Bible Commentaries

2 Samuel 10:12

From these words I draw four useful and practical lessons.

I. I learn a lesson of mutual helpfulness. "As occasion demands," says Joab, "thou shalt help me and I will help thee." He was neither so vain as to think he could not possibly need a brother's help, nor so mean as to dream of standing aloof in a brother's difficulty. God intends that we shall be indebted to each other, and if Joab has to come to the help of Abishai, Abishai has no more reason to be ashamed than Joab.

II. I learn from the text a lesson of manly heroism. "Be of good courage and let us play the man." A hero is a man in the fullest sense of the word. There are heroes of the workshop, of the counter, of the office, of the market-place, on whose fortitude might be put quite as severe a strain as though they stood upon the battlefield, amid the glitter of cold steel or the rattle of musketry. If you are to play the part of the man, you must carefully cultivate the higher part of your nature. Lay the foundation of those intellectual and moral habits which will not only open up to you a vast range of elevating enjoyment, but will make you more capable of receiving the highest truth of all—the truth that concerns the kingdom of God.

III. I learn from the text a lesson of Christian patriotism. Great dangers put an edge upon true courage. "God and our country," was the cry of these two young men. It was a call to action and to danger, impelled by love to Israel and Israel's God. "Christian patriotism" was the term I used. You have no right to separate these words. The weal of our land is inseparably bound up with its religious condition. A true patriot will burn with desire to have his country leavened with real piety.

IV. I learn from the text a lesson of pious submission. ''And the Lord do that which seemeth Him good." I do not venture to say that Joab was a saint, but on this occasion, certainly, his conduct and language were admirable, and worthy of imitation.

J. Thain Davidson, Forewarned, Forearmed, p. 78.

References: 2 Samuel 10:12.—Parker, vol. vii., p. 235. 2Sam 10—Ibid., p. 146. 2 Samuel 11:1.—Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. viii., No. 450, and vol. xv., No. 895. 2 Samuel 11:2.—Ibid., Evening by Evening, p. 17. 2 Samuel 11:13,—Preacher's Monthly, vol. iv., p. 43.