Keraia
2 Samuel 2

2 Samuel 2:24

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

Modern
But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.
Traditional
Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
Literal
And Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner, and the sun was going down, and they came to the hill of Ammah which is upon the face of Giah by the way of the Wilderness of Gibeon.
Latin
Persequentibus autem Joab et Abisai fugientem Abner, sol occubuit: et venerunt usque ad collem aquæductus, qui est ex adverso vallis itineris deserti in Gabaon.

Original

Hebrew
English
But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.

Notes

2 Samuel 2:24

  • Joab and Abishai pursued Abner: See 2 Samuel 3:27.

  • Ammah means “conduit” (a channel for carrying water), and Giah means “gushing.” These names suggest that an aqueduct system (a structure that carries water) was connected to the pool at Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:12–13).

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

Abishai: David's nephew, one of his mighty men and commanders Abner: Saul's cousin and commander of his army Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army

Places

Ammah: A hill near Gibeon, where Joab pursued Abner Giah: Location near Gibeon where Joab and Abishai pursued Abner Gibeon: Hivite city that tricked Joshua into a peace treaty

Glossary

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

Topics

Abishai: Pursues and Kills Abner Abner: Loyalty of, to the House of Saul Ammah: A Mountain Asahel: Nephew of David, and One of his Captains David: King of Israel: David Wages War Against and Defeats Ish-Bosheth Deserts: Gibeon Giah: A Place on the Way to the Wilderness of Gibeon Homicide: Felonious: Abner Israel: The Conflict Between the Two Political Factions Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeats and Kills Abner War: Civil