Kings II 10:9

9 And Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him from that which was opposed in front and from behind, and he chose out of all the young men of Israel, and they set themselves in array against Syria.

Kings II 10:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 10:9

And it came to pass in the morning, that he went out, and
stood, and said to all the people
Who were gathered together to this shocking sight, or on the above accounts:

ye be righteous;
having had no concern in taking off the heads of those men:

behold, I conspired against my master, and slew him;
I own it, and some may blame me for it, and charge me with treason and murder:

but who slew all these?
not he, but the chief men of Samaria, and therefore must be more guilty than he, having shed the blood of so many persons, who had not offended against God and man to so great a degree as Joram; this he said to lessen his own sin, and wipe off the reproach of it, that his character might appear fairer in the eyes of the people, concealing, at the same time, his orders for the slaying of them.

Kings II 10:9 In-Context

7 And David heard, and sent Joab and all his host, the mighty men.

8 And the children of Ammon went forth, and set the battle in array by the door of the gate: of Syria, Suba, and Roob, and Istob, and Amalec, being by themselves in the field.

9 And Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him from that which was opposed in front and from behind, and he chose out of all the young men of Israel, and they set themselves in array against Syria.

10 And the rest of the people he gave into the hand of Abessa his brother, and they set the battle in array opposite to the children of Ammon.

11 And he said, If Syria be too strong for me, then shall ye help me: and if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then will we be ready to help thee.