2 Samuel 2:16

The Battle of Gibeon · 2 Samuel 2:12–32
Read 2 Samuel 2

Translations

Modern
Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim.
Traditional
And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkath–hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.
Literal
And each one grasped by the head his opponent, and thrust his sword in the side of his opponent, and they fell down together. And that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.
Latin
Apprehensoque unusquisque capite comparis sui, defixit gladium in latus contrarii, et ceciderunt simul: vocatumque est nomen loci illius: Ager robustorum, in Gabaon.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim.

Notes

A long civil war followed between Judah, led by David, and the northern tribes, led by Saul’s family. These events led directly to the murder of Abner (2 Samuel 3:22–39).

After Saul died, those loyal to David (the tribe of Judah) came into conflict with those loyal to Saul’s son Ish-bosheth (the remaining tribes of Israel).

At this time, the Philistines controlled much of the land west of the Jordan River. They likely encouraged this division among the Israelites because a divided people were easier for them to control.

Theme notes and profiles

Abner David Joab

Events

Places

Gibeon: Hivite city that tricked Joshua into a peace treaty Helkath-hazzurim: Site of a battle between David's and Ish-bosheth's men

Glossary

Benjamin, Tribe of David Gibeon, Gibeonites Helkath-hazzurim Ishbosheth Joab Mahanaim Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Abner: Loyalty of, to the House of Saul Armies: March in Ranks: Champions Fight Instead of Championship: Young Men of David's and Abner's Armies David: King of Israel: David Wages War Against and Defeats Ish-Bosheth Helkath-Hazzurim: A Battleground Israel: The Conflict Between the Two Political Factions Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeats and Kills Abner War: Civil