2 Samuel 10:9

9 When Joab saw that the battle would be fought on two fronts, he chose some of Israel's finest warriors and deployed them to meet the Arameans.

2 Samuel 10:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 10:9

When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him
before and behind
Or "the face" of it ^F23; armies appeared both before and behind, about to attack him both in front and rear; the Targum is,

``and Joab saw that the warriors, or those that made war, were strong against him before and behind:''

he chose of all the choice [men] of Israel;
the most eminent for strength, and valour, and military skill, who had been tried, and were famous for warlike exploits, the flower of the army:

and put [them] in array against the Syrians;
who might be the strongest party, and the best soldiers; though being but mercenaries, if hard beset, would sooner give way, as he might suppose, upon which the Ammonites would do the same.

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FOOTNOTES:

F23 (ynp) "facies", Pagninus, Montanus.

2 Samuel 10:9 In-Context

7 When David heard this, he sent Joab with the entire army of warriors.

8 The Ammonites marched out and formed a battle line at the entrance to the city. The Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the soldiers from Tob and Maacah remained in the countryside.

9 When Joab saw that the battle would be fought on two fronts, he chose some of Israel's finest warriors and deployed them to meet the Arameans.

10 The rest of the army Joab placed under the command of his brother Abishai. When they took up their positions to meet the Ammonites, Joab said,

11 "If the Arameans prove too strong for me, you must help me, and if the Ammonites prove too strong for you, I'll help you.