2 Samuel 3:26
New International Version
Joab then left David and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern at Sirah. But David did not know it.

New Living Translation
Joab then left David and sent messengers to catch up with Abner, asking him to return. They found him at the well of Sirah and brought him back, though David knew nothing about it.

English Standard Version
When Joab came out from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it.

Berean Standard Bible
As soon as Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David was unaware of it.

Berean Literal Bible
And Joab had gone from David, and he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; and David did not know it.

King James Bible
And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.

New King James Version
And when Joab had gone from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David did not know it.

New American Standard Bible
When Joab left David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know about it.

NASB 1995
When Joab came out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know it.

NASB 1977
When Joab came out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know it.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Joab came out from David and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know it.

Amplified Bible
When Joab left David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David knew nothing [about Joab’s action].

Berean Annotated Bible
As soon as Joab (YHWH is father) had left David (beloved), he sent messengers after Abner (my father is a lamp), who brought him back from the well of Sirah (the turning). But David was unaware of it.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the well of Sirah, but David was unaware of it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the well of Sirah, but David was unaware of it.

American Standard Version
And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.

Contemporary English Version
Joab left David, then he sent some messengers to catch up with Abner. They brought him back from the well at Sirah, but David did not know anything about it.

English Revised Version
And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After leaving David, Joab sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the cistern of Sirah without David knowing about it.

Good News Translation
After leaving David, Joab sent messengers to get Abner, and they brought him back from Sirah Well; but David knew nothing about it.

International Standard Version
As soon as Joab left David, Joab sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern at Sirah, but David was not aware of this.

NET Bible
Then Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the well of Sirah. (But David was not aware of it.)

New Heart English Bible
When Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know it.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
As soon as Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David was unaware of it.

World English Bible
When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn’t know it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Joab goes out from David, and sends messengers after Abner, and they bring him back from the well of Sirah, and David did not know.

Berean Literal Bible
And Joab had gone from David, and he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; and David did not know it.

Young's Literal Translation
And Joab goeth out from David, and sendeth messengers after Abner, and they bring him back from the well of Sirah, and David knew not.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joab will go forth from David and send messengers after Abner, and they will turn him back from the Well of Sirah: and David knew not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Joab going out from David, sent messengers after Abner, and brought him back from the cistern of Sira, David knowing nothing of it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, Joab, going out from David, sent messengers after Abner, and he brought him back from the cistern of Sirah, without David knowing.

New American Bible
Joab then left David and sent messengers after Abner to bring him back from the cistern of Sirah; but David did not know.

New Revised Standard Version
When Joab came out from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah; but David did not know about it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when Joab was come out from the presence of David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David knew it not.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yuab went out from the presence of David, and he sent Messengers after Abnir, and they returned him from Kreh Sirah, and David did not know
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from Bor-sirah; but David knew it not.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joab returned from David, and sent messengers to Abenner after him; and they bring him back from the well of Seiram: but David knew it not.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joab Murders Abner
25Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.” 26As soon as Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David was unaware of it. 27When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.…

Cross References
As soon as Joab had left David,

2 Samuel 20:8-10
And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath. / “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

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.

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
he sent messengers after Abner,

1 Samuel 19:11-17
Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. / Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. …

Judges 16:18-21
When Delilah realized that he had revealed to her all that was in his heart, she sent this message to the lords of the Philistines: “Come up once more, for he has revealed to me all that is in his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came to her, bringing the money in their hands. / And having lulled him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. In this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him. / Then she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” When Samson awoke from his sleep, he thought, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him. …

Proverbs 1:10-15
My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. / If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, / let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. …
who brought him back from the well of Sirah.

2 Samuel 17:18-21
But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. / Then the man’s wife took a covering, spread it over the mouth of the well, and scattered grain over it so nobody would know a thing. / When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. …

2 Samuel 23:15-17
David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” / So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, / saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

Genesis 24:11-20
As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water. / “O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. / Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. …
But David was unaware of it.

1 Kings 2:32-33
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”

Psalm 64:2-6
Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity, / who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. …

Proverbs 26:24-26
A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. / Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
2 Samuel 20:9-10
“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

2 Samuel 2:18-23
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, / and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. …

2 Samuel 3:27-30
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. / Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. / May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.” …

1 Chronicles 11:6
Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.


Treasury of Scripture

And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.

he sent

Proverbs 26:23-26
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross…

Proverbs 27:4-6
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? …

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2 Samuel 3
1. During the war David becomes stronger
2. 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












As soon as Joab had left David
Joab, the commander of David's army, had just left a meeting with King David. This indicates a moment of transition and potential tension, as Joab was known for his strong personality and decisive actions. Joab's loyalty to David was often mixed with personal vendettas, as seen in his previous actions and future decisions. This phrase sets the stage for Joab's independent actions, which often conflicted with David's intentions.

he sent messengers after Abner
Joab's decision to send messengers after Abner highlights his personal vendetta against Abner, who had killed Joab's brother Asahel in battle (2 Samuel 2:23). This act of sending messengers shows Joab's initiative and possibly his disregard for David's authority or wishes. It reflects the ongoing power struggles and personal conflicts within the kingdom, which were common in the turbulent period of the united monarchy.

who brought him back from the well of Sirah
The well of Sirah is a specific location, likely near Hebron, where Abner was intercepted. This geographical detail underscores the historical and narrative accuracy of the account. Wells were significant in ancient times as places of gathering and sustenance, often serving as landmarks. The act of bringing Abner back suggests a level of coercion or deception, as Abner was likely unaware of Joab's intentions.

But David was unaware of it
This phrase indicates a lack of communication or possible deception within David's administration. David's unawareness of Joab's actions suggests a disconnect between the king and his military commander, highlighting the complexities of leadership and governance. It also sets the stage for the unfolding drama, as David's ignorance of Joab's actions would later have significant political and personal repercussions. This lack of awareness can be seen as a foreshadowing of the challenges David would face in maintaining unity and justice within his kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joab
The commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and loyalty to David, but also for his personal vendettas and acts of violence.

2. David
The King of Israel, anointed by God, who sought to unify the kingdom and rule with justice and righteousness.

3. Abner
The commander of Saul's army, who initially opposed David but later sought to align with him to unite Israel under David's rule.

4. Well of Sirah
A location near Hebron where Abner was intercepted by Joab's messengers. It serves as a geographical marker in the account.

5. Messengers
Individuals sent by Joab to bring Abner back, acting under Joab's orders without David's knowledge.
Teaching Points
The Dangers of Unchecked Anger and Revenge
Joab's actions against Abner were driven by personal vendetta, illustrating how unchecked anger can lead to destructive decisions. Believers are called to forgive and seek reconciliation rather than revenge.

The Importance of Communication and Transparency
Joab acted without David's knowledge, leading to unintended consequences. This highlights the importance of open communication and transparency in leadership and relationships.

God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Actions
Despite human schemes, God's purposes prevail. David's eventual kingship over a united Israel demonstrates God's sovereignty, reminding believers to trust in God's plan even when circumstances seem chaotic.

The Role of Leadership in Justice and Mercy
David's ignorance of Joab's actions underscores the need for leaders to be vigilant and just. Christian leaders are called to uphold justice and mercy, reflecting God's character.

The Consequences of Disobedience and Deception
Joab's deceitful actions had long-term consequences for himself and the kingdom. This serves as a warning about the repercussions of disobedience and deception in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:26?

2. How does Joab's action in 2 Samuel 3:26 reflect on his character?

3. What can we learn about trust from Joab's actions in this passage?

4. How does 2 Samuel 3:26 connect to themes of revenge in the Bible?

5. How should Christians respond to betrayal, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:26?

6. What steps can we take to avoid deceitful actions like Joab's in 2 Samuel?

7. Why did Joab act without King David's knowledge in 2 Samuel 3:26?

8. How does Joab's action in 2 Samuel 3:26 reflect on his loyalty to David?

9. What does 2 Samuel 3:26 reveal about the political tensions in David's reign?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3?

11. Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story?

12. 2 Samuel 3:33–34: Why does David publicly lament Abner’s death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?

13. In 2 Samuel 20:8–10, why isn’t Joab explicitly reprimanded for the ruthless killing of Amasa, despite earlier prohibitions against murder?

14. In Psalm 101:7, how can David promise no one deceitful will enter his presence when biblical narratives show him associating with flawed individuals?
What Does 2 Samuel 3:26 Mean
Joab’s Immediate Departure

“As soon as Joab had left David...”

- Joab exits David’s presence in haste, indicating he is already resolved to act (compare 2 Samuel 3:22–25, where he is angry that Abner was dismissed in peace).

- The text presents a contrast between David’s reconciliatory spirit and Joab’s personal vendetta (see Romans 12:18; 1 Peter 3:11 for the call to pursue peace).

- Joab’s rapid departure underscores the danger of harboring unresolved bitterness (Hebrews 12:15).


Joab Sends Messengers

“...he sent messengers after Abner...”

- Rather than confronting Abner personally, Joab hides behind emissaries—an early sign of deception (Proverbs 26:24–25).

- The act contradicts the king’s decision, revealing open rebellion against God-ordained authority (Romans 13:1; Numbers 12:8).

- Joab’s maneuver foreshadows later schemes, such as his orchestration of Uriah’s death (2 Samuel 11:14-17).


Abner Retrieved from the Well of Sirah

“...who brought him back from the well of Sirah.”

- Abner, believing the conflict ended, stops at a landmark just outside Hebron. Joab exploits this pause (2 Samuel 3:23).

- The well setting echoes other narrative turning points at wells (Genesis 24:11; John 4:6), emphasizing how ordinary places can become sites of pivotal choices.

- Abner’s return under false pretenses leads directly to his murder at Hebron’s gate (2 Samuel 3:27), an act that stains Joab’s hands with innocent blood (1 Kings 2:5).


David’s Unawareness

“But David was unaware of it.”

- Scripture absolves David from complicity, preserving his integrity (2 Samuel 3:28; Psalm 7:8).

- David’s ignorance highlights the limits of even a righteous ruler’s oversight (Ecclesiastes 8:11), reminding believers that hidden sin still invites divine justice (Numbers 32:23).

- The phrase anticipates David’s public denunciation of Joab’s act and his call for God’s judgment (2 Samuel 3:29).


summary

2 Samuel 3:26 exposes a tragic collision between David’s pursuit of peace and Joab’s revenge. Joab’s swift departure, covert messaging, and manipulation at the well of Sirah culminate in a deed carried out without the king’s knowledge. The verse warns against unchecked bitterness, rebellion against rightful authority, and deceit that thwarts godly reconciliation, assuring readers that God sees every hidden act and will uphold justice in His time.

(26) Sent messengers after Abner.--Whether this was done in his own or in David's name (though without his knowledge) does not appear, but in either case Abner would readily suppose that the coming of Joab had made further conference desirable. His entire confidence in David is shown by his unsuspecting return.

The well of Sirah.--The only knowledge of this locality is from the testimony of Josephus (Antt. vii. 1, 5), that it was twenty stadia (two and a half miles) from Hebron; and there is still a spring and reservoir called Ain Sareh, rather more than a mile north of the town. If this is correct, Abner must have just left David when Joab arrived.

Verse 26. - The well - Hebrew, cistern - of Sirah. Josephus ('Ant.,' 8.1. 5) says that this cistern was situated about two miles and a half north of Hebron. There was probably a caravanserai there, at which Abner halted, intending to continue his march homewards as soon as the coolness of evening set in. Here Joab's messengers overtook him, and, speaking in David's name - for otherwise Abner would not have fallen into the trap - asked him to return for further conference, mentioning, perhaps, Joab's arrival as the reason. In this way Abner's suspicions would be set at rest, and it would seem quite natural for him to find Joab waiting for him at the gate.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As soon as Joab
יוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

had left
וַיֵּצֵ֤א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

David,
דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

he sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

messengers
מַלְאָכִים֙ (mal·’ā·ḵîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

after
אַחֲרֵ֣י (’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

Abner,
אַבְנֵ֔ר (’aḇ·nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name

who brought him back
וַיָּשִׁ֥בוּ (way·yā·ši·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

from the well
מִבּ֣וֹר (mib·bō·wr)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 953: A pit, cistern, well

of Sirah;
הַסִּרָ֑ה (has·si·rāh)
Noun - proper
Strong's 5626: The name of a cistern

but David
וְדָוִ֖ד (wə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

was unaware
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

of it.
יָדָֽע׃ (yā·ḏā‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know


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OT History: 2 Samuel 3:26 When Joab was come out from David (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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