Behold, he has now hidden himself in one of the ravines, or in another place; and it will be that when he falls on them at the first attack, whoever hears it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom!’ 10 And even the one who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, (A)will completely despair; for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men. 11 But I advise that all Israel be fully gathered to you, (B)from Dan even to Beersheba, (C)like the sand that is by the sea in abundance; and that [a]you personally go into battle.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 17:11 Lit your face goes

Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place.(A) If he should attack your troops first,[a] whoever hears about it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.’ 10 Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion,(B) will melt(C) with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave.(D)

11 “So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba(E)—as numerous as the sand(F) on the seashore—be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 17:9 Or When some of the men fall at the first attack