1 Chronicles 19:12 kjv
And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.
1 Chronicles 19:12 nkjv
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 help you.
1 Chronicles 19:12 niv
Joab said, "If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to rescue me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will rescue you.
1 Chronicles 19:12 esv
And he said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you.
1 Chronicles 19:12 nlt
"If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me," Joab told his brother. "And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will help you.
1 Chronicles 19 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 17:12 | But Moses' hands were heavy... Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands... | Mutual support in leadership |
| Deut 31:6 | Be strong and courageous... the Lord your God, He it is who goes with you. | God's presence in battle |
| Josh 1:9 | Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed... | Divine command for courage |
| Judg 4:14 | Did not the Lord go out before you? So Barak went down from Mount Tabor. | God leading the battle |
| 1 Sam 4:9 | Be strong and show yourselves men... or you will become slaves. | Call to fight bravely |
| 1 Sam 14:7 | His armor-bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart... I am with you." | Subordinate's loyal support |
| 1 Sam 30:26 | ...shared the spoil with his friends, the elders of Judah... | Sharing resources, solidarity |
| 2 Sam 10:9-10 | When Joab saw that the battle was set against him... he chose... | Joab's tactical wisdom in 2 Sam version |
| Ps 20:7 | Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord. | Reliance on God, not strength |
| Ps 23:4 | Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil... | Courage in danger, God's protection |
| Ps 118:6 | The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? | Trust in God's help |
| Prov 11:14 | Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in abundance of counselors there is victory. | Importance of wise counsel, planning |
| Prov 24:6 | For by wise guidance you will wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. | Strategic planning for success |
| Ecc 4:9-10 | Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. | Value of partnership, mutual aid |
| Isa 41:6 | Everyone helps his neighbor and says to his brother, "Be strong!" | Encouragement and support |
| Jer 12:5 | If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? | Preparation for greater challenges |
| Matt 12:25 | Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste... | Unity against common enemies |
| Rom 15:1 | We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak... | Bearing one another's burdens |
| Gal 6:2 | Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. | Christian mutual support |
| Phil 2:3-4 | Do nothing from selfish ambition... but in humility count others more significant... | Selfless service, concern for others |
| Heb 12:1 | Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight... | Perseverance with mutual encouragement |
1 Chronicles 19 verses
1 Chronicles 19 12 Meaning
1 Chronicles 19:12 articulates a critical strategic agreement between Joab and his brother Abishai during their campaign against the combined forces of the Ammonites and their Syrian allies. It outlines a reciprocal commitment to mutual support in battle: if one commander's sector faces overwhelming odds from the enemy, the other will come to their aid. This verse emphasizes their coordinated effort and practical reliance on each other in the face of a formidable dual threat.
1 Chronicles 19 12 Context
1 Chronicles chapter 19 describes David's benevolent gesture to Hanun, the new king of Ammon, sending ambassadors to comfort him after his father's death. However, Hanun, misled by his advisors, humiliated David's ambassadors, perceiving it as an act of espionage. This gross affront triggered a severe war. The Ammonites, fearing David's wrath, hired a vast mercenary army from the Syrians (Aram). King David responded by sending Joab with his mighty army. Upon reaching Medeba, the battle lines were drawn. The Ammonites were arrayed at the city gate, and the Syrian mercenaries in the open field. Joab, observing this two-front battle formation, strategically divided the Israelite army, placing himself against the Syrians and his brother Abishai against the Ammonites. Verse 12 specifically records Joab's directive to Abishai, outlining their contingency plan for mutual reinforcement, displaying pragmatic military leadership and trust between siblings and commanders facing a combined, numerically superior foe.
1 Chronicles 19 12 Word analysis
- And he said (וַיֹּאמֶר, wa-yōmer): This refers to Joab, the commander of Israel's army, addressing his brother Abishai. It highlights Joab's role as a strategic leader who provides clear instructions and foresees battle challenges.
- If (אִם, im): Introduces a conditional statement, indicating strategic planning for various outcomes in battle. It demonstrates a pragmatic approach to warfare, acknowledging potential difficulties.
- the Syrians (אֲרָם, Aram): Refers to the hired mercenaries from Aram-Naharaim, Aram-Zobah, and other Aramaean kingdoms. They were powerful, skilled warriors known for their chariots and horses. Their presence signifies a formidable and well-equipped enemy.
- be too strong for me (יֶחֱזְקוּ מִמֶּנִּי, yeḥezqu mimmennī): Literally, "if they prevail against me" or "are stronger than me." The root חָזַק (chazaq) implies overcoming, mastering, or overpowering. Joab anticipates a scenario where his division might be outmatched by the Syrians' might.
- then thou shalt help me (וְהוֹשַׁעְתָּ לִּי, wəhōša‘tā lî): This is a direct command or firm expectation of support. Hōša‘tā means "you shall deliver/save for me." It establishes a clear responsibility for Abishai to come to Joab's aid, emphasizing the crucial need for coordination and a rapid response.
- but if (וְאִם, wə’im): Introduces the reciprocal condition, establishing the two-way nature of their support agreement.
- the children of Ammon (בְּנֵי עַמּוֹן, Bnei Ammon): The main aggressors who initiated the conflict by insulting David's envoys. They were traditional enemies of Israel, often characterized by their hostility.
- be too strong for thee (יֶחֱזְקוּ מִמְּךָ, yeḥezqu mimmeḵā): Mirroring the first condition, this anticipates Abishai's division being overpowered by the Ammonites.
- then I will help thee (וְהוֹשַׁעְתִּי לָךְ, wəhōša‘tî lāḵ): Joab's firm promise of reciprocal assistance. This reflects mutual trust and commitment essential for a unified command in warfare.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me": This clause reveals Joab's realistic assessment of the enemy's strength and his strategic forethought. He identifies the primary, immediate threat (Syrians) and establishes a clear contingency plan. It's a pragmatic recognition of human limitations in battle.
- "but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee": This reciprocal clause demonstrates the completeness of their mutual commitment. It assures Abishai of support and builds morale and confidence within both divisions. This two-way pledge showcases exemplary military leadership where mutual dependence and unified action are paramount for success. The whole phrase emphasizes tactical acumen, leadership cohesion, and an understanding that shared vulnerability requires shared strength.
1 Chronicles 19 12 Bonus section
This verse, though not explicitly mentioning God, implicitly operates within a worldview where God grants strength and victory. However, Joab's tactical wisdom shown here in setting up mutual aid (also paralleled in 2 Sam 10:9-10 with slight variations in wording but identical meaning) complements the deeper theological understanding that ultimate success comes from the Lord, as expressed by Joab himself in the very next verse (1 Chr 19:13): "Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him." This indicates that while human strategy and effort are crucial, the final outcome rests with divine providence. This illustrates a holistic approach where faith in God's sovereignty coexists with responsible and diligent human action and planning. The narrative in Chronicles often highlights David's wisdom in choosing capable commanders like Joab, who possessed both military acumen and an awareness of divine leading.
1 Chronicles 19 12 Commentary
1 Chronicles 19:12 provides a brief yet profound glimpse into military strategy, leadership, and fraternal trust during a critical period in David's reign. Joab, Israel's seasoned commander, understood the complexities of a multi-front war. His instructions to Abishai were not a sign of fear, but rather prudent planning for potential battlefield shifts. By establishing a mutual aid pact, Joab mitigated the risk of either wing of his army being overwhelmed. This strategy allowed each brother to fight with greater confidence, knowing support was readily available. Beyond military tactics, the verse speaks to the power of partnership, particularly among leaders. It underscores the biblical principle that mutual support and unity amplify strength against common adversaries. This readiness to reinforce each other laid the groundwork for the Israelite victory that followed, reflecting not only military wisdom but also a communal spirit essential for facing overwhelming challenges.