Keraia
2 Samuel 2

2 Samuel 2:27

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

Translations

Modern
“As surely as God lives,” Joab replied, “if you had not spoken up, the troops would have continued pursuing their brothers until morning.”
Traditional
And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.
Literal
And Joab said, “God lives, for unless you had spoken, surely then by the morning all the people would have pulled back from after their brothers.”
Latin
Et ait Joab: Vivit Dominus, si locutus fuisses, mane recessisset populus persequens fratrem suum.

Original

Hebrew
English
“As surely as God lives,” Joab replied, “if you had not spoken up, the troops would have continued pursuing their brothers until morning.”

Notes

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

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