2 Samuel 2:30
New International Version
Then Joab stopped pursuing Abner and assembled the whole army. Besides Asahel, nineteen of David’s men were found missing.

New Living Translation
Meanwhile, Joab and his men also returned home. When Joab counted his casualties, he discovered that only 19 men were missing in addition to Asahel.

English Standard Version
Joab returned from the pursuit of Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing from David’s servants nineteen men besides Asahel.

Berean Standard Bible
When Joab returned from pursuing Abner, he gathered all the troops. In addition to Asahel, nineteen of David’s servants were missing,

King James Bible
And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.

New King James Version
So Joab returned from pursuing Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing of David’s servants nineteen men and Asahel.

New American Standard Bible
Then Joab returned from pursuing Abner; but he gathered all the people together, and nineteen of David’s servants were missing, besides Asahel.

NASB 1995
Then Joab returned from following Abner; when he had gathered all the people together, nineteen of David’s servants besides Asahel were missing.

NASB 1977
Then Joab returned from following Abner; when he had gathered all the people together, nineteen of David’s servants besides Asahel were missing.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Joab returned from following Abner. And he had gathered all the people together, and nineteen of David’s servants besides Asahel were missing.

Amplified Bible
Joab returned from pursuing Abner; and when he had gathered all the people together, nineteen of David’s servants were missing, besides Asahel.

Christian Standard Bible
When Joab had turned back from pursuing Abner, he gathered all the troops. In addition to Asahel, nineteen of David’s soldiers were missing,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Joab had turned back from pursuing Abner, he gathered all the troops. In addition to Asahel, 19 of David’s soldiers were missing,

American Standard Version
And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.

Contemporary English Version
As soon as Joab stopped chasing Abner, he got David's troops together and counted them. There were 19 missing besides Asahel.

English Revised Version
And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Joab returned from chasing Abner. When he had gathered all the troops, [only] 19 of David's officers and Asahel were missing.

Good News Translation
When Joab gave up the chase, he gathered all his men and found that nineteen of them were missing, in addition to Asahel.

International Standard Version
Joab returned from his pursuit of Abner, and when he had mustered his entire army, nineteen of David's soldiers were missing besides Asahel.

Majority Standard Bible
When Joab returned from pursuing Abner, he gathered all the troops. In addition to Asahel, nineteen of David?s servants were missing,

NET Bible
Now Joab returned from chasing Abner and assembled all the people. Nineteen of David's soldiers were missing, in addition to Asahel.

New Heart English Bible
Joab returned from pursuing Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing from David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had assembled all the people, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men, and Asahel.

World English Bible
Joab returned from following Abner; and when he had gathered all the people together, nineteen men of David’s and Asahel were missing.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Joab has turned back from after Abner, and gathers all the people, and there are lacking of the servants of David nineteen men, and Asahel;

Young's Literal Translation
And Joab hath turned back from after Abner, and gathereth all the people, and there are lacking of the servants of David nineteen men, and Asahel;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joab turned back from after Abner: and he will gather all the people together and they will review from the servants of David nineteen men and Asahel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Joab returning, after he had left Abner, assembled all the people: and there were wanting of David's servants nineteen men, beside Asael.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Joab, returning after he had released Abner, gathered together all the people. And of David’s youths, they were missing nineteen men, aside from Asahel.

New American Bible
Joab, coming from the pursuit of Abner, assembled all the men. Nineteen other servants of David were missing, besides Asahel.

New Revised Standard Version
Joab returned from the pursuit of Abner; and when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing of David’s servants nineteen men besides Asahel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Joab returned from following Abner; and when he had gathered all the people together and they were numbered, there were twelve wounded of David's men, and Ashael was dead.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yuab returned from after Abnir and assembled all the people, and they were counted, and twelve of the men of David were wounded, and Shayel died
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joab returned from following Abner; and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joab returned from following Abenner, and he assembled all the people, and there were missing of the people of David, nineteen men, and Asael.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
War Between the Houses of David and Saul
29And all that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, marched all morning, and arrived at Mahanaim. 30When Joab returned from pursuing Abner, he gathered all the troops. In addition to Asahel, nineteen of David’s servants were missing, 31but they had struck down 360 Benjamites who were with Abner.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 30:17-19
And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man escaped, except four hundred young men who fled, riding off on camels. / So David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. / Nothing was missing, young or old, son or daughter, or any of the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David brought everything back.

2 Samuel 1:1-2
After the death of Saul, David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. / On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage.

1 Kings 2:5-6
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

1 Chronicles 12:1-2
Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle; / they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):

1 Chronicles 12:19-22
Some from Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (They did not help the Philistines because the Philistine rulers consulted and sent David away, saying, “It will cost us our heads if he defects to his master Saul.”) / When David went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh. / They helped David against the raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and commanders in the army. ...

1 Chronicles 19:17-19
When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, advanced toward the Arameans, and arrayed for battle against them. When David lined up to engage them in battle, they fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army. / When Hadadezer’s subjects saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and became subject to him. So the Arameans were unwilling to help the Ammonites anymore.

Judges 20:45-47
Then the Benjamites turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and Israel cut down 5,000 men on the roads. And they overtook them at Gidom and struck down 2,000 more. / That day 25,000 Benjamite swordsmen fell, all men of valor. / But 600 men turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months.

1 Samuel 14:20-23
Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. / And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps to join the Philistines now went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. / When all the Israelites who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined the battle in close pursuit. ...

1 Samuel 18:27
David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage.

1 Samuel 23:5
Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah.

1 Samuel 25:28
Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live.

1 Samuel 30:1-2
On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.

2 Samuel 3:1
Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

2 Samuel 8:1-2
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.


Treasury of Scripture

And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.

Jump to Previous
Abner Asahel As'ahel Assembled Besides David David's Fighting Following Found Gathered Joab Jo'ab Lacked Missing Nineteen Pursuing Pursuit Servants Together Turned
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Abner Asahel As'ahel Assembled Besides David David's Fighting Following Found Gathered Joab Jo'ab Lacked Missing Nineteen Pursuing Pursuit Servants Together Turned
2 Samuel 2
1. David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron
4. where he is made king of Judah
5. He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel
8. Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel
12. A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men.
18. Asahel is slain
25. At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat
32. Asahel's burial














When Joab returned from pursuing Abner
Joab, the commander of David's forces, was engaged in a pursuit of Abner, the commander of Saul's army. This pursuit followed a battle at Gibeon, a significant location in the tribal territory of Benjamin. The pursuit highlights the ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David, a central theme in the early chapters of 2 Samuel. Joab's return signifies a temporary cessation of hostilities, reflecting the complex and often personal nature of these conflicts. The pursuit of Abner also foreshadows future tensions between Joab and Abner, which will have significant implications for the kingdom of Israel.

he gathered all the troops
Joab's action of gathering the troops indicates a moment of regrouping and assessment after the battle. This reflects the military practices of the time, where commanders would take stock of their forces to evaluate losses and plan future actions. The gathering of troops also underscores Joab's leadership and organizational skills, which were crucial for David's military successes. This moment of gathering can be seen as a precursor to the eventual unification of Israel under David's rule, as it demonstrates the consolidation of his forces.

In addition to Asahel
Asahel, Joab's brother, was known for his swiftness and was one of David's mighty men. His pursuit of Abner during the battle led to his death, a pivotal event that fueled the ongoing feud between Joab and Abner. Asahel's death is significant as it sets the stage for future acts of vengeance and highlights the personal nature of the conflicts within the narrative. Asahel's role and his untimely death also serve as a reminder of the cost of war and the personal losses experienced by those involved.

nineteen of David’s servants were missing
The mention of nineteen missing servants of David provides insight into the casualties of the battle. This number, while relatively small, indicates the losses suffered by David's forces and serves as a contrast to the greater losses experienced by Abner's troops. The term "servants" reflects the loyalty and dedication of those who served David, emphasizing the personal bonds and commitments within his army. This detail also highlights the human cost of the struggle for power and the sacrifices made by those who supported David's claim to the throne.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joab
The commander of David's army and a key military leader. He is known for his loyalty to David but also for his ruthless tactics.

2. Abner
The commander of Saul's army and a significant figure in the power struggle between the house of Saul and the house of David.

3. Asahel
Joab's brother, known for his swiftness and bravery. He was killed by Abner during the battle.

4. David's Servants
Refers to the soldiers loyal to David, who were involved in the conflict against Abner and the forces of Saul.

5. The Battle
This event is part of the larger conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David, marking the struggle for kingship over Israel.
Teaching Points
The Cost of Conflict
The verse highlights the human cost of political and military conflict. As believers, we are reminded to seek peace and reconciliation, understanding the value of each life.

Leadership and Responsibility
Joab's role as a leader is crucial. Leaders are responsible for the well-being of those under their command. This calls for integrity and wisdom in leadership roles.

The Consequences of Revenge
The pursuit of Abner by Joab, partly motivated by the death of his brother Asahel, illustrates the destructive nature of revenge. Christians are called to forgive and leave vengeance to God.

Loyalty and Allegiance
The loyalty of David's servants, even in the face of loss, reflects the importance of steadfastness in our commitments, especially in our faith and service to God.(30) Joab returned.--He cannot be supposed to have returned that day farther than to Gibeon, since it was already sunset (2Samuel 2:24) before the pursuit ended. There, doubtless, he mustered his forces, and counted and buried the slain.

Nineteen men.--It is uncertain whether these numbers include the twelve champion combatants on each side. The great disparity of numbers slain on the two sides is to be accounted for partly by the advantage given by bow and spear, the chief weapons of ancient warfare, to the pursuer over the pursued, and partly by the fact that Joab's men had been long trained under David in hardship and deeds of valour, while Abner's men were the remnants of Saul's defeated army.

Verses 30, 31. - Nineteen men... three hundred and three score men. Though David's "mighties," as they were called, excelled in the use of arms, yet the disparity of numbers is remarkable; for the Benjamites were also famous warriors. We can only account for it by the superiority of the tactics of Joab, who was a man of consummate military skill, and who knew both how to gain a victory and how to use the advantage which the pursuers have over the pursued to the full. If we sometimes wonder that David endured Joab so long, we ought to remember how much he owed to his nephew's genius, and that Joab was always faithful to himself.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When Joab
וְיוֹאָ֗ב (wə·yō·w·’āḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

returned
שָׁ֚ב (ḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

from pursuing
מֵאַחֲרֵ֣י (mê·’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition-m
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

Abner,
אַבְנֵ֔ר (’aḇ·nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name

he gathered
וַיִּקְבֹּ֖ץ (way·yiq·bōṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6908: To gather, collect

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the troops.
הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

In addition to Asahel,
וַעֲשָׂה־ (wa·‘ă·śāh-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6214: Asahel -- 'God has made', four Israelites

nineteen
תִּשְׁעָֽה־ (tiš·‘āh-)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 8672: Nine, ninth

of David’s
דָוִ֛ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

servants
מֵעַבְדֵ֥י (mê·‘aḇ·ḏê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

were missing,
וַיִּפָּ֨קְד֜וּ (way·yip·pā·qə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit


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OT History: 2 Samuel 2:30 Joab returned from following Abner: and when (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 2:29
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