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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 2:17 The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/2-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/10_2Sa_02_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 2:17 - War Between the Houses of David and Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David." /><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/2-17.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/2-17.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/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 17</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="/ad17.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/2-16.htm" title="2 Samuel 2:16">◄</a> 2 Samuel 2:17 <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm" title="2 Samuel 2:18">►</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/2.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/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The battle that day was very fierce, and Abner and the Israelites were defeated by David&#8217s men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A fierce battle followed that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the forces of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the battle was very fierce that day. And Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So there was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And that day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And that day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The battle that day was extremely fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David’s soldiers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The battle that day was extremely fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David&#8217s soldiers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the battle was very sore that day: and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then everyone started fighting. Both sides fought very hard, but David's soldiers defeated Abner and the soldiers of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the battle was very sore that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Fierce fighting broke out that day, and David's men defeated Abner and the men of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then a furious battle broke out, and Abner and the Israelites were defeated by David's men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The battle was very violent that day, with Abner and the men of Israel being defeated in the presence of David's servants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now the battle was very severe that day; Abner and the men of Israel were overcome by David's soldiers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The battle was very severe that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And there was a very severe battle that day; and Abner was defeated, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The battle was very severe that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before David’s servants. <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 the battle is very hard on that day, and Abner is struck, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the battle is very hard on that day, and Abner is smitten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And 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.<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 there was a very fierce battle that day: and Abner was put to flight, with the men of Israel, by the servants of David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The battle that day was very fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David’s servants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The battle was very fierce that day; and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten by the servants of David.<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 there was a very fierce battle that day; and Abner was defeated, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And there was a very severe battle on that day, and Abnir was defeated and the men of Israel before the Servants of David<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 the battle was very sore that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the battle was very severe on that day; and Abenner and the men of Israel were worsted before the servants of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/2-17.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=425" 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">16</span>Then 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. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">The battle</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yō·wm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wat·tə·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7186.htm" title="7186: qā·šāh (Adj-fs) -- Hard, severe. From qashah; severe.">intense,</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.">and Abner</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: wə·’an·šê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">and the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/5062.htm" title="5062: way·yin·nā·ḡep̄ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To strike, smite. A primitive root; to push, gore, defeat, stub, inflict.">were defeated</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">by</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·ḏê (N-mpc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">the servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·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.">of David.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,…<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/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20</a></span><br />Then 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1</a></span><br />Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-32.htm">1 Kings 2:32</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-20.htm">Judges 20:20-21</a></span><br />And 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-1.htm">1 Chronicles 10:1</a></span><br />Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a></span><br />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/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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-8.htm">1 Samuel 19:8</a></span><br />When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-1.htm">1 Samuel 23:1-5</a></span><br />Now 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?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">1 Samuel 30:1-2</a></span><br />On 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1</a></span><br />Now 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-1.htm">2 Samuel 5:1-3</a></span><br />Then 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/8-1.htm">2 Samuel 8:1-2</a></span><br />Some 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-9.htm">2 Samuel 10:9-14</a></span><br />When 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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">2 Samuel 21:15-17</a></span><br />Once 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.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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="hdg">Abner</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1</a></b></br> 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.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-25.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/judges/20-36.htm">Beaten</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-15.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-13.htm">David's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-8.htm">Defeated</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-10.htm">Routed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-15.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">Severe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Sore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-11.htm">Beaten</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-30.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-30.htm">David's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-20.htm">Defeated</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-26.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-39.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-15.htm">Routed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-30.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-4.htm">Severe</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-31.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-36.htm">Sore</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>The battle that day was intense</b><br>This 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 (<a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">1 Samuel 16:1-13</a>).<p><b>and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated</b><br>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 (<a href="/2_samuel/5-10.htm">2 Samuel 5:10</a>). The defeat of Abner's forces foreshadows the eventual unification of Israel under David's rule.<p><b>by the servants of David</b><br>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 (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<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 initially supports Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Anointed 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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/men_of_israel.htm">Men of Israel</a></b><br>Refers to the forces loyal to Ish-bosheth and Abner, representing the northern tribes of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/servants_of_david.htm">Servants of David</a></b><br>These are the warriors loyal to David, primarily from the tribe of Judah, who are fighting to establish David's rule over all Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a></b><br>A 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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership_transitions.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership Transitions</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_division.htm">The Cost of Division</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a></b><br>David'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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>Abner's defeat underscores the importance of wise and godly leadership. Leaders must align with God's will to ensure victory and peace.<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/who_made_david_count_israel's_troops.htm">Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel? God did (2 Samuel 24: 1) Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)</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_did_absalom_reject_ahithophel's_advice.htm">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?</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>(17) <span class= "bld">A very sore battle.</span>--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 (<a href="/context/2_samuel/2-30.htm" title="And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.">2Samuel 2:30-31</a>). It was, however, a turning-point in the struggle.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A very sore battle.</span> 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/2-17.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">The battle</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">הַה֑וּא</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּיּ֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(bay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתְּהִ֧י</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tə·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">intense,</span><br /><span class="heb">קָשָׁ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(qā·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7186.htm">Strong's 7186: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hard, severe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and 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">and the men</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַנְשֵׁ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’an·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were defeated</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּנָּ֤גֶף</span> <span class="translit">(way·yin·nā·ḡep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5062.htm">Strong's 5062: </a> </span><span class="str2">To push, gore, defeat, stub, inflict</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<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">the servants</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·ḏê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of David.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָוִֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 2:17 The battle was very severe that day: (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/2-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:18" /></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>