2 Samuel 10:11

11 Then he said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.

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 When Joab saw that the battle line was against him before and behind, he chose some of Israel's best and put them in battle array against the Syrians.

10 And the rest of the people he put under the command of Abishai his brother, that he might set them in battle array against the people of Ammon.

11 Then he said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.

12 Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight."

13 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near for the battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him.