2 Samuel 2:29

KJV

And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abner {H74} and his men {H582} walked {H1980} all that night {H3915} through the plain {H6160}, and passed over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}, and went through {H3212} all Bithron {H1338}, and they came {H935} to Mahanaim {H4266}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avner and his men went through the 'Aravah all that night; they crossed the Yarden, went through all of Bitron and arrived at Machanayim.

Berean Standard Bible

And all that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, marched all morning, and arrived at Mahanaim.

American Standard Version

And Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 2:29 meticulously chronicles the urgent and arduous overnight retreat of Abner and his remaining forces following their decisive defeat by Joab's men at Gibeon. This verse marks the conclusion of the immediate pursuit, detailing their desperate journey across the Jordan River and through the challenging terrain of Bithron, culminating in their arrival at Mahanaim, the strategic stronghold and capital of Ish-bosheth’s fledgling kingdom. It underscores the immediate, weary aftermath of a brutal civil conflict and Abner's tactical move to preserve his depleted army.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and bloody confrontation between the forces of David (under Joab) and the forces of Ish-bosheth (under Abner) at the Pool of Gibeon. What began as a ritualistic challenge escalated into a full-scale battle, resulting in a rout for Abner's men. The pursuit was relentless, with Asahel, Joab's brother, tragically killed by Abner himself in a desperate act of self-preservation. Joab, in a moment of strategic mercy or perhaps exhaustion, heeded Abner's plea to cease the pursuit, blowing the trumpet to halt his men (as described in [2 Samuel 2:28](/2_samuel/2-28 "2 Samuel 2:28 - Joab Halts the Pursuit")). Verse 29, therefore, depicts the immediate consequence of that cessation: Abner's unhindered, but gruelling, escape back to his base. It sets the stage for the continued, albeit paused, conflict between the two houses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 2 Samuel 2 is one of deep political fragmentation and civil war in Israel. Following Saul's death, David had been anointed king over Judah in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King in Hebron")), while Abner, Saul's cousin and military commander, had set up Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, as king over the rest of Israel in Mahanaim ([2 Samuel 2:8-9](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8-9 - Ish-bosheth Crowned King")). This division led to a protracted and bitter conflict, of which the battle at Gibeon was a significant early engagement. Mahanaim, located east of the Jordan River in Gilead, was a strategic choice for Ish-bosheth's capital, offering a degree of isolation and defensibility from David's growing power in Judah. The overnight march and crossing of the Jordan were not merely geographical movements but also symbolic acts of returning to a place of relative safety and consolidation for the northern kingdom's forces, highlighting the desperate measures taken in a time of national disunity.
* **Key Themes:** The verse vividly illustrates several key themes prevalent in 2 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of civil strife**, demonstrating the physical toll and the desperate measures taken by the defeated party. The weariness and urgency of Abner's march underscore the destructive nature of internal conflict. Secondly, it emphasizes **strategic retreat and survival**, showcasing Abner's military acumen in preserving his remaining forces, even in defeat, to fight another day. This tactical withdrawal is crucial for the continued existence of Ish-bosheth's kingdom. Thirdly, the **geographical significance** of the locations, particularly the Jordan River and Mahanaim, reinforces the political and military landscape of divided Israel. Mahanaim's role as a refuge and capital for Ish-bosheth, as established earlier in the chapter (e.g., [2 Samuel 2:8](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8 - Ish-bosheth's Kingdom in Mahanaim")), is cemented by Abner's return there. The arduous journey through "all Bithron" also speaks to the challenging realities of ancient warfare and travel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Walked all that night (Hebrew, _hāleḵū kol-hallaylāh'_):** This phrase conveys more than simple movement; it emphasizes the relentless, uninterrupted nature of Abner's retreat. The Hebrew construction highlights the totality and continuousness of their journey throughout the entire night. It underscores the urgency, exhaustion, and desperation of the defeated army, needing to put as much distance as possible between themselves and their pursuers before daybreak. This was not a leisurely stroll but a forced march under duress.
* **Bithron (Hebrew, _habbitrôn'_):** The precise location of "Bithron" is debated among scholars, but it is generally understood to refer to a specific region, likely a rugged or broken country, perhaps a valley or a series of ravines, located east of the Jordan. The name itself, from the root _bātar_ (to cut in two, to divide), might suggest a "divided" or "broken" terrain. Its inclusion emphasizes the arduous and challenging nature of the journey, implying that the terrain itself added to the difficulty of their overnight escape, making their arrival at Mahanaim a significant feat of endurance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain":** This clause establishes the primary action and its duration. Abner, as the military commander, leads his defeated forces. The "plain" (likely the Arabah or Jordan Valley) indicates the initial flat, but still demanding, terrain they traversed after the battle near Gibeon, west of the Jordan. The emphasis on "all that night" immediately conveys the urgency and exhaustion of their retreat.
* **"and passed over Jordan":** This marks a significant geographical and symbolic crossing. The Jordan River served as a major natural barrier and often a political boundary. Crossing it signified moving from the western territories (where David's power was consolidating) to the eastern territories (where Ish-bosheth's kingdom was based in Mahanaim). This act physically separated them from Joab's pursuing forces and brought them closer to their stronghold.
* **"and went through all Bithron":** This detail highlights the specific, challenging terrain they navigated after crossing the Jordan. As discussed in Key Word Analysis, "Bithron" likely refers to a difficult or rugged region, emphasizing the continued arduousness of their journey even after escaping immediate pursuit. This further underscores their determination and the physical toll of their retreat.
* **"and they came to Mahanaim":** This final clause states the destination and the successful completion of their desperate flight. Mahanaim, meaning "two camps" or "two companies," was a strategically important city in Gilead, east of the Jordan, and served as the capital of Ish-bosheth's kingdom. Their arrival signifies a temporary respite and the consolidation of Ish-bosheth's remaining power, setting the stage for the ongoing civil war.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **literary devices** to convey the intensity and significance of Abner's retreat. **Imagery** is powerfully used to evoke the arduous journey: the "walked all that night" paints a vivid picture of relentless, exhausting movement under the cover of darkness, suggesting desperation and urgency. The mention of specific geographical features like "the plain," "Jordan," and "Bithron" grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, creating a sense of a long and difficult journey. The **contrast** between the initial pursuit and the subsequent, unhindered (though still taxing) escape highlights Joab's decision to cease the chase, emphasizing the strategic lull before further conflict. The very act of reaching Mahanaim, a known stronghold, provides a sense of **resolution** for this immediate episode, even as it **foreshadows** the continued struggle between the two houses of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while detailing a military retreat, resonates with broader theological themes concerning the consequences of human division and the pursuit of refuge. The desperate flight of Abner and his men underscores the immediate and often brutal realities of sin-induced conflict, whether personal or national. It illustrates the weariness and hardship that inevitably follow discord, even for those who manage to escape immediate destruction. The journey to Mahanaim can be seen as a search for a place of safety and regrouping, a universal human desire when facing overwhelming adversity. The narrative implicitly points to the need for ultimate peace and unity, which eluded Israel during this period of civil war, highlighting the tragic cost of a divided kingdom and the longing for a true, unifying leader.

* [Psalm 11:1](/psalm/11-1 "Psalm 11:1 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Wicked Flee When No One Pursues")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewal of Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The arduous, overnight journey of Abner and his men offers profound lessons on endurance, the wisdom of strategic withdrawal, and the human capacity for perseverance in the face of defeat. Life often presents us with "nights" of intense difficulty, where we must press on through exhaustion and uncertainty, seeking a place of safety or rest. This verse reminds us that not every battle is meant to be fought to the death; sometimes, wisdom dictates a strategic retreat to preserve resources, regroup, and prepare for future challenges. Whether in personal struggles, professional setbacks, or spiritual weariness, knowing when to disengage from a losing position and seek refuge is crucial for long-term resilience. It calls us to consider our own "Mahanaims"—the places, relationships, or spiritual disciplines where we find strength and restoration after periods of intense struggle, allowing us to endure and emerge stronger.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced a "night" of intense difficulty that required you to "walk all that night" to find refuge or resolution?**
* **What does it mean to discern when to "retreat" strategically in your own life, rather than continuing a losing battle?**
* **Where are your "Mahanaims"—the places or people that offer you safety, rest, and the opportunity to regroup after periods of struggle?**
* **How does the weariness of Abner's men speak to the emotional and spiritual toll of conflict and division in our lives or communities?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Mahanaim as Abner's destination?**

Answer: Mahanaim, meaning "two camps," was a strategically important city located east of the Jordan River in Gilead. It was chosen by Abner as the capital for Ish-bosheth's kingdom precisely because of its defensibility and its distance from David's growing power base in Judah, west of the Jordan. Its location provided a measure of security and allowed Ish-bosheth's fledgling kingdom to establish itself without immediate threat from David. Abner's retreat there signifies his attempt to consolidate the remaining strength of Saul's house and continue the struggle for control over Israel, as detailed in [2 Samuel 2:8-9](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8-9 - Ish-bosheth Made King in Mahanaim").

**Why did Joab allow Abner to escape, rather than continuing the pursuit?**

Answer: Joab's decision to call off the pursuit, as seen in [2 Samuel 2:28](/2_samuel/2-28 "2 Samuel 2:28 - Joab Halts the Pursuit"), was likely a complex mix of factors. Firstly, Abner appealed to Joab to stop the bloodshed between "brothers," recognizing the tragic nature of civil war. Secondly, Joab's forces had already achieved a decisive victory, and continuing the pursuit through the night would have been exhausting and potentially costly, risking further casualties. Thirdly, there may have been a strategic calculation: while Abner was defeated, he was not entirely destroyed, and Joab might have seen value in allowing the remnants of Saul's house to retreat, perhaps to avoid pushing them to absolute desperation or to allow for future political maneuvering rather than outright annihilation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 2:29 describes a military retreat in a time of national division, it implicitly points to the ultimate "retreat" and triumph found in Christ. The desperate flight of Abner and his men, seeking refuge in Mahanaim, foreshadows humanity's desperate need for a true haven from the consequences of sin and division. In the Old Testament, the Jordan River often symbolized a boundary or transition, and here, crossing it brings Abner to a temporary place of safety. However, the true and lasting peace, the ultimate "Mahanaim," is found not in a geographical location or military stronghold, but in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the one who, though experiencing the ultimate "retreat" of death on the cross, ultimately triumphed over sin and death, offering true and eternal refuge. Just as Abner's weary men sought rest, so too does Christ invite all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). His sacrifice on Calvary was the decisive victory that ended the spiritual civil war within humanity, offering reconciliation with God and true unity among believers ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the temporary refuge in Mahanaim points to the eternal security and peace offered by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")

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 2:8

¶ But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;

Song Of Solomon 2:17

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.