2 samuel 2:26 - Then Abner called to Joab, and said, “Shall the sword devour forever? Don’t you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end? How long will it be then, before you ask the people to return from following their brothers?”
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What does "2 samuel 2:26" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:26 is a plea for peace from Abner, the commander of Saul's army, to Joab, the commander of David's army. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then Abner called to Joab, and said, “Shall the sword devour forever?" Abner initiates a conversation with Joab during a pause in the fighting. He's asking if the conflict between their sides is meant to continue endlessly, with the "sword" (war) constantly taking lives.
"Don’t you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end?" Abner warns Joab that continued fighting will only lead to resentment and sorrow in the future. He's suggesting that even if one side wins, the victory will be tainted by the lasting animosity and pain caused by the ongoing conflict. It is implying a long-lasting feud will continue with devastating consequences.
"How long will it be then, before you ask the people to return from following their brothers?”" This is the core of his plea. Abner is asking Joab when he will finally call a halt to the fighting and allow their people, who are essentially brothers (Israelites), to stop pursuing and killing each other. He is asking when Joab will end the civil war.
In essence, Abner is suggesting that the fighting is senseless and will only lead to more suffering. He urges Joab to consider the long-term consequences and to take the initiative to stop the bloodshed before it escalates further and creates irreparable damage to the nation. The verse highlights the futility and destructive nature of civil war.
2 samuel 2:26 - Then Abner called to Joab, and said, “Shall the sword devour forever? Don’t you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end? How long will it be then, before you ask the people to return from following their brothers?”
What does "2 samuel 2:26" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:26 is a plea for peace from Abner, the commander of Saul's army, to Joab, the commander of David's army. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then Abner called to Joab, and said, “Shall the sword devour forever?" Abner initiates a conversation with Joab during a pause in the fighting. He's asking if the conflict between their sides is meant to continue endlessly, with the "sword" (war) constantly taking lives.
"Don’t you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end?" Abner warns Joab that continued fighting will only lead to resentment and sorrow in the future. He's suggesting that even if one side wins, the victory will be tainted by the lasting animosity and pain caused by the ongoing conflict. It is implying a long-lasting feud will continue with devastating consequences.
"How long will it be then, before you ask the people to return from following their brothers?”" This is the core of his plea. Abner is asking Joab when he will finally call a halt to the fighting and allow their people, who are essentially brothers (Israelites), to stop pursuing and killing each other. He is asking when Joab will end the civil war.
In essence, Abner is suggesting that the fighting is senseless and will only lead to more suffering. He urges Joab to consider the long-term consequences and to take the initiative to stop the bloodshed before it escalates further and creates irreparable damage to the nation. The verse highlights the futility and destructive nature of civil war.