2 Samuel 2:13

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Samuel 2:13 describes the pivotal moment just before a deadly confrontation between the forces loyal to David and those loyal to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. This scene sets the stage for the escalating civil war between the two houses vying for control of Israel.

Context

Following the death of King Saul (1 Samuel 31:6), David had been anointed king over Judah in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4). Meanwhile, Abner, Saul's commander, had established Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over the rest of Israel (2 Samuel 2:9). This verse marks the physical meeting of the two opposing factions. Joab, David's nephew and formidable military commander, leads David's forces. They meet at the pool of Gibeon, a significant ancient water source and a common gathering place in the region, which now becomes a stage for imminent conflict.

Key Themes

  • Escalation of Conflict: The verse vividly portrays the immediate prelude to a direct military engagement. The "sitting down, the one on the one side... and the other on the other side" symbolizes the deep division and hostile standoff between the two houses.
  • Divided Kingdom: The physical separation at the pool underscores the political and spiritual schism within Israel. This was a nation divided, with God's chosen king, David, not yet fully acknowledged by all tribes.
  • Loyalty and Leadership: Joab's presence signifies David's strong military leadership and the unwavering loyalty of his "servants," highlighting the early stages of David's rise to undisputed power.

Linguistic Insights

The term "pool" (Hebrew: berekhah) refers to a reservoir or cistern, typically a vital source of water in ancient times. Its choice as a meeting point suggests not only a strategic location but perhaps also a traditional place for settling disputes or preparing for battle, though in this instance, it immediately precedes a violent encounter rather than a peaceful resolution.

Strategic Significance

The encounter at the pool of Gibeon is not merely a skirmish but a critical event in the larger narrative of David's eventual consolidation of power over all Israel. It sets the stage for the "deadly game" proposed by Abner in the very next verse (2 Samuel 2:14), which results in significant casualties and further entrenches the animosity between the two factions. This initial standoff at Gibeon is a microcosm of the larger struggle for the throne.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that major conflicts often begin with a tense standoff, where opposing parties are physically or ideologically separated, poised for confrontation. It highlights the dangers of internal division and the importance of wise and God-fearing leadership to navigate such moments. The scene also serves as a somber reminder of how quickly seemingly calm gatherings can erupt into violence when underlying tensions and competing loyalties are present. For us today, it can be a call to seek peace and reconciliation rather than allowing divisions to escalate into destructive conflict.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 (4 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 2:16 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 20:23 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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.