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2 Samuel 2:31

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 2:31 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner`s men, [so that] three hundred and threescore men died.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner`s men, [so that] three hundred and threescore men died.
2 Samuel 2:31 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
28So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
29And Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim.
30And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David`s servants nineteen men and Asahel.
31But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner`s men, [so that] three hundred and threescore men died.
32And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Beth-lehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and the day brake upon them at Hebron.
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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
“But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and Abner’s men, etc.] Of those of the tribe of Benjamin that joined him, and of those that he brought with him from Mahanaim; so many of them were smitten, as appeared by their bodies lying on the field of battle, [so that] three hundred and threescore men died; the number of the slain on each side was very unequal.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:31 The 360 who died were all from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul’s tribe, under the leadership of one of Saul’s relatives. This defeat was a direct blow to Saul’s dynasty (cp. 3:1).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“three hundred: The slain of Israel, though greatly exceeding those of Judah, were not great. This might be owing to the directions given by David, to be as lenient as possible; but the death of Asahel seems to have stopped the pursuers, and greatly favoured the escape of the vanquished. Sa2 3:1; Kg1 20:11 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 2:32”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification