King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:22 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:22 in the King James Version says “And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abne...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.”

2 Samuel 3:22 · KJV

Peace

Context

20

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.

21

And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

22

And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.

23

When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.

24

Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Abner Defects and Dies, emphasizing political maneuvering, revenge consequences. This chapter illustrates the complexity of political transition and personal revenge. Abner's defection using covenant language (brit, בְּרִית) contrasts with Joab's treacherous murder, demonstrating how personal vengeance undermines national purposes. The text develops themes of legitimate vs illegitimate authority, the corrupting power of revenge, and maintaining integrity when others act unethically.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 3 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 political maneuvering, revenge consequences 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 political maneuvering, revenge consequences?
  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
וְהִנֵּה֩1 of 19
H2009

lo!

עַבְדֵ֨י2 of 19

“And behold the servants”

H5650

a servant

דָּוִד֙3 of 19

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְיוֹאָב֙4 of 19

“and Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

הֵבִ֑יאוּ5 of 19

“and brought in”

H935

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

מֵֽהַגְּד֔וּד6 of 19

“from pursuing a troop”

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

וְשָׁלָ֥ל7 of 19

“spoil”

H7998

booty

רָ֖ב8 of 19

“a great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

עִמָּ֣ם9 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הֵבִ֑יאוּ10 of 19

“and brought in”

H935

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

וְאַבְנֵ֗ר11 of 19

“with them but Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

אֵינֶ֤נּוּ12 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עִם13 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

דָּוִד֙14 of 19

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּחֶבְר֔וֹן15 of 19

“in Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

כִּ֥י16 of 19
H3588

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

שִׁלְּח֖וֹ17 of 19

“for he had sent him away”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ18 of 19
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃19 of 19

“in peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

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 3:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 3 →

Test Your Knowledge

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