2 Samuel 10:11

11 And he said, If the Aramaeans are stronger and get the better of me, then you are to come to my help; but if the children of Ammon get the better of you, I will come to your help.

2 Samuel 10:11 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 10:11

And he said, if the Syrians be too strong for me
Which he might perceive by Joab's forces giving way, or by some signal agreed on between them

then thou shall help me;
detach a part of his army to his support and assistance:

but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come
and help thee;
in the same manner.

2 Samuel 10:11 In-Context

9 Now when Joab saw that their forces were in position against him in front and at his back, he took the best of the men of Israel and put them in line against the Aramaeans;

10 And the rest of the people he put in position against the children of Ammon, with Abishai, his brother, at their head.

11 And he said, If the Aramaeans are stronger and get the better of me, then you are to come to my help; but if the children of Ammon get the better of you, I will come to your help.

12 Take heart, and let us be strong for our people and for the towns of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.

13 Then Joab and the people with him went forward to the fight against the Aramaeans, and they went in flight before him.