New International VersionThe battle that day was very fierce, and Abner and the Israelites were defeated by David’s men.
New Living TranslationA fierce battle followed that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the forces of David.
English Standard VersionAnd the battle was very fierce that day. And Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
Berean Standard BibleThe battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.
King James BibleAnd there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
New King James VersionSo there was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
New American Standard BibleThat day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.
NASB 1995That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
NASB 1977And that day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd that day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated before the servants of David.
Amplified BibleThere was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
Christian Standard BibleThe battle that day was extremely fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David’s soldiers.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe battle that day was extremely fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David’s soldiers.
American Standard VersionAnd the battle was very sore that day: and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
Contemporary English VersionThen everyone started fighting. Both sides fought very hard, but David's soldiers defeated Abner and the soldiers of Israel.
English Revised VersionAnd the battle was very sore that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationFierce fighting broke out that day, and David's men defeated Abner and the men of Israel.
Good News TranslationThen a furious battle broke out, and Abner and the Israelites were defeated by David's men.
International Standard VersionThe battle was very violent that day, with Abner and the men of Israel being defeated in the presence of David's servants.
NET BibleNow the battle was very severe that day; Abner and the men of Israel were overcome by David's soldiers.
New Heart English BibleThe battle was very severe that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated before the servants of David.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd there was a very severe battle that day; and Abner was defeated, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.
World English BibleThe battle was very severe that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before David’s servants. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the battle is very hard on that day, and Abner is struck, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
Young's Literal Translation and the battle is very hard on that day, and Abner is smitten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the war will be hard even exceedingly, in that day; and Abner will be smitten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd there was a very fierce battle that day: and Abner was put to flight, with the men of Israel, by the servants of David.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd a very harsh war rose up on that day. And Abner, with the men of Israel, was put to flight by the youths of David.
New American BibleThe battle that day was very fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David’s servants.
New Revised Standard VersionThe battle was very fierce that day; and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten by the servants of David. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd there was a very fierce battle that day; and Abner was defeated, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd there was a very severe battle on that day, and Abnir was defeated and the men of Israel before the Servants of David OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the battle was very sore that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the battle was very severe on that day; and Abenner and the men of Israel were worsted before the servants of David.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context War Between the Houses of David and Saul… 16Then 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. 17The battlethatdaywasintense,and Abnerand the menof Israelwere defeatedbythe servantsof David.18The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,…
Cross References 1 Samuel 14:20Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor.
1 Samuel 31:1Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
1 Kings 2:32The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.
Judges 20:20-21And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin and took up their battle positions at Gibeah. / And the Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down 22,000 Israelites on the battlefield that day.
1 Chronicles 10:1Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
1 Samuel 17:47And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”
1 Samuel 18:6-7As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
1 Samuel 19:8When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him.
1 Samuel 23:1-5Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.” / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” ...
1 Samuel 30:1-2On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.
2 Samuel 3:1Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
2 Samuel 5:1-3Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.
2 Samuel 8:1-2Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.
2 Samuel 10:9-14When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. / And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. / “If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. ...
2 Samuel 21:15-17Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”
Treasury of Scripture And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David. Abner 2 Samuel 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. Jump to Previous AbnerBattleBeatenDavidDavid'sDefeatedFierceFightingHardIsraelRoutedServantsSevereSmittenSoreJump to Next AbnerBattleBeatenDavidDavid'sDefeatedFierceFightingHardIsraelRoutedServantsSevereSmittenSore2 Samuel 2 1.David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron4.where he is made king of Judah5.He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel8.Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel12.A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men.18.Asahel is slain25.At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat32.Asahel's burialThe battle that day was intenseThis phrase highlights the severity and ferocity of the conflict. The battle took place during a period of civil war in Israel, following the death of King Saul. David had been anointed king over Judah, while Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was made king over the rest of Israel by Abner, Saul's army commander. The intensity of the battle reflects the deep division and struggle for power within the nation. This conflict can be seen as part of God's unfolding plan to establish David as the rightful king over all Israel, fulfilling the prophecy given to him by Samuel ( 1 Samuel 16:1-13). and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated
Abner, a skilled military leader and cousin to Saul, was a significant figure in the northern kingdom's resistance against David. His defeat signifies a turning point in the struggle for the throne. The men of Israel, representing the tribes loyal to Saul's house, were unable to withstand the forces of David. This defeat can be seen as a divine intervention, as God was with David, granting him success in his endeavors (2 Samuel 5:10). The defeat of Abner's forces foreshadows the eventual unification of Israel under David's rule. by the servants of David
The "servants of David" refers to David's loyal followers and warriors, including his mighty men, who were known for their bravery and skill in battle. These men were not just soldiers but were deeply committed to David's leadership and God's anointing on him. Their victory over Abner's forces underscores the legitimacy of David's kingship and God's favor upon him. This phrase also points to the theme of servanthood and loyalty, which are central to David's reign and are echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate servant leader (Mark 10:45). Persons / Places / Events 1. AbnerThe commander of Saul's army and a key figure in the power struggle following Saul's death. He initially supports Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel. 2. DavidAnointed king over Judah, David is in the process of consolidating his rule over all Israel. His men are involved in the battle against Abner's forces. 3. Men of IsraelRefers to the forces loyal to Ish-bosheth and Abner, representing the northern tribes of Israel. 4. Servants of DavidThese are the warriors loyal to David, primarily from the tribe of Judah, who are fighting to establish David's rule over all Israel. 5. The BattleA significant conflict in the civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David, marking a turning point in David's rise to power. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Leadership TransitionsThe battle illustrates the unfolding of God's plan for David to become king over all Israel. Despite human conflicts and power struggles, God's purposes prevail. The Cost of DivisionThe fierce battle highlights the destructive nature of division among God's people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Faithfulness in AdversityDavid's men remained loyal and faithful in the face of fierce opposition. This teaches us the value of steadfastness and loyalty to God's anointed leaders. The Role of LeadershipAbner's defeat underscores the importance of wise and godly leadership. Leaders must align with God's will to ensure victory and peace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 2:17?
2.How does 2 Samuel 2:17 illustrate the consequences of division among God's people?
3.What lessons on leadership can we learn from the conflict in 2 Samuel 2:17?
4.How does this battle in 2 Samuel 2:17 connect to spiritual warfare today?
5.In what ways can we seek unity in our church, avoiding conflict like 2 Samuel 2:17?
6.How can we apply the lessons from 2 Samuel 2:17 to resolve personal conflicts?
7.What historical evidence supports the battle described in 2 Samuel 2:17?
8.How does 2 Samuel 2:17 reflect God's role in human conflict?
9.What theological themes are present in the battle of 2 Samuel 2:17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 2?
11.Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story?
12.Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel? God did (2 Samuel 24: 1) Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)
13.2 Samuel 3:33-34: Why does David publicly lament Abner's death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?
14.If Hushai's counsel (2 Samuel 17:7-14) was so clearly delayed and risky, why would Absalom reject Ahithophel's seemingly superior military advice without further scrutiny?What Does 2 Samuel 2:17 Mean The battle that day• Scripture places this clash near the pool of Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:12–13), a real historical site where opposing commanders Abner and Joab faced off. • David had recently been anointed king over Judah in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1–4), while Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, reigned over the northern tribes through Abner’s influence (2 Samuel 2:8–10). • The Lord had already declared David the rightful king (1 Samuel 16:1, 13); this confrontation unfolds as part of God’s providential plan to unite Israel under David’s throne (2 Samuel 5:1–3).
was intense• “Intense” signals a fierce, drawn-out fight, echoing later summary words: “The war between the house of Saul and the house of David was long” (2 Samuel 3:1). • Casualties were heavy (2 Samuel 2:30–31), underscoring the tragic cost when God’s people are divided. • Similar language of strenuous struggle appears when Israel battled Amalek (Exodus 17:11-13) and when David later warred against the Philistines (2 Samuel 21:15), reminding us that earthly conflict often mirrors deeper spiritual realities (Ephesians 6:12).
and Abner and the men of Israel• Abner, Saul’s cousin and seasoned general (1 Samuel 14:50), led Israelites who still clung to the former dynasty. • Though sincere in his loyalty, Abner’s resistance placed him against the Lord’s revealed choice—David (2 Samuel 3:9-10). • The narrative distinguishes “men of Israel” from “men of Judah,” showing how sin’s fallout in Saul’s reign fostered division (1 Samuel 15:26-28).
were defeated• The word “defeated” records an observable, historic outcome—David’s side prevailed. Victory fulfilled earlier promises such as “The LORD has delivered you into my hand” (1 Samuel 24:4, yet David had spared Saul). • God’s sovereignty, not mere military skill, decided the contest (Psalm 33:16-17;2 Samuel 7:8-9). • This defeat began Abner’s eventual recognition of David’s kingship (2 Samuel 3:17-21), illustratingProverbs 19:21: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”
by the servants of David• “Servants of David” includes warriors like Joab, Abishai, and Asahel—devoted men shaped by years of hardship with their leader (1 Samuel 22:1-2;2 Samuel 2:18). • Their loyalty reflected confidence in God’s promise to David (2 Samuel 23:1-5). Even in combat, David’s men often showed restraint and respect for God’s timing (2 Samuel 3:30;1 Samuel 26:9-11). • Later, these same servants would extend David’s rule “from Dan to Beersheba” (2 Samuel 24:2), foreshadowing the Messiah’s ultimate reign (Luke 1:32-33).
summary2 Samuel 2:17 captures a pivotal, literal event: a fierce battle in which Abner’s forces—representing the waning house of Saul—fell to David’s servants, signaling God’s ongoing fulfillment of His promise to place David over all Israel. The verse reminds us that the Lord’s purposes stand, even amid intense conflict, and that true victory belongs to those aligned with His revealed will. (17) A very sore battle.--The combat of the twelve on each side having decided nothing, the two hosts joined battle. Abner and the Israelites were worsted. The numbers engaged were probably not large, as the whole number of the slain was nineteen on David's side, and 360 on that of Israel ( 2Samuel 2:30-31). It was, however, a turning-point in the struggle. Verse 17. - A very sore battle. The purpose of Abner was thus gained. Excited by the spectacle of merciless slaughter, the armies manoeuvred no longer, but rushed fiercely to the attack, and fought with fury. But the mighty men of David were irresistible. Only nineteen of his warriors fell, while Abner lost three hundred and sixty, and was forced to flee.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The battleהַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה(ham·mil·ḥā·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421:A battle, warthatהַה֑וּא(ha·hū)Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, aredayבַּיּ֣וֹם(bay·yō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A daywasוַתְּהִ֧י(wat·tə·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beintense,קָשָׁ֥ה(qā·šāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7186:Hard, severeand Abnerאַבְנֵר֙(’aḇ·nêr)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74:Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite nameand the menוְאַנְשֵׁ֣י(wə·’an·šê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personof Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descwere defeatedוַיִּנָּ֤גֶף(way·yin·nā·ḡep̄)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5062:To push, gore, defeat, stub, inflictbyלִפְנֵ֖י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe servantsעַבְדֵ֥י(‘aḇ·ḏê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantof David.דָוִֽד׃(ḏā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse
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OT History: 2 Samuel 2:17 The battle was very severe that day: (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
