King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:24 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:24 in the King James Version says “Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth be... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 2:24 · KJV


Context

22

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?

23

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 down and died stood still.

24

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.

25

And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.

26

Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? 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?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
וַֽיִּרְדְּפ֛וּ1 of 19

pursued

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

יוֹאָ֥ב2 of 19

Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַֽאֲבִישַׁ֖י3 of 19

also and Abishai

H52

abishai, an israelite

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י4 of 19

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אַבְנֵ֑ר5 of 19

Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

וְהַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ6 of 19

and the sun

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

בָּ֚אוּ7 of 19

went down

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְהֵ֗מָּה8 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בָּ֚אוּ9 of 19

went down

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַד10 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גִּבְעַ֣ת11 of 19

to the hill

H1389

a hillock

אַמָּ֔ה12 of 19

of Ammah

H522

ammah, a hill in palestine

אֲשֶׁר֙13 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל14 of 19
H5921

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

פְּנֵי15 of 19

that lieth 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

גִ֔יחַ16 of 19

Giah

H1520

giach, a place in palestine

דֶּ֖רֶךְ17 of 19

by the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מִדְבַּ֥ר18 of 19

of the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

גִּבְעֽוֹן׃19 of 19

of Gibeon

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine


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 2:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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