2 Samuel 10:10
And he placed the rest of the forces under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.
And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai
In this passage, "he" refers to Joab, the commander of King David's army. Joab's decision to place the rest of the troops under Abishai's command demonstrates a strategic military maneuver. Abishai, Joab's brother, was a trusted and capable leader, known for his bravery and loyalty. This delegation of command highlights the importance of trust and familial bonds in leadership roles during ancient times. The relationship between Joab and Abishai is significant, as they were both nephews of King David, which underscores the familial nature of David's military leadership. This act of delegation also reflects the biblical principle of shared leadership and the importance of equipping others for service, as seen in Exodus 18:17-23, where Moses appoints leaders to help him govern the people.

who arrayed them against the Ammonites
The Ammonites were a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel. This phrase indicates a tactical preparation for battle, as Abishai organized the troops to face the Ammonite forces. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, had a history of enmity with Israel, as seen in earlier conflicts (Judges 11:4-33). The geographical location of the Ammonites, east of the Jordan River in present-day Jordan, was strategically significant, as control over this area impacted trade routes and regional power dynamics. The act of arraying troops suggests a well-planned military strategy, emphasizing the importance of preparation and readiness in spiritual and physical battles, akin to the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joab
The commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and strategic mind. He is tasked with leading the battle against the Arameans.

2. Abishai
Joab's brother, also a skilled warrior and leader. He is given command over the troops facing the Ammonites.

3. The Ammonites
A neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel. They are the primary adversaries in this battle.

4. The Arameans
Allies of the Ammonites, hired to fight against Israel. They represent a significant threat due to their numbers and strength.

5. The Battle
A strategic military engagement where Israel faces two fronts, requiring careful planning and trust in God's deliverance.
Teaching Points
Strategic Leadership
Joab's decision to divide the forces shows the importance of strategic planning and delegation in leadership. Leaders must assess situations wisely and trust capable individuals with responsibilities.

Brotherly Support
The relationship between Joab and Abishai highlights the strength found in familial and spiritual support. In our battles, having trusted allies is crucial.

Facing Multiple Fronts
Just as Israel faced enemies on two fronts, believers often face multiple challenges simultaneously. We must rely on God's wisdom and strength to navigate these complexities.

Trust in God’s Deliverance
Despite the formidable opposition, Joab and Abishai trusted in God for victory. This teaches us to place our confidence in God, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Preparedness for Battle
The preparation and readiness of Joab and Abishai's troops remind us of the need for spiritual preparedness, equipping ourselves with God's Word and prayer.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joab's leadership style in this passage reflect principles of effective leadership that can be applied in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we find and offer support to our "brothers" and "sisters" in Christ when facing life's battles?

3. What are some "multiple fronts" you are currently facing, and how can you apply the lessons from this passage to address them?

4. How does trusting in God's deliverance change the way we approach challenges and adversities?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to prepare for a significant challenge. How did spiritual preparedness play a role, and what can you learn from Joab and Abishai's example?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 19
This chapter provides a parallel account of the same events, offering additional details and insights into the battle strategy and outcomes.

Psalm 20
A prayer for victory in battle, reflecting the trust in God that Joab and Abishai would have needed as they faced their enemies.

Ephesians 6:10-18
The armor of God passage, which parallels the spiritual preparation and strategy needed for facing battles in life.
A Father's Kindness Repaid to His SonL. A. Banks, D. D.2 Samuel 10:2-19
David and HanunW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 10:2-19
Two Aspects of DavidJ. Parker, D. D.2 Samuel 10:2-19
Ungenerous JudgmentsH. W. Beecher.2 Samuel 10:2-19
An Agreement of Mutual HelpB. Dale 2 Samuel 10:6-11
People
Abishai, Ammonites, Aram, David, Hadadezer, Hadarezer, Hanun, Israelites, Joab, Maacah, Nahash, Rehob, Shobach, Syrians
Places
Beth-rehob, Euphrates River, Helam, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Maacah, Rehob, Tob, Zobah
Topics
Abishai, Abi'shai, Ammon, Ammonites, Array, Arrayed, Bene-ammon, Brother, Charge, Command, Committed, Delivered, Deployed, Meet, Placed, Position, Remainder, Rest, Setteth, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 10:1-19

     5087   David, reign of

Library
'More than Conquerors through Him'
'And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in 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 chose 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.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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