King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:14 in the King James Version says “And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 2:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon. Helkathhazzurim: that is, The field of strong men

Read 2 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 12 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְנֵר֙2 of 12

“And Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

אֶל3 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֖ב4 of 12

“to Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

יָקֻֽמוּ׃5 of 12

“Let them arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

נָא֙6 of 12
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

הַנְּעָרִ֔ים7 of 12

“Let the young men”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וִישַֽׂחֲק֖וּ8 of 12

“and play”

H7832

to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play

לְפָנֵ֑ינוּ9 of 12

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר10 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹאָ֖ב11 of 12

“to Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

יָקֻֽמוּ׃12 of 12

“Let them arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 2:17Proverbs 17:14Proverbs 26:18-19Proverbs 20:182 Samuel 2:26-27Proverbs 25:8

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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