King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:30 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:30 in the King James Version says “And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servan...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.”

2 Samuel 2:30 · KJV

Context

28

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

29

And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.

30

And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.

31

But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.

32

And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at break of day.

Read 2 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.

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 · 15 words
וְיוֹאָ֗ב1 of 15

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

שָׁ֚ב2 of 15

“returned”

H7725

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

מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֣י3 of 15

“from following”

H310

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

אַבְנֵ֔ר4 of 15

“Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

וַיִּקְבֹּ֖ץ5 of 15

“and when he had gathered”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֶת6 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל7 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֑ם8 of 15

“all the people”

H5971

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

וַיִּפָּ֨קְד֜וּ9 of 15

“there lacked”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

מֵֽעַבְדֵ֥י10 of 15

“servants”

H5650

a servant

דָוִ֛ד11 of 15

“of David's”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

תִּשְׁעָֽה12 of 15

“nineteen”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

עָשָׂ֥ר13 of 15
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אִ֖ישׁ14 of 15

“men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וַֽעֲשָׂהאֵֽל׃15 of 15

“and Asahel”

H6214

asahel, the name of four israelites

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 2:30 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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