Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him. Then even the bravest soldierThe phrase "bravest soldier" in Hebrew is "בֶּן־חַיִל" (ben-chayil), which can be translated as "son of valor" or "man of strength." This term is used throughout the Old Testament to describe warriors of exceptional courage and strength. In the context of ancient Israel, a soldier's bravery was not only a matter of physical prowess but also of spiritual and moral fortitude. The imagery here suggests that even those who are renowned for their courage will be overwhelmed by the situation at hand, highlighting the gravity of the threat posed by David and his men. whose heart is like the heart of a lion
The lion is a symbol of strength, courage, and majesty in the Bible. The Hebrew word for lion, "אַרְיֵה" (aryeh), is often used metaphorically to describe individuals who possess great courage and fearlessness. In this context, the comparison to a lion's heart emphasizes the exceptional bravery of these soldiers. However, the verse suggests that even such formidable courage will falter, indicating the profound respect and fear that David's reputation commands. will melt with fear
The imagery of a heart melting is a vivid expression of fear and demoralization. The Hebrew verb "מוּג" (mug) conveys the idea of dissolving or losing firmness. This phrase captures the psychological impact of David's reputation on his enemies. It serves as a reminder of the power of God working through David, instilling fear in those who oppose him. The melting of the heart signifies a complete loss of courage and resolve, underscoring the divine favor that accompanies David. for all Israel knows
This phrase underscores the widespread recognition of David's prowess and the respect he commands throughout Israel. The Hebrew word "יָדַע" (yada) means "to know" and implies a deep, experiential understanding. The collective knowledge of David's capabilities serves as a testament to his established reputation as a leader and warrior. It reflects the communal acknowledgment of God's anointing on David, which instills both confidence in his followers and fear in his adversaries. that your father is a mighty warrior
The term "mighty warrior" in Hebrew is "גִּבּוֹר חַיִל" (gibbor chayil), which denotes a person of great strength and valor. David's reputation as a "mighty warrior" is well-documented throughout the biblical narrative, from his victory over Goliath to his numerous military successes. This acknowledgment of David's prowess serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in equipping and empowering His chosen leaders. It also highlights the legacy of strength and courage that David imparts to his followers. and those with him are valiant men
The phrase "valiant men" translates from the Hebrew "בְּנֵי־חַיִל" (benei-chayil), meaning "sons of valor." This term is used to describe David's loyal followers, who are characterized by their bravery and dedication. The mention of these valiant men emphasizes the strength of David's leadership and the quality of those who align themselves with him. It reflects the biblical principle that God often surrounds His chosen leaders with capable and courageous individuals to accomplish His purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, known for his military prowess and leadership. At this time, he is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has usurped the throne. 2. AbsalomDavid's son, who has declared himself king and is seeking to solidify his power by pursuing David. 3. AhithophelA counselor to Absalom, known for his wise advice. He suggests a plan to quickly attack David. 4. HushaiA friend of David who pretends to support Absalom but is actually working to thwart Ahithophel's counsel. 5. IsraelThe nation over which David is king, now divided in loyalty between David and Absalom. Teaching Points The Power of ReputationDavid's reputation as a mighty warrior instills fear in his enemies. Our actions and character can have a lasting impact on how others perceive us. The Influence of FearEven the bravest can be overcome by fear. It is crucial to rely on God's strength rather than our own. The Role of Wise CounselThe differing advice of Ahithophel and Hushai shows the importance of seeking and discerning wise counsel in decision-making. God's Sovereignty in ConflictDespite the turmoil, God is in control. Trusting in His plan brings peace amidst chaos. Courage in LeadershipTrue leadership requires courage and reliance on God, as demonstrated by David throughout his life. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's reputation as a warrior affect the morale of his enemies, and what can we learn about the importance of our own reputations? 2. In what ways can fear impact our decision-making, and how can we combat fear with faith according to biblical principles? 3. How does the counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai illustrate the importance of seeking godly wisdom in our lives? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation that seemed overwhelming. How did trusting in God's sovereignty help you navigate it? 5. How can we demonstrate courage in our leadership roles, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, by following David's example? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 17David's reputation as a mighty warrior is established early in his life when he defeats Goliath, showcasing his courage and faith in God. Psalm 27David's confidence in the Lord as his light and salvation, which contrasts with the fear described in 2 Samuel 17:10. Joshua 1:9The command to be strong and courageous, highlighting the contrast between fear and faith. People Abiathar, Abigail, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Amasa, Ammiel, Ammonites, Arkite, Barzillai, Dan, David, Hushai, Ithra, Jesse, Jether, Joab, Jonathan, Machir, Nahash, Shobi, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Bahurim, Beersheba, Dan, En-rogel, Gilead, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Lo-debar, Mahanaim, Rabbah, RogelimTopics Brave, Completely, Conscious, Fear, Fighter, Heart, Hero, Knoweth, Lion, Lose, Melt, Mighty, Soldier, Sons, Strong, Strongest, Utterly, Valiant, Valour, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:1-16 5779 advice Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken BreadThe Nations of the South-East
Israel was cut in two by the Jordan. The districts east of the Jordan were those that had first been conquered; it was from thence that the followers of Joshua had gone forth to possess themselves of Canaan. But this division of the territory was a source of weakness. The interests of the tribes on the two sides of the river were never quite the same; at times indeed they were violently antagonistic. When the disruption of the monarchy came after the death of Solomon, Judah was the stronger for the …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Continued.
In addition to the psalms already considered, which are devoted to the devout contemplation of nature, and stand in close connection with David's early days, there still remains one universally admitted to be his. The twenty-ninth psalm, like both the preceding, has to do with the glory of God as revealed in the heavens, and with earth only as the recipient of skyey influences; but while these breathed the profoundest tranquillity, as they watched the silent splendour of the sun, and the peace of …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
OF SIN. Sin is the great block and bar to our happiness, the procurer of all miseries to man, both here and hereafter: take away sin and nothing can hurt us: for death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, is the wages of it. Sin, and man for sin, is the object of the wrath of God. How dreadful, therefore, must his case be who continues in sin! For who can bear or grapple with the wrath of God? No sin against God can be little, because it is against the great God of heaven and earth; but if the sinner …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Letter xxxvi (Circa A. D. 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope.
To the Same Hildebert, Who Had Not Yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope. He exhorts him to recognise Innocent, now an exile in France, owing to the schism of Peter Leonis, as the rightful Pontiff. To the great prelate, most exalted in renown, Hildebert, by the grace of God Archbishop of Tours, Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that he may walk in the Spirit, and spiritually discern all things. 1. To address you in the words of the prophet, Consolation is hid from …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 17:10 NIV2 Samuel 17:10 NLT2 Samuel 17:10 ESV2 Samuel 17:10 NASB2 Samuel 17:10 KJV
2 Samuel 17:10 Commentaries
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