Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you let him go? Now he is gone! New Living Translation Joab rushed to the king and demanded, “What have you done? What do you mean by letting Abner get away? English Standard Version Then Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone? Berean Standard Bible So 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! Berean Literal Bible And Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you! Why is this that you sent him away, and he is long gone? King James Bible Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone? New King James Version Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you; why is it that you sent him away, and he has already gone? New American Standard Bible Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why then have you let him go, so that he is already gone? NASB 1995 Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why then have you sent him away and he is already gone? NASB 1977 Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why then have you sent him away and he is already gone? Legacy Standard Bible Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why then have you sent him away and he is already gone? Amplified Bible Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why did you send him away, so that he is already gone? Berean Annotated Bible So Joab (YHWH is father) went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner (my father is a lamp) came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away! Christian Standard Bible Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look here, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he’s getting away. Holman Christian Standard Bible Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look here, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he’s getting away. American Standard Version Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone? Contemporary English Version Joab went to David and said, "What have you done? Abner came to you, and you let him go. Now he's long gone! English Revised Version Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone? GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Joab went to the king and asked, "What have you done? Abner came to see you. Why did you dismiss him and let him get away? Good News Translation So Joab went to the king and said to him, "What have you done? Abner came to you--why did you let him go like that? International Standard Version So Joab approached the king and asked him, "What have you done? Look, Abner came to you! What's this? You sent him away? He's long gone now! NET Bible So Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Abner has come to you! Why would you send him away? Now he's gone on his way! New Heart English Bible Then Joab came to the king, and said, "What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away? Now he has gone. Webster's Bible Translation Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came to thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo 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! World English Bible Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, and he is already gone? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Joab comes to the king and says, “What have you done? Behold, Abner has come to you! Why [is] this—you have sent him away, and he is really gone? Berean Literal Bible And Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you! Why is this that you sent him away, and he is long gone? Young's Literal Translation And Joab cometh unto the king, and saith, 'What hast thou done? lo, Abner hath come unto thee! why is this -- thou hast sent him away, and he is really gone? Smith's Literal Translation And Joab will come to the king and he will say, What didst thou? behold, Abner came to thee; wherefore this thou sentest him away, and going, he went? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Joab went in to the king, and said: What hast thou done? Behold Abner came to thee: Why didst thou send him away, and he is gone and departed? Catholic Public Domain Version And Joab entered to the king, and he said: “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him, so that he has gone and departed? New American Bible So Joab went to the king and said: “What have you done? Abner came to you! Why did you let him get away? New Revised Standard Version Then Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Abner came to you; why did you dismiss him, so that he got away? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Joab came to King David, and said to him, What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why have you sent him away, and he is gone from you? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yuab came to King David and said to him: “What have you done? See, Abnir has come to you! Why have you sent him away and has he gone from your presence? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then Joab came to the king, and said: 'What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone? Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joab went in to the king, and said, What is this that thou hast done? behold, Abenner came to thee; and why hast thou let him go, and he has departed in peace? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joab Murders Abner…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! 25Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.”… Cross References So Joab went to the king and said, 2 Samuel 19:5 Then Joab went into the house and said to the king, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines. 2 Samuel 12:1 Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. 2 Samuel 14:4 When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” “What have you done? Joshua 7:19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” 1 Samuel 13:11 “What have you done?” Samuel asked. And Saul replied, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me, and that you did not come at the appointed time and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash, 1 Samuel 14:43 “Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?” Look, Abner came to you. 2 Samuel 14:28-33 Now Absalom lived in Jerusalem two years without seeing the face of the king. / Then he sent for Joab to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So Absalom sent a second time, but Joab still would not come. / Then Absalom said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire!” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. … 1 Kings 20:32-34 So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” / Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. / Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. 1 Kings 1:28-31 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba for me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him. / And the king swore an oath, saying, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, / I will carry out this very day exactly what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.” … Why did you dismiss him? 1 Kings 20:42 And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’” 2 Chronicles 25:10 So Amaziah dismissed the troops who had come to him from Ephraim and sent them home. And they were furious with Judah and returned home in great anger. 1 Kings 20:34 Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. Now he is getting away! 1 Samuel 19:10 Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. 1 Samuel 23:13 Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. Genesis 31:27 Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps. 1 Samuel 29:4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men? Treasury of Scripture Then Joab came to the king, and said, What have you done? behold, Abner came to you; why is it that you have sent him away, and he is quite gone? 2 Samuel 3:8,39 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman? … 2 Samuel 19:5-7 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines; … Numbers 23:11 And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether. Jump to Previous Abner Already Joab Jo'ab Quite ReallyJump to Next Abner Already Joab Jo'ab Quite Really2 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 So Joab went to the king and said, Joab, the commander of David's army, approaches King David. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Israel, where military leaders had direct access to the king. Joab's role as a military leader is significant, as he often acts independently, sometimes in opposition to David's wishes, highlighting the tension between political and military authority. “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away! Persons / Places / Events 1. JoabThe commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and loyalty to David, but also for his impulsive and sometimes violent actions. 2. King David The second king of Israel, chosen by God for his heart and leadership, who is in the process of uniting the kingdom after Saul's death. 3. Abner The commander of Saul's army, who initially opposed David but later sought to make peace and support David's kingship over all Israel. 4. Hebron The city where David was initially anointed king over Judah and where this interaction takes place. 5. The Event Joab confronts King David after David allows Abner to leave in peace, questioning the wisdom of David's decision and expressing concern over Abner's intentions. Teaching Points The Importance of DiscernmentDavid's decision to let Abner go reflects a trust in God's plan and a desire for peace. We must seek God's wisdom in our decisions, especially when they involve reconciliation and trust. The Danger of Impulsiveness Joab's reaction shows a lack of patience and trust in David's leadership. We should be cautious of acting impulsively, especially when it comes to matters of conflict and reconciliation. Trust in Leadership Joab's questioning of David's decision highlights the tension between following leadership and personal judgment. As believers, we are called to respect and trust God-appointed leaders while also seeking God's guidance. Peacemaking as a Godly Pursuit David's actions align with the biblical call to be peacemakers. In our lives, we should strive to resolve conflicts and build bridges, reflecting Christ's love and peace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:24?2. Why did Joab question David's decision in 2 Samuel 3:24? 3. How can we discern God's will in leadership decisions like David's? 4. What does 2 Samuel 3:24 teach about trusting God's appointed leaders? 5. How does Joab's reaction compare to other biblical examples of questioning authority? 6. How can we apply Joab's concerns to our own decision-making processes today? 7. Why did Abner's actions in 2 Samuel 3:24 anger King David? 8. How does 2 Samuel 3:24 reflect on leadership and authority? 9. What historical context influences the events in 2 Samuel 3:24? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3? 11. Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story? 12. 2 Samuel 3:27-30: Why doesn't David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act? 13. How is it fair for 70,000 people to die (1 Chronicles 21:14) because of David's census? 14. How do we reconcile the swift punishments in 1 Kings 2:22-25 and 2:29-34 with David's emphasis on justice elsewhere, and is there historical evidence supporting these executions? What Does 2 Samuel 3:24 Mean So Joab went to the king and said,David’s commander marches straight into the royal presence. •Scripture presents this as a literal, historical moment; Joab’s access to David shows his high status (cf. 2 Samuel 18:5; 1 Chronicles 11:6). •He comes uninvited, underscoring boldness—much like the prophet Nathan later does when confronting the king (2 Samuel 12:1). •Joab has already proven himself fearless before authority (2 Samuel 2:14–17), but his zeal is often self–serving (1 Kings 2:5–6). “What have you done?” Joab opens with a rebuke, mirroring Samuel’s words to Saul: “What have you done?” (1 Samuel 13:11). •Questions that start with accusation reveal disbelief in the leader’s wisdom. •Contrast David’s earlier humility when confronted by Abigail (1 Samuel 25:32–34); Joab is not humble—he charges. “Look, Abner came to you.” Joab highlights Abner’s visit, ignoring the reconciliation God is crafting through David (2 Samuel 3:17–21). •Abner had been commander for Saul’s house (2 Samuel 2:8). His coming signaled national unification, fulfilling God’s promise to David (2 Samuel 5:1–2). •Joab, however, remembers Abner as the man who killed his brother Asahel (2 Samuel 2:23). Personal vendetta clouds discernment (Leviticus 19:18). “Why did you dismiss him?” Joab cannot conceive that David’s mercy might be strategic and godly. •David had pledged safety to Abner (2 Samuel 3:21). The king’s word reflected covenant faithfulness, a trait later extolled in Psalm 15:4. •Joab’s question echoes Peter’s resistance when Jesus foretold His sufferings (Matthew 16:22–23). Fleshly thinking opposes God’s plan. “Now he is getting away!” To Joab, Abner’s departure equals danger; to David, it was part of God’s timing. •Joab’s fear exposes distrust in God’s sovereignty (Psalm 20:7). •He immediately plots murder (2 Samuel 3:26–27), illustrating James 1:14–15: desire leads to sin and death. •David later distances himself from the crime (2 Samuel 3:28–29), showing that even flawed leaders can uphold righteousness. summary 2 Samuel 3:24 captures Joab’s confrontational spirit as he challenges David’s gracious treatment of Abner. The verse reminds us that: •Personal grudges can blind even seasoned believers to God’s unfolding plan. •Respectful submission to God–given authority safeguards unity. •God’s purposes advance through mercy rather than vengeance, and His historical record proves wholly reliable. (24) What hast thou done?--Joab's somewhat rough remonstrance with David may have been supported by an honest suspicion of Abner, for which there was some ground in Abner's long opposition to the known Divine will and his present revolt from Ish-bosheth; but there was also a personal enmity, due partly to the fear of being himself supplanted by an older and famous warrior, and partly to the desire to revenge the death of his brother Asahel. Joab seeks to poison David's mind against Abner, that he may better carry out his revenge.Verses 24, 25. - What hast thou done? David's secret dealing makes Joab see a personal wrong to himself in the negotiation with Abner. There could be no room, he feels, for both of them in David's army, and David meant, he supposes, to sacrifice himself. In hot haste, therefore, he rushes into the king's presence, and reproaches him for what he has done, but covers his personal feelings with professed zeal for his master's interests. Abner is a mere spy, who has come on a false pretext, and with the real intention of learning David's going out and coming in, that is, his present manner of life and undertakings. All that thou doest; literally, all that thou art doing; all that is now going on, and thy plans and purposes. Abner would not only judge by what he saw, but in his interview with David would lead him on to talk of his hopes and prospects. David had little time to explain the real object of Abner's coming, nor was Joab in a mood to listen to anything he said. He had detected his master in secret negotiations, and would regard his excuses as tainted with deceit. And after giving vent to his auger in reproaches, he hurried away to thwart David's plans by a deed of most base villainy. Had David acted openly, all would have been done with Joab's consent and approval.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Joabיוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites went וַיָּבֹ֤א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - 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 the king הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king and said, וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “What מֶ֣ה (meh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have you done? עָשִׂ֑יתָה (‘ā·śî·ṯāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make Look, הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! Abner אַבְנֵר֙ (’aḇ·nêr) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name came בָ֤א (ḇā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to you. אֵלֶ֔יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Why לָמָּה־ (lām·māh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what did you dismiss him? שִׁלַּחְתּ֖וֹ (šil·laḥ·tōw) Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out Now he is getting away. וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk Links 2 Samuel 3:24 NIV2 Samuel 3:24 NLT 2 Samuel 3:24 ESV 2 Samuel 3:24 NASB 2 Samuel 3:24 KJV 2 Samuel 3:24 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 3:24 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 3:24 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 3:24 French Bible 2 Samuel 3:24 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 3:24 Then Joab came to the king (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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