Bible Strands
2 Samuel 10:12
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.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joab addresses his brother Abishai as they prepare to face the combined forces of the Arameans and Ammonites. He urges mutual support and resolve before the battle begins.
The words — The Hebrew חֲזַק (cha.Zak) commands "be strong," paired with וְנִתְחַזַּק (ve./nit.cha.Zak) meaning "so we may show ourselves strong." The phrase בְּעַד עַמֵּנוּ and בְּעַד עָרֵי אֱלֹהֵינוּ literally means "for our people and for the cities of our God."
The thread — The command to be strong echoes Deuteronomy 31:6 and 1 Corinthians 16:13, while the submission to divine will mirrors Eli’s response in 1 Samuel 3:18. These passages share a pattern of human resolve coupled with trust in God’s sovereign action.
Why it lands — The text commands courage for communal defense and acknowledges God’s authority over the outcome. It requires the reader to act decisively while relinquishing control of the result to God.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James 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.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
- 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 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.”
- 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.”
- Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
- Judges 10:15 “We have sinned,” the Israelites said to the LORD. “Deal with us as You see fit; but please deliver us today!”
- 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!”
- 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.”
- Numbers 13:20 Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)
- Joshua 1:6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them.