2 Samuel 10:11

11 And he said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.

2 Samuel 10:11 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 10:11

And he said, if the Syrians be too strong for me
Which he might perceive by Joab's forces giving way, or by some signal agreed on between them

then thou shall help me;
detach a part of his army to his support and assistance:

but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come
and help thee;
in the same manner.

2 Samuel 10:11 In-Context

9 When Jo'ab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the picked men of Israel, and arrayed them against the Syrians;

10 the rest of his men he put in the charge of Abi'shai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites.

11 And he said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.

12 Be of good courage, and let us play the man for our people, and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what seems good to him."

13 So Jo'ab and the people who were with him drew near to battle against the Syrians; and they fled before him.