King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:23 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:23 in the King James Version says “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, a...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 3:23 · KJV

Peace

Context

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?

25

Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in , and to know all that thou doest.

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 18 words
לְיוֹאָב֙1 of 18

“Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְכָל2 of 18
H3605

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

הַצָּבָ֥א3 of 18

“and all the host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֲשֶׁר4 of 18
H834

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

אִתּ֖וֹ5 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בָּֽא6 of 18

“came”

H935

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

וַיַּגִּ֤דוּ7 of 18

“they told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְיוֹאָב֙8 of 18

“Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

לֵאמֹ֔ר9 of 18

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בָּֽא10 of 18

“came”

H935

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

אַבְנֵ֤ר11 of 18

“Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

בֶּן12 of 18

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֵר֙13 of 18

“of Ner”

H5369

ner, an israelite

אֶל14 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ15 of 18

“to the king”

H4428

a king

וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֖הוּ16 of 18

“and he hath sent him away”

H7971

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

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ17 of 18
H1980

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

בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃18 of 18

“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 3:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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