King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:10 in the King James Version says “And he also that is valiant , whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he also that is valiant , whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

2 Samuel 17:10 · KJV


Context

8

For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. chafed: Heb. bitter of soul

9

Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom. overthrown: Heb. fallen

10

And he also that is valiant , whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

11

Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person. that thou: Heb. that thy face, or, presence go, etc

12

So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Competing Counsel, emphasizing divine providence over human wisdom. The contrast between Ahithophel's shrewd counsel and Hushai's divinely-blessed alternative demonstrates God's providential control over human wisdom. The text explicitly states "the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel" (v. 14), emphasizing divine sovereignty. Ahithophel's suicide demonstrates despair when human wisdom fails. Theological themes include God's sovereignty over human planning, divine protection of His anointed, and the inadequacy of worldly wisdom apart from God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 17 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding divine providence over human wisdom provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of divine providence over human wisdom?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְה֣וּא1 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

גַם2 of 21
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

וּבְנֵי3 of 21

And he also that is valiant

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חַ֖יִל4 of 21

and they which be with him are valiant

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כְּלֵ֥ב6 of 21

is as the heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

כְּלֵ֥ב7 of 21

is as the heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הָֽאַרְיֵ֖ה8 of 21

of a lion

H738

a lion

יִמָּ֑ס9 of 21

melt

H4549

to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)

יִמָּ֑ס10 of 21

melt

H4549

to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)

כִּֽי11 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יֹדֵ֤עַ12 of 21

knoweth

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כָּל13 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙14 of 21

for all Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּֽי15 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גִבּ֣וֹר16 of 21

is a mighty man

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

אָבִ֔יךָ17 of 21

that thy father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּבְנֵי18 of 21

And he also that is valiant

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חַ֖יִל19 of 21

and they which be with him are valiant

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

אֲשֶׁ֥ר20 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִתּֽוֹ׃21 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 17:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 17:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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