What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 2:31?

but

“but they had struck down…” (2 Samuel 2:31)

• The word “but” signals a contrast with the previous verse, where only nineteen of David’s men fell (2 Samuel 2:30).

• Scripture often highlights God’s providence through contrasts: David’s side, though smaller, is preserved (cf. 1 Samuel 17:47; Psalm 44:6-7).

• The shift invites us to see the bigger story—God favoring His anointed even in conflict (2 Samuel 3:1).

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they had struck down

• “They” refers to Joab and the servants of David (2 Samuel 2:13, 30).

• Their victory fulfills the momentum begun when David was anointed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:4).

• Similar language underscores decisive triumph in earlier battles: “David defeated the Philistines…” (2 Samuel 5:20).

• God’s covenant promises to David (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 7:8-9) underpin these military successes.

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360 Benjamites

• The precise number shows the historian’s intent to give an exact record, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture (cf. 1 Kings 20:29; 2 Chronicles 13:17).

• Large losses from Benjamin recall earlier judgments on that tribe (Judges 20:46).

• Benjamin’s dwindling forces contrast with God’s growing support for David, foreshadowing national unification under his reign (2 Samuel 5:1-5).

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who were with Abner

• These men served Abner, Saul’s cousin and commander who had installed Ish-bosheth as king over the northern tribes (2 Samuel 2:8-9).

• Aligning with Abner meant resisting the Lord’s chosen king, David—an echo of Saul’s earlier opposition (1 Samuel 24:20).

• Their defeat underscores a biblical pattern: those who oppose God’s anointed ultimately fall (Psalm 2:2-6; Acts 5:38-39).

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summary

2 Samuel 2:31 records the stark outcome of the clash between Joab’s men and Abner’s forces: despite David’s smaller body count, 360 Benjamites loyal to Abner perish. The verse highlights God’s providential favor toward David, the certainty of His promises, and the cost of resisting His ordained leadership.