2 Samuel 10:9

9 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:

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 of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

8 The children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entrance of the gate: and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob, and the men of Tob and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.

9 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:

10 The rest of the people he committed into the hand of Abishai his brother; and he put them in array against the children of Ammon.

11 He said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the children of Ammon be too strong for you, then I will come and help you.