2 Samuel 10:12
New International Version
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.”

New Living Translation
Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the LORD’s will be done.”

English Standard Version
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.”

New American Standard Bible
Be strong, and let’s show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

NASB 1995
“Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

NASB 1977
“Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Be strong, and let us show strength for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may Yahweh do what is good in His sight.”

Amplified Bible
Be courageous, and let us show ourselves courageous for the benefit of our people and the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

Christian Standard Bible
Be strong! Let’s prove ourselves strong for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD’s will be done.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Be strong! We must prove ourselves strong for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD’s will be done.”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Be brave and fight hard to protect our people and the cities of our God. I pray that the LORD will do whatever pleases him."

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Be strong! Let's prove ourselves strong for our people and for the cities of our God, and the LORD will do what he considers right."

Good News Translation
Be strong and courageous! Let's fight hard for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD's will be done!"

International Standard Version
Be strong, be courageous on behalf of our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what he thinks is best."

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
Be strong! Let's fight bravely for the sake of our people and the cities of our God! The LORD will do what he decides is best!"

New Heart English Bible
Be courageous, and let us be strong for our people, and for the cities of our God; and the LORD do that which seems good to him."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Be courageous, and let’s be strong for our people and for the cities of our God; and may Yahweh do what seems good to him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
be strong and strengthen yourself for our people, and for the cities of our God, and YHWH does that which is good in His eyes.”

Young's Literal Translation
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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Be strong, and we will be strong for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Jehovah shall do the good in his eyes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Be valiant men. And let us fight on behalf of our people and the city of our God. Then the Lord will do what is good in his own sight.”

New American Bible
Hold firm and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in his sight.”

New Revised Standard Version
Be strong, and let us be courageous for the sake of our people, and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what seems good to him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Be of good courage, and let us fight for the sake of our people and for the sake of the cities of our God: and the LORD will do what is good in his sight.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And we will be strong and we will fight for the sake of our people and for the sake of our cities of our God, and LORD JEHOVAH shall do the thing that is beautiful in his eyes!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Be of good courage, and let us prove strong for our people, and for the cities of our God; and the LORD do that which seemeth Him good.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Be thou courageous, and let us be strong for our people, and for the sake of the cities of our God, and the Lord shall do that which is good in his eyes.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Defeats Ammon and Aram
11“If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. 12Be 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.” 13So Joab and his troops advanced to fight the Arameans, who fled before him.…

Cross References
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

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.”

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.”

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Philippians 1:27-28
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel, / without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

1 Samuel 17:47
And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

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.”


Treasury of Scripture

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 seems him good.

Numbers 13:20
And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Joshua 1:6,7,9,18
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them…

play

1 Samuel 4:9
Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

1 Chronicles 19:13
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

the Lord

2 Samuel 16:10,11
And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? …

Judges 10:15
And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.

1 Samuel 3:18
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

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2 Samuel 10
1. David's messengers, sent to comfort Hanun are villainously treated
6. The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, overcome by Joab and Abishai
15. Shobuch, making a new supply of the Syrains at Helam, is slain by David














Be strong
The Hebrew root for "be strong" is "חָזַק" (chazaq), which conveys a sense of prevailing, being firm, or growing strong. In the context of ancient Israel, strength was not merely physical but also moral and spiritual. This call to strength is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where reliance on divine strength is paramount. The exhortation to "be strong" is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with faithfulness and courage in the face of adversity, as seen in Joshua 1:9.

and let us fight bravely
The phrase "fight bravely" is derived from the Hebrew "חָזַק" (chazaq) again, emphasizing courage and determination. In the historical context of 2 Samuel, this was a period of frequent military conflicts. The call to bravery is not just about physical combat but also about standing firm in faith and righteousness. It reflects the biblical principle that true bravery is rooted in trust in God, as seen in the accounts of David and other biblical heroes.

for our people
The term "our people" refers to the Israelites, God's chosen nation. This phrase underscores the communal aspect of the battle, highlighting the importance of unity and collective identity. In the biblical narrative, the welfare of the community is often linked to the faithfulness of its leaders and members. The call to fight for "our people" is a reminder of the responsibility to protect and preserve the community of faith, as seen in Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem.

and the cities of our God
The "cities of our God" signifies the physical and spiritual centers of Israelite life, including Jerusalem, the city of David. These cities were not only political and economic hubs but also places of worship and divine presence. The phrase reflects the belief that these cities belong to God, and their defense is a sacred duty. This concept is echoed in the Psalms, where Jerusalem is often depicted as the city of God, a place of divine protection and blessing.

May the LORD do what is good in His sight
This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty and wisdom. The Hebrew word for "good" is "טוֹב" (tov), which encompasses what is beneficial, pleasing, and right. The statement is an expression of trust in God's perfect will, recognizing that human understanding is limited. It reflects a surrender to divine providence, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture, as seen in Joseph's declaration in Genesis 50:20 that God can bring good out of evil circumstances. This trust in God's goodness is foundational to the Christian faith, encouraging believers to rely on His perfect plan.

(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 1Samuel 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.

Verse 12. - Be of good courage, and let us play the men. The Hebrew employs two conjugations of the same verb, literally, be strong, and let us show ourselves strong. And need there was for bravery; for the welfare, as he went on to show, of all Israel, and the honour of Israel's God, were in jeopardy. Finally he adds, The Lord do that which seemeth him good. They are the words not so much of confidence as of determined resolution. Come good or ill, he and Abishai would do their utmost.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Be strong
חֲזַ֤ק (ḥă·zaq)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

and let us fight bravely
וְנִתְחַזַּק֙ (wə·niṯ·ḥaz·zaq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

for
בְּעַד־ (bə·‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 1157: In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for

our people
עַמֵּ֔נוּ (‘am·mê·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and for
וּבְעַ֖ד (ū·ḇə·‘aḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 1157: In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for

the cities
עָרֵ֣י (‘ā·rê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of our God.
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

May the LORD
וַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

do
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה (ya·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

what is good
הַטּ֖וֹב (haṭ·ṭō·wḇ)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

in His sight.”
בְּעֵינָֽיו׃ (bə·‘ê·nāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain


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OT History: 2 Samuel 10:12 Be of good courage and let us (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 10:11
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