2 Samuel 2:14

KJV

And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abner {H74} said {H559} to Joab {H3097}, Let the young men {H5288} now arise {H6965}, and play {H7832} before {H6440} us. And Joab {H3097} said {H559}, Let them arise {H6965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avner said to Yo'av, "If it's all right with you, let's have the young men get up and fight it out between themselves, while we watch." Yo'av said, "Yes, let them."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied.

American Standard Version

And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men, I pray thee, arise and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a chilling moment at the Pool of Gibeon where Abner, commander of Ish-bosheth's army, proposes a deadly "game" or trial by combat to Joab, commander of David's forces. What begins as a seemingly casual suggestion quickly escalates into a fierce and bloody skirmish, marking a tragic turning point in the civil war between the house of Saul and the emerging kingdom of David, setting the stage for deeper animosity and further bloodshed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the tense standoff between the two rival armies at the Pool of Gibeon. Abner, representing the northern tribes loyal to Ish-bosheth, and Joab, leading David's men from Judah, have met face-to-face. The preceding verses [2 Samuel 2:12-13](/2_samuel/2-12 "2 Samuel 2:12-13 - The Armies Meet at Gibeon") describe their convergence, setting the stage for a confrontation. Abner's proposal in [2 Samuel 2:14](/2_samuel/2-14 "2 Samuel 2:14 - Abner's Deadly Proposal") is a direct catalyst for the ensuing battle described in [2 Samuel 2:15-17](/2_samuel/2-15 "2 Samuel 2:15-17 - The Battle at Gibeon"), which sees the initial "game" devolve into a full-scale rout. This incident is crucial as it directly leads to the death of Asahel, Joab's brother, at Abner's hand ([2 Samuel 2:23](/2_samuel/2-23 "2 Samuel 2:23 - The Death of Asahel")), an event that fuels Joab's enduring vendetta against Abner, culminating in Abner's assassination in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Abner's Assassination by Joab").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the deaths of King Saul and his sons at Mount Gilboa ([1 Samuel 31:1-6](/1_samuel/31-1 "1 Samuel 31:1-6 - The Death of Saul")), Israel was in a state of political fragmentation. David had been anointed king over Judah in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King of Judah")), but Abner, Saul's formidable army commander, had established Saul's surviving son, Ish-bosheth, as king over the rest of Israel ([2 Samuel 2:8-10](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8-10 - Ish-bosheth's Reign")). This created a de facto civil war. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, it was not uncommon for armies to engage in limited skirmishes or "trial by champions" before a full-scale battle, often to test strength, intimidate the enemy, or even decide the outcome with minimal casualties. Abner's proposal, while seemingly a "game," aligns with this cultural practice, albeit with a chillingly lethal intent.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the **escalation of conflict**, demonstrating how a seemingly contained challenge can rapidly spiral into widespread violence and sustained warfare. It highlights **human folly and pride**, as Abner's reckless suggestion treats human lives as expendable pawns in a display of power and bravado, a mindset readily accepted by Joab. This incident also underscores the **cost of war and personal vendettas**, as the immediate casualties and the subsequent death of Asahel directly contribute to the cycle of violence and revenge that plagues the narrative, ultimately leading to Abner's own demise and prolonging the civil strife that delays David's full reign over all Israel ([2 Samuel 3:1](/2_samuel/3-1 "2 Samuel 3:1 - The Long War Between the House of Saul and David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"play" (Hebrew, שָׂחַק, _sahaq'_):** This word is central to the verse's chilling irony. While _sahaq_ can indeed mean to laugh, jest, or engage in innocent play (e.g., [Genesis 21:9](/genesis/21-9 "Genesis 21:9 - Ishmael Mocking Isaac")), in this context, it carries a sinister and deadly connotation. It refers to a contest, a deadly sport, or a mock battle with lethal intent. It implies a trial of strength or skill between chosen warriors from each side, a "game" where the stakes are human lives. The casualness of the term belies the grim reality of the proposed combat.
* **"young men" (Hebrew, נַעַר, _na'ar_):** While literally meaning "youth" or "boy," in military contexts, _na'ar_ often refers to chosen, elite warriors or attendants, not necessarily inexperienced youths. Here, it signifies a select group of combatants, likely the strongest and most skilled, who would represent their respective armies in this deadly "game."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abner said to Joab":** This establishes the two principal military commanders as the architects of the ensuing conflict. Abner, as the elder and more established commander, initiates the proposal, reflecting his strategic mind and perhaps a touch of arrogance.
* **"Let the young men now arise, and play before us":** This is Abner's chilling proposition. The phrase "play before us" suggests a spectator event, a demonstration of prowess for the commanders' entertainment or strategic assessment. The "play" is a euphemism for a deadly contest, a trial by combat where a small group of elite warriors from each side would engage in a fight to the death. Abner likely intends this as a way to test the mettle of David's men, assert dominance, or perhaps even avoid a full-scale battle, though the latter proves futile.
* **"And Joab said, Let them arise":** Joab's immediate and terse acceptance underscores his own readiness for combat and his understanding of the deadly nature of Abner's "game." There is no hesitation, no moral objection, only a pragmatic agreement to the terms of engagement. This swift assent highlights the brutal realities of ancient warfare and the commanders' willingness to sacrifice their men in such contests.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Irony**, particularly through Abner's use of the word "play" (שָׂחַק) to describe a deadly combat. This **Verbal Irony** juxtaposes the innocent connotations of "play" with the grim reality of a fight to the death, highlighting the casual disregard for human life in the context of civil war. The scene also employs **Foreshadowing**, as this initial, seemingly contained "game" directly foreshadows the larger, more devastating battle that immediately follows ([2 Samuel 2:15-17](/2_samuel/2-15 "2 Samuel 2:15-17 - The Battle at Gibeon")) and the personal vendetta that will lead to the deaths of Asahel and ultimately Abner himself. The **Juxtaposition** of the commanders' casual dialogue with the ensuing bloodshed emphasizes the tragic human cost of their decisions and the brutal nature of the conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 2 Samuel 2:14 serves as a stark commentary on the destructive nature of human pride, the trivialization of life, and the futility of conflict driven by personal ambition and earthly power struggles. Abner's proposal, and Joab's acceptance, reflect a fallen world where human beings treat one another as expendable pawns in a deadly game of dominance. It underscores the pervasive presence of sin, which distorts human relationships and leads to violence rather than peace. The tragic outcome of this "play" highlights the biblical truth that death and destruction are the inevitable consequences of a world alienated from God's design for life and shalom.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [James 4:1](/james/4-1 "James 4:1 - The Source of Quarrels and Conflicts")
* [Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Live by the Sword, Die by the Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The "game" proposed by Abner and accepted by Joab serves as a sober warning against the dangers of trivializing conflict and the profound human cost of pride and aggression. In our own lives, we can fall into the trap of treating disagreements, rivalries, or even ideological battles as mere "games," forgetting the real people and real consequences involved. This verse challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards conflict: Do we seek to escalate or de-escalate? Do we value human life and reconciliation above winning or proving a point? It calls us to consider the ripple effects of our words and actions, especially when we are in positions of influence. True wisdom, unlike Abner's folly, seeks peace and cherishes life, recognizing that every human being is made in the image of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or in society do I see "games" being played that have serious, destructive consequences?**
* **How does this verse challenge my own tendency to engage in prideful or reckless competition?**
* **What is my responsibility in de-escalating conflict rather than contributing to its "playful" escalation?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater reverence for human life, even in the midst of disagreement or rivalry?**

### FAQ
**What does "play before us" truly mean in this context, and was this a common practice?**

Answer: In 2 Samuel 2:14, the KJV phrase "play before us" translates the Hebrew word _sahaq_ (שָׂחַק). While _sahaq_ can mean innocent play or laughter, in this military context, it carries a far more sinister meaning: a deadly contest, a trial by combat, or a mock battle with lethal intent. It was not a game in the recreational sense, but a serious, life-or-death engagement between chosen warriors. This practice was indeed known in ancient warfare, where a limited number of champions or elite fighters from opposing armies would engage in duels or small-scale skirmishes. The purpose could be to test the strength and resolve of the enemy, to intimidate them, or even to attempt to decide the outcome of a larger conflict without the full engagement of all troops. In this specific instance, [2 Samuel 2:15-16](/2_samuel/2-15 "2 Samuel 2:15-16 - The Deadly Contest at Gibeon") clarifies that twelve men from each side "caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together," indicating a brutal, simultaneous slaughter rather than a prolonged duel. This tragic outcome immediately escalated into a full-scale battle, demonstrating the deadly seriousness of Abner's "game."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gruesome "game" at the Pool of Gibeon, born of human pride and leading to death, stands in stark contrast to the redemptive "game" played out by Jesus Christ. While Abner and Joab gambled with the lives of their "young men" for earthly power and honor, Christ, the ultimate "champion," did not send others to fight for Him but willingly laid down His own life. The civil war between the houses of Saul and David, fueled by human ambition and bloodshed, foreshadows the broader human condition of alienation and conflict. Yet, Christ came not to escalate conflict but to bring peace and reconciliation ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He did not engage in a deadly "play" against an earthly foe but confronted the spiritual powers of sin and death on the cross, offering Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His victory was not achieved through human violence or strategic gamesmanship, but through self-sacrificial love ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). In His kingdom, the "game" is not one of human pride leading to destruction, but of humble service leading to eternal life, where peacemakers are blessed ([Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")) and reconciliation is achieved through His blood ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")).

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 2:17

And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

2 Samuel 2:26

Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?

2 Samuel 2:27

And Joab said, [As] God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.

Proverbs 20:18

¶ [Every] purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Proverbs 17:14

¶ The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

Proverbs 25:8

¶ Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Proverbs 10:23

¶ [It is] as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.