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2 Samuel 10:12

2 Samuel 10:12 in Multiple Translations

Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

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.

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

Take heart, and let us be strong for our people and for the towns of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.

Be brave, and fight your best for our people and the towns of our God. May the Lord do what he sees as good!”

Be strong and let vs be valiant for our people, and for the cities of our God, and let the Lord do that which is good in his eyes.

be strong and strengthen thyself for our people, and for the cities of our God, and Jehovah doth that which is good in His eyes.'

Be courageous, and let’s be strong for our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what seems good to him.”

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.

Be of good courage, and let us fight for our people, and for the city of our God: and the Lord will do what is good in his sight.

We must be strong, and fight hard [IDM] to defend our people and the cities ◄that belong to/where we worship► our God. I will pray/request that Yahweh do what he considers to be good.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 10:12

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 10:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB חֲזַ֤ק וְ/נִתְחַזַּק֙ בְּעַד עַמֵּ֔/נוּ וּ/בְעַ֖ד עָרֵ֣י אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ וַֽ/יהוָ֔ה יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה הַ/טּ֖וֹב בְּ/עֵינָֽי/ו
חֲזַ֤ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וְ/נִתְחַזַּק֙ châzaq H2388 to strengthen Conj | V-Hithpael-1cp
בְּעַד bᵉʻad H1157 about/through/for Prep
עַמֵּ֔/נוּ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְעַ֖ד bᵉʻad H1157 about/through/for Conj | Prep
עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
וַֽ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Conj | N-proper
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הַ/טּ֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Art | Adj
בְּ/עֵינָֽי/ו ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 10:12

חֲזַ֤ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
וְ/נִתְחַזַּק֙ châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Hithpael-1cp
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בְּעַד bᵉʻad H1157 "about/through/for" Prep
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
עַמֵּ֔/נוּ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וּ/בְעַ֖ד bᵉʻad H1157 "about/through/for" Conj | Prep
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַֽ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הַ/טּ֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
בְּ/עֵינָֽי/ו ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 10:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
2 Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
3 1 Samuel 3:18 So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”
4 Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
5 Nehemiah 4:14 After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”
6 1 Samuel 4:9 Take courage and be men, O Philistines! Otherwise, you will serve the Hebrews just as they served you. Now be men and fight!”
7 Judges 10:15 “We have sinned,” the Israelites said to the LORD. “Deal with us as You see fit; but please deliver us today!”
8 1 Chronicles 19:13 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”
9 Joshua 1:18 Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words, all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”
10 2 Samuel 16:10–11 But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so.

2 Samuel 10:12 Summary

This verse, 2 Samuel 10:12, is about being strong and brave when faced with challenges, and trusting that God will do what is good. It reminds us that we are not just fighting for ourselves, but for the people and things that belong to God. Just like the Israelites, we can trust in God's power and protection, as seen in Psalm 23:4, which says, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.' By trusting in God, we can have the courage to face any situation, knowing that He is in control and will work everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of 2 Samuel 10:12?

This verse is part of a larger narrative about King David's military campaigns, specifically the battle against the Ammonites and the Arameans, as seen in 2 Samuel 10:1-14. The verse highlights Joab's encouragement to his troops before the battle.

What does it mean to 'fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God'?

In this context, it means to courageously defend the nation of Israel and the cities that belong to God, trusting in His power and protection, as expressed in Psalm 20:7-8, which says, 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.'

How does this verse relate to trusting in God?

The phrase 'May the LORD do what is good in His sight' indicates a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, similar to the trust expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.'

What can we learn from Joab's statement about being strong and fighting bravely?

We can learn the importance of courage and trust in the face of adversity, as well as the value of recognizing God's ultimate control over all situations, as seen in Romans 8:28, which says, 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.'

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways can I demonstrate bravery and trust in God's power in my own life, especially in challenging situations?
  2. How does recognizing that God is in control of all things affect my approach to difficulties and uncertainties?
  3. What are some 'cities of our God' in my life that I need to defend or protect, and how can I do so with courage and faith?
  4. In what ways can I, like Joab, encourage others to trust in God and fight bravely for what is right?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 10:12

Be of good courage, and let us play the men,.... This Joab said, not only to encourage Abishai and himself, but in the hearing of the rest of the officers of the army, and of many of the people, to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 10:12

And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:12

For our people; for the preservation of ourselves and all our brethren from that utter ruin which our enemies design for us. Our war is not vainly undertaken to enlarge our empire or glory, but for our own just and necessary defence; and therefore we may hope for God’ s blessing and assistance in it. For the cities of our God; which are devoted to his worship and service, and therefore he will plead their cause against his enemies. The Lord do that which seemeth him good; let us do our parts, and quietly refer ourselves and the event to God’ s good pleasure, which we have no reason to distrust.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:12

2 Samuel 10:12 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.Ver. 12. Be of good courage, and let us play the men.] A brave speech, and such as than which a better could not have been uttered by any captain, saith Pellican. That of Hunniades to his soldiers, when ready to join battle with the Turks, is a very good one. Of them both it may be well said, as one did once of Julius Caesar, Si acta eius penitus ignorasses, per linguam tamen militem esse diceres; Had you never heard of their acts, yet you might have known them to have been good soldiers by their very speeches. And the Lord do that which seemeth him good.] Det victoriam cui volet. Let him dispose of the victory as he pleaseth; but let us not be wanting in good courage, whose cause is so good. It is an excellent saying of Demosthenes, the Greek orator, Dειμεντουςαγαθουςανδρας, &c. It behoveth good men to make good attempts, and therein to hope the best, but to bear valiantly what event soever God shall order them. Non potest vox duce dignior cogitari. Turk. Hist., fol. 272.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:12

(12) Be of good courage, and let us play the men.—Literally, Be strong and let us strengthen ourselves. The same phrase is translated in Chronicles, “Be of good courage and let us behave ourselves valiantly.” (Compare 1 Samuel 4:9.) Joab felt that the battle was a critical one, and on it depended the welfare and even the safety of “our people” and “the cities of our God.” The latter expression is in recognition of the fact that the whole land belonged to God, who allowed the use of it to His people. The Lord do.—Rather, The Lord will do. Joab’s courage rose here to that highest point which is marked by the full trust that whatever may be the result, it will be that which seems best to Infinite wisdom and love.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:12

Verse 12. Be of good courage] This is a very fine military address, and is equal to any thing in ancient or modern times. Ye fight pro aris et focis; for every good, sacred and civil; for God, for your families, and for your country.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 10:12

12. Be of good courage, and let us play the men] Lit. Be strong and let us shew ourselves strong: the same words as those translated in 1 Chronicles 19:13 “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly.” for the cities of our God] As the people of Israel were the people of the Lord, so the land which He had given them was His, and its cities were His. They were fighting “the Lord’s battles,” that these cities might not fall into heathen hands and be given over to the worship of heathen gods. Cp. 1 Samuel 17:36; 1 Samuel 17:47; 1 Samuel 18:17. the Lord do that which seemeth him good] Better, Jehovah will do, &c.: an expression of trust combined with resignation to God’s will. Cp. 1 Samuel 3:18.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 10:12

For the cities of our God - This rather indicates that the relief of Medeba was one of the immediate objects in view, and consequently that at this time Medeba was still in the possession of the Reubenites.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:12

12. Play the men — Show yourselves courageous and brave. The cities of our God — The cities God had given Israel. The children of Israel were taught to regard themselves and their land as the property of God. Leviticus 25:23.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 10:12

SermonDescription
David Guzik (2 Samuel) the Army of Mighty Men by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and King Hanon. David sends ambassadors to bring comfort to King Hanon, but the advisors around the king suspect David of c
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo
F.B. Meyer The Lord Do That Which Seemeth Him Good by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, especially in seemingly desperate situations, as illustrated by Joab's faith in the face of overwhelming odds
Mary Wilder Tileston Conforming to His Will by Mary Wilder Tileston Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of surrendering to God's will, emphasizing the need to trust in the Lord's plans even when they may not align with our own desire
Paul Washer Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie
A.W. Tozer Personal Victory for the New Year by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a verse written by Paul, emphasizing the importance of being watchful as Christians. He highlights that we cannot simply muddle through the
Bill McLeod Be Men by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fathers taking an active role in teaching the word of God to their children. He references several passages from the Bible,

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