2 Samuel 2:26

Translations

Modern

Then Abner called out to Joab: “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?”

Traditional

Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?

Literal

And Abner called to Joab and said, “Shall the sword forever devour? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end? And until when will you not say to the people to turn from after their brothers?”

Latin

Et exclamavit Abner ad Joab, et ait: Num usque ad internecionem tuus mucro desæviet? an ignoras quod periculosa sit desperatio? usquequo non dicis populo ut omittat persequi fratres suos?

Original

Hebrew

English

Then Abner called out to Joab: “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?”

Notes

2 Samuel 2:26

this will only end in bitterness: Realizing that such wars go on generation after generation, Abner wisely negotiated a truce.

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

Reign of Davidc. 1055 BC

Related verses

Jeremiah 46:14
“Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes: ‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’
Jeremiah 46:10
For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of Hosts, a day of vengeance against His foes. The sword will devour until it is satisfied, until it is quenched with their blood. For the Lord GOD of Hosts will hold a sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates.
Acts 7:26
The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’
2 Samuel 2:14
Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied.
Isaiah 1:20
But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Jeremiah 4:21
How long must I see the signal flag and hear the sound of the horn?
2 Samuel 11:25
Then David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Do not let this matter upset you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Strengthen your attack against the city and demolish it.’ Encourage him with these words.”
Hosea 11:6
A sword will flash through their cities; it will destroy the bars of their gates and consume them in their own plans.
Proverbs 17:14
To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.
Job 19:2
“How long will you torment me and crush me with your words?
Psalm 4:2
How long, O men, will my honor be maligned? How long will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah
2 Samuel 2:16
Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim.

People

Abner: Saul's cousin and commander of his army Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army

Glossary

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

Topics

Abner: Loyalty of, to the House of Saul 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 Truce in Battle War: Civil War: Evils of

2 Samuel 2:26

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Translations

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Events

Related verses

Glossary

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