2 Samuel 3:22 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.

◄ 2 Samuel 3:22 ►

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.

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.

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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
And 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;

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 Bible
Immediately 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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.

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 Abner
22Just 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.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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?” ...

1 Samuel 30:1-8
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. / When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. ...

2 Samuel 2:18-23
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, / and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. ...

2 Samuel 5:6-10
Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” / Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). / On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” ...

2 Samuel 8:1-6
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. / David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. ...

2 Samuel 10:9-14
When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. / And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. / “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 23:8-12
These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / 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. ...

Matthew 8:5-13
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him, / “Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.” / “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied. ...

Matthew 10:34-36
Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. / For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. / A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

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 Troop

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Abner Armed Arrived Attacking David David's Deal Expedition Fight Goods Great Hebron Joab Jo'ab Longer Peace Plunder Pursuing Raid Servants Spoil Store Troop

2 Samuel 3

1. During the war David becomes stronger
2. 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

Berean Study Bible

Just then
This phrase indicates a precise moment in time, suggesting divine timing and orchestration. In the Hebrew context, the narrative often emphasizes God's sovereignty in the unfolding of events. The arrival of Joab and his men at this exact moment underscores the tension and drama in the unfolding story, reminding us that God's plans are often beyond human understanding.

David’s soldiers and Joab
David's soldiers, under the leadership of Joab, were a formidable force. Joab, David's nephew and commander of his army, was a skilled and strategic leader. His presence in the narrative highlights the military prowess and the political complexities of David's reign. Joab's character is often seen as a foil to David's more merciful and diplomatic approach, representing the harsh realities of leadership and the challenges of maintaining loyalty and justice.

returned from a raid
Raids were common in the ancient Near East as a means of survival and asserting dominance. The Hebrew term for "raid" often implies a sudden and forceful attack, reflecting the turbulent and violent nature of the period. This context helps us understand the constant state of conflict and the need for strong leadership in Israel's formative years.

brought with them a great amount of plunder
Plunder was a significant aspect of ancient warfare, serving as both a reward for soldiers and a means of sustaining the community. The "great amount" signifies not only the success of the raid but also the prosperity and provision for David's growing kingdom. This abundance can be seen as a blessing from God, who provides for His people even amidst conflict.

But Abner was not with David in Hebron
Abner, the commander of Saul's army, had recently pledged allegiance to David, marking a pivotal moment in the unification of Israel. His absence at this critical juncture is significant, as it sets the stage for the ensuing conflict. Hebron, David's capital at the time, was a city of refuge and a place of political importance, symbolizing David's legitimate rule and God's covenant promises.

because David had sent him away
David's decision to send Abner away in peace reflects his desire for reconciliation and unity among the tribes of Israel. This action demonstrates David's wisdom and his commitment to peace, even when it might have been politically advantageous to detain Abner. It highlights the biblical principle of seeking peace and trusting in God's justice.

and he had gone in peace
The phrase "in peace" is significant in the Hebrew context, often associated with the word "shalom," which encompasses wholeness, safety, and well-being. Abner's peaceful departure underscores David's integrity and the potential for healing and unity in Israel. It serves as a reminder of the peace that God desires for His people, even in the midst of political and personal turmoil.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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.

Pulpit Commentary

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 then
וְהִנֵּה֩ (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

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OT History: 2 Samuel 3:22 Behold the servants of David and Joab (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)