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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Samuel 2:25–32.
Here, I. Abner, being conquered, meanly begs for a cessation of arms. He rallied the remains of his forces on the top of a hill (Sa2 2:25), as if he would have made head again, but becomes a humble supplicant to Joab for a little breathing-time, Sa2 2:26. He that was most forward to fight was the first that had enough of it. He that made a jest of bloodshed (Let the young men arise and play before us, Sa2 2:14) is now shocked at it, when he finds himself on the losing side, and the sword he made so light of drawing threatening to touch himself. Observe how his note is changed. Then it was but playing with the sword; now, Shall the sword devour for ever? It had devoured but one day, yet to him it seemed forever, because it went against him; and very willing he is now that the sun should not go down upon the wrath. Now he can appeal to Joab himself concerning the miserable consequences of a civil war: Knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? It will be reflected upon with regret when the account comes to be made up; for, whoever gets in a civil war, the community is sure to lose. Perhaps he refers to the bitterness that there was in the tribes of Israel, in the end of their war with Benjamin, when they wept sorely for the desolations which they themselves had made, Jdg 21:2. Now he begs of Joab to sound a retreat, and pleads that they were brethren, who ought not thus to bite and devour one another. He that in the morning would have Joab bid the people fall upon their brethren now would have him bid them lay down their arms. See here, 1. How easy it is for men to use reason when it makes for them who would not use it if it made against them. If Abner had been the conqueror, we should not have had him complaining of the voraciousness of the sword and the miseries of a civil war, nor pleading that both sides were brethren; but, finding himself beaten, all these reasonings are mustered up and improved for the securing of his retreat and the saving of his scattered troops from being cut off. 2. How the issue of things alters men's minds. The same thing which looked pleasant in the morning at night looked dismal. Those that are forward to enter into contention will perhaps repent it before they have done with it, and therefore had better leave it off before it be meddled with, as Solomon advises. It is true of every sin (O that men would consider it in time!) that it will be bitterness in the latter end. At the last it bites like a serpent those on whom it fawned.
II.Joab, though a conqueror, generously grants it, and sounds a retreat, knowing very well his master's mind and how averse he was to the shedding of blood. He does indeed justly upbraid Abner with his forwardness to engage, and lays the blame upon him that there had been so much bloodshed as there was (Sa2 2:27): "Unless thou hadst spoken," that is, "hadst given orders to fight, hadst bidden the young men arise and play before us, none of us would have struck a stroke, nor drawn a sword against our brethren. Thou complainest that the sword devours, but who first unsheathed it? Who began? Now thou wouldst have the people parted, but remember who set them on to fight. We should have retired in the morning if thou hadst not given the challenge." Those that are forward to make mischief are commonly the first to complain of it. This might have served to excuse Joab if he had pushed on his victory, and made a full end of Abner's forces; but like one that pitied the mistake of his adversaries, and scorned to make an army of Israelites pay dearly for the folly of their commander, he very honourably, by sound of trumpet, put a stop to the pursuit (Sa2 2:28) and suffered Abner to make an orderly retreat. It is good husbandry to be sparing of blood. As the soldiers were here very obsequious to the general's orders, so he, no doubt, observed the instructions of his prince, who sought the welfare of all Israel and therefore not the hurt of any.
III.The armies being separated, both retired to the places whence they came, and both marched in the night, Abner to Mahanaim, on the other side Jordan (Sa2 2:29), and Joab to Hebron, where David was, Sa2 2:32. The slain on both sides are computed. On David's side only nineteen men were missing, besides Asahel (Sa2 2:30), who was worth more than all; on Abner's side 360, Sa2 2:31. In civil wars formerly great slaughters had been made (as Jdg 12:6; Jdg 20:44), in comparison with which this was nothing. It is to be hoped that they had grown wiser and more moderate. Asahel's funeral is here mentioned; the rest they buried in the field of battle, but he was carried to Bethlehem, and buried in the sepulchre of his father, Sa2 2:32. Thus are distinctions made between the dust of some and that of others; but in the resurrection no other difference will be made but that between godly and ungodly, which will remain for ever.
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Summary
In 2 Samuel 2:26, during the brutal civil war between the house of Saul and the emerging kingdom of David, Abner, Saul's commander, calls out to Joab, David's commander, amidst a fierce pursuit. Abner pleads for an end to the relentless bloodshed, rhetorically questioning the futility of perpetual conflict and warning of the inevitable "bitterness" that such fratricidal strife will bring in the end. His desperate appeal highlights the tragic cost of internal division and the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities among fellow Israelites.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the narrative of 2 Samuel, immediately following the death of King Saul and the anointing of David as king over Judah. The preceding verses detail a specific and tragic engagement at the Pool of Gibeon, initiated by a challenge from Abner to Joab for twelve young men from each side to fight. This "game" quickly escalates into a full-scale battle where Abner's forces are decisively routed by David's men. The narrative then shifts to the pursuit, during which Joab's brother, Asahel, relentlessly chases Abner. Despite Abner's repeated warnings to turn back, Asahel persists and is ultimately killed by Abner in self-defense. The pursuit continues, with Joab and Abishai leading the chase, until Abner's desperate plea in 2 Samuel 2:26. This plea marks a turning point in the immediate battle, though not in the broader civil war, which is explicitly stated to have been "long" in 2 Samuel 3:1.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period described is one of immense political and social upheaval in ancient Israel. With Saul's death, a power vacuum emerged, leading to a divided kingdom. David, already anointed by Samuel and recognized by Judah, faced opposition from the northern tribes who rallied behind Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, under Abner's military leadership. The concept of "brethren" (Hebrew: 'achim) is crucial here, emphasizing the shared ethnic and religious identity of the warring factions. Civil war was particularly abhorrent in Israelite society, as it violated the bonds of kinship and the unity of God's chosen people. The "sword" was the primary instrument of warfare, and its "devouring" nature speaks to the brutal reality of hand-to-hand combat and the high casualties inflicted. Abner's call for a halt, though coming from the losing side, reflects a recognition of the unsustainable and self-destructive nature of such internal conflict, a sentiment that would have resonated deeply with the cultural understanding of national solidarity.
Key Themes
The primary themes underscored by this verse include the futility and destructive nature of prolonged conflict, especially civil war. Abner's rhetorical question, "Shall the sword devour for ever?", highlights the senselessness of endless strife that yields no true victory but only mutual destruction. This leads to the theme of the bitterness of consequences, where the "latter end" of such conflict is inevitably marked by sorrow, grief, and hardship, rather than triumph. It serves as a stark reminder that the "way of transgressors is hard," as noted in Proverbs 13:15. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of leadership responsibility in seeking peace and reconciliation, even when in a position of power or advantage. Abner's plea, though self-serving in the immediate context, implicitly calls upon Joab to prioritize the well-being of the nation over continued vengeance or military advantage, recognizing the shared identity of "brethren" and the tragic cost of their division.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The verb אָכַל (ʼâkal') literally means "to eat," "to consume," or "to consume by fire." Here, it is powerfully used to personify the sword as an insatiable, ravenous beast that relentlessly consumes lives. This vivid imagery underscores the brutal, indiscriminate, and destructive nature of war, emphasizing that the conflict is not merely about winning or losing but about the literal consumption of the nation's people and resources. It highlights the war's inherent capacity to destroy from within.
The noun מָר (mar') or its feminine form מָרָה (marah') signifies "bitter," "bitterness," "grief," "sorrow," or "calamity." Abner's warning that the conflict will result in "bitterness in the latter end" points to the inevitable, painful, and regrettable long-term consequences of prolonged strife. This bitterness is not merely a temporary setback but a profound, lasting sorrow that will afflict the entire nation, regardless of which side ultimately prevails. It speaks to the spiritual and emotional toll of fratricidal war.
The noun אָח (ʼâch') means "brother" or "kinsman," used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity. Its use here is profoundly significant, serving as a poignant reminder of the shared identity and kinship between the warring factions. Abner's plea to "return from following their brethren" is an appeal to the fundamental bond that should unite them as Israelites. It underscores the tragic irony and moral reprehensibility of a civil war where those who should be united in brotherhood are instead engaged in mutual destruction, highlighting the unnatural and devastating nature of the conflict.
Verse Breakdown
"Then Abner called to Joab, and said,"
This opening clause sets the scene for a direct, confrontational, yet desperate communication between the two opposing commanders. Abner, having just killed Asahel and being pursued, is in a position of disadvantage, making his call a plea rather than a challenge. It signifies a moment of strategic pause and a shift from physical combat to verbal appeal.
"Shall the sword devour for ever?"
This is a powerful rhetorical question, not seeking an answer but making a forceful point. Abner expresses the futility and unsustainability of the ongoing slaughter. He implies that the current path of endless violence is self-destructive and cannot lead to a meaningful resolution, only to perpetual loss and exhaustion for both sides.
"knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end?"
This is a direct warning and an appeal to Joab's wisdom and foresight. Abner asserts that the ultimate outcome of this relentless conflict will not be triumph or peace, but profound sorrow, grief, and hardship for the entire nation. He challenges Joab to recognize the inevitable, painful consequences that extend beyond the immediate battle.
"how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?"
This is Abner's explicit plea and call to action. He urges Joab to command his men to cease the pursuit and halt the fratricidal conflict. The phrase "following their brethren" poignantly highlights the tragic reality that fellow Israelites are engaged in mutual destruction, emphasizing the unnatural and devastating nature of the civil war and the urgent need for reconciliation.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question ("Shall the sword devour for ever?" and "how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?"). These questions are not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful statement, emphasizing the absurdity and futility of the prolonged conflict and urging an immediate end to the hostilities. Personification is powerfully used in "the sword devour," where the inanimate weapon is given the human-like quality of consuming, vividly portraying its insatiable and destructive power. There is also a subtle Irony in Abner's plea; having just killed Joab's brother Asahel, he now appeals for an end to the bloodshed among "brethren." This irony underscores the tragic cycle of violence and the desperate circumstances that can lead even a hardened warrior to seek peace.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly speaks to the theological truth that prolonged conflict, especially among those who should be united, is not only physically destructive but spiritually corrosive. It reveals a divine principle that division and strife, particularly within God's people, inevitably lead to "bitterness" and sorrow, hindering the flourishing of the community. Abner's desperate plea, though born of weariness and strategic disadvantage, echoes a deeper biblical wisdom about the value of peace and reconciliation over endless retribution or the pursuit of total victory at any cost. It highlights the responsibility of leaders to discern when to cease hostilities for the greater good, recognizing the shared humanity and divine calling of all involved. The tragic civil war between the houses of Saul and David serves as a sobering testament to the destructive power of human pride, ambition, and unresolved conflict, demonstrating how internal strife weakens a nation and grieves the heart of God, who desires unity for His people.
Reflection and Application
2 Samuel 2:26 offers profound lessons for navigating conflict in our own lives, communities, and even nations. Abner's desperate cry serves as a timeless reminder that prolonged strife, whether personal, familial, or communal, ultimately yields "bitterness in the latter end." It challenges us to reflect on the true cost of holding onto grievances, pursuing endless arguments, or allowing divisions to fester. Wisdom often lies not in achieving total victory or having the last word, but in discerning when to lay down the "sword" and seek reconciliation, even when it feels like a concession. This verse calls us to prioritize the well-being of relationships and the unity of the body of Christ over personal pride or the desire for retribution. It encourages us to be peacemakers, recognizing that true flourishing comes from resolving conflict and restoring brotherhood, rather than perpetuating cycles of hurt and division.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Abner, who had just killed Asahel, suddenly call for a halt to the pursuit?
Abner's call for a halt was likely motivated by a combination of factors. Strategically, his forces were being routed, and continued pursuit would only lead to further devastating losses. Spiritually and emotionally, he might have recognized the sheer futility and tragic nature of the civil war, especially after being forced to kill Asahel, a "brother," in self-defense. He explicitly states that the continued conflict would bring "bitterness in the latter end," indicating a recognition of the long-term, destructive consequences for the nation. While he was a hardened warrior, even Abner could see the senselessness of endless fratricide. His plea was a desperate attempt to preserve what remained of his forces and perhaps to appeal to a shared sense of Israelite identity to end the slaughter.
What does "bitterness in the latter end" specifically imply?
"Bitterness in the latter end" (מָרָה, marah') signifies a deep and lasting sorrow, grief, and hardship. It implies that the ultimate outcome of the prolonged civil war would not be a clear victory for one side and peace for the other, but rather a profound and pervasive sense of loss, regret, and national weakening for everyone involved. It suggests that the ongoing bloodshed would leave an indelible mark of pain and suffering on the entire nation, eroding its strength, unity, and spirit. This is a warning that the consequences of such internal strife extend far beyond the battlefield, impacting generations and leaving a legacy of division and anguish.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The desperate plea of Abner for an end to the "devouring sword" among "brethren" in 2 Samuel 2:26 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The civil war between the houses of Saul and David, a tragic division among God's people, foreshadows the deeper spiritual conflict that separates humanity from God and from one another due to sin. Christ, as the true Prince of Peace, came to bring an end to the "bitterness" of this spiritual alienation. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He disarmed the "sword" of divine judgment against sin, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He is our peace, who has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, and by extension, between all estranged "brethren." In Christ, the call to "return from following their brethren" transforms into a divine invitation to reconciliation, not merely from physical conflict but from spiritual enmity. He offers a peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27), calling His followers to be peacemakers and ambassadors of reconciliation, embodying the unity that was tragically absent in the Gibeon battlefield but perfectly realized in His body, the Church (Colossians 1:20).