during the war between Israel and the Ammonites, who had allied with several Syrian kingdoms. The conflict began when King Hanun of Ammon grievously insulted King David's envoys, who had been sent to offer comfort after the death of Hanun's father. This act of disrespect was seen as a declaration of war (see 2 Samuel 10:4). David dispatched his seasoned commander, Joab, and the full might of Israel's army. Upon arriving at Rabbah, the Ammonite capital, Joab found himself in a precarious position: the Ammonites were arrayed outside the city gate, and the Syrian mercenaries had positioned themselves in the open field behind them. This created a classic two-front battle scenario, directly challenging Joab's tactical skill.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Military Leadership and Strategy: Joab demonstrates exceptional military acumen under extreme pressure. Faced with being attacked simultaneously from the front by the Ammonites and from the rear by the Syrians, he quickly assesses the situation and devises a strategic division of forces. This highlights the importance of quick thinking and decisive action in leadership.
  • Facing Overwhelming Odds: The verse vividly portrays a moment of immense challenge for the Israelite army. Being surrounded and outnumbered often leads to panic, but Joab's response is one of calculated determination. This situation underscores the courage and resolve required in dire circumstances.
  • Careful Selection of Forces: Joab's decision to "chose of all the choice [men] of Israel" for the more difficult engagement against the Syrians indicates his understanding of troop quality and effective deployment. He entrusted the most critical part of the battle to his elite soldiers, emphasizing skill and experience.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "choice [men]" (KJV) translates from the Hebrew word bachur (ื‘ึผึธื—ื•ึผืจ), which often refers to young, strong, and specially selected men, implying they were the most capable and elite fighters. Joab didn't just take any men; he hand-picked those best suited for the formidable task of engaging the Syrian forces. The term "put [them] in array" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew arak (ืขึธืจึทืšึฐ), meaning to set in order, arrange, or prepare for battle, indicating a deliberate and organized formation rather than a chaotic charge.

Practical Application

The account of Joab's tactical response in 2 Samuel 10:9 offers valuable lessons for modern life. We often face situations where challenges seem to come "before and behind" us, creating pressure from multiple directions. This verse encourages:

  • Strategic Problem-Solving: Instead of succumbing to panic, we are called to calmly assess the situation, identify the most critical threats, and develop a clear plan of action.
  • Wise Allocation of Resources: Just as Joab used his "choice men" for the toughest task, we should deploy our best efforts, skills, or most capable individuals where they are most needed to overcome significant obstacles.
  • Courage in Adversity: Joab's example reminds us that strong leadership and personal resolve can inspire others and turn the tide even when facing overwhelming odds. While Joab's focus was on military victory, we can learn from his resolve to trust in divine assistance, as he later exhorted his brother Abishai in the battle (see 2 Samuel 10:12).

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Cross-References

  • Judges 20:42 (2 votes)

    Therefore they turned [their backs] before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which [came] out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.

  • Judges 20:43 (2 votes)

    [Thus] they inclosed the Benjamites round about, [and] chased them, [and] trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.

  • Joshua 8:21 (2 votes)

    And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai.

  • Joshua 8:22 (2 votes)

    And the other issued out of the city against them; so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side: and they smote them, so that they let none of them remain or escape.