2 Samuel 17:10
ESV
Then even the valiant man, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will utterly melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and that those who are with him are valiant men.
NIV
Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave.
NASB
And even the one who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will completely despair; for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men.
CSB
Then, even a brave man with the heart of a lion will lose heart because all Israel knows that your father and the valiant men with him are warriors.
NLT
Then even the bravest soldiers, though they have the heart of a lion, will be paralyzed with fear. For all Israel knows what a mighty warrior your father is and how courageous his men are.
KJV
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.
NKJV
And even he who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt completely. For all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men.
What does 2 Samuel 17:10 mean?
So far, Absalom has orchestrated a bloodless coup. For four years, he rose early, climbed onto a chariot, and followed fifty running men to Jerusalem's gate. He met with men from all over Israel and convinced them his father didn't care about their hardships. If he could be in charge, though, everyone would see justice. By the end of those four years, he not only won the hearts of the Israelites, but also the loyalty of his father's advisor, Ahithophel. From there, it was easy to go to his relatives in Hebron and declare himself king. As they marched toward Jerusalem, David hurried his servants and guards out. Absalom took the throne—and his father's concubines—without every needing to draw his sword (2 Samuel 15:1–14; 16:14–15, 20–22).Ahithophel knows this peaceful stage of the rebellion can't last. If Absalom is to keep the crown, David must be destroyed. The counselor offers to take a force of men, immediately, to track David. They will kill only him and lead his people back to Absalom, where they can vow loyalty to the new king (2 Samuel 17:1–3).
Another advisor, Hushai, insists this is a terrible idea. Just because David fled the city doesn't mean he's toothless. The minute Ahithophel's troops meet David's guards, they'll see how experienced and enraged warriors fight. Every one of Ahithophel's soldiers will melt in fear, no matter how brave he thought himself to be. The fight will not go in Absalom's favor (2 Samuel 17:5–9).
Hushai says that even with the small force David currently has the troops available now aren't enough. Absalom needs to gather men from all the tribes and cover David like an ocean. Absalom should be at the lead, this time taking his metaphorical chariot into battle. Only then can he defeat his father and secure his reign (2 Samuel 17:11–13).
Foolishly, Absalom and the elders agree to Hushai's plan. They don't know that despite his claims otherwise (2 Samuel 16:16–19), he still works for David (2 Samuel 15:32–37). By convincing Absalom to amass a larger army, he's bought enough time to warn David: cross the river; get to safety; war is coming (2 Samuel 17:15–22).
