King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:24 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:24 in the King James Version says “Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent h...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

2 Samuel 3:24 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 · 16 words
בָ֤א1 of 16

“came”

H935

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

יוֹאָב֙2 of 16

“Then Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ4 of 16

“to the king”

H4428

a king

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר5 of 16

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֶ֣ה6 of 16
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עָשִׂ֑יתָה7 of 16

“What hast thou done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הִנֵּה8 of 16
H2009

lo!

בָ֤א9 of 16

“came”

H935

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

אַבְנֵר֙10 of 16

“behold Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

אֵלֶ֔יךָ11 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לָמָּה12 of 16
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

זֶּ֥ה13 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

שִׁלַּחְתּ֖וֹ14 of 16

“unto thee why is it that thou hast sent him away”

H7971

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

הָלֽוֹךְ׃15 of 16

“and he is quite”

H1980

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

הָלֽוֹךְ׃16 of 16

“and he is quite”

H1980

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

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 3:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 3:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 18:352 Samuel 3:82 Samuel 19:5-7Numbers 23:112 Samuel 3:39

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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