2 Samuel 10:6 - Meaning and Application

Here we see, first, the Ammonites preparing for war, (2 Samuel 10:6). They knew they had made themselves very hateful to David and had earned his righteous anger. They could have expected this when they mistreated his messengers, which was really a challenge to war and a bold insult to him. Still, they do not seem to have thought about how hopeless their position was, because their own thousands were no match for his forces. So they had to hire soldiers from other nations. In the same way, sinners boldly provoke God and put themselves under his wrath, yet they do not think that he is stronger than they are (1 Corinthians 10:22).

The Ammonites were the first to insult David, and they were the first to raise an army to defend what they had done. If they had humbled themselves and asked David's forgiveness, some honorable payment might likely have made up for the offense. But when they stubbornly chose to stand by their sin, they were really inviting their own ruin.

Next, David quickly moved against them, (2 Samuel 10:7). When he heard about their military preparations, he sent Joab with a great army to attack them. Those who make war against the Son of David not only provoke him, they begin the conflict themselves. He waits to show mercy, but they keep strengthening themselves against him, and so, if they do not turn back, he will sharpen his sword (Psalm 7:12). God has forces ready for those who defy his anger (Isaiah 5:19), and he will show them, when it is too late, that no one has ever hardened his heart against God and prospered.

It was wise of David to carry the war into their own land and meet them at the edge of their city. Some think this was Rabbah, their capital, or Medeba, a city on their border, where they had camped to protect their country (1 Chronicles 19:7). War brings such terror and ruin that every good ruler will, out of love for the people, keep it as far away from them as possible.

Then both sides made ready for battle. The enemy split into two groups. One group was made up of the Ammonites, who stood at the city gate. The other was made up of the Syrians, soldiers they had hired, who were placed farther out in the field. Their plan was to strike Israel from both sides, the Syrians on the flank or rear, and the Ammonites in front, (2 Samuel 10:8).

Joab, like a wise commander, quickly saw what they were trying to do. So he split his own forces too. He took the best men under his own command to fight the Syrians, whom he likely knew to be the stronger soldiers and, as hired troops, the more experienced in war (2 Samuel 10:9). He placed the rest under Abishai, his brother, to fight the Ammonites (2 Samuel 10:10). It seems the enemy was so well prepared that Joab’s skill and courage were tested more than ever before.

Before the battle, Joab spoke to Abishai, (2 Samuel 10:11, 12). His words were brief, but wise and brave. He planned carefully with his brother so that dividing the army would not weaken it. Whichever side was pressed hardest, the other would come to help. He assumed the worst, that one of them might have to pull back, and then the other would send help at the agreed signal. We should note this as a duty of brotherly care. If need be, you should help me, and I should help you. Christ’s soldiers should also strengthen one another in their spiritual battles. The strong should support the weak. Those who, by grace, have overcome temptation should advise, comfort, and pray for those still being tempted. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers (Luke 22:32). The parts of the human body help one another too (1 Corinthians 12:21).

Joab also encouraged himself, his brother, and the rest of the officers and soldiers to do their best. Great danger often sharpens real courage. When he saw danger both in front and behind, he did not call for a retreat. Instead, he urged his men to fight harder: "Be brave, and let us act like men." They were not to fight for pay, promotion, honor, or fame, but for their people and for the cities of their God, for the public good, in which God’s glory was deeply involved. Their word was, God and our country. They were to be brave out of love for Israel, their own people, who came from the same family and whose peace would be their peace. They were also to fight out of love for God, since these were his cities they were defending. Whatever belongs to God should draw our affection and stir us to serve it faithfully.

Finally, Joab gave the outcome to God: "May the Lord do what seems good to him." We must not leave anything undone on our part, whatever the result may be. Let God’s work be done through us, and then let God’s will be done with us. When we are serious about doing our duty, we can gladly leave the results to God. We should not think our courage forces him to give success. He may still do as he pleases, yet we can trust him to save in his own way and in his own time.

Joab won the victory over the joined forces of Syria and Ammon, (2 Samuel 10:13, 14). He had planned for the worst and had said the Syrians and Ammonites might be too strong for him, but he proved stronger than both. We do not weaken our chances of success by preparing for failure. The Syrians were routed first by Joab, and then the Ammonites were defeated by Abishai. The Ammonites seem not to have fought much at all. When the Syrians retreated, they ran into the city. Soldiers are often tempted to flee when a city lies behind them as a place of safety. It is one thing when men can either fight or run, and quite another when they must either fight or die.