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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 3:26 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/3-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/10_2Sa_03_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 3:26 - Joab Murders Abner" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/3-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/3-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/3-25.htm" title="2 Samuel 3:25">◄</a> 2 Samuel 3:26 <a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm" title="2 Samuel 3:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Joab then left David and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern at Sirah. But David did not know it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Joab then left David and sent messengers to catch up with Abner, asking him to return. They found him at the well of Sirah and brought him back, though David knew nothing about it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Joab came out from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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 <i>it</i> not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And when Joab had gone from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David did not know <i>it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Joab left David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know <i>about it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When Joab came out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When Joab came out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Joab came out from David and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Joab left David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David knew nothing [about Joab’s action].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the well of Sirah, but David was unaware of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the well of Sirah, but David was unaware of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Joab left David, then he sent some messengers to catch up with Abner. They brought him back from the well at Sirah, but David did not know anything about it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />After leaving David, Joab sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the cistern of Sirah without David knowing about it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />After leaving David, Joab sent messengers to get Abner, and they brought him back from Sirah Well; but David knew nothing about it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As soon as Joab left David, Joab sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern at Sirah, but David was not aware of this. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the well of Sirah. (But David was not aware of it.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn’t know it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joab goes out from David, and sends messengers after Abner, and they bring him back from the well of Sirah, and David did not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Joab goeth out from David, and sendeth messengers after Abner, and they bring him back from the well of Sirah, and David knew not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Joab will go forth from David and send messengers after Abner, and they will turn him back from the Well of Sirah: and David knew not.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then Joab going out from David, sent messengers after Abner, and brought him back from the cistern of Sira, David knowing nothing of it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so, Joab, going out from David, sent messengers after Abner, and he brought him back from the cistern of Sirah, without David knowing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Joab then left David and sent messengers after Abner to bring him back from the cistern of Sirah; but David did not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Joab came out from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah; but David did not know about it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when Joab was come out from the presence of David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David knew it not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yuab went out from the presence of David, and he sent Messengers after Abnir, and they returned him from Kreh Sirah, and David did not know<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from Bor-sirah; but David knew it not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Joab returned from David, and sent messengers to Abenner after <i>him</i>; and they bring him back from the well of Seiram: but David knew <i>it</i> not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/3-26.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=856" 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/3.htm">Joab Murders Abner</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">25</span>Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.” <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><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.">As soon as Joab</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: mê·‘im (Prep-m) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">had left</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">he sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’ā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">messengers</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">after</a> <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.">Abner,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·ši·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">who brought him back</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/953.htm" title="953: mib·bō·wr (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- A pit, cistern, well. From buwr; a pit hole.">from the well</a> <a href="/hebrew/5626.htm" title="5626: has·si·rāh (N-proper) -- The name of a cistern. From cuwr; departure; Sirah, a cistern so-called.">of Sirah;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: wə·ḏā·wiḏ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">but David</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">was unaware</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏā‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">of it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.…<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_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a></span><br />Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-32.htm">1 Kings 2:32-33</a></span><br />The 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. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-9.htm">2 Samuel 20:9-10</a></span><br />“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18-23</a></span><br />The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, / and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27-30</a></span><br />When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. / Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. / May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-6.htm">1 Chronicles 11:6</a></span><br />Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/2-16.htm">1 Chronicles 2:16</a></span><br />Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-18.htm">1 Chronicles 12:18</a></span><br />Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">1 Samuel 26:6</a></span><br />And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4-7</a></span><br />So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. / Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. / So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">1 Samuel 18:11</a></span><br />and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33</a></span><br />Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm">1 Samuel 22:18-19</a></span><br />So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. / He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Matthew 26:14-16</a></span><br />Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Matthew 26:47-50</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">he sent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23-26</a></b></br> Burning lips and a wicked heart <i>are like</i> a potsherd covered with silver dross… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/27-4.htm">Proverbs 27:4-6</a></b></br> Wrath <i>is</i> cruel, and anger <i>is</i> outrageous; but who <i>is</i> able to stand before envy? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-25.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-22.htm">Cistern</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">David's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-24.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-24.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-14.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">Overtook</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-22.htm">Water-Spring</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-31.htm">Cistern</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-28.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-8.htm">David's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-11.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-5.htm">Overtook</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-9.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Water-Spring</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">During the war David becomes stronger</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-2.htm">Six sons are born to him in Hebron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-6.htm">Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-7.htm">revolts to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-17.htm">Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-28.htm">David curses Joab</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">and mourns for Abner</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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>As soon as Joab had left David</b><br>Joab, the commander of David's army, had just left a meeting with King David. This indicates a moment of transition and potential tension, as Joab was known for his strong personality and decisive actions. Joab's loyalty to David was often mixed with personal vendettas, as seen in his previous actions and future decisions. This phrase sets the stage for Joab's independent actions, which often conflicted with David's intentions.<p><b>he sent messengers after Abner</b><br>Joab's decision to send messengers after Abner highlights his personal vendetta against Abner, who had killed Joab's brother Asahel in battle (<a href="/2_samuel/2-23.htm">2 Samuel 2:23</a>). This act of sending messengers shows Joab's initiative and possibly his disregard for David's authority or wishes. It reflects the ongoing power struggles and personal conflicts within the kingdom, which were common in the turbulent period of the united monarchy.<p><b>who brought him back from the well of Sirah</b><br>The well of Sirah is a specific location, likely near Hebron, where Abner was intercepted. This geographical detail underscores the historical and narrative accuracy of the account. Wells were significant in ancient times as places of gathering and sustenance, often serving as landmarks. The act of bringing Abner back suggests a level of coercion or deception, as Abner was likely unaware of Joab's intentions.<p><b>But David was unaware of it</b><br>This phrase indicates a lack of communication or possible deception within David's administration. David's unawareness of Joab's actions suggests a disconnect between the king and his military commander, highlighting the complexities of leadership and governance. It also sets the stage for the unfolding drama, as David's ignorance of Joab's actions would later have significant political and personal repercussions. This lack of awareness can be seen as a foreshadowing of the challenges David would face in maintaining unity and justice within his kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a></b><br>The commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and loyalty to David, but also for his personal vendettas and acts of violence.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel, anointed by God, who sought to unify the kingdom and rule with justice and righteousness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/abner.htm">Abner</a></b><br>The commander of Saul's army, who initially opposed David but later sought to align with him to unite Israel under David's rule.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/well_of_sirah.htm">Well of Sirah</a></b><br>A location near Hebron where Abner was intercepted by Joab's messengers. It serves as a geographical marker in the account.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/messengers.htm">Messengers</a></b><br>Individuals sent by Joab to bring Abner back, acting under Joab's orders without David's knowledge.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_unchecked_anger_and_revenge.htm">The Dangers of Unchecked Anger and Revenge</a></b><br>Joab's actions against Abner were driven by personal vendetta, illustrating how unchecked anger can lead to destructive decisions. Believers are called to forgive and seek reconciliation rather than revenge.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_communication_and_transparency.htm">The Importance of Communication and Transparency</a></b><br>Joab acted without David's knowledge, leading to unintended consequences. This highlights the importance of open communication and transparency in leadership and relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_amidst_human_actions.htm">God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Actions</a></b><br>Despite human schemes, God's purposes prevail. David's eventual kingship over a united Israel demonstrates God's sovereignty, reminding believers to trust in God's plan even when circumstances seem chaotic.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_in_justice_and_mercy.htm">The Role of Leadership in Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>David's ignorance of Joab's actions underscores the need for leaders to be vigilant and just. Christian leaders are called to uphold justice and mercy, reflecting God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience_and_deception.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience and Deception</a></b><br>Joab's deceitful actions had long-term consequences for himself and the kingdom. This serves as a warning about the repercussions of disobedience and deception in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3</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_does_david_lament_abner's_death.htm">2 Samuel 3:33–34: Why does David publicly lament Abner’s death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_isn't_joab_punished_for_killing_amasa.htm">In 2 Samuel 20:8–10, why isn’t Joab explicitly reprimanded for the ruthless killing of Amasa, despite earlier prohibitions against murder? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_david_avoid_deceitful_people.htm">In Psalm 101:7, how can David promise no one deceitful will enter his presence when biblical narratives show him associating with flawed individuals? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) <span class= "bld">Sent messengers after Abner.</span>--Whether this was done in his own or in David's name (though without his knowledge) does not appear, but in either case Abner would readily suppose that the coming of Joab had made further conference desirable. His entire confidence in David is shown by his unsuspecting return.<p><span class= "bld">The well of Sirah.</span>--The only knowledge of this locality is from the testimony of Josephus (<span class= "ital">Antt. vii.</span> 1, 5), that it was twenty stadia (two and a half miles) from Hebron; and there is still a spring and reservoir called <span class= "ital">Ain Sareh, </span>rather more than a mile north of the town. If this is correct, Abner must have just left David when Joab arrived.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The well</span> - Hebrew, <span class="accented">cistern</span> - <span class="cmt_word">of Sirah.</span> Josephus ('Ant.,' 8.1. 5) says that this cistern was situated about two miles and a half north of Hebron. There was probably a caravanserai there, at which Abner halted, intending to continue his march homewards as soon as the coolness of evening set in. Here Joab's messengers overtook him, and, speaking in David's name - for otherwise Abner would not have fallen into the trap - asked him to return for further conference, mentioning, perhaps, Joab's arrival as the reason. In this way Abner's suspicions would be set at rest, and it would seem quite natural for him to find Joab waiting for him at the gate. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/3-26.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">As soon as Joab</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹאָב֙</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">had left</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּצֵ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">messengers</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאָכִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’ā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">after</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abner,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְנֵ֔ר</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">who brought him back</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּשִׁ֥בוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ši·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the well</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבּ֣וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_953.htm">Strong's 953: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pit, cistern, well</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Sirah;</span><br /><span class="heb">הַסִּרָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(has·si·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5626.htm">Strong's 5626: </a> </span><span class="str2">The name of a cistern</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but David</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדָוִ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was unaware</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of it.</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/3-26.htm">2 Samuel 3:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3-26.htm">2 Samuel 3:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/3-26.htm">2 Samuel 3:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3-26.htm">2 Samuel 3:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3-26.htm">2 Samuel 3:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/3-26.htm">2 Samuel 3:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/3-26.htm">2 Samuel 3:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/3-26.htm">2 Samuel 3:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/3-26.htm">2 Samuel 3:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/3-26.htm">2 Samuel 3:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/3-26.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 3:26 When Joab was come out from David (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/3-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:27" /></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>