Bible Commentary

And Joab said, [As] God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother. 27. unless thou hadst spoken ] Abner found fault with Joab for continuing the pursuit. Joab retorts that Abner himself was to blame for the commencement of the battle. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 2:27”

Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour forever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren? 26. that it will be bitterness in the latter end ] Either, that the final … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 2:26”

And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of a hill. 25. the children of Benjamin ] The men of Saul’s tribe shew themselves prepared to fight for his son’s cause to the last. Cp. 2Sa 2:15. became one troop ] The word means … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 2:25”

Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that [lieth] before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. 24 32. The Pursuit. Asahel’s burial 24. Joab also, &c.] And Joab and Abishai continued the pursuit, in contrast to those who … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 2:24”

Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth [rib], that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, [that] as many as came to the place where Asahel fell … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 2:23”

And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother? 22. Turn thee aside ] Asahel was probably a mere stripling, and no match for Abner, who, wishing to avoid a feud with … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 2:22”

And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armor. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him. 21. take thee his armour ] Probably, as in Jdg 14:19, his spoil: i.e. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 2:21”

Then Abner looked behind him, and said, [Art] thou Asahel? And he answered, I [am]. Then Abner looked behind him,…. Perceiving one at his heels, and making haste up to him. And said, [art] thou Asahel? for it seems he knew him personally, being well acquainted with his family: and he answered, I [am]; so … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 2:20”

And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. 19-32. Asahel pursued after AbnerTogain the general’s armor was deemed the grandest trophy. Asahel,ambitious of securing Abner’s, had outstripped all other pursuers,and was fast gaining on the retreating commander. Abner, conscious ofpossessing more … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 2:19”

And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel [was as] light of foot as a wild roe. 18 23. The Death of Asahel 18. three sons of Zeruiah ] The standing designation of David’s nephews, to shew their relationship to him (1Ch 2:16). as a wild roe ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 2:18”