Keraia
2 Samuel 3

2 Samuel 3:26

Joab Murders Abner · 2 Samuel 3:22–30
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Translations

Modern
As soon as Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David was unaware of it.
Traditional
And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
Literal
And Joab had gone from David, and he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; and David did not know it.
Latin
Egressus itaque Joab a David, misit nuntios post Abner, et reduxit eum a cisterna Sira, ignorante David.

Original

Hebrew
English
As soon as Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David was unaware of it.

Notes

2 Samuel 3:26

  • The exact location of the well of Sirah is unknown. It was likely near Hebron.

  • David was unaware of it: See study note on 2 Samuel 3:21.

2 Samuel 3:1–39

The house of David (David’s family line and those loyal to his rule) grew stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker. A key turning point came when Abner, who held the real political power among Saul’s followers, changed his loyalty to David. When Abner did this, many of his relatives from the northern tribes followed him.

Theme notes and profiles

Abishai Abner David Joab

Events

People

Abner: Saul's cousin and commander of his army David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army

Places

Sirah: Place near Hebron where Abner was killed by Joab

Glossary

Abner David Ishbosheth Joab Samuel, Books of First and Second Sirah

Topics

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Abner by Joab Homicide: Felonious: Joab Jealousy: Joab, of Abner Sirah: The Name of a Well Treachery of Joab