2 Samuel 10:9
New International Version
Joab saw that there were battle lines in front of him and behind him; so he selected some of the best troops in Israel and deployed them against the Arameans.

New Living Translation
When Joab saw that he would have to fight on both the front and the rear, he chose some of Israel’s elite troops and placed them under his personal command to fight the Arameans in the fields.

English Standard Version
When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians.

Berean Standard Bible
When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.

King James Bible
When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him at the front and at the rear, he selected warriors from all the choice men in Israel, and lined them up against the Arameans.

NASB 1995
Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him in front and in the rear, he selected from all the choice men of Israel, and arrayed them against the Arameans.

NASB 1977
Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him in front and in the rear, he selected from all the choice men of Israel, and arrayed them against the Arameans.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Joab saw that the battle was set against him from the front and from the rear. So he chose from all the choice men of Israel, and they arranged themselves to meet the Arameans.

Amplified Bible
Now when Joab saw that the battlefront was against him in front and in the rear, he selected some of all the choice men in Israel and set them in battle formation to meet the Arameans (Syrians).

Christian Standard Bible
When Joab saw that there was a battle line in front of him and another behind him, he chose some of Israel’s finest young men and lined up in formation to engage the Arameans.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Joab saw that there was a battle line in front of him and another behind him, he chose some men out of all the elite troops of Israel and lined up in battle formation to engage the Arameans.

American Standard Version
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:

Contemporary English Version
Joab saw that he had to fight in front and behind at the same time, and he picked some of the best Israelite soldiers to fight the Arameans.

English Revised Version
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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Joab saw he was under attack in front and behind, he took the select troops of Israel and organized them for combat against the Arameans.

Good News Translation
Joab saw that the enemy troops would attack him in front and from the rear, so he chose the best of Israel's soldiers and put them in position facing the Syrians.

International Standard Version
When Joab observed that the battle lines were set up to oppose him both in front and behind, he appointed the best troops in Israel and arrayed them to oppose the Arameans,

Majority Standard Bible
When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.

NET Bible
When Joab saw that the battle would be fought on two fronts, he chose some of Israel's best men and deployed them against the Arameans.

New Heart English Bible
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 Arameans:

Webster's Bible Translation
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:

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Joab sees that the front of the battle has been to him before and behind, and he chooses [out] of all the chosen in Israel, and sets in array to meet Aram,

Young's Literal Translation
and Joab seeth that the front of the battle hath been unto him before and behind, and he chooseth of all the chosen in Israel, and setteth in array to meet Aram,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joab will see that the face of the battle was against him from before and from behind, and he will choose from all the chosen in Israel and will arrange for the meeting of Aram:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Joab seeing that the battle was prepared against him, both before and behind, chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, seeing that the battle had been prepared against him, both facing him and behind, Joab chose some from all of the elect men of Israel, and he set up a battle line opposite the Syrians.

New American Bible
When Joab saw that there was a battle line both in front of and behind him, he chose some of the best fighters of Israel and lined them up against the Arameans;

New Revised Standard Version
When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the picked men of Israel, and arrayed them against the Arameans;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in the front and in the rear, he selected the choice men of Israel and put them in array against Aram;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yuab saw that war was set against him before him and behind him, and he chose from all the choice men of Israel and he sent them against Adum
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 Arameans;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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 some of all the young men of Israel, and they set themselves in array against Syria.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Defeats Ammon and Aram
9When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. 10And he placed the rest of the forces under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 19:10
When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.

Joshua 8:14
When the king of Ai saw the Israelites, he hurried out early in the morning with the men of the city to engage them in battle at an appointed place overlooking the Arabah. But he did not know that an ambush had been set up against him behind the city.

Judges 20:34
Then 10,000 select men from all Israel made a frontal assault against Gibeah, and the battle was fierce. But the Benjamites did not realize that disaster was upon them.

1 Samuel 17:48
As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.

2 Samuel 8:3
David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River.

2 Kings 7:6
For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.”

1 Chronicles 19:7
So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots, as well as the king of Maacah with his troops, who came and camped near Medeba while the Ammonites were mustered from their cities and marched out for battle.

1 Samuel 13:5
Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.

2 Samuel 5:19
So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”

2 Samuel 23:9-10
Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead.

1 Chronicles 11:13-14
He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. / But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.

2 Samuel 21:15
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted.

1 Samuel 17:21
And Israel and the Philistines arrayed in formation against each other.

2 Samuel 23:16
So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,


Treasury of Scripture

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

Joshua 8:21,22
And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai…

Judges 20:42,43
Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them…

Jump to Previous
Aramaeans Arameans Array Arrayed Battle Best Choice Chose Deployed Forces Front Israel Joab Jo'ab Lines Picked Rear Selected Syrians Troops
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Aramaeans Arameans Array Arrayed Battle Best Choice Chose Deployed Forces Front Israel Joab Jo'ab Lines Picked Rear Selected Syrians Troops
2 Samuel 10
1. David's messengers, sent to comfort Hanun are villainously treated
6. The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, overcome by Joab and Abishai
15. Shobuch, making a new supply of the Syrains at Helam, is slain by David














When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him
Joab, the commander of David's army, faced a strategic challenge as he observed enemy forces both in front and behind. This situation highlights the tactical difficulties in ancient warfare, where armies often relied on visual assessments of the battlefield. The presence of enemies on multiple fronts suggests a coordinated effort by the Arameans and their allies, the Ammonites, to encircle and overwhelm the Israelites. This scenario is reminiscent of other biblical battles where God's people faced overwhelming odds, such as Gideon's battle against the Midianites (Judges 7).

he selected some of the best men of Israel
Joab's choice to select the best men indicates the importance of skilled and valiant warriors in ancient Israelite military strategy. This selection process reflects the need for experienced and courageous soldiers to face formidable opponents. The emphasis on "the best men" parallels the biblical theme of God using a faithful remnant to achieve His purposes, as seen in the stories of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23) and the selection of the 300 men with Gideon.

and arrayed them against the Arameans
The Arameans, a significant power in the region, were often in conflict with Israel. Joab's decision to array his best men against them demonstrates his strategic acumen in prioritizing the most immediate threat. The Arameans' involvement in this conflict underscores the geopolitical tensions of the time, as they were known for their military prowess and alliances with other nations. This confrontation is part of the broader narrative of Israel's struggles with surrounding nations, which often served as a backdrop for God's deliverance and judgment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joab
The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and strategic mind. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating leadership and quick decision-making.

2. The Arameans
A group of people from the region of Aram, often in conflict with Israel. They were hired by the Ammonites to fight against Israel.

3. The Ammonites
A neighboring nation of Israel, often in conflict with them. They initiated the conflict by hiring the Arameans to bolster their forces against Israel.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, led by King David at this time. They are defending themselves against the combined forces of the Ammonites and Arameans.

5. The Battle Lines
The strategic positioning of troops in preparation for battle. Joab finds himself surrounded, with enemies both in front and behind.
Teaching Points
Strategic Leadership
Joab's ability to assess the situation and make quick decisions is a model of effective leadership. In our lives, we should seek wisdom and discernment to make strategic decisions, especially when facing challenges.

Facing Adversity
Joab was surrounded by enemies, yet he did not panic. Instead, he took decisive action. When we feel overwhelmed, we should remember to trust in God's provision and guidance.

Unity and Teamwork
Joab selected the best men to face the Arameans, demonstrating the importance of working together and utilizing each person's strengths. In the body of Christ, we should value each member's gifts and work together for God's purposes.

Trust in God
While Joab was a skilled military leader, his ultimate trust was in God. We are reminded to place our trust in God rather than solely in our abilities or resources.(9) When Joab saw.--The keen eye of this experienced general at once took in both the advantages and the danger of this disposition of the enemy. He threw his whole force between their two divisions, organising his own army in two parts, one facing the Ammonites and the other the Syrians, but each capable of supporting the other in case of need. The enemy was thus cut in two, while the Israelites formed one compact body. He himself took command of the wing facing the Syrians with the choice troops of Israel, as having the stronger enemy to meet, while he gave the rest of the forces opposing the Ammonites into the hand of his brother Abishai.

Verse 9. - The front of the battle. The object of Joab was to prevent at all hazards the junction of the Syrians with the Ammonites, and he was only just in time to throw himself between them. This was resolute but dangerous policy, as, in case of defeat, he would have a powerful enemy in his rear. Apparently, however, he was aware that his real work lay with the Syrian mercenaries, who were dangerous enough by themselves, and would become more than a match for him if they were reinforced by the men of Rabbah. He therefore leaves Abishai with such troops as he could spare to watch the Ammonites, feeling sure that they would not hazard an attack unless they saw matters going ill with him; and, taking with him all his bravest men, "the choice man of Israel," he prepares with them to give battle to the Syrians.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When Joab
יוֹאָ֗ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

saw
וַיַּ֣רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

the battle lines
הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

before him
מִפָּנִ֖ים (mip·pā·nîm)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face

and behind him,
וּמֵֽאָח֑וֹר (ū·mê·’ā·ḥō·wr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 268: The hinder part, behind, backward, the West

he selected
וַיִּבְחַ֗ר (way·yiḇ·ḥar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

some of
מִכֹּל֙ (mik·kōl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the best
בְּחוּרֵ֣י (bə·ḥū·rê)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct
Strong's 970: Selected, a youth

men of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

and arrayed them
וַֽיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְ (way·ya·‘ă·rōḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6186: To set in a, row, arrange, put in order

against
לִקְרַ֥את (liq·raṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way

the Arameans.
אֲרָֽם׃ (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria


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OT History: 2 Samuel 10:9 Now when Joab saw that the battle (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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