This verse from 2 Samuel 2:24 describes a crucial moment in a battle and highlights the relentless pursuit of Abner by Joab and Abishai. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner": Joab and Abishai, David's nephews and prominent military figures, are actively chasing Abner, the commander of Saul's army. This pursuit signifies the ongoing conflict and the desire for revenge or to decisively defeat Abner's forces.
"The sun went down when they had come to the hill of Ammah": The sun setting indicates the passage of time and the length of the pursuit. It suggests that the battle and the chase have been going on for a significant portion of the day. The mention of "the hill of Ammah" provides a geographical marker, locating them in a specific place.
"that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon": This phrase further clarifies the location. Ammah is situated in front of (or near) Giah, which is located along the road leading to the wilderness of Gibeon. This gives a more precise sense of where the pursuit has led them in relation to known geographical features.
In summary, the verse portrays a determined chase by Joab and Abishai after Abner, emphasizing the relentless nature of the conflict. The details about the time (sunset) and location (hill of Ammah near Giah, by the wilderness of Gibeon) provide a vivid picture of the pursuit and set the stage for what happens next in the narrative. It shows they are far from any population centers, and are deep in the countryside. It also suggests they have been chasing Abner all day.
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:24 describes a crucial moment in a battle and highlights the relentless pursuit of Abner by Joab and Abishai. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner": Joab and Abishai, David's nephews and prominent military figures, are actively chasing Abner, the commander of Saul's army. This pursuit signifies the ongoing conflict and the desire for revenge or to decisively defeat Abner's forces.
"The sun went down when they had come to the hill of Ammah": The sun setting indicates the passage of time and the length of the pursuit. It suggests that the battle and the chase have been going on for a significant portion of the day. The mention of "the hill of Ammah" provides a geographical marker, locating them in a specific place.
"that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon": This phrase further clarifies the location. Ammah is situated in front of (or near) Giah, which is located along the road leading to the wilderness of Gibeon. This gives a more precise sense of where the pursuit has led them in relation to known geographical features.
In summary, the verse portrays a determined chase by Joab and Abishai after Abner, emphasizing the relentless nature of the conflict. The details about the time (sunset) and location (hill of Ammah near Giah, by the wilderness of Gibeon) provide a vivid picture of the pursuit and set the stage for what happens next in the narrative. It shows they are far from any population centers, and are deep in the countryside. It also suggests they have been chasing Abner all day.