2 Samuel 10 12

2 Samuel 10:12 kjv

Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

2 Samuel 10:12 nkjv

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."

2 Samuel 10:12 niv

Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight."

2 Samuel 10:12 esv

Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him."

2 Samuel 10:12 nlt

Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the LORD's will be done."

2 Samuel 10 verses

2 Samuel 10 12 Meaning

The verse is a powerful exhortation from Joab to his brother Abishai and the Israelite army during a critical battle. It commands them to show courage and act valiantly for the sake of their people and the cities given to them by God. Crucially, it concludes with a surrender to God's sovereignty, acknowledging that despite their best efforts, the ultimate outcome rests entirely upon the Lord's will and what He deems good.

2 Samuel 10 12 Context

2 Samuel chapter 10 recounts David's conflict with the Ammonites and their Aramean allies. This war ignited after David, in an act of kindness, sent ambassadors to console Hanun, the new king of the Ammonites, after the death of his father, Nahash. However, Hanun, misadvised by his officials, disgraced David's envoys by shaving off half their beards and cutting their garments in half up to their hips. This act was a profound insult in ancient Near Eastern culture, humiliating David and effectively declaring war.

In response, David dispatched his army under the command of Joab. The Ammonites, foreseeing a conflict, hired mercenaries from various Aramean kingdoms. When Joab arrived, he found the Ammonite and Aramean forces arrayed against him, presenting a two-front battle scenario. The Arameans were in the open country, while the Ammonites were at the gate of their city, Rabbah. Joab strategically divided his army, assigning himself the challenge of the Arameans and his brother Abishai the Ammonites. Verse 12 is Joab's inspiring address to Abishai, meant to steel their resolve and encourage utmost effort in the face of daunting odds.

Historically, this period marks a significant expansion of David's kingdom and frequent military engagements to consolidate control and respond to threats. The concept of "holy war" was deeply ingrained, where battles were not just territorial but seen as conflicts with God's involvement and blessing, fought for God's people and the land He promised.

2 Samuel 10 12 Word analysis

• "Be strong" (חֲזַ֖ק - chazaq): The root means "to be strong," "firm," "bold," or "courageous." Here, it's an imperative, a direct command for both physical and mental fortitude. It implies not just an absence of fear but an active resolve to exert oneself fully. This is a common charge in the Bible, often given by God to leaders facing difficult tasks (e.g., Josh 1:6, 7, 9; Deut 31:6).
• "and let us play the men" / "let us act bravely" (וְנִתְחַזַּ֙ק֙ - v'nitchazek): This is a Hithpael form, a reflexive or reciprocal verb. It means "let us strengthen ourselves," or "let us make ourselves strong," or more idiomatically, "let us show ourselves to be men of courage/valor." It speaks to taking intentional action to bolster their resolve and perform with the courage expected of warriors. It is a rallying cry for valiant behavior.
• "for our people" (לְעַמֵּ֖נוּ - l'ammenu): This specifies the object of their courage and fighting: the nation of Israel. It emphasizes loyalty, a common identity, and the existential threat posed to their community by the enemy. Fighting for their people means fighting for their families, heritage, and way of life.
• "and for the cities of our God" (וּלְעָרֵ֥י אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ - ul'arei Eloheinu): This elevates the cause beyond mere territory. By calling them "cities of our God," Joab frames the conflict as a defense of God's appointed domain and heritage. It underscores the divine connection to their land and settlements, suggesting that an attack on these cities is, in essence, an attack on the Lord's property and sovereign will. This contrasts with common ancient beliefs in local gods whose power was limited to their territories, emphasizing YHWH's universal ownership and protection.
• "And may the LORD do" (וַֽיהוָה֙ יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה - vay'hva yachaseh): This marks a shift from human exertion to divine prerogative. "YHWH" (the LORD) is the covenant God, who is faithful and sovereign. This phrase acknowledges that despite human effort, the final outcome rests with Him alone. It's a prayerful submission, an appeal for God's active involvement and decision.
• "what is good in his sight" (הַטּ֣וֹב בְּעֵינָ֔יו - hatov b'einav): This expresses full trust in God's perfect judgment, wisdom, and benevolence. Whatever outcome the Lord brings about—whether victory, defeat, or otherwise—will be ultimately for the best from His divine perspective. It signifies humble acceptance of His will, understanding that His ways are higher and always just.

2 Samuel 10 12 Bonus section

• The identical rallying cry is found in the parallel account in 1 Chron 19:13, emphasizing its significance and consistency within the biblical narrative of Joab's leadership.
• Joab, a figure often noted for his ruthlessness and pragmatic violence, here displays a deep, albeit warrior's, understanding of theological principles, highlighting that even flawed individuals can embody profound biblical truths.
• This verse embodies the biblical tension between human exertion and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme throughout Scripture (e.g., Deut 8:17-18; Phil 2:12-13), underscoring that our best efforts are to be exerted in full dependence on God's ultimate control.
• The "cities of our God" emphasizes that the battle was not just for political gain or land acquisition but had a sacred dimension—a defense of God's dwelling places and the physical manifestation of His covenant with Israel.

2 Samuel 10 12 Commentary

Joab's declaration in 2 Samuel 10:12 masterfully intertwines human responsibility with divine sovereignty, presenting a core tenet of biblical action. Faced with an overwhelming two-front attack, Joab does not retreat into fatalism but actively commands his forces to exhibit maximal courage and effort: "Be strong and let us act bravely." This part of the verse champions human agency—the call to diligence, resolve, and steadfastness in the face of adversity, particularly when the stakes involve the people of God and His inheritance. The motivation is noble: fighting for the survival and integrity of God's chosen nation and the lands He has sanctified as their home.

However, Joab, despite his warrior pragmatism, grounds their intense effort in a profound theological submission. "And may the LORD do what is good in his sight" is a testament to true faith. It signifies an understanding that ultimate victory or defeat, success or failure, lies not solely in the strength of arms or tactical brilliance, but in the sovereign will of God. This prevents hubris and encourages absolute trust, acknowledging God's right to determine the outcome. It is a powerful fusion of "working as if it all depends on you" and "praying as if it all depends on God." For the Israelite soldier, it meant putting in their all on the battlefield while entrusting their very lives and the destiny of their nation to the Lord, believing that His plan is perfect.

In application, this principle extends beyond physical combat. Believers are called to engage diligently in their spiritual walk and daily tasks, striving with all their might for what is right and honoring to God. Yet, in all these efforts, there must be a complete surrender to God's providence and a humble acceptance of His divine purposes. Whether in ministry, career, or personal challenges, we are to "be strong" in our labor and "act like men/women" of faith, knowing that the "good" outcome is ultimately determined by the Lord.