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2 Samuel 2

2 Samuel 2:17

The Battle of Gibeon · 2 Samuel 2:12–32
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Translations

Modern
The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.
Traditional
And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
Literal
And the battle was even very fierce that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were struck before the face of the servants of David.
Latin
Et ortum est bellum durum satis in die illa: fugatusque est Abner et viri Israël a pueris David.

Original

Hebrew
English
The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.

Notes

2 Samuel 2:17

The number of people killed in this battle is recorded in 2 Samuel 2:30–31.

2 Samuel 2:12–32

A long civil war followed between Judah, led by David, and the northern tribes, led by Saul’s family. These events led directly to the murder of Abner (2 Samuel 3:22–39).

2 Samuel 2:1–32

After Saul died, those loyal to David (the tribe of Judah) came into conflict with those loyal to Saul’s son Ish-bosheth (the remaining tribes of Israel).

At this time, the Philistines controlled much of the land west of the Jordan River. They likely encouraged this division among the Israelites because a divided people were easier for them to control.

Theme notes and profiles

Abner David Joab

Events

People

Abner: Saul's cousin and commander of his army David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Benjamin, Tribe of David Gibeon, Gibeonites Ishbosheth Joab Mahanaim Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Abner: Loyalty of, to the House of Saul Armies: March in Ranks: Champions Fight Instead of Championship: Young Men of David's and Abner's Armies David: King of Israel: David Wages War Against and Defeats Ish-Bosheth Israel: The Conflict Between the Two Political Factions Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeats and Kills Abner War: Civil