Ish‑Bosheth Made King; Civil War with David Begins
2 Samuel 2:8-3:5
2 S.2.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואבנר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,const
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- לקח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעברהו: CONJ+VERB,hif,wayy,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,sg
- מחנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:4 (structural): David is anointed king over Judah at Hebron the same day Abner sets up Saul's son as a rival — establishes the divided-kingship framework to which 2:8 contributes.
- 2 Samuel 2:10 (verbal): Direct continuation: verse 8 reports Abner bringing Saul's son to Mahanaim, and 2:10 records that Abner made Ish-bosheth king over Israel — same persons and locale.
- 1 Samuel 14:50-52 (verbal): Identifies Abner as ‘son of Ner, captain of Saul’s army,’ the exact title echoed in 2:8, confirming his role and rank under Saul.
- 2 Samuel 3:6-11 (thematic): Narrates Abner’s later power-play and quarrel with Ish-bosheth (including the concubine incident) and his eventual defection to David — develops the political relationship introduced in 2:8.
- 1 Samuel 31:1-13 (allusion): Accounts of Saul’s death and the aftermath explain the power vacuum that allows Abner to set up Ish-bosheth; 2:8 presumes this recent context.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, took Ish-bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.
- And Abner son of Ner, the captain of Saul’s host, took Ish-bosheth son of Saul and brought him out from the camp.
2 S.2.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימלכהו: VERB,hifil,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הגלעד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- האשורי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- יזרעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כלה: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:4 (structural): Parallel account of a rival anointing: the men of Judah anoint David king over the house of Judah, setting up the divided rule that Ish‑bosheth’s anointing mirrors.
- 2 Samuel 3:6–8 (verbal): Repetition of the same event: this passage repeats that Abner made Ish‑bosheth king over Gilead, Ashuri, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel (near‑verbatim parallel).
- 2 Samuel 5:3 (thematic): Contrast and resolution: later all Israel anoints David king over Israel, completing the transfer of united kingship that Ish‑bosheth only partially held.
- 1 Chronicles 11:3–4 (structural): Chronicler’s retelling of Israel’s anointing of David at Hebron; parallels the theme of tribal/territorial anointing and the politics of dynastic succession.
- 1 Samuel 11:15 (verbal): Earlier paradigm of royal anointing: Samuel anoints Saul as king over Israel, providing the canonical model of anointing a national ruler that underlies later rival anointings.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he made him king over Gilead, over Ashuri, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
- And he made him king over Gilead, over Ashuri, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
2 S.2.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: PREP+PROPN,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במלכו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אך: PART
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אחרי: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 5:4-5 (verbal): Gives David’s age and length of reign (David was thirty and reigned forty years), creating an explicit contrast with Ish‑Bosheth’s forty years at start and only two years’ reign.
- 2 Samuel 3:6-11 (structural): Narrates Abner’s installation of Ish‑Bosheth as king at Mahanaim and the ensuing power struggle between the house of Saul and David—background to Ish‑Bosheth’s reign noted in 2:10.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (thematic): Records the eventual transfer of all Israel to David’s rule (the elders anointing him king over Israel), which contrasts with the earlier split described in 2:10 where only Judah followed David.
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (thematic): Chronicles the leaders of Israel coming to David at Hebron to make him king, paralleling the theme of Judah’s initial support for David and the later unification under him.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ish-bosheth son of Saul was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel; he reigned two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.
- Ish-bosheth son of Saul was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years; and the house of Judah followed after David.
2 S.2.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מספר: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- שבע: NUM,card
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וששה: CONJ+NUM,card,pl
- חדשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 5:5 (verbal): Repeats the chronological data about David's reign—seven years and six months in Hebron—and locates the remainder of his forty-year reign in Jerusalem.
- 1 Chronicles 29:27 (verbal): Also summarizes David's forty-year reign and divides it into seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem, parallel to the figure in 2 Sam 2:11.
- 2 Samuel 2:4 (structural): Immediate narrative antecedent: reports the anointing of David as king over the house of Judah at Hebron, providing the event that leads to the stated duration of his rule there.
- 1 Chronicles 11:3 (thematic): Describes the elders of Israel coming to Hebron to make a covenant and anoint David king—background context for David's kingship in Hebron.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the number of the years that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
- And the length of the days that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
2 S.2.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממחנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- גבעונה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:4 (structural): Parallel contrast: while Abner and Ish‑bosheth establish a rival kingship at Gibeon/Gibeah, the men of Judah anoint David at Hebron—showing the divided succession after Saul’s death.
- 2 Samuel 2:8 (verbal): Same episode and actors: Abner and the servants of Ish‑bosheth take action to set up Ish‑bosheth as king (movement of troops/retainers and the establishment of a rival center).
- 2 Samuel 2:13–17 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the men of Israel and Judah clash at Gibeon (the very place mentioned in v.12), producing the combat between the houses of Saul and David.
- Joshua 10:1–15 (thematic): Earlier decisive military episode at Gibeon (Joshua’s campaign) — Gibeon recurs as a strategic and theologically charged battlefield in Israel’s history.
- 1 Samuel 31:8–13 (thematic): Background context: the death of Saul and his sons (including Jonathan) precipitates the succession crisis that leads Abner to set up Ish‑bosheth as king—providing the cause for the movement described in 2 Samuel 2:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul went out from the camp at Gibeon.
- And Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul went out from the encampment at Gibeon.
2 S.2.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויואב: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צרויה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- ועבדי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויפגשום: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl+PRON,3,pl.obj
- על: PREP
- ברכת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- גבעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יחדו: ADV
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- הברכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- הברכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:14-16 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: describes the formal combat between the young men on either side of the pool of Gibeon introduced in v.13 (runs, single combats, and return to their lines).
- 2 Samuel 3:27-30 (allusion): Later confrontation between Joab and Abner culminates in Joab's murder of Abner after a parley—echoes the personal and factional conflict introduced by Joab and Abner's encounter in 2 Samuel 2.
- 1 Samuel 17:4-51 (thematic): Single-combat motif: a champion (David) versus an enemy champion (Goliath) determines the momentum of the larger battle—parallels the episode of selected youths engaging across the pool as representative combat.
- Judges 20:18-48 (thematic): Civil conflict between Israelite factions with arranged battles, ambushes, and men arrayed on opposing sides of a town/field—comparable setting of internal Israelite strife and pitched engagements like the Gibeon encounter.
- 1 Chronicles 12:1-22 (verbal): Lists and descriptions of David's warriors and their exploits mirror the emphasis in 2 Samuel 2 on the young men and fighters who form the military cohorts around David and his rival leadership.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out; and they met them at the pool of Gibeon. They took their stand, the one on one side of the pool and the other on the other side.
- And Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down—one on one side of the pool and the other on the other side.
2 S.2.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יקומו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- נא: PART
- הנערים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וישחקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לפנינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יקמו: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Sam.2.15-16 (verbal): Immediate narrative continuation: the same scene unfolds as the 'young men' of the two sides rise and fight—repeats and develops the language and action of v.14.
- 1 Sam.17:8-10 (thematic): Goliath's challenge to Israel to send a champion for single combat; both passages present representative/duel-like fighting as a means of resolving conflict between larger forces.
- 2 Sam.3:27 (structural): Joab's later murder of Abner is the violent outcome of the Abner–Joab antagonism introduced in the combat episode of ch.2, linking the arranged fight to the ensuing personal and political feud.
- 1 Chron.11:10-47 (thematic): Catalogue of David's 'mighty men' and episodic fights by small bands—echoes the motif of specialized young warriors and small-group combats that stand for larger military contests.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men arise and play before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise.”
- And Abner said to Joab, "Let the young men arise and contend before us." And Joab said, "Let them arise."
2 S.2.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקמו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ויעברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- לבנימן: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולאיש: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושנים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- מעבדי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:16-17 (structural): Immediate literary continuation — recounts the combat of the twelve men from Benjamin and the twelve of David’s men and their deaths; same scene and close verbal/ narrative overlap.
- 1 Samuel 17:8-51 (thematic): Champion combat motif — a single (or small number of) chosen combatant(s) representing opposing sides (David vs. Goliath); highlights the theme of representative combat deciding honor and morale.
- 1 Samuel 14:1-14 (thematic): Small-unit exploit affecting a larger battle — Jonathan and his armor‑bearer’s daring assault on a Philistine outpost parallels the theme of a few warriors engaging the enemy and turning the tide.
- Judges 20:13-16 (thematic): Inter-tribal combat and notable Benjamite warriors — the civil conflict between Israel and Benjamin, with lists of chosen/elite Benjamite fighters, echoes the motif of selected champions from Benjamin facing Israelite foes.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they rose and crossed over there—twelve men for Benjamin, for Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David's servants.
- So they arose and crossed over by number—twelve for Benjamin and for Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David’s servants.
2 S.2.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחזקו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- וחרבו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+suff3,m,sg
- בצד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ויפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- יחדו: ADV
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- למקום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- חלקת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- הצרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בגבעון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:15 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same scene (duel between the young men of David and Ish-bosheth): identical combat wording—grasping the head and thrusting the sword so that they ‘fell together’ and the place was named Helkath‑Hazzurim/Chalecat‑Hazzirim.
- 2 Samuel 2:23 (structural): Continuation of the same clash (Abner vs. Joab) where a severe battle follows and many fall; provides the broader narrative context for the deadly single combat and the naming of the place.
- Judges 20:35–48 (thematic): Account of inter‑Israelite civil warfare (tribe of Benjamin vs. the rest of Israel) with massive hand‑to‑hand slaughter and pursuit; parallels the motif of close combat, heavy casualties among kinsmen, and place‑naming after the slaughter.
- 1 Samuel 31:4–6 (thematic): Saul and his armor‑bearer die by the sword in the same episode—two companions falling together; thematically echoes the motif of companions/foes dying side by side in battle.
Alternative generated candidates
- Each grasped his opponent by the head, and each pierced his fellow with his sword; they fell together. Therefore that place was called the Field of Swords at Gibeon.
- And each one grasped his fellow by the head, and his sword was at his side; and they fell together there. Therefore that place was called the Field of the Slain at Gibeon.
2 S.2.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- קשה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- מאד: ADV
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- וינגף: VERB,niphal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנשי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.2.16 (structural): Immediate context: the formal duel of the twelve on each side escalates into the larger battle that 2 Samuel 2:17 summarizes.
- 2 Sam.2.23 (structural): Continuation of the same episode: the combat's aftermath culminates in the death of Abner, showing how the day's intense fighting led to decisive and violent consequences.
- 2 Sam.3.1 (thematic): Summarizes the prolonged conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David — the severe day in 2:17 is an episode within this longer civil war.
- 2 Sam.5.20 (thematic): Later report of David's men routing Israel's enemies under divine guidance; parallels the motif of David's followers prevailing in battle (compare the servants of David routing Abner's forces).
- 1 Sam.17.47 (thematic): David's victory over Goliath establishes the theme of David (and his supporters) prevailing over stronger foes, a motif reflected in the servants of David routing Abner's men in 2:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the battle was very fierce that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before David's servants.
- And the battle was very fierce that day; and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
2 S.2.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- שלשה: NUM,m
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- צרויה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבישי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועשהאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועשהאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קל: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ברגליו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,poss3,m
- כאחד: PREP
- הצבים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 2:16 (verbal): Lists the same three sons of Zeruiah—Joab, Abishai and Asahel—verifying the genealogical detail found in 2 Samuel 2:18.
- 2 Samuel 2:23-24 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: describes Asahel pursuing Abner and being struck down, developing the episode after his characterization as 'fleet of foot like a gazelle.'
- 2 Samuel 3:27-30 (thematic): Shows the consequences of Asahel's death—Joab's murder of Abner to avenge his brother—linking back to Asahel's role and fate introduced in 2:18.
- 2 Samuel 23:18-19 (allusion): Refers to Abishai (brother of Joab) and the exploits of David's warriors; recalls the prominent status and martial character of Zeruiah's sons mentioned in 2:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- There were the three sons of Zeruiah: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as fleet of foot as a wild gazelle of the field.
- Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as fleet of foot as one of the wild does that run in the field.
2 S.2.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירדף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עשהאל: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- אבנר: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- נטה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- על: PREP
- הימין: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- השמאול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאחרי: PREP
- אבנר: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:23 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: repeats Asahel’s relentless pursuit and states he would not turn aside, leading to his death.
- 2 Samuel 2:25 (verbal): Abner’s direct plea—'Turn aside from following me'—parallels the refusal in 2:19 and highlights the verbal exchange during the chase.
- 2 Samuel 2:26 (thematic): Further development of the chase scene: Abner warns Asahel again, underscoring the theme of implacable pursuit and the fatal outcome.
- Proverbs 4:27 (verbal): Uses the same idiom of not turning 'to the right or to the left' (Do not swerve to the right or the left), a common Hebrew expression for refusing to deviate from a course.
- Deuteronomy 5:32 (verbal): Legal/ethical use of the formula 'do not turn aside to the right hand or to the left,' echoing the idiom found in 2 Samuel describing single‑minded pursuit.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Asahel pursued Abner, not turning to the right hand or to the left from following Abner.
- Asahel pursued Abner; and he did not turn to the right hand or to the left from following him.
2 S.2.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- האתה: PRON,2,m,sg,interr
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- עשהאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:22-23 (structural): Immediate continuation: Abner first speaks to Asahel, warns him to turn aside, then in pursuit strikes and kills him — direct narrative follow-up to v.20.
- 2 Samuel 2:12-17 (structural): The broader episode at Gibeon: the contest between the forces of Ish-bosheth (with Abner) and David’s men sets the scene for Asahel’s pursuit and the encounter in v.20.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Joab murders Abner later; his act is traditionally understood as revenge for Asahel’s death and reflects the continuing cycle of violent retribution begun in 2:20–23.
- 2 Samuel 3:31-39 (thematic): David’s public lament and the political fallout after Abner’s murder show the wider consequences of the killing of Asahel and the feuding between military leaders initiated in this scene.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Are you Asahel?” He said, “I am.”
- Then Abner turned back and said, "Is it you, Asahel?" He answered, "It is I."
2 S.2.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נטה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ימינך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- או: CONJ
- על: PREP
- שמאלך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
- ואחז: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מהנערים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- וקח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- חלצתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- אבה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עשהאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לסור: VERB,qal,inf
- מאחריו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:23 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Asahel refuses to turn aside, pursues Abner, and is struck down — completes the action begun in 2:21.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Abner is later murdered by Joab; the episode functions as narrative retribution for Asahel's death and connects the cycle of pursuit and vengeance begun in 2:21–23.
- 1 Samuel 24:4–7 (verbal): David's men urge him to seize Saul and kill him, but David only cuts off a corner of Saul's robe — parallels the motif of seizing or taking a garment as a token while refraining from killing (or being restrained).
- 1 Samuel 26:8–11 (verbal): A repeated scene in which David's men propose killing Saul but instead remove part of his robe; echoes the theme of pursuit, opportunity to kill, and the taking of a garment rather than a life.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right or to your left and seize one of the young men and take his armor.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.
- And Abner said to him, "Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and take hold of one of the young men and take his armor for yourself; and do not make yourself a reproach to Joab your brother." But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.
2 S.2.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אל: NEG
- עשהאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סור: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- מאחרי: PREP
- למה: ADV
- אככה: ADV
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואיך: CONJ+ADV
- אשא: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אל: NEG
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:21 (verbal): Immediate verbal/scene parallel — the same encounter: Abner's warning and Asahel's refusal to turn aside are presented in the adjacent verse.
- 2 Samuel 2:23 (structural): Direct narrative continuation showing Asahel's persistence in pursuit despite Abner's warning ('Asahel would not turn aside').
- 2 Samuel 2:24 (structural): Immediate consequence of the warning: Abner strikes Asahel and he dies — the outcome to which the admonition in 2:22 pointed.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Joab's murder of Abner as revenge for Asahel's death — connects back to Abner's expressed fear of facing Joab and the theme of fraternal vendetta.
- 1 Samuel 26:9-11 (thematic): David's restraint from killing Saul because of kinship/status (the Lord's anointed) — a thematic contrast about withholding or exercising violence because of relational and political consequences.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Abner again said to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How should I lift my face to Joab your brother?”
- Again Abner said to him, "Turn aside from following me; why should I strike you to the ground? How then shall I face Joab your brother?"
2 S.2.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימאן: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לסור: PREP+INF,qal
- ויכהו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באחרי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החנית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- החמש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- החנית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מאחריו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תחתיו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- עשהאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:16 (structural): Immediate context: earlier in the same scene Asahel pursues Abner (the pursuit motif) and refuses to turn aside, which sets up the fatal encounter described in 2 Samuel 2:23.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Abner himself is later killed by Joab (treacherous slaying during the postwar struggles); thematically parallels violence within the civil conflict and the killing of a prominent warrior/leader.
- 2 Samuel 18:14-15 (thematic): Absalom is killed during pursuit (Joab strikes him while he is caught); parallels the motif of a pursued combatant meeting a violent death and the brutal realities of internecine conflict.
- Judges 3:21-26 (verbal): Ehud thrusts a dagger into Eglon’s belly and the fat closes over the blade—verbal and pictorial similarity to a warrior being struck in the abdomen and dying from a thrust to the belly.
- 1 Samuel 17:50-51 (thematic): David’s killing of Goliath after single combat: a decisive wound in close combat leading to the enemy’s fall and death, paralleling the one-on-one lethal encounter and its immediate outcome.
Alternative generated candidates
- But he refused to turn aside, and Abner struck him in the belly with the butt of the spear; the spear came out at his back, and he fell there and died. And all who came to the place where Asahel fell and died stood still.
- Yet he refused to turn aside; therefore Abner struck him with the butt end of the spear so that the spear came out at his belly and he fell there and died where he fell. And all who came to the place where Asahel fell and died stood still.
2 S.2.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירדפו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבישי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והשמש: NOUN,f,sg,def
- באה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- והמה: PRON,3,m,pl
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- גבעת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- אמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- גיח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- גבעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:23 (structural): Immediate context: the call and parley between Abner and Joab and the pause before the pursuit continues — directly precedes verse 24 and frames the chase.
- 1 Samuel 24:1-4 (thematic): Another instance of pursuit of a rival leader (Saul pursuing David) in a wilderness/rocky setting; highlights the recurring motif of kingly pursuit and evening encounters in hostile terrain.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): The fatal outcome tied to the conflict between Abner and Joab: Abner is later murdered (by Joab's kinsman), showing the lethal consequences of the enmity introduced during the pursuits in 2 Samuel 2.
- 1 Kings 2:31-34 (thematic): Retributive aftermath of Abner's murder: Joab is executed under Solomon's orders for killing Abner, linking the pursuit-and-violence episode in 2 Samuel 2 to later royal justice and settlement of bloodguilt.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and the sun was going down. They came to the hill of Ammah, which is by the road to the wilderness of Gibeon.
- Then Joab and Abishai pursued Abner; and the sun went down when they came to the hill of Ammah, which is before Giah, on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.
2 S.2.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתקבצו: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- אחרי: PREP
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לאגדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
Parallels
- Judges 20:11 (thematic): Describes Israelites assembling 'from Dan to Beersheba' to go against Benjamin—another account of the tribe of Benjamin massing in a civil conflict within Israel.
- Judges 20:13 (thematic): Reports the Israelites coming together against Benjamin at Gibeah—parallels the image of the Benjamites gathering as one band for battle.
- 1 Chronicles 12:29 (thematic): Lists men of Benjamin who joined David as armed warriors—offers a parallel picture of Benjaminite mobilization and loyalty to a leader.
- 2 Samuel 3:6-8 (structural): Depicts Abner's role as commander and kingmaker for Ish-bosheth and the house of Saul, connecting to 2 Sam 2:25 where the sons of Benjamin rally behind Abner.
- 2 Samuel 3:22-27 (allusion): Narrates Abner's later movements and violent death—serves as a narrative sequel to his leadership and the military alignment described in 2 Sam 2:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the men of Benjamin gathered themselves together behind Abner and were gathered together as one; they stood on top of a certain hill.
- And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and they were as one troop; and they stood on top of one hill.
2 S.2.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יואב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הלנצח: ADV
- תאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הלוא: PART
- ידעתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מרה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- באחרונה: PREP+N,f,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- מתי: ADV,int
- לא: PART_NEG
- תאמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לעם: PREP
- לשוב: INF,qal
- מאחרי: PREP
- אחיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:25-27 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence: Joab summons and then murders Abner — a brutal answer to Abner’s rhetorical plea against endless bloodshed.
- Matthew 26:52 (verbal): Jesus’ saying “all who take the sword will perish by the sword” echoes the same moral-observation about the self‑devouring nature of violence implicit in Abner’s question.
- Isaiah 2:4 (thematic): Prophetic vision of an end to war (“beat their swords into plowshares”) contrasts with Abner’s lament over ongoing sword‑devouring and points to the hoped‑for reversal of perpetual violence.
- 1 Samuel 25:26-28 (thematic): Abigail’s plea to David to refrain from vengeance and needless bloodshed parallels Abner’s admonition to stop the cycle of killing among kinsmen.
- Genesis 4:10-12 (thematic): The story of Cain and Abel frames fratricidal violence and its cry for justice; it resonates with the motif of brothers turning on brothers and the question how long bloodshed will continue.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner called to Joab and said, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end? How long will you not bid the people return from pursuing their brethren?”
- And Abner called to Joab and said, "Will the sword devour forever? Do you not know that there will be bitterness in the end? How long will it be until you bid the people turn back from pursuing their brethren?"
2 S.2.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- לולא: CONJ
- דברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אז: ADV
- מהבקר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- נעלה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאחרי: PREP
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:26 (structural): The immediate antecedent: Abner's challenge/words in v.26 provoked Joab's reply in v.27—Joab explicitly refers to what Abner said and to the danger of an uprising the next morning.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (allusion): Joab's later killing of Abner shows the lethal consequences of the enmity and military rivalry that Joab evokes in 2:27; the verse is part of the same narrative arc of contested leadership and violence.
- 1 Samuel 26:23 (verbal): David uses the oath-formula 'As the LORD lives' in a battlefield/standoff context to assert restraint and appeal to divine witness—parallels Joab's use of the same formula to justify his statement about what would have happened.
- 2 Samuel 20:1 (thematic): Sheba's revolt (20:1) exemplifies the theme of internal uprising and Israelites rising against one another; this parallels Joab's warning that, but for Abner's words, 'the people would have risen, each one against his fellow.'
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joab said, “As the LORD lives, if you had not spoken, then by morning the people would have been wholly destroyed, each man from following his brother.”
- And Joab said, "As God lives, if you had not spoken, then by morning would the people have every man utterly fled from following his brother."
2 S.2.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתקע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בשופר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- ירדפו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- אחרי: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- יספו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- להלחם: VERB,hitp,inf
Parallels
- Judges 7:18-22 (verbal): Gideon instructs his men to blow trumpets and shout; the enemy is thrown into confusion and flees—parallel use of trumpet as a battle signal that routs/ends pursuit.
- Joshua 6:4-5,20 (thematic): Trumpets and a shout bring about decisive action and victory (the fall of Jericho); parallels the trumpet as a divine/military signal marking the end of enemy resistance.
- Numbers 10:5-8 (structural): The silver trumpets are prescribed for summoning the assembly and signaling the breaking of camp or movement—structurally similar to Joab’s trumpet as a command signal to halt pursuit.
- Zechariah 9:14 (allusion): The LORD (or the LORD's messenger) blows a trumpet before his host to rout foes and gather his people—an eschatological/thematic echo of blowing a trumpet to change the course of battle and stop enemies.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Joab blew the trumpet, and all the people stood still and ceased pursuing Israel, and they stopped fighting.
- So Joab blew the trumpet, and all the people stood still and pursued no more after Israel, nor did they fight any more.
2 S.2.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואבנר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3ms
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בערבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הלילה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ויעברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הבתרון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מחנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.32.2 (verbal): Same place-name Mahanaim appears; Jacob also encamps/arrives at Mahanaim (linking the location and its significance).
- 2Sam.17.24-27 (thematic): David later takes refuge at Mahanaim during Absalom's rebellion—another instance of retreat/regrouping at this site, showing its role as a secure stronghold east of the Jordan.
- Josh.3.14-17 (thematic): Crossing the Jordan as a major boundary-crossing motif; like Abner’s crossing to the Transjordan, Joshua’s crossing marks a decisive movement of groups across the Jordan River.
- Judg.8.4 (thematic): Gideon and his men cross the Jordan in pursuit of the enemy after a nocturnal operation—parallels the pattern of night travel/flight and river-crossing in pursuit or retreat.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner and his men walked all that night; they crossed the Jordan and passed beyond the Jordan and went all the way to the plain and came to Mahanaim.
- And Abner and his men went along by the Arabah all that night and crossed over the Jordan; and they passed through all the plain and came to their encampment.
2 S.2.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאחרי: PREP
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקבץ: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויפקדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- מעבדי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תשעה: NUM,card
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועשה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:23 (verbal): Directly relates: this verse records Abner's slaying of Asahel in the pursuit — the mention of Asahel in 2:30 alludes back to that killing.
- 2 Samuel 2:31 (structural): Immediate follow-up in the narrative: verse 31 describes the burial of Asahel, completing the sequence begun in 2:30 (counting of David's men and Asahel's fate).
- 2 Samuel 3:26-27 (thematic): Joab's continuing hostility toward Abner culminates here when Joab treacherously kills Abner — a later consequence in the same Davidean–Abner conflict that began with Asahel's death and Joab's pursuit.
- 1 Chronicles 12:1-2 (thematic): Parallel chronicler material listing David's men and supporters; thematically parallels the counting/identification of David's attendants (and the cataloguing of those associated with David, including warriors like Asahel).
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joab returned from pursuing Abner and gathered all the people. The servants of David were numbered—nineteen men and Asahel.
- Joab returned from following Abner and gathered all the people together; and there fell of David’s servants nineteen men, and Asahel.
2 S.2.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- מבנימן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובאנשי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וששים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:16-17 (structural): Immediate context: the twelve-hero combat between David’s men and Ish-bosheth’s men that precipitates the larger clash in which 360 men are killed.
- 2 Samuel 2:23 (structural): Narrative continuation of the same engagement: summarizes the battle’s fierceness and states that Abner and the men of Israel were driven before David’s servants, providing the broader outcome for the casualty report.
- Judges 20:47 (thematic): A large, tribe-wide battle involving Benjamin that results in heavy casualties; thematically parallels inter-tribal / civil conflict and mass deaths among Benjamin’s forces.
- 1 Samuel 31:4-6 (thematic): Account of a fierce battle on Mount Gilboa with the death of Saul and his sons and widespread slaughter—another narrative of decisive, costly combat among Israelite factions.
- 2 Samuel 3:1 (allusion): Summarizes the prolonged warfare between the house of Saul and the house of David that this battle inaugurates, situating the casualty figure within the larger, ongoing civil conflict.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David's servants struck of Benjamin and Abner's men three hundred and sixty men who died.
- And the servants of David struck down of Benjamin and of the men of Abner three hundred and sixty men who died.
2 S.2.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- עשהאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- ויקברהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בקבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הלילה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- ואנשיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3ms
- ויאר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:31-32 (verbal): Also describes Joab burying a slain warrior (Abner) and the burial taking place at Hebron—parallel language and the motif of burial immediately following violent deaths.
- 1 Samuel 31:11-13 (thematic): Reports the recovery and burial of the bodies of Saul and his sons after battle (the people of Jabesh‑gilead), paralleling the practice of retrieving and burying the dead after combat.
- 2 Samuel 21:12-14 (thematic): Describes David arranging for the burial of Saul and Jonathan’s bones in the family tomb—another instance of honoring the dead of prominent warriors by interring them in ancestral graves.
- Genesis 35:19 (verbal): Notes Rachel’s burial at Ephrath (Bethlehem), providing a geographical parallel to the mention of burial in Bethlehem (the ‘tomb of his father’).
Alternative generated candidates
- And they took up Asahel and buried him in his father's tomb at Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men marched all night and at break of day they came to Hebron.
- And they took up Asahel and buried him in his father’s tomb at Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron.
2 S.3.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ארכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בין: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וחזק: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ובית: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלכים: VERB,qal,ptc,.,m,pl
- ודלים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:7-10 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: describes the competing reigns of David and Ish-bosheth (house of Saul) and sets up the prolonged conflict between the two houses that 2 Samuel 3:1 summarizes.
- 1 Samuel 18:13-16 (verbal): Early motif of David's rise and Saul's decline—David prospering before the people while Saul grew weaker and more jealous—anticipating the long struggle and the shift in fortunes described in 2 Samuel 3:1.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-5 (thematic): Resolution of the conflict: Israel and Judah unite to make David king over all Israel, showing the eventual fulfillment of David's strengthening and the eclipse of Saul's house mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:1.
- 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 (thematic): Parallel account emphasizing how many warriors and tribal groups joined David at Hebron, reflecting the growing strength and support for David as the house of Saul waned during the prolonged struggle.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the war was long between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew stronger while the house of Saul grew weaker.
- And the war was long between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker.
2 S.3.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויולדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בכורו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- אמנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאחינעם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- היזרעאלת: ADJ,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 3:1 (verbal): Repeats the list of David’s sons born in Hebron, naming Amnon as the firstborn and paralleling the birth-list found in 2 Samuel 3:2.
- 1 Samuel 25:43 (verbal): Identifies Ahinoam of Jezreel as one of David’s wives (Ahinoam the Jezreelitess), linking the mother named for Amnon in 2 Samuel 3:2.
- 2 Samuel 13:1 (thematic): Focuses on Amnon, David’s eldest son, and recounts his later actions (the rape of Tamar) and their consequences in David’s family — a major narrative consequence tied to Amnon’s identity.
- 2 Samuel 5:13-16 (structural): Lists sons born to David after he moved to Jerusalem (e.g., Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon), providing a structural contrast between the sons born in Hebron (including Amnon) and those born in Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- And sons were born to David in Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite.
- And sons were born to David in Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite.
2 S.3.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומשנהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כלאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ביגיל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשת: NOUN,f,sg,cns
- נבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכרמלי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- והשלשי: NUM,ord,m,sg,def
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעכה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- תלמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- גשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 3:1-2 (structural): Parallel genealogical listing of David’s sons born in Hebron; Chileab appears here as 'Daniel' (name-variation) and Absalom and their mothers are likewise noted.
- 1 Samuel 25:39-42 (verbal): Narrative account that Abigail was originally the wife of Nabal and subsequently became David’s wife, explaining Abigail’s identification in 2 Samuel 3:3.
- 2 Samuel 13:37 (verbal): Reports Absalom’s flight to Geshur and residence with Talmai, directly connecting Absalom to Talmai king of Geshur named in 2 Samuel 3:3.
- 2 Samuel 14:27 (thematic): Describes Absalom’s conspicuous beauty and stature, reflecting his prominence as David’s son (context for noting his parentage in 3:3).
- 2 Samuel 5:14-16 (structural): Lists David’s sons born in Jerusalem (a complementary genealogy), contrasting the Hebron-born sons named in 2 Samuel 3:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the second, Chileab, by Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur.
- And the second, Chileab, by Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur.
2 S.3.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והרביעי: CONJ+ADJ,ord,m,sg,abs
- אדניה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חגית: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- והחמישי: CONJ+ADJ,ord,m,sg,abs
- שפטיה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביטל: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:2-5 (structural): Immediate context: verses 2–5 form the full list of David’s sons born in Hebron, of which 2 Samuel 3:4 (Adonijah and Shephatiah) is a part.
- 1 Chronicles 3:1-4 (verbal): Parallel genealogical list in Chronicles naming David’s sons born in Hebron, including Adonijah son of Haggith and Shephatiah son of Abital (verbal agreement in names and parentage).
- 1 Kings 1:5–6 (allusion): Later narrative focusing on Adonijah son of Haggith—this verse alludes back to his identity in the lists and recounts his attempt to claim the throne.
- 2 Samuel 5:14–16 (thematic): Contrasts the sons born to David after moving to Jerusalem with those born in Hebron (highlights different groups of David’s offspring and changing dynastic context).
Alternative generated candidates
- And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital.
- And the fourth, Adonijah by Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah by Abital.
2 S.3.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והששי: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,def
- יתרעם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לעגלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשת: NOUN,f,sg,cns
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- ילדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 3:1 (verbal): Lists the sons born to David in Hebron and expressly names Ithream — a direct, verbal genealogical parallel to 2 Sam 3:5.
- 2 Samuel 3:2–4 (structural): Immediate literary context: the surrounding verses enumerate the other sons born to David in Hebron of which Ithream (v.5) is one.
- 2 Samuel 5:14–16 (thematic): Gives the list of sons born to David in Jerusalem; thematically parallels 2 Sam 3:5 by continuing the catalogue of David’s offspring and contrasting Hebron-born versus Jerusalem-born children.
- 1 Chronicles 14:3 (verbal): Chronicles’ parallel list of the sons born to David in Jerusalem (echoing 2 Sam 5:14–16), serving as a parallel genealogical report to the Hebron list that includes Ithream.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah—these were born to David in Hebron.
- And the sixth, Ithream by Eglah, David’s wife. These were the sons born to David in Hebron.
And Abner son of Ner, captain of Saul's army, took Ish-bosheth son of Saul and brought him out from among the men of the camp. And he made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurit, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
Ish-bosheth son of Saul was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years; but the house of Judah followed David. And the days that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah were seven years and six months. And Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul went out from the camp at Gibeon. And Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out; and they met together beside the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, the one on one side of the pool and the other on the other side. And Abner said to Joab, "Let the young men now arise and play before us." And Joab said, "Let them arise." So they arose and passed over by number—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David's servants.
Each took hold of his opponent's head, and thrust his sword into the other's side; they fell together. Therefore that place was called the Field of Swords at Gibeon. And the battle was very fierce that day; and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David. Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there—Joab, Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as light of foot as one of the gazelles that are in the field.
Asahel pursued Abner, not turning aside from following him, either to the right hand or to the left.
Then Abner turned back and said, "Are you Asahel?" And he answered, "I am."
Abner said to him, "Turn aside to your right hand or to your left; take hold of one of the young men and take his garment for yourself." But he refused to turn aside from following him. And Abner again said to Asahel, "Turn aside from pursuing me—why should I strike you down? How then should I make my face toward Joab your brother?" But he would not turn aside, so Abner struck him with the butt of the spear under the fifth rib; the spear came out by his back, and he fell there and died. And all who came to the place where Asahel fell and died stood still.
Then Joab and Abishai pursued Abner; and the sun had gone down when they came to the hill of Ammah which is before Giah, that is, the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
The Benjamites gathered themselves together after Abner and were made one band, and stood on top of one hill.
Abner called to Joab and said, "Shall the sword swallow forever? Know you not that bitterness will be in the end? How long will it be before you command the people to return from pursuing their brethren?" And Joab said, "As the LORD lives, if you had not spoken, then by morning the people would certainly have pursued every man his brother."
Then Joab blew the trumpet, and all the people stood still, and they pursued no more after Israel, nor fought any more.
Abner and his men walked all that night by the plain and passed over the Jordan, and went through all Beth-horon, and came to Mahanaim.
Joab returned from following Abner and gathered all the people; and David's servants were numbered—nineteen men—and Asahel. And David's servants struck down of Benjamin and of Abner's men three hundred and sixty men who fell.
They took up Asahel and buried him in his father's tomb at Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men marched all night and came to Hebron at morning. And the war continued long between the house of Saul and the house of David. David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. And sons were born to David in Hebron: the firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite;
the second, Chileab, by Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
and the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah, David's wife. These were the sons born to David in Hebron.