Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Just then David’s men and Joab returned from a raid and brought with them a great deal of plunder. But Abner was no longer with David in Hebron, because David had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. New Living Translation But just after David had sent Abner away in safety, Joab and some of David’s troops returned from a raid, bringing much plunder with them. English Standard Version Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. Berean Standard Bible Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, because David had sent him on his way in peace. Berean Literal Bible And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from the troop, and much spoil they brought with them. And Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. King James Bible And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. New King James Version At that moment the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. New American Standard Bible And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought a large amount of plunder with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, since he had let him go, and he had gone in peace. NASB 1995 And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much spoil with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. NASB 1977 And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much spoil with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. Legacy Standard Bible And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much spoil with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. Amplified Bible Then the servants of David came with Joab from a raid and brought a great quantity of spoil with them; but Abner was not with David at Hebron, because David had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. Berean Annotated Bible Just then David’s (beloved) soldiers and Joab (YHWH is father) returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was (my father is a lamp) not with David in Hebron (association), because David had sent him on his way in peace. Christian Standard Bible Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid and brought a large amount of plundered goods with them. Abner was not with David in Hebron because David had dismissed him, and he had gone in peace. Holman Christian Standard Bible Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid and brought a large amount of plundered goods with them. Abner was not with David in Hebron because David had dismissed him, and he had gone in peace. American Standard Version And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. Contemporary English Version Soon after Abner had left Hebron, Joab and some of David's soldiers came back, bringing a lot of things they had taken from an enemy village. English Revised Version And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. GOD'S WORD® Translation Just then David's men and Joab were coming home from a raid with a lot of goods. Abner had been dismissed, so he was no longer with David in Hebron. Good News Translation Later on Joab and David's other officials returned from a raid, bringing a large amount of loot with them. Abner, however, was no longer there at Hebron with David, because David had sent him away with a guarantee of safety. International Standard Version Right about then, David's servants returned from a raid, bringing plenty of war booty with them, but Abner wasn't in Hebron with David, since David had sent him away and Abner had left in peace. NET Bible Now David's soldiers and Joab were coming back from a raid, bringing a great deal of plunder with them. Abner was no longer with David in Hebron, for David had sent him away and he had left in peace. New Heart English Bible Look, the servants of David and Joab were returning from a raid, and brought in a great spoil with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he left in peace. Webster's Bible Translation And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJust then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, because David had sent him on his way in peace. World English Bible Behold, David’s servants and Joab came from a raid and brought in a great plunder with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd behold, the servants of David, and Joab, have come from the troop, and have brought much spoil with them, and Abner is not with David in Hebron, for he has sent him away, and he goes in peace; Berean Literal Bible And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from the troop, and much spoil they brought with them. And Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. Young's Literal Translation And lo, the servants of David, and Joab, have come from the troop, and much spoil have brought with them, and Abner is not with David in Hebron, for he hath sent him away, and he goeth in peace; Smith's Literal Translation And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from the troop, and they brought with them much spoil: and Abner not with David in Hebron, for he sent him away, and he went in peace. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleImmediately David's servants and Joab came, after having slain the robbers, with an exceeding great booty: and Abner, was not with David in Hebron, for he had now sent him away, and he was gone in peace. Catholic Public Domain Version immediately the servants of David and of Joab arrived, after having slain robbers, with exceedingly great spoils. But Abner was not with David in Hebron. For by then he had sent him away, and he had set out in peace. New American Bible Just then David’s servants and Joab were coming in from an expedition, bringing much plunder with them. Abner, having been dismissed by David, was no longer with him in Hebron but had gone on his way in peace. New Revised Standard Version Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for David had dismissed him, and he had gone away in peace. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd behold, the men of David and Joab came from a raid and brought a great spoil with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he bad sent him away, and he was gone in peace. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And behold, the men of David and Yuab came from the plundering, and they brought much prey with them, and Abnir was not with David in Khebruun, because he had sent him away and he went on in peace OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. Brenton Septuagint Translation And, behold, the servants of David and Joab arrived from their expedition, and they brought much spoil with them: and Abenner was not with David in Chebron, because he had sent him away, and he had departed in peace. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joab Murders Abner22Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was not with David in Hebron because David had sent him on his way in peace. 23When Joab and all his troops arrived, he was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace.”… Cross References Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. 1 Samuel 30:20-21 And he took all the flocks and herds, which his men drove ahead of the other livestock, calling out, “This is David’s plunder!” / When David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Brook of Besor, they came out to meet him and the troops with him. As David approached the men, he greeted them, 2 Samuel 8:11-12 and King David dedicated these to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had dedicated from all the nations he had subdued— / from Edom and Moab, from the Ammonites and Philistines and Amalekites, and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah. 1 Chronicles 18:11 and King David dedicated these to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had carried off from all these nations—from Edom and Moab, and from the Ammonites, Philistines, and Amalekites. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, 2 Samuel 2:1-4 Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. / So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. / David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron. … 2 Samuel 2:8-11 Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. / Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. … 2 Samuel 5:1-5 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. … because David had sent him on his way in peace. 1 Samuel 25:35 Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.” 1 Samuel 29:7 Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines.” 2 Kings 5:19 “Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance, 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 11:6 Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. 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 Samuel 18:5 So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well. 1 Samuel 18:30 Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed. 1 Samuel 19:8 When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him. 1 Samuel 23:1-5 Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.” / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” … Treasury of Scripture And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. Jump to Previous Abner Armed Arrived Attacking David David's Deal Expedition Fight Goods Great Hebron Joab Jo'ab Longer Peace Plunder Pursuing Raid Servants Spoil Store TroopJump to Next Abner Armed Arrived Attacking David David's Deal Expedition Fight Goods Great Hebron Joab Jo'ab Longer Peace Plunder Pursuing Raid Servants Spoil Store Troop2 Samuel 3 1. During the war David becomes stronger2. Six sons are born to him in Hebron 6. Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth 7. revolts to David 13. David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal 17. Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed 22. Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner 28. David curses Joab 31. and mourns for Abner Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. This phrase highlights the military prowess and success of David's forces. Joab, David's nephew and commander of his army, is a key figure in David's military campaigns. The mention of a raid and great plunder indicates the ongoing conflicts during this period, as David consolidates his power over Israel. The acquisition of plunder was a common practice in ancient warfare, serving as both a reward for the soldiers and a means to support the kingdom's economy. This reflects the turbulent times and the necessity for David to establish his rule through military strength. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, because David had sent him on his way in peace. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who is in the process of consolidating his rule over all Israel. He is known for his heart after God and his leadership qualities. 2. Joab The commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless actions. He is David's nephew and plays a significant role in the events surrounding David's reign. 3. Abner The commander of Saul's army and a significant political figure. He initially opposed David but later sought to align with him to unite Israel under David's kingship. 4. Hebron A significant city in Judah where David was initially anointed king over Judah. It serves as David's capital before he moves to Jerusalem. 5. The Raid An unspecified military action undertaken by David's men, resulting in a substantial amount of plunder, indicating successful military engagement. Teaching Points The Importance of Peaceful NegotiationsDavid's decision to send Abner away in peace demonstrates the value of diplomacy and reconciliation over conflict. In our lives, we should seek peaceful resolutions and unity, especially within the body of Christ. The Role of Leadership and Trust David's leadership is marked by trust in God's timing and plan. As leaders, we should strive to build trust and act with integrity, even when it requires patience and faith. The Consequences of Impulsive Actions Joab's later actions against Abner (not detailed in this verse but in the surrounding account) serve as a warning against acting impulsively or out of personal vendettas. We must consider the long-term consequences of our actions. God's Sovereignty in Political Affairs The unfolding events show God's hand in establishing David's kingdom. We can trust that God is sovereign over the affairs of nations and leaders today. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:22?2. How does 2 Samuel 3:22 illustrate the importance of following God's appointed leaders? 3. What can we learn from Joab's actions in 2 Samuel 3:22 about obedience? 4. How does 2 Samuel 3:22 connect to Romans 13:1 on authority? 5. How should we respond when leaders act without consulting God, as in 2 Samuel 3:22? 6. What steps can we take to ensure our actions align with God's will? 7. Why did Joab oppose David's decision regarding Abner in 2 Samuel 3:22? 8. How does 2 Samuel 3:22 reflect on David's leadership qualities? 9. What historical context explains Joab's actions in 2 Samuel 3:22? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3? 11. Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story? 12. 2 Samuel 3:27-30: Why doesn't David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act? 13. 2 Samuel 3:33-34: Why does David publicly lament Abner's death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces? 14. 2 Samuel 3:12-13: Does Abner's sudden support for David align with known tribal loyalties and historical realities of that era? What Does 2 Samuel 3:22 Mean Just then“Just then…” (2 Samuel 3:22) signals a divinely ordered moment. • God often orchestrates “coincidences” that become pivot points in His plan (Esther 6:1–5; Genesis 24:15). • The timing heightens the tension: Abner has barely left in peace when Joab walks in. David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid Joab, David’s commander (2 Samuel 2:13), leads troops back from a successful strike. • Raiding was part of David’s long conflict with the remnants of Saul’s house (2 Samuel 3:1; 2 Samuel 8:1–6). • Joab’s loyalty to David is unquestioned militarily, yet his personal motives will soon clash with David’s mercy (contrast 1 Samuel 26:8–11, where David spares Saul). Bringing with them a great plunder Victory has yielded spoil, a sign of God’s favor in battle (1 Samuel 30:18–20; Genesis 14:16). • Plunder not only enriches the troops but also bolsters David’s political capital in Hebron. • The abundance of spoil underscores the irony: while Joab celebrates conquest, David has just embraced reconciliation. But Abner was not with David in Hebron Abner, former commander of Saul’s army, has defected after years of war (2 Samuel 3:12–21). • His absence sets the stage for misunderstanding; Joab cannot confront him directly. • The physical gap mirrors the relational gap Joab feels—his brother Asahel was killed by Abner (2 Samuel 2:22–23). Because David had sent him on his way in peace David honors his covenant with Abner (2 Samuel 3:20–21). • “In peace” reflects David’s heart to end civil war (Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:18). • David’s integrity foreshadows the Messiah’s offer of peace to former enemies (Ephesians 2:14–16). • Joab will soon violate that peace (2 Samuel 3:26–27), contrasting fleshly revenge with righteous mercy (Matthew 5:9). summary Verse 22 captures a critical crossroads: God times Joab’s triumphant return exactly as Abner departs under David’s peaceful pledge. The soldiers’ success and plunder showcase David’s rising strength, yet the absence of Abner and the promise of peace reveal David’s greater commitment to reconciliation over revenge. The stage is now set for Joab’s looming decision, exposing the conflict between personal vendetta and the king’s righteous mercy. (22) Joab came.--He had been either on some expedition against the Philistines, the Amalekites, or other enemies of Judah, or else engaged in repelling some attack from them. In either case, he returned elated with victory, and bringing great spoil; but Abner had concluded his interview and gone away before his return.Verse 22. - From pursuing a troop. This gives a wrong idea, as though Joab had been repelling an attack. The Revised Version is right in rendering "came from a foray," the troop being a company of men sent out on a predatory excursion. It is not unlikely that David had arranged this expedition in order that his interview with Abner might take place in Joab's absence; and as he returned with "great spoil," he had probably been away for some nine or ten days, during which he had penetrated far into the country of the Amalekites. Had David acted frankly and honourably, Joab would not have stood in the way of his master's exaltation, and the blood feud between him and Abner might have been arranged. But it is evident that David secretly disliked and chafed under the control of his strong-willed and too-able nephew.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Just thenוְהִנֵּה֩ (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! David’s דָוִ֤ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse soldiers עַבְדֵ֨י (‘aḇ·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 5650: Slave, servant and Joab וְיוֹאָב֙ (wə·yō·w·’āḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites returned בָּ֣א (bā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go from a raid, מֵֽהַגְּד֔וּד (mê·hag·gə·ḏūḏ) Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1416: A band, troop bringing הֵבִ֑יאוּ (hê·ḇî·’ū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go with them עִמָּ֣ם (‘im·mām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5973: With, equally with a great רָ֖ב (rāḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great plunder. וְשָׁלָ֥ל (wə·šā·lāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7998: A prey, spoil, plunder, booty But Abner [was] וְאַבְנֵ֗ר (wə·’aḇ·nêr) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name not אֵינֶ֤נּוּ (’ê·nen·nū) Adverb | third person masculine singular Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with David דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse in Hebron בְּחֶבְר֔וֹן (bə·ḥeḇ·rō·wn) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 2275: Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern Judah because כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction David had sent him שִׁלְּח֖וֹ (šil·lə·ḥōw) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out on his way וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk in peace. בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (bə·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace Links 2 Samuel 3:22 NIV2 Samuel 3:22 NLT 2 Samuel 3:22 ESV 2 Samuel 3:22 NASB 2 Samuel 3:22 KJV 2 Samuel 3:22 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 3:22 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 3:22 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 3:22 French Bible 2 Samuel 3:22 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 3:22 Behold the servants of David and Joab (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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