King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:13 in the King James Version says “And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat d... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. together: Heb. them together

2 Samuel 2:13 · KJV


Context

11

And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. time: Heb. number of days

12

And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

13

And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. together: Heb. them together

14

And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.

15

Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Judah, emphasizing divine timing, patience in promises. The Hebrew vayyimloch (וַיִּמְלֹךְ, 'and he reigned') marks David's official royal status over Judah at Hebron. The seven-year period before ruling all Israel demonstrates patient trust in God's timing. Theological themes include divine election, the gradual unfolding of God's promises through historical process, and the reality that human resistance to God's plans produces genuine suffering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 2 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding divine timing, patience in promises provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of divine timing, patience in promises?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְיוֹאָ֨ב1 of 20

And Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

בֶּן2 of 20

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צְרוּיָ֜ה3 of 20

of Zeruiah

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

וְעַבְדֵ֤י4 of 20

and the servants

H5650

a servant

דָוִד֙5 of 20

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

יָֽצְא֔וּ6 of 20

went out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַֽיִּפְגְּשׁ֛וּם7 of 20

and met

H6298

to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur

עַל8 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבְּרֵכָ֖ה9 of 20

and the other on the other side of the pool

H1295

a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place)

גִּבְע֖וֹן10 of 20

of Gibeon

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine

יַחְדָּ֑ו11 of 20

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

וַיֵּ֨שְׁב֜וּ12 of 20

and they sat down

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֵ֤לֶּה13 of 20
H428

these or those

עַל14 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבְּרֵכָ֖ה15 of 20

and the other on the other side of the pool

H1295

a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place)

מִזֶּ֔ה16 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְאֵ֥לֶּה17 of 20
H428

these or those

עַל18 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבְּרֵכָ֖ה19 of 20

and the other on the other side of the pool

H1295

a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place)

מִזֶּֽה׃20 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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