John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind , etc.] Or “the face” of it f166 ; armies appeared both before and behind, about to attack him both in front and rear; the Targum is, “and Joab saw that the warriors, or those that made war, were strong against him before and behind:” he chose of all the choice [men] of Israel ; the most eminent for strength, and valour, and military skill, who had been tried, and were famous for warlike exploits, the flower of the army: and put [them] in array against the Syrians ; who might be the strongest party, and the best soldiers; though being but mercenaries, if hard beset, would sooner give way, as he might suppose, upon which the Ammonites would do the same.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 6-14 - They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against thos that set his wrath at defiance, Isa 5:19, which will convince them tha none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ' soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whatever the success be. When we make conscience of doing our duty, we may, with satisfaction, leave the event with God, assuredly hoping for his salvation in his own way an time.
Original Hebrew וירא7200 יואב3097 כי3588 היתה1961 אליו413 פני6440 המלחמה4421 מפנים6440 ומאחור268 ויבחר977 מכל3605 בחורי970 בישׂראל3478 ויערך6186 לקראת7125 ארם׃758
