2 samuel 2:27 - Joab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then in the morning the people would have gone away, and not each followed his brother.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 samuel 2:27" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:27 is spoken by Joab, the commander of David's army, to Abner, the commander of Ish-bosheth's (Saul's son) army. It's a comment on the consequences of Abner initiating a fight between their men. Let's break it down:
"Joab said, “As God lives...": This is a solemn oath, emphasizing the truth and seriousness of what Joab is about to say.
"...if you had not spoken...": This refers to Abner's proposal to hold a competition between 12 young men from each side (a form of combat by representation). This is what sparked the fighting in the first place.
"...surely then in the morning the people would have gone away...": Joab believes that if Abner hadn't proposed this competition, the armies of David and Ish-bosheth would have simply remained in their positions and then dispersed without further bloodshed.
"...and not each followed his brother.”: This refers to the escalating conflict that resulted from the competition. The fight between the chosen men spiraled out of control, leading to a larger battle where "each followed his brother," implying a general melee and more severe fighting. It also implies the breakdown of any civility.
In essence, Joab is rebuking Abner and saying that Abner's decision to propose the competition needlessly escalated the situation and led to unnecessary bloodshed. If Abner had just stayed quiet, the armies would have dispersed peacefully the next day.
The Significance:
Responsibility for Conflict: The verse highlights the idea that individuals bear responsibility for the escalation of conflict. Abner's decision had a direct and negative impact.
Potential for Peace: It suggests that peace was a viable option, but it was forfeited because of a specific action.
Joab's Character: The verse reveals Joab's pragmatic and perhaps ruthless character. While he's a skilled military leader, he's also concerned about efficiency and avoiding unnecessary losses, even if it's pointed out after the fact.
So, in short, this verse is Joab telling Abner that he caused the battle by instigating it, and without his provocation, they would have left peacefully the next day.
2 samuel 2:27 - Joab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then in the morning the people would have gone away, and not each followed his brother.”
What does "2 samuel 2:27" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:27 is spoken by Joab, the commander of David's army, to Abner, the commander of Ish-bosheth's (Saul's son) army. It's a comment on the consequences of Abner initiating a fight between their men. Let's break it down:
"Joab said, “As God lives...": This is a solemn oath, emphasizing the truth and seriousness of what Joab is about to say.
"...if you had not spoken...": This refers to Abner's proposal to hold a competition between 12 young men from each side (a form of combat by representation). This is what sparked the fighting in the first place.
"...surely then in the morning the people would have gone away...": Joab believes that if Abner hadn't proposed this competition, the armies of David and Ish-bosheth would have simply remained in their positions and then dispersed without further bloodshed.
"...and not each followed his brother.”: This refers to the escalating conflict that resulted from the competition. The fight between the chosen men spiraled out of control, leading to a larger battle where "each followed his brother," implying a general melee and more severe fighting. It also implies the breakdown of any civility.
In essence, Joab is rebuking Abner and saying that Abner's decision to propose the competition needlessly escalated the situation and led to unnecessary bloodshed. If Abner had just stayed quiet, the armies would have dispersed peacefully the next day.
The Significance:
Responsibility for Conflict: The verse highlights the idea that individuals bear responsibility for the escalation of conflict. Abner's decision had a direct and negative impact.
Potential for Peace: It suggests that peace was a viable option, but it was forfeited because of a specific action.
Joab's Character: The verse reveals Joab's pragmatic and perhaps ruthless character. While he's a skilled military leader, he's also concerned about efficiency and avoiding unnecessary losses, even if it's pointed out after the fact.
So, in short, this verse is Joab telling Abner that he caused the battle by instigating it, and without his provocation, they would have left peacefully the next day.