Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, “Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.” New Living Translation But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue and killed the Philistine. Then David’s men declared, “You are not going out to battle with us again! Why risk snuffing out the light of Israel?” English Standard Version But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” Berean Standard Bible But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” Berean Literal Bible And Abishai son of Zeruiah came to aid him and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” King James Bible But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. New King James Version But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” New American Standard Bible But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, “You shall not go out again with us to battle, so that you do not extinguish the lamp of Israel.” NASB 1995 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall not go out again with us to battle, so that you do not extinguish the lamp of Israel.” NASB 1977 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall not go out again with us to battle, that you may not extinguish the lamp of Israel.” Legacy Standard Bible But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and put him to death. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall not go out again with us to battle, so that you do not extinguish the lamp of Israel.” Amplified Bible But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to David’s aid, and struck and killed the Philistine. Then David’s men swore to him, “You shall not go out again with us to battle, so that you do not extinguish the lamp of Israel.” Berean Annotated Bible But Abishai (my father is a gift) son of Zeruiah (balsam) came to his aid, struck the Philistine (immigrants), and killed him. Then David’s (beloved) men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel (he wrestles with God) may not be extinguished. Christian Standard Bible But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle. You must not extinguish the lamp of Israel.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him: “You must never again go out with us to battle. You must not extinguish the lamp of Israel.” American Standard Version But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succored him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the lamp of Israel. Contemporary English Version But Abishai came to the rescue and killed the Philistine. David's soldiers told him, "We can't let you risk your life in battle anymore! You give light to our nation, and we want that flame to keep burning." English Revised Version But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the lamp of Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation But Abishai, son of Zeruiah, came to help David. He attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David's men swore an oath, saying, "You'll never go into battle with us again. The lamp of Israel must never be extinguished." Good News Translation But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David's help, attacked the giant, and killed him. Then David's men made David promise that he would never again go out with them to battle. "You are the hope of Israel, and we don't want to lose you," they said. International Standard Version But Zeruiah's son Abishai came to David's aid, attacked the Philistine, and killed him. After this, David's army told him, "You're not going out anymore with us to battle, so Israel's beacon won't be extinguished!" NET Bible But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to David's aid, striking the Philistine down and killing him. Then David's men took an oath saying, "You will not go out to battle with us again! You must not extinguish the lamp of Israel!" New Heart English Bible But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him and struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David took an oath, saying, "You must not go out to battle with us again, so that you do not extinguish the lamp of Israel." Webster's Bible Translation But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succored him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, Thou shalt go out no more with us to battle, that thou mayest not extinguish the light of Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” World English Bible But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “Don’t go out with us to battle any more, so that you don’t quench the lamp of Israel.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Abishai son of Zeruiah gives help to him, and strikes the Philistine, and puts him to death; then the men of David swear to him, saying, “You do not go out with us to battle again, nor quench the lamp of Israel.” Berean Literal Bible And Abishai son of Zeruiah came to aid him and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” Young's Literal Translation and Abishai son of Zeruiah giveth help to him, and smiteth the Philistine, and putteth him to death; then swear the men of David to him, saying, 'Thou dost not go out again with us to battle, nor quench the lamp of Israel.' Smith's Literal Translation And Abishai son of Zeruiah will help for him, and he will strike the rover and kill him. Then David's men sware to him, saying, Thou shalt no more go forth with us to war, and thou shalt not quench the light of Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Abisai the son of Sarvia rescued him, and striking the Philistine killed him. Then David's men swore unto him, saying: Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, lest thou put out the lamp of Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version And Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, defended him, and striking the Philistine, he killed him. Then David’s men swore an oath to him, saying, “You shall no longer go out to war with us, lest you extinguish the lamp of Israel.” New American Bible but Abishai, son of Zeruiah, came to help him, and struck and killed the Philistine. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must not go out to battle with us again, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” New Revised Standard Version But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You shall not go out with us to battle any longer, so that you do not quench the lamp of Israel.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Abishai the son of Zoriah succored him and smote the Philistine and killed him. Then the servants of David swore to him, saying, You shall go out no more with us to battle, that you may not quench the lamp of Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Abishi son of Tsuria the Philistine helped him and he killed him. Then the Servants swore to David and they were saying to him: “Do not go out with us to battle and you shall not put out the lamp of Israel!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David swore unto him, saying: 'Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the lamp of Israel.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abessa the son of Saruia helped him and smote the Philistine, and slew him. Then the men of David swore, saying, Thou shalt not any longer go out with us to battle, and thou shalt not quench the lamp of Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Four Battles Against the Philistines…16Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. 17But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” 18Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Rapha.… Cross References But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, 1 Samuel 26:6 And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. 2 Samuel 10:11 “If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. 2 Samuel 23:18 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. struck the Philistine, and killed him. 1 Samuel 17:50 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. 2 Samuel 23:10 but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. 1 Chronicles 20:5 Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. Then David’s men swore to him, 2 Samuel 15:21 But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” 1 Samuel 20:16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” 2 Samuel 5:3 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. “You must never again go out with us to battle, 2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, David sent out Joab and his servants with the whole army of Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem. 1 Samuel 8:20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.” so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” 1 Kings 11:36 I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name. 1 Kings 15:4 Nevertheless, for the sake of David, the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and to make Jerusalem strong. Psalm 132:17 There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one. 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. / Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. / And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, … 2 Samuel 23:9-10 Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. Treasury of Scripture But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succored him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, You shall go no more out with us to battle, that you quench not the light of Israel. Abishai 2 Samuel 20:6-10 And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us… succoured 2 Samuel 22:19 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. Psalm 46:1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 144:10 It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. Thou shalt 2 Samuel 18:3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city. quench 2 Samuel 14:7 And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth. 1 Kings 11:36 And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there. 1 Kings 15:4 Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: light [heb] candle, or lamp Jump to Previous Abishai Battle David Extinguish Helped Israel Killed Lamp Mayest Philistine Quench Smote Struck Succored Succoured Sware Swore ZeruiahJump to Next Abishai Battle David Extinguish Helped Israel Killed Lamp Mayest Philistine Quench Smote Struck Succored Succoured Sware Swore Zeruiah2 Samuel 21 1. The three year Gibeonite famine ceases, by hanging seven of Saul's sons.10. Rizpah's kindness unto the dead 12. David buries the bones of Saul and Jonathan in his father's tomb 15. Four battles against the Philistines, wherein four men of David slay four giants. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, is a prominent figure in David's military leadership. Zeruiah was David's sister, making Abishai David's nephew. Abishai's loyalty and bravery are well-documented throughout the books of Samuel. His intervention here highlights the importance of kinship and loyalty in ancient Israelite society. The phrase "came to his aid" underscores the communal and familial support system that was crucial in the tribal and monarchical periods of Israel's history. struck the Philistine, and killed him Then David’s men swore to him “You must never again go out with us to battle so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” Persons / Places / Events 1. AbishaiThe son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and a loyal warrior in David's army. He is known for his bravery and loyalty to David. 2. David The King of Israel, anointed by God, known for his leadership, psalms, and as a man after God's own heart. In this passage, he is saved by Abishai from a Philistine threat. 3. Philistine The enemy of Israel, representing the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines during David's reign. 4. Zeruiah The mother of Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, and David's sister. Her sons were prominent military leaders in David's army. 5. The Lamp of Israel A metaphorical term used to describe David, symbolizing his importance and the light he brings to the nation of Israel. Teaching Points The Importance of Community and SupportJust as Abishai came to David's aid, we are reminded of the importance of having a supportive community in our spiritual battles. Recognizing Our Limitations David's men recognized his limitations and took steps to protect him. We should be aware of our own limitations and seek help when needed. The Role of Leadership David is referred to as the "lamp of Israel," highlighting the critical role of godly leadership in guiding and protecting a community. Valuing the Contributions of Others Abishai's actions were crucial in this event, reminding us to value and acknowledge the contributions of those around us. Preserving the Light Just as David's men sought to preserve the "lamp of Israel," we are called to preserve and spread the light of Christ in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 21:17?2. How does 2 Samuel 21:17 demonstrate the importance of community in spiritual battles? 3. What role does Abishai play in protecting David, and why is it significant? 4. How can we apply the principle of protecting leaders in our church today? 5. What does 2 Samuel 21:17 teach about God's provision through others? 6. How does this verse connect to themes of leadership and support in Scripture? 7. Why did David's men prevent him from fighting in 2 Samuel 21:17? 8. What does 2 Samuel 21:17 reveal about leadership and delegation? 9. How does 2 Samuel 21:17 reflect God's protection over David? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 21? 11. Did David or Elhanan kill Goliath? 12. In 2 Samuel 21:19, how could Elhanan have killed Goliath when David is credited with that feat in 1 Samuel 17? 13. Who killed Goliath? David (I Samuel 17:23, 50) Elhanan (2 Samuel 21:19) 14. How do we reconcile 2 Samuel 21:19 (attributing Goliath's death to Elhanan) with David's victory in 1 Samuel 17? What Does 2 Samuel 21:17 Mean But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid• David, now an aging king (v. 15), is physically drained when a giant named Ishbi-Benob closes in. • Abishai—already proven loyal in 1 Samuel 26:6–9; 2 Samuel 16:9; 23:18—instinctively steps between the threat and his king. • Scripture often highlights the blessing of a faithful companion: “Two are better than one… If either one falls, his companion can lift him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). • Abishai’s action illustrates how God provides help through committed believers (Philippians 2:20-22; Galatians 6:2). struck the Philistine, and killed him • Abishai’s decisive blow ends the danger; the text treats the victory as straightforward, historical fact, echoing earlier triumphs over giants (1 Samuel 17:49-51; 2 Samuel 21:18-22). • God again delivers His people through human agency, affirming the pattern: “The battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). • This act preserves David’s life and, by extension, God’s covenant purposes tied to David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Then David’s men swore to him • The men recognize that their collective future hinges on David’s well-being. They formalize their resolve, just as they once pleaded in 2 Samuel 18:3, “You are worth ten thousand of us.” • Oaths in Scripture carry weight (Numbers 30:2; Matthew 5:37); their promise is not casual but covenantal. “You must never again go out with us to battle • A turning point in leadership: David’s role shifts from frontline warrior to strategic father of the nation. • Similar wisdom appears when Jethro tells Moses to delegate for the sake of endurance (Exodus 18:17-23). • Good leaders know when to step back so others can step forward (2 Timothy 2:2). so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished. • “Lamp” pictures David’s life as the light God uses to guide Israel (Psalm 18:28; 2 Samuel 22:29). • The phrase anticipates promises like 1 Kings 11:36 and 15:4, where God vows to leave “a lamp for David” in Jerusalem. • Protecting David safeguards the Messianic line culminating in Christ, “the true Light” (John 1:9). • Practically, a nation’s spiritual vitality is linked to godly leadership (Proverbs 29:2). summary 2 Samuel 21:17 records more than battlefield heroics; it shows God preserving His anointed king through loyal servants. Abishai’s rescue, the soldiers’ solemn vow, and the imagery of David as Israel’s lamp all underscore God’s commitment to keep His covenant promises alive. (17) And smote.--The original leaves it doubtful whether Abishai is the nominative to the verb, or whether it should be simply he, referring to David. 2Samuel 21:22 seems to imply that one at least of the sons of the giant fell by David's own hand.Sware unto him.--This was a solemn transaction, by which David should hereafter be restrained from personal exposure in battle. That he should be spoken of as "the light of Israel" implies that his government over all Israel had continued long enough already to make its immense benefits sensible. Verse 17. - The men of David sware unto him. David's men were specifically the mighties, who had so long been his friends and companions. They now bound him by an oath never again to fight in person, lest he should be singled out for combat by some warrior among the enemy and slain. The light of Israel. The lamp in the dwelling was the proof that there was life there, and so it became the symbol of prosperity. In Job 18:5, 6 the extinction of the lamp signifies the destruction of the family. David was evidently now king, and under him Israel was advancing to freedom and empire. His death would have plunged the nation back into weakness and probable ruin.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But Abishaiאֲבִישַׁ֣י (’ă·ḇî·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 52: Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Zeruiah צְרוּיָ֔ה (ṣə·rū·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6870: Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman came to his aid, וַיַּֽעֲזָר־ (way·ya·‘ă·zār-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5826: To surround, protect, aid struck וַיַּ֥ךְ (way·yaḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike the Philistine, הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י (hap·pə·liš·tî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia and killed him. וַיְמִיתֵ֑הוּ (way·mî·ṯê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill Then אָ֣ז (’āz) Adverb Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore David’s דָוִ֨ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse men אַנְשֵׁי־ (’an·šê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person swore נִשְׁבְּעוּ֩ (niš·bə·‘ū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear to him, ל֜וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew “You must never לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no again ע֤וֹד (‘ō·wḏ) Adverb Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more go out תֵצֵ֨א (ṯê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim with us אִתָּ֙נוּ֙ (’it·tā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among to battle, לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war so that the lamp נֵ֥ר (nêr) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5216: A lamp, light of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc may not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no be extinguished.” תְכַבֶּ֖ה (ṯə·ḵab·beh) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3518: To be quenched or extinguished, to go out Links 2 Samuel 21:17 NIV2 Samuel 21:17 NLT 2 Samuel 21:17 ESV 2 Samuel 21:17 NASB 2 Samuel 21:17 KJV 2 Samuel 21:17 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 21:17 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 21:17 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 21:17 French Bible 2 Samuel 21:17 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 21:17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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