Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When Joab and all the soldiers with him arrived, he was told that Abner son of Ner had come to the king and that the king had sent him away and that he had gone in peace. New Living Translation When Joab arrived, he was told that Abner had just been there visiting the king and had been sent away in safety. English Standard Version When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace.” Berean Standard Bible When Joab and all his troops arrived, he was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace.” Berean Literal Bible And Joab and all the troops that were with him had come, and they told Joab, saying, “Abner son of Ner came to the king, and he sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” King James Bible When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace. New King James Version When Joab and all the troops that were with him had come, they told Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” New American Standard Bible When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they informed Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go on his way, and he has gone in peace.” NASB 1995 When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they told Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” NASB 1977 When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they told Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” Legacy Standard Bible Now Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, and they told Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” Amplified Bible When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” Berean Annotated Bible When Joab (YHWH is father) and all his troops arrived, he was informed, “Abner (my father is a lamp) son of Ner (lamp) came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace. Christian Standard Bible When Joab and his whole army arrived, Joab was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, the king dismissed him, and he went in peace.” Holman Christian Standard Bible When Joab and all his army arrived, Joab was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, the king dismissed him, and he went in peace.” American Standard Version When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace. Contemporary English Version Right after they arrived, someone told Joab, "Abner visited the king, and the king let him go. Abner even left without causing any trouble." English Revised Version When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace. GOD'S WORD® Translation When Joab came back with the whole army, he was told, "Ner's son Abner came to the king, but David dismissed him, and Abner left peacefully." Good News Translation When Joab and his men arrived, he was told that Abner had come to King David and had been sent away with a guarantee of safety. International Standard Version When Joab returned with his entire army, Joab was informed, "Ner's son Abner visited the king, and he has dismissed him. He has left in peace." NET Bible When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, Joab was told: "Abner the son of Ner came to the king; he sent him away, and he left in peace!" New Heart English Bible When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, saying, "Abner the son of Ner came to David, and he has sent him away, and he left in peace." Webster's Bible Translation When Joab and all the host that was with him had come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he hath gone in peace. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen Joab and all his troops arrived, he was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace.” World English Bible When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Joab and all the host that [were] with him have come, and they declare to Joab, saying, “Abner son of Ner has come to the king, and he sends him away, and he goes in peace.” Berean Literal Bible And Joab and all the troops that were with him had come, and they told Joab, saying, “Abner son of Ner came to the king, and he sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” Young's Literal Translation and Joab and all the host that is with him have come, and they declare to Joab, saying, 'Abner son of Ner hath come unto the king, and he sendeth him away, and he goeth in peace.' Smith's Literal Translation And Joab and all the army which was with him came, and they will announce to Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he will send him away, and he will go in peace. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Joab and all the army that was with him, came afterwards: and it was told Joab, that Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace. Catholic Public Domain Version And Joab, and the entire army that was with him, had arrived afterward. And so, it was reported to Joab, explaining that Abner, the son of Ner, went to the king, and he dismissed him, and he went away in peace. New American Bible When Joab and the whole force he had with him arrived, he was informed, “Abner, son of Ner, came to David, and he let him go on his way in peace.” New Revised Standard Version When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, “Abner son of Ner came to the king, and he has dismissed him, and he has gone away in peace.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen Joab and all the people who were with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to King David, and he has sent him away and he has gone in peace. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yuab came and all the people who were with him, and they told Yuab that Abnir, son of Nir, had come to King David, and that he had sent him and he went on in peace OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying: 'Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joab and all his army came, and it was reported to Joab, saying, Abenner the son of Ner is come to David, and David has let him go, and he has departed in peace. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joab Murders Abner22Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was not with David in Hebron because David had sent him on his way in peace. 23When Joab and all his troops arrived, he was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace.” 24So Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away!… Cross References When Joab and all his troops arrived, 2 Samuel 2:32 And they took Asahel and buried him in his father’s tomb in Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men marched all night and reached Hebron at daybreak. 2 Samuel 10:7 On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. 2 Samuel 18:2 He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.” he was informed, 2 Samuel 15:13 Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” 2 Samuel 18:31 Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!” 2 Samuel 13:30 While they were on the way, a report reached David: “Absalom has struck down all the sons of the king; not one of them is left!” “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, 2 Samuel 14:4 When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” 1 Kings 1:23 So the king was told, “Nathan the prophet is here.” And Nathan went in and bowed facedown before the king. 2 Samuel 19:8 So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home. who sent him on his way in peace.” 1 Samuel 20:42 And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. Judges 18:6 And the priest told them, “Go in peace. The LORD is watching over your journey.” 2 Kings 5:19 “Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance, 2 Samuel 2:8-9 Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. 1 Kings 2:5-6 Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel. Treasury of Scripture When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he is gone in peace. Jump to Previous Abner Army Arrived Declare Host Joab Jo'ab Ner News Peace SoldiersJump to Next Abner Army Arrived Declare Host Joab Jo'ab Ner News Peace Soldiers2 Samuel 3 1. During the war David becomes stronger2. Six sons are born to him in Hebron 6. Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth 7. revolts to David 13. David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal 17. Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed 22. Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner 28. David curses Joab 31. and mourns for Abner When Joab and all his troops arrived Joab, the commander of David's army, returns from a military campaign. Joab is a key figure in David's reign, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless actions. The arrival of Joab and his troops signifies a moment of transition and potential conflict, as Joab's loyalty to David is strong, but his personal vendettas often complicate political matters. he was informed “Abner son of Ner came to see the king who sent him on his way in peace.” Persons / Places / Events 1. JoabThe commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and loyalty to David, but also for his personal vendettas and acts of violence. 2. Abner The son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, who had recently defected to David's side, seeking to unite Israel under David's kingship. 3. King David The anointed king of Israel, known for his heart after God, who was in the process of consolidating his rule over all Israel. 4. Troops The soldiers under Joab's command, representing the military strength and loyalty to David. 5. Peace The state of reconciliation and absence of conflict, which David sought to establish with Abner, indicating a political and strategic move towards unifying the kingdom. Teaching Points The Importance of ReconciliationDavid's willingness to send Abner away in peace demonstrates the value of reconciliation over revenge. As Christians, we are called to seek peace and reconciliation in our relationships. Wisdom in Leadership David's decision to make peace with Abner shows strategic wisdom. Leaders today can learn from David's example to prioritize unity and peace over personal vendettas. The Role of Trust Trust is a crucial element in reconciliation. David's trust in Abner's intentions, despite past hostilities, challenges us to extend trust to others, even when it is difficult. The Consequences of Unchecked Anger Joab's later actions against Abner (not detailed in this verse but in the surrounding context) serve as a warning against allowing anger and revenge to dictate our actions. God's Sovereignty in Political Affairs The unfolding events remind us that God is sovereign over political and personal affairs, working through them to accomplish His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:23?2. How does 2 Samuel 3:23 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands? 3. What role does communication play in the events of 2 Samuel 3:23? 4. How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, as seen here? 5. What lessons from 2 Samuel 3:23 apply to resolving conflicts in our lives? 6. How does 2 Samuel 3:23 connect to themes of leadership and accountability in Scripture? 7. Why did Joab kill Abner despite David's peace agreement in 2 Samuel 3:23? 8. How does 2 Samuel 3:23 reflect on the nature of political power struggles? 9. What does 2 Samuel 3:23 reveal about loyalty and betrayal in biblical narratives? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3? 11. 2 Samuel 3:33-34: Why does David publicly lament Abner's death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces? 12. 2 Samuel 3:27-30: Why doesn't David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act? 13. In 2 Samuel 2:18-23, how credible is it that Abner kills Asahel with the blunt end of his spear in a swift chase? 14. 2 Samuel 3:12-13: Does Abner's sudden support for David align with known tribal loyalties and historical realities of that era? What Does 2 Samuel 3:23 Mean When Joab and all his troops arrivedJoab has just come back from a raid (2 Samuel 3:22). • The timing matters: Joab is away while David strikes a peace agreement with Abner. • Joab’s entrance with “all his troops” underscores his military importance and his sense of authority (cf. 2 Samuel 2:13–14). • Scripture shows that Joab often acts first from a soldier’s instinct rather than a shepherd’s heart, contrasting David’s posture of mercy (compare 1 Samuel 24:4–7). he was informed • News reaches Joab quickly—palace servants relay it. In royal courts, information functions like power (cf. Esther 2:22). • The notice is factual, yet it instantly becomes combustible in Joab’s mind because the subject is Abner, the man who killed Joab’s brother Asahel (2 Samuel 2:23). • The verse shows how unresolved bitterness can distort perception: facts filtered through wounded pride become demands for revenge (Hebrews 12:15). Abner son of Ner came to see the king • Abner’s visit signals a major shift in the civil war: the commander of Saul’s forces is defecting to David (2 Samuel 3:9–10). • David’s willingness to meet illustrates his trust in God’s promise to unite the kingdom (2 Samuel 5:1–3; 1 Samuel 16:13), modeling reconciliation before personal vindication (Romans 12:18). • For Joab, however, Abner remains the enemy. The same event that advances God’s plan provokes Joab’s fear of losing status (cf. Matthew 2:3 where Herod reacts to news of a rival king). who sent him on his way in peace • “In peace” repeats twice in this chapter (vv. 21, 23), stressing David’s sincere intent. The peace is genuine, not political theater (Psalm 34:14). • David’s action mirrors the law’s call to make peace with a former foe when possible (Deuteronomy 20:10–12). • Joab will interpret the phrase as weakness, leading to Abner’s murder (2 Samuel 3:27). The verse therefore functions as a moral fulcrum: God’s anointed king extends peace, but man’s unbridled anger cancels it (James 1:20). summary 2 Samuel 3:23 captures a collision of motives: David’s kingdom-minded grace meets Joab’s personal vendetta. Joab returns, hears that Abner—the slayer of his brother—has just been granted peaceful terms by the king, and bristles. The verse sets the stage for Joab’s rash retaliation and underscores David’s innocent, peace-seeking heart. It reminds us that even within God’s people, the choice between trusting God’s reconciling plan and clinging to wounded pride always stands before us. Hebrew When Joabוְיוֹאָ֛ב (wə·yō·w·’āḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites and all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every his troops הַצָּבָ֥א (haṣ·ṣā·ḇā) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign arrived, בָּ֑אוּ (bā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go [he] לְיוֹאָב֙ (lə·yō·w·’āḇ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites was informed, וַיַּגִּ֤דוּ (way·yag·gi·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous “Abner אַבְנֵ֤ר (’aḇ·nêr) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Ner נֵר֙ (nêr) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5369: Ner -- father of Abner, also the father of Kish came בָּֽא־ (bā-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to see the king, הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king who sent him וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֖הוּ (way·šal·lə·ḥê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out on his way וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk in peace.” בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (bə·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace Links 2 Samuel 3:23 NIV2 Samuel 3:23 NLT 2 Samuel 3:23 ESV 2 Samuel 3:23 NASB 2 Samuel 3:23 KJV 2 Samuel 3:23 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 3:23 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 3:23 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 3:23 French Bible 2 Samuel 3:23 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 3:23 When Joab and all the army who (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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