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2 Samuel 2:25

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 2:25 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one band, and stood on the top of a hill.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one band, and stood on the top of a hill.
2 Samuel 2:25 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
22And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?
23Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him in the body, so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
24But Joab 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.
25And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one band, and stood on the top of a hill.
26Then 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?
27And Joab said, As God liveth, if thou hadst not spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone away, nor followed every one his brother.
28So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, etc.] Either those that were with him before, who upon the battle were dispersed, but now got together again; or others of that tribe, who, hearing of the defeat of Abner, went out of the several cities after him, to strengthen his hands, and renew the fight with Joab: and became one troop; were united together in a body, and became a regular troop: and stood on the top of an hill; which was some advantage to them, and from whence they could take a view of Joab’s army, and observe its motions.”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“The Benjaminites then gathered in a crowd behind Abner, and halted upon the top of a hill to beat back their pursuers; and Abner cried out to Joab, "Shall the sword then devour for ever (shall there be no end to the slaughter)? dost thou not know that bitterness arises at last? and how long wilt thou not say to the people, to return from pursuing their brethren?" Thus Abner warns Joab of the consequences of a desperate struggle, and calls upon him to put an end to all further bloodshed by suspending the pursuit. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 2:27”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification