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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/2-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/10_2Sa_02_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 2:14 - War Between the Houses of David and Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Abner said to Joab, Let us have the young men get up and compete before us. 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And Joab said, Let them arise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men now arise and compete before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, “Now have the young men arise and hold a martial skills match in our presence.” And Joab said, “Have them arise!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, &#8220Now let the young men arise and hold a contest before us.&#8221 And Joab said, &#8220Let them arise.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, “Now let the young men arise and hold a contest before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, “Now let the young men arise and hold a contest before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men now stand and have a contest before us.” And Joab said, “Let them stand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, “Let’s have the young men get up and compete in front of us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, &#8220Let&#8217s have the young men get up and compete in front of us."&#8221 Let them get up,&#8221 Joab replied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men, I pray thee, arise and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abner yelled to Joab, "Let's get some of our best soldiers to stand up and fight each other!" Joab agreed, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men, I pray thee, arise and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abner said to Joab, "Let's have the young men hold a contest." Joab agreed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Abner said to Joab, "Let's have some of the young men from each side fight an armed contest." "All right," Joab answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Abner told Joab, "Let's have the young men get up and fight in our presence." Joab replied, "Let them come."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, ?Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.? ?Let them get up,? Joab replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Abner said to Joab, "Let the soldiers get up and fight before us." Joab said, "So be it!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abner said to Joab, "Let the young men arise and compete before us." Joab said, "Let them arise."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abner said to Joab, “Please let the young men arise and compete before us!” Joab said, “Let them arise!” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abner says to Joab, “Now let the youths rise and they play before us”; and Joab says, “Let them rise.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abner saith unto Joab, 'Let the youths rise, I pray thee, and they play before us;' and Joab saith, 'Let them rise.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abner will say to Joab, Now shall the boys arise and play before us. And Joab will say, They shall arise.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Abner said to Joab: Let the young men rise, and play before us. And Joab answered: Let them rise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Abner said to Joab, “Let the youths rise up and play before us.” And Joab answered, “Let them rise up.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men rise and perform for us.” Joab replied, “All right.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men come forward and have a contest before us.” Joab said, “Let them come forward.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abnir said to Yuab: “The young men shall arise, they shall play before us!” And Yuab said: “Let them arise!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abner said to Joab: 'Let the young men, I pray thee, arise and play before us.' And Joab said: 'Let them arise.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abenner said to Joab, Let now the young men arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/2-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=393" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/2.htm">War Between the Houses of David and Saul</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>So Joab son of Zeruiah, along with the servants of David, marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two camps took up positions on opposite sides of the pool. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/74.htm" title="74: ’aḇ·nêr (N-proper-ms) -- My father is a lamp, an Isr. name. Or nabiyner; from 'ab and niyr; father of light; Abner, an Israelite.">Then Abner</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">Joab,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: han·nə·‘ā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">“Let us have the young men</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: yā·qū·mū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">get up</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7832.htm" title="7832: wî·śa·ḥă·qū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjImperf-3mp) -- To laugh. A primitive root; to laugh; by implication, to play.">and compete</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nê·nū (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before us.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: yā·qu·mū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">“Let them get up,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">Joab</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-50.htm">1 Samuel 17:50-51</a></span><br />Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. / David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-12.htm">1 Samuel 14:12</a></span><br />So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18</a></span><br />“If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-18.htm">Judges 20:18-20</a></span><br />The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied. / The next morning the Israelites set out and camped near Gibeah. / And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin and took up their battle positions at Gibeah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-10.htm">1 Samuel 2:10</a></span><br />Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth and will give power to His king. He will exalt the horn of His anointed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17</a></span><br />Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">1 Samuel 26:10</a></span><br />David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm">1 Samuel 17:8-10</a></span><br />And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. / If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and work for us.” / Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-26.htm">1 Samuel 17:26</a></span><br />David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-36.htm">1 Samuel 17:36</a></span><br />Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a></span><br />But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And 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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-52.htm">1 Samuel 17:52</a></span><br />Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-57.htm">1 Samuel 17:57</a></span><br />So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-6.htm">1 Samuel 18:6-7</a></span><br />As 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.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.</p><p class="hdg">play before</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17,26,27</a></b></br> And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14</a></b></br> The beginning of strife <i>is as</i> when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-12.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Contest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-25.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-20.htm">Front</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-14.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-13.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-13.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Let's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-15.htm">Play</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-9.htm">Please</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-5.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/judges/7-4.htm">Test</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-15.htm">Young</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-15.htm">Youths</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-21.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/job/9-19.htm">Contest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">Front</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-10.htm">Let's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-21.htm">Play</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-29.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-23.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-39.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">Test</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Young</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Youths</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-1.htm">David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">where he is made king of Judah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-12.htm">A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">Asahel is slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-25.htm">At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-32.htm">Asahel's burial</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then Abner said to Joab</b><br>Abner, the son of Ner, was the commander of Saul's army and a cousin to Saul. Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was the commander of David's forces and David's nephew. This encounter occurs during a period of civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David following Saul's death. The tension between these two leaders reflects the larger conflict between the two factions vying for control over Israel. Abner's proposal to Joab is significant as it sets the stage for a confrontation that is both personal and representative of the broader struggle for power.<p><b>“Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.”</b><br>The suggestion to have the young men compete is a call for a representative combat, a practice not uncommon in ancient warfare. This type of contest was intended to resolve disputes without full-scale battle, reminiscent of the duel between David and Goliath. The term "young men" likely refers to soldiers or warriors who were in their prime, capable of demonstrating their strength and skill. This competition was not merely a sport but a deadly encounter, as seen in the subsequent verses. The cultural context of honor and valor in combat is evident here, as such contests were often used to display bravery and prowess.<p><b>“Let them get up,” Joab replied.</b><br>Joab's agreement to Abner's proposal indicates his willingness to engage in this form of conflict resolution. It reflects the honor code of the time, where leaders would often agree to such terms to avoid unnecessary bloodshed among their troops. Joab's response also shows his confidence in his men and his acceptance of the challenge posed by Abner. This moment foreshadows the ongoing rivalry and animosity between Joab and Abner, which will have significant consequences in the narrative of 2 Samuel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abner.htm">Abner</a></b><br>The commander of Saul's army and a key figure in the power struggle following Saul's death. He is a cousin to Saul and initially supports Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a></b><br>The commander of David's army and a nephew of David. Joab is a fierce warrior and plays a significant role in David's military campaigns and the consolidation of his kingdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gibeon.htm">Gibeon</a></b><br>The location where the confrontation between the forces of Abner and Joab takes place. Gibeon is a significant city in the tribal territory of Benjamin.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/y/young_men.htm">Young Men</a></b><br>Refers to the warriors from both sides who are chosen to engage in combat as a form of contest or representative battle.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/competition.htm">Competition</a></b><br>The event where selected warriors from both sides engage in combat, which escalates into a larger conflict between the forces of Abner and Joab.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_pride_and_rivalry.htm">The Dangers of Pride and Rivalry</a></b><br>The confrontation at Gibeon serves as a reminder of how pride and rivalry can lead to unnecessary conflict and bloodshed. Believers are called to seek peace and unity rather than division.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_leadership_decisions.htm">The Consequences of Leadership Decisions</a></b><br>Abner and Joab's decision to let the young men compete had far-reaching consequences. Leaders must consider the potential outcomes of their decisions and seek God's wisdom in guiding their actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_providence_in_conflict.htm">The Role of Providence in Conflict</a></b><br>Even in the midst of human conflict and poor decisions, God's providence is at work. Believers can trust that God is sovereign and can bring about His purposes even through human failings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_god's_will.htm">The Importance of Seeking God's Will</a></b><br>Before engaging in conflict or making significant decisions, it is crucial to seek God's will and guidance. This passage challenges believers to prioritize prayer and discernment in their lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_joab_kill_abner.htm">Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_david_punish_joab.htm">2 Samuel 3:27-30: Why doesn't David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_14_8-17_and_2_sam_5.htm">1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/2_sam_14_14_vs._god-sanctioned_deaths.htm">2 Samuel 14:14: If 'God does not take away life,' how does this verse reconcile with other biblical passages where God sanctions or orders death?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Let the young men.</span>--To avoid unnecessary bloodshed between the tribes of a common parentage, and also, perhaps, to prevent the weakening of the nation in the face of their common Philistine foe, Abner proposes that the struggle should be decided by a combat between a few champions chosen on either side, and Joab immediately accepts the proposal. Hervey (<span class= "ital">Speaker's Commentary</span>) aptly compares this combat to that of the Horatii and Curiatii, under strikingly similar circumstances and with similar results, as described by Livy (I., 100 10:25).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let the young men now arise.</span> "Now" is not an adverb of time, but is hortative, and therefore rightly translated in the Revised Version, "I pray thee." It is by no means certain that Abner meant that this single combat should decide the war; for similar preludes before a battle are not uncommon among the Arabians, and serve, as this did, to put an end to the mutual unwillingness to begin the onslaught. So, too, games often preceded outbreaks of Scandinavian blood feuds. And this was probably Abner's object. He was the assailant, but now found that his men shrank from mortal combat with their brethren. There is thus no comparison between this combat and that of the Curiatii and Horatii described in Livy, 1. 10:25. <span class="cmt_word">Let them play.</span> The word is grim enough, though intended to gloss over the cruel reality. On each side twelve of the most skilful champions were to be selected, who were to fight in stern earnest with one another, while the rest gazed upon the fierce spectacle. The sight of the conflict would whet their appetite for blood, and their reluctance would give place to thirst for revenge. The request was too thoroughly in accordance with Joab's temper for him to refuse, and his immediate answer was, <span class="cmt_word">Let them arise.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/2-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then Abner</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְנֵר֙</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·nêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_74.htm">Strong's 74: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Joab,</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹאָ֔ב</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Let us have the young men</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנְּעָרִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(han·nə·‘ā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">get up</span><br /><span class="heb">יָק֤וּמוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·qū·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and compete</span><br /><span class="heb">וִֽישַׂחֲק֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wî·śa·ḥă·qū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7832.htm">Strong's 7832: </a> </span><span class="str2">To laugh, to play</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before us.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנֵ֑ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Let them get up,”</span><br /><span class="heb">יָקֻֽמוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yā·qu·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Joab</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹאָ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֥אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 2:14 Abner said to Joab Please let (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/2-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/2-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>