2 samuel 2:31 - But David’s servants had struck Benjamin and of Abner’s men so that three hundred sixty men died.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 2:31

What does "2 samuel 2:31" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 2:31 is stating the result of the battle between the forces of David and the forces of Ish-bosheth (Saul's son), which were led by Abner.

Specifically, it means:

"David's servants had struck Benjamin and of Abner's men..." This indicates that the soldiers loyal to David (referred to as "David's servants") had fought against and killed soldiers who were from the tribe of Benjamin and were under the command of Abner. The tribe of Benjamin was strongly associated with Saul's lineage.
"...so that three hundred sixty men died." This provides the number of casualties on the side of Abner and the Benjamites: 360 men. It's important to note that this verse only specifies the losses for Abner's side; it doesn't mention how many of David's men were killed. (Verse 30 indicates that 19 of David's men plus Asahel were killed.)

In essence, the verse is giving a specific count of the dead from Abner's side in the battle. This contributes to the overall narrative of the power struggle and conflict following Saul's death. It shows that while David's forces won the battle, it came at a significant cost of life and foreshadows further conflict before David is fully established as king over all Israel.