Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and as the sun was setting, they came to the hill of Ammah, near Giah on the way to the wasteland of Gibeon. New Living Translation When Joab and Abishai found out what had happened, they set out after Abner. The sun was just going down as they arrived at the hill of Ammah near Giah, along the road to the wilderness of Gibeon. English Standard Version But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. And as the sun was going down they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. Berean Standard Bible But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. Berean Literal Bible And Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner, and the sun was going down, and they came to the hill of Ammah which is upon the face of Giah by the way of the Wilderness of Gibeon. King James Bible Joab also 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. New King James Version Joab and Abishai also pursued Abner. And the sun was going down when they came to the hill of Ammah, which is before Giah by the road to the Wilderness of Gibeon. New American Standard Bible But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and when the sun was going down, they came to the hill of Ammah, which is opposite Giah by way of the wilderness of Gibeon. NASB 1995 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and when the sun was going down, they came to the hill of Ammah, which is in front of Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. NASB 1977 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and when the sun was going down, they came to the hill of Ammah, which is in front of Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. Legacy Standard Bible But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. Now the sun was going down, and they came to the hill of Ammah, which is in front of Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. Amplified Bible But Joab and Abishai [Asahel’s brothers] pursued Abner. When the sun was going down, they came to the hill of Ammah, which is in front of Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. Berean Annotated Bible But Joab (YHWH is father) and Abishai (my father is a gift) pursued Abner (my father is a lamp). By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah (a cubit) opposite Giah (to break forth) on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon (hill city). Christian Standard Bible but Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah, which is opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. Holman Christian Standard Bible but Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah, which is opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. American Standard Version But 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. Contemporary English Version But Joab and Abishai went after Abner. Finally, about sunset, they came to the hill of Ammah, not far from Giah on the road to Gibeon Desert. English Revised Version But 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation But Joab and Abishai chased Abner. When the sun went down, they came to the hill of Ammah, opposite Giah on the road from Gibeon to the desert. Good News Translation But Joab and Abishai started out after Abner, and at sunset they came to the hill of Ammah, which is to the east of Giah on the road to the wilderness of Gibeon. International Standard Version Meanwhile, Joab and Abishai continued to chase Abner. At dusk, as they approached the hill of Ammah that is located near Giah on the way to the Gibeon desert, NET Bible So Joab and Abishai chased Abner. At sunset they came to the hill of Ammah near Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. New Heart English Bible But Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they had come to the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. Webster's Bible Translation Joab also, and Abishai pursued Abner: and the sun went down when they had come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. World English Bible But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. The sun went down when they had come to the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Joab and Abishai pursue after Abner, and the sun has gone in, and they have come to the height of Ammah, which [is] on the front of Giah, the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. Berean Literal Bible And Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner, and the sun was going down, and they came to the hill of Ammah which is upon the face of Giah by the way of the Wilderness of Gibeon. Young's Literal Translation And Joab and Abishai pursue after Abner, and the sun hath gone in, and they have come in unto the height of Ammah, which is on the front of Giah, the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. Smith's Literal Translation And Joab and Abishai will pursue after Abner: and the sun went down and they came even to the hill of terror, which was by the face of Giah, the way of the desert of Gibeon. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow while Joab and Abisai pursued after Abner, the sun went down: and they came as far as the hill of the aqueduct, that lieth over against the valley by the way of the wilderness in Gabaon. Catholic Public Domain Version Now while Joab and Abishai were pursuing Abner as he fled, the sun set. And they went as far as the Hill of the Aqueduct, which is opposite the valley on the way of the desert in Gibeon. New American Bible But Joab and Abishai continued the pursuit of Abner. The sun had gone down when they came to the hill of Ammah which lies east of the valley toward the wilderness near Geba. New Revised Standard Version But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. As the sun was going down they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Joab and Abishai arose and pursued Abner; and the sun went down when they came to lake Giboath which lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated This verse is missing from the Peshitta OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joab and Abessa pursued after Abenner, and the sun went down: and they went as far as the hill of Amman, which is in the front of Gai, by the desert way of Gabaon. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context War Between the Houses of David and Saul…23But Asahel refused to turn away; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died. 24But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. 25The Benjamites rallied to Abner, formed a single unit, and took their stand atop a hill.… Cross References But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. 2 Samuel 3:26-27 As soon as Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David was unaware of it. / When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. 2 Samuel 20:6 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” 1 Samuel 17:52 Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah Joshua 10:12-14 On the day that the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” / So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? “So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.” / There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel. Joshua 8:29 He hung the king of Ai on a tree until evening, and at sunset Joshua commanded that they take down the body from the tree and throw it down at the entrance of the city gate. And over it they raised a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. 1 Samuel 14:24-30 Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food. / Then all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. / And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. … opposite Giah Joshua 18:25 Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, 1 Chronicles 6:60 And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands. So they had thirteen cities in all among their families. 1 Chronicles 8:29 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maacah, on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. Joshua 10:1-11 Now Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai and devoted it to destruction—doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king—and that the people of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were living near them. / So Adoni-zedek and his people were greatly alarmed, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were mighty. / Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, … 1 Chronicles 21:29 For the tabernacle of the LORD that Moses had made in the wilderness and the altar of burnt offering were presently at the high place in Gibeon, 1 Kings 3:4-5 Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there. / One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!” 1 Samuel 26:13 Then David crossed to the other side and stood atop the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them. 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. 1 Samuel 30:31 and to those in Hebron and in all the places where David and his men had roamed. 1 Kings 2:28-29 When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” Treasury of Scripture Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. Jump to Previous Abishai Abi'shai Abner Ammah East Front Gibeon Height Hill Joab Jo'ab Lies Pursue Pursued Road Setting Sun Waste Way WildernessJump to Next Abishai Abi'shai Abner Ammah East Front Gibeon Height Hill Joab Jo'ab Lies Pursue Pursued Road Setting Sun Waste Way Wilderness2 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 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. Joab and Abishai, sons of Zeruiah, were David's nephews and commanders in his army. Their pursuit of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, highlights the ongoing conflict between the house of David and the house of Saul following Saul's death. This pursuit is part of the larger narrative of the struggle for kingship in Israel. Joab's relentless nature is evident here, as he is known for his fierce loyalty to David and his willingness to take decisive action, sometimes with questionable ethics, as seen later in his life (2 Samuel 3:27). By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoabThe son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and the commander of David's army. Known for his military prowess and loyalty to David, though often acting with violence and vengeance. 2. Abishai Joab's brother, also a son of Zeruiah, and a loyal warrior in David's service. He is known for his bravery and support of David in various battles. 3. Abner The son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, and a significant figure in the power struggle following Saul's death. He initially supports Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel. 4. Hill of Ammah A geographical location mentioned as a landmark in the pursuit of Abner by Joab and Abishai. Its exact location is not known today. 5. Giah and the Wilderness of Gibeon These are locations that provide context for the pursuit. Gibeon was a significant city in the tribal territory of Benjamin, known for its historical and strategic importance. Teaching Points The Consequences of VengeanceJoab and Abishai's pursuit of Abner is driven by a desire for vengeance. Christians are reminded that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19) and are encouraged to seek peace and reconciliation. The Importance of Leadership and Loyalty Joab and Abishai's actions demonstrate loyalty to David, but also highlight the need for wise and godly leadership. Believers are called to be discerning in their loyalty and to follow leaders who align with God's will. Navigating Conflict with Wisdom The pursuit of Abner illustrates the complexities of conflict. Christians are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in resolving conflicts, aiming for peace and understanding rather than escalation. The Role of Providence in Our Journeys The setting sun and the geographical markers in the passage remind us of God's providence in guiding our paths. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and direction in their lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 2:24?2. How does 2 Samuel 2:24 demonstrate God's guidance in pursuing righteousness? 3. What can we learn about perseverance from Joab and Abishai's actions? 4. How does this pursuit relate to spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18? 5. In what ways can we seek God's direction in challenging situations today? 6. How does this verse encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith journey? 7. What is the significance of Asahel's pursuit of Abner in 2 Samuel 2:24? 8. How does 2 Samuel 2:24 reflect the themes of loyalty and vengeance? 9. What historical context surrounds the events of 2 Samuel 2:24? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 2? 11. Who incited David to take a census? (2 Samuel 24:1 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:1) 12. In 2 Samuel 20:8-10, why isn't Joab explicitly reprimanded for the ruthless killing of Amasa, despite earlier prohibitions against murder? 13. In 2 Samuel 21:5-6, why does David permit the execution of Saul's descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent's wrongdoing? 14. God sent his prophet to threaten David with how many years of famine? Seven (2 Samuel 24:13) Three (I Chronicles 21:12) What Does 2 Samuel 2:24 Mean But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner“But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner…” • Joab and Abishai, brothers (1 Chronicles 2:16), are commanders under David. Their pursuit is personal; Abner has just killed their brother Asahel (2 Samuel 2:23). • The text shows righteous zeal for justice, not reckless vengeance. God’s law allowed blood-avengers (Numbers 35:19), yet the brothers remain within the military chain of command rather than acting as lone vigilantes. • Their determination underscores the larger conflict between Saul’s house (represented by Abner and Ish-bosheth) and David’s rising kingdom (2 Samuel 3:1). • The straightforward narration affirms historical accuracy—names, relationships, and motives are laid out plainly so we can trust what happened (cf. Luke 1:1-4). As the sun was setting “…and as the sun was setting…” • The inspired writer marks time carefully, placing the scene in late afternoon. Sunset heightens drama—pursuit can’t last much longer before darkness (John 9:4). • Biblically, twilight often signals a decisive moment (Joshua 8:29; Judges 19:14). Here it foreshadows the pause that Abner will soon request (2 Samuel 2:26). • God’s sovereignty over times and seasons (Daniel 2:21) reminds us that even the length of daylight serves His unfolding plan. They came to the hill of Ammah “…they came to the hill of Ammah…” • A specific landmark roots the event in geography, reinforcing the literal nature of Scripture (Psalm 48:12-14). • Hills in Scripture often provide strategic advantage (1 Samuel 17:3); Abner chooses elevated ground to slow his pursuers and rally Benjaminites (2 Samuel 2:25). • The name Ammah, meaning “a cubit” or “mother,” remains uncertain, but the Spirit’s purpose is location not symbolism. We can trust the detail even when modern maps cannot trace it exactly. Opposite Giah “…which is near Giah…” • “Opposite” or “near” stresses proximity: the two hills face each other, creating a natural standoff. • Including Giah, another otherwise-unknown site, displays the historian’s precision. Scripture is comfortable recording facts for which archaeology may still be silent (Job 38:4). • The mention highlights how God tracks every movement of His people; He knows the exact coordinates of obedience and conflict (Proverbs 5:21). On the way to the wilderness of Gibeon “…on the way to the Wilderness of Gibeon.” • Gibeon had earlier witnessed a miraculous battle under Joshua (Joshua 10:10-14) and remained a strategic Benjaminite city (1 Chronicles 16:39). • The “wilderness” denotes open, rugged terrain—ideal for retreat or regrouping. Abner is moving away from populated areas, hinting at his intent to disengage. • Spiritually, wilderness settings often become testing grounds (Exodus 3:1; Matthew 4:1). Here it is a staging ground for negotiation: Abner will soon call for peace to avoid needless bloodshed (2 Samuel 2:26-27). • The road itself becomes a dividing line between two kingdoms, illustrating Jesus’ later teaching that a house divided cannot stand (Mark 3:24-25). summary • Joab and Abishai’s pursuit is fueled by family loyalty and covenant justice, yet conducted within God-ordained structures. • Sunset signals God’s timing; He limits human striving and opens space for mercy. • The hill of Ammah and nearby Giah confirm Scripture’s historical reliability and show God’s attention to detail. • The wilderness of Gibeon frames the encounter as a clash between rival kingdoms that will ultimately end under David’s God-given rule. • 2 Samuel 2:24, therefore, is not a throwaway itinerary; it is a Spirit-breathed snapshot of justice, timing, geography, and divine sovereignty converging on the road to David’s rightful throne. (24) The hill of Ammah.--No identification of either Ammah or Giah has yet been made, but as it was "by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon," it may be conjectured that it was not far from that town, and hence that the pursuit was not long.Verse 24. - Josh also and Abishai pursued after Abner; really, but Joab and Abishai pursued, and so the Revised Version. The sight of their slaughtered brother made them only the more determined in the pursuit, and doubtless, at their command, the soldiers would leave Asahel and follow their commanders. Of the "hill of Ammah" and Giah we know nothing; but it is evident that no halt was made until sunset.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But Joabיוֹאָ֥ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites and Abishai וַאֲבִישַׁ֖י (wa·’ă·ḇî·šay) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 52: Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name pursued וַֽיִּרְדְּפ֛וּ (way·yir·də·p̄ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute Abner. אַבְנֵ֑ר (’aḇ·nêr) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name By sunset, וְהַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ (wə·haš·še·meš) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement they וְהֵ֗מָּה (wə·hêm·māh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They had gone בָּ֚אוּ (bā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go as עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while far as the hill גִּבְעַ֣ת (giḇ·‘aṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1389: A hillock of Ammah אַמָּ֔ה (’am·māh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 522: Ammah -- a hill in Palestine opposite עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Giah גִ֔יחַ (ḡî·aḥ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1520: Giah -- perhaps 'a spring', a place in Benjamin on the way דֶּ֖רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action to the wilderness מִדְבַּ֥ר (miḏ·bar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech of Gibeon. גִּבְעֽוֹן׃ (giḇ·‘ō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1391: Gibeon -- a Levitical city in Benjamin Links 2 Samuel 2:24 NIV2 Samuel 2:24 NLT 2 Samuel 2:24 ESV 2 Samuel 2:24 NASB 2 Samuel 2:24 KJV 2 Samuel 2:24 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 2:24 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 2:24 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 2:24 French Bible 2 Samuel 2:24 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 2:24 But Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner: (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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