King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:26 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:26 in the King James Version says “Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

2 Samuel 2:26 · KJV


Context

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?

27

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. in the: Heb. from the morning gone: or, gone away

28

So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 · 22 words
וַיִּקְרָ֨א1 of 22

called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אַבְנֵ֜ר2 of 22

Then Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

אֶל3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֗ב4 of 22

to Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

תֹאמַ֣ר5 of 22

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲלָנֶ֙צַח֙6 of 22

for ever

H5331

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

תֹּ֣אכַל7 of 22

devour

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

חֶ֔רֶב8 of 22

Shall the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

הֲל֣וֹא9 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֔עְתָּה10 of 22

knowest

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי11 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָרָ֥ה12 of 22

thou not that it will be bitterness

H4751

bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

תִֽהְיֶ֖ה13 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בָּאַֽחֲרוֹנָ֑ה14 of 22

in the latter end

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

וְעַד15 of 22
H5704

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

מָתַי֙16 of 22
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

לֹֽא17 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֹאמַ֣ר18 of 22

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָעָ֔ם19 of 22

the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לָשׁ֖וּב20 of 22

return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֥י21 of 22

from following

H310

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

אֲחֵיהֶֽם׃22 of 22

their brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])


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 2:26 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 2:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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