2 Samuel 10:9

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

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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

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

2 Samuel 10:9 In-Context

7 And when David heard of [it], he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

8 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entrance of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, [were] by themselves in the field.

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

10 And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put [them] in array against the children of Ammon.

11 And he said, If the Syrians shall be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon shall be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.