2 Samuel 2:13

KJV

And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joab {H3097} the son {H1121} of Zeruiah {H6870}, and the servants {H5650} of David {H1732}, went out {H3318}, and met {H6298} together {H3162} by the pool {H1295} of Gibeon {H1391}: and they sat down {H3427}, the one on the one side of the pool {H1295}, and the other on the other side of the pool {H1295}.

Complete Jewish Bible

while Yo'av the son of Tz'ruyah and David's servants also went out; and they met together by the pool at Giv'on. One group sat down on one side of the pool and the other on the other side.

Berean Standard Bible

So Joab son of Zeruiah, along with the servants of David, marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two camps took up positions on opposite sides of the pool.

American Standard Version

And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 2:13 describes the pivotal and tense meeting between the forces loyal to David, led by his formidable commander Joab, and those loyal to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, commanded by Abner. This verse captures the precise moment the two opposing factions converge at the strategic pool of Gibeon, taking up positions on opposite sides. This deliberate standoff vividly underscores the deep political and military schism within Israel, setting the immediate stage for the "deadly game" that follows and the protracted civil war for control of the unified kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "The Book of 2 Samuel"), immediately following the establishment of two rival kingships in Israel. [David](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King of Judah") has been anointed king over Judah in Hebron, fulfilling God's promise to establish his dynasty. Concurrently, [Abner](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8 - Abner Makes Ish-bosheth King"), Saul's former army commander, has taken Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, and made him king over the northern tribes of Israel, creating a divided kingdom. [2 Samuel 2:13](/2_samuel/2-13 "2 Samuel 2:13 - Standoff at the Pool of Gibeon") marks the physical manifestation of this political division, as the two armies come face-to-face. It serves as the immediate prelude to the "deadly game" proposed by Abner in [2 Samuel 2:14](/2_samuel/2-14 "2 Samuel 2:14 - Abner's Deadly Challenge"), which escalates into a full-scale battle and further entrenches the animosity, defining the early stages of the civil war that will shape [David's ascent to undisputed power](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period following King Saul's death was characterized by political vacuum and instability. David, though divinely chosen and anointed, faced the challenge of consolidating power over all twelve tribes. Abner, a powerful and loyal figure from Saul's court, sought to preserve the legacy of Saul's house by installing Ish-bosheth, a seemingly weaker figurehead, as king over the northern territories. The "pool of Gibeon" was a well-known and strategically vital location in ancient Israel. Gibeon was an important Hivite city, later a Levitical city, and its large pool (a significant water source in a generally arid region) made it a natural gathering point or a recognized site for military encounters. The act of "sitting down" on opposite sides, rather than immediately engaging in battle, suggests a formal, almost ritualistic, preparation for conflict, reflecting the structured nature of ancient military confrontations and the importance of establishing clear positions before engagement.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 2:13](/2_samuel/2-13 "2 Samuel 2:13 - Standoff at the Pool of Gibeon") powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "The Book of 2 Samuel"). Firstly, it highlights the **escalation of conflict** and the tragic reality of civil war within God's chosen nation. The physical standoff at the pool vividly portrays the deep division and hostile opposition between the two factions vying for the throne, a conflict that will consume Israel for years. Secondly, it underscores the theme of a **divided kingdom**, where God's anointed king is not yet universally recognized, leading to internal strife and bloodshed. This division is not merely political but also reflects a spiritual schism, as some resist God's clear anointing of David. Lastly, the presence of **Joab**, David's formidable military commander, and his "servants" emphasizes the theme of **loyalty and leadership**. Joab's unwavering commitment signifies David's strong military backing and the steadfastness of his men, highlighting the foundation upon which David's eventual consolidation of power over all Israel would be built.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joab (Hebrew, יֹואָב, _Yo'av'_):** David's nephew, son of his sister Zeruiah, and his most formidable and often ruthless military commander. Joab's presence signifies the direct involvement of David's most trusted and capable general. He is portrayed throughout 2 Samuel as fiercely loyal to David, though his methods are frequently pragmatic and brutal, ensuring David's military dominance. His leadership here underscores the serious nature of the confrontation.
* **Pool (Hebrew, בְּרֵכָה, _berekhah'_):** This term refers to a reservoir, cistern, or artificial pool, typically constructed to collect and store water. In the ancient Near East, such water sources were indispensable for survival and often served as central gathering points for communities or strategic locations for military operations. The choice of the pool of Gibeon as the meeting place is highly symbolic, transforming a life-giving resource into a stage for death and conflict, highlighting the tragic irony of the impending civil war.
* **Sat down (Hebrew, יָשְׁבוּ, _yashvu'_):** The verb "to sit" here implies a deliberate, formal taking of positions, rather than a casual or accidental gathering. It suggests a prepared standoff, a moment of poised tension before engagement. This "sitting down" on opposite sides of the pool emphasizes the clear demarcation between the two factions and their readiness for confrontation, highlighting the gravity of the impending conflict and the formal nature of the challenge that is about to be issued.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out":** This clause introduces the leader of David's forces, Joab, emphasizing his close familial tie to David (son of his sister Zeruiah) and his role as commander. "The servants of David" refers to David's loyal and seasoned fighting men, who had been with him through his years as a fugitive and now formed the core of his army. Their "going out" signifies their proactive movement towards confrontation, indicating David's readiness to assert his claim to the throne, at least over Judah.
* **"and met together by the pool of Gibeon":** This describes the specific geographical location of the encounter. The "pool of Gibeon" is a definite, well-known landmark, lending historical authenticity to the account. The phrase "met together" (נִפְגְּשׁוּ, _niphgeshu_) indicates a direct, face-to-face encounter of the two opposing armies, signaling that the civil war has moved beyond political maneuvering to a physical confrontation.
* **"and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool":** This final clause vividly portrays the tense standoff. The act of "sitting down" is deliberate, not accidental, emphasizing the formal nature of their positioning. The antithetical phrasing "the one on the one side... and the other on the other side" powerfully underscores the deep division and hostile separation between the two factions. The pool itself becomes a symbolic dividing line, highlighting the schism within Israel and the immediate prelude to a violent clash.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Samuel 2:13](/2_samuel/2-13 "2 Samuel 2:13 - Standoff at the Pool of Gibeon") employs several potent literary devices to convey its meaning and heighten the dramatic tension. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as the deliberate "sitting down" on opposite sides of the pool immediately precedes and sets the stage for the deadly "game" proposed by Abner in the very next verse, leading to significant bloodshed. The calm before the storm creates a palpable sense of impending doom. **Symbolism** is also at play, with the "pool of Gibeon" serving as more than just a geographical location; it becomes a powerful symbol of the deep division within Israel. A source of life-giving water is tragically transformed into a boundary line for conflict, reflecting the perversion of unity into civil strife. Furthermore, the explicit **juxtaposition** of "the one on the one side... and the other on the other side" is a clear use of **antithesis**, powerfully emphasizing the absolute separation and opposition between the forces of David and Ish-bosheth, highlighting the fractured state of the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The standoff at the pool of Gibeon, while a specific historical event, carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of human resistance to divine will and the destructive nature of internal division. Despite God's clear anointing of David as king over all Israel, human ambition, political maneuvering, and loyalty to a fallen dynasty (Saul's house) led to a protracted and bloody civil war. This conflict highlights the tension between God's sovereign plan and human free will, demonstrating how even within the covenant community, disobedience and self-interest can lead to immense suffering and delay the fulfillment of divine promises. The scene underscores the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's chosen leadership, even when it challenges established norms or personal loyalties. It also prefigures the later divisions within Israel, culminating in the split kingdom after Solomon, a recurring theme of disunity when God's people deviate from His path.

* [Proverbs 13:10](/proverbs/13-10 "Proverbs 13:10 - Pride Leads to Strife")
* [Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - A House Divided Cannot Stand")
* [Galatians 5:15](/galatians/5-15 "Galatians 5:15 - Biting and Devouring One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at the pool of Gibeon offers a powerful reflection on the origins and escalation of conflict, both on a national and personal level. It reminds us that significant disputes often begin with a tense standoff, where opposing parties are clearly demarcated, physically or ideologically, poised for confrontation. The "sitting down" on opposite sides is a chilling image of entrenched positions, where dialogue has ceased and violence looms. This serves as a sober warning about the dangers of allowing divisions to fester and harden into irreconcilable opposition. For believers today, this passage calls us to be peacemakers, to actively seek reconciliation and understanding rather than allowing differences to escalate into destructive conflict within families, communities, or the church. It challenges us to examine our own loyalties and ensure they are ultimately aligned with God's will, rather than with personal ambition or worldly allegiances that can lead to division and strife.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or community do I see "sides" being taken, and what role do I play in either perpetuating or bridging those divisions?**
* **How can I actively work towards reconciliation and understanding when faced with conflict, rather than allowing tensions to escalate into destructive confrontation?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of discerning and submitting to God's appointed leadership, even when it challenges my preconceived notions or loyalties?**

### FAQ
**Why did they "sit down" rather than immediately fight?**

Answer: The act of "sitting down" on opposite sides of the pool suggests a deliberate, formal, and perhaps even ritualistic preparation for conflict, rather than an immediate, chaotic skirmish. In ancient warfare, such positioning could be a way to survey the opposing forces, to issue challenges (as Abner does in [2 Samuel 2:14](/2_samuel/2-14 "2 Samuel 2:14 - Abner's Deadly Challenge")), or to establish the terms of engagement. It highlights the gravity of the situation and the fact that this was not a casual encounter but a pre-arranged or anticipated confrontation between two organized military factions. It also sets the stage for the specific "game" proposed by Abner, which required a formal arrangement of combatants.

**What was the significance of the "pool of Gibeon"?**

Answer: The "pool of Gibeon" was a well-known and strategically important landmark in ancient Israel. Gibeon itself was a significant city, and its large, deep pool (a natural or artificial reservoir) would have been a vital source of water in the region. Its prominence made it a natural gathering point or a recognized location for military maneuvers. By meeting at such a public and identifiable place, the confrontation gained a certain level of formality and visibility, underscoring the public nature of the civil war between the houses of David and Saul. It transforms a life-sustaining resource into a stage for death and division, highlighting the tragic irony of the conflict. The archaeological remains of this impressive pool are still visible today, confirming its historical existence and scale.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic scene at the pool of Gibeon, with its stark imagery of a divided people poised for self-destruction, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Joab and Abner led factions into a bloody civil war, Jesus came not to divide but to unite, to bring peace where there was enmity. He is the true King, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), who breaks down dividing walls, not creates them. The "pool" of Gibeon symbolized division and impending death, but in Christ, we find the [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water") that brings eternal life and true reconciliation. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of peace-making, reconciling humanity to God and [breaking down the dividing wall of hostility](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") between Jew and Gentile, and indeed, between all who are in Him. Unlike the temporary and often violent solutions of human leaders like Joab, Christ establishes an everlasting kingdom of peace and righteousness, where those who were once on "opposite sides" are now [one in Him](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus"). He is the King who truly unites His people, not through conflict, but through His reconciling love and the power of His Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 8:16

And Joab the son of Zeruiah [was] over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud [was] recorder;

1 Chronicles 2:16

Whose sisters [were] Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.

2 Samuel 20:23

¶ Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

1 Kings 2:28

Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

1 Kings 2:35

¶ And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.

2 Samuel 2:18

¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel [was as] light of foot as a wild roe.

Jeremiah 41:12

Then they took all the men, and went to fight with Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and found him by the great waters that [are] in Gibeon.