Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Chronicles 19:10
Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put [them] in array against the Syrians.
10. he chose out of all the choice ] R.V. he chose of all the choice men. The Syrians were the more formidable because of the chariots they had; Joab therefore opposed to them the flower of his army.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
See Gill “1Ch 19:1”.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(10) The battle was set against him before and behind.Literally, the front of the battle had become towards him, front and rear. The order of words is different in Samuel, and a preposition added (on front and on rear). The Ammonites lay in front of the city, their Araman allies at some distance away, in the plain. For Joab to attack either with his entire army would have been to expose his rear to the assault of the other. He therefore divided his forces.
The choice of Israel.Literally, the chosen or young warriors (singular collective) in Israel (i.e., in the Israelitish army). These Joab himself led against the Aramans, as the most dangerous enemy, while he sent a detachment, under his brother Abishai, to cope with the Ammonites.
Put them in array.Rather, set the battle in array, or drew up against . . . (1Ch. 19:17; 1Ch. 12:33). The same Hebrew phrase recurs in 1Ch. 19:11.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
was set against him = confronted him.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
1Ch 19:10-15
1Ch 19:10-15
THE INITIAL DEFEAT OF THE AMMONITES
“Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. And the rest of the people he committed into the hand of his brother Abishai; and they put themselves in array against the children of Ammon. And he said, If the Syrians be too much for me, then thou shalt help me; but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee. 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 to him good. So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him. And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.”
E.M. Zerr:
1Ch 19:10-11. Joab was an expert in war, however, and planned at once to meet the challenge. He formed a special detachment from the Israelites, composed of the choice men. The original for this means a young man. With this special group he proposed to contact the hired forces, and gave the rest of the Israelite soldiers into the hands of his brother Abishai to contact the Ammonites, the ones starting the war.
1Ch 19:12. This verse shows more good judgment. No one could tell in advance which unit of an enemy would be the stronger, and to make special plans of attack with that question in doubt would be a risk; the method David proposed would avoid that uncertainty. Another lesson we may obtain from the circumstance is that of cooperation and the strong helping the weak. The New Testament puts much stress on that idea as may be seen in Rom 15:1 and 1 Corinthians 12.
1Ch 19:13. David showed a fine spirit of resignation to the will of God in his statement to his brother. He proposed that they do their best in the battle, then leave the result with the Lord. That should be the motive of all who profess to serve God. We are not responsible for the results of doing right. If we do what God directs us to do, he will take all the care about what comes from it. On the other hand, if we act upon our own wisdom and desires, we must be held responsible for all.
1Ch 19:14. The very sight of Joab with his forces caused the hired soldiers to flee. Having no interest at stake but the money they were to receive, they would not stand their ground against danger.
1Ch 19:15. Fear is contagious. Seeing their allies were running from the contest, the Ammonites fled also. They entered the city which was Medeba. As the enemy had all deserted the field of action, David returned to Jerusalem which was his capital.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
when Joab: 2Sa 10:9-14
battle: Heb. face of the battle
set against: Jos 8:22, Jdg 20:42, Jdg 20:43
choice: or, young men
Reciprocal: Psa 118:11 – General