2 Samuel 2:29

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.

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}.

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

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

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

2 Samuel 2:29 describes the urgent and arduous retreat of Abner and his forces after their defeat by Joab's men at the Pool of Gibeon. This verse marks the conclusion of the immediate pursuit, detailing Abner's journey back to Mahanaim, the base of Ish-bosheth's fledgling kingdom.

Context

This verse follows a period of escalating tensions and open conflict between the house of David, recognized as king in Judah, and the house of Saul, represented by Saul's son Ish-bosheth and his military commander, Abner. The initial skirmish at the Pool of Gibeon escalated into a full-blown battle, where Abner's forces suffered a significant defeat. Joab, David's commander, had called off the pursuit (as seen in 2 Samuel 2:28), allowing Abner and his remaining men to escape. This verse details their desperate, overnight journey to safety.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Retreat: Abner’s march through the night highlights the urgency and necessity of a swift withdrawal to preserve his remaining forces and consolidate power for Ish-bosheth. It demonstrates a tactical decision to minimize further losses in the face of defeat.
  • Geographical Significance: The mention of "the plain," "Jordan," and "Bithron" emphasizes the challenging terrain and the considerable distance covered. Crossing the Jordan River held symbolic importance for the Israelites, often marking significant transitions or boundaries. Mahanaim, east of the Jordan, was a strategic location and the capital of Ish-bosheth's kingdom (2 Samuel 2:8).
  • The Aftermath of Conflict: The verse quietly underscores the exhaustion and weariness that follow intense battle, even for the victors who ceased pursuit, and especially for the defeated who must flee.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "walked all that night" conveys the relentless pace and the sheer exhaustion of Abner's retreat. The Hebrew text emphasizes a continuous, unbroken movement through the night, underscoring the desperation to put distance between themselves and their pursuers. "Bithron" (sometimes translated as "the whole plain" or "the broken country") likely refers to a specific, possibly rugged or difficult, region that they traversed, further highlighting the arduous nature of their journey.

Practical Application

While this verse describes a military retreat, it offers broader insights into life's challenges:

  • The Necessity of Retreat: Sometimes, wisdom dictates a strategic withdrawal from a losing battle or a difficult situation, whether in personal conflicts, business ventures, or spiritual struggles. Knowing when to disengage and regroup is crucial for long-term survival and future strategy.
  • Endurance Through Adversity: Abner and his men endured a grueling night march. Similarly, life often presents periods of intense difficulty that require perseverance and determination to navigate through to a place of relative safety or rest.
  • Understanding Consequences: This verse is a quiet reminder of the immediate and physical consequences of conflict and division, highlighting the toll it takes on all involved.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 2:8 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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.