2 Samuel 3:22

22 And, behold, the slaves of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop and brought in a great spoil with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.

2 Samuel 3:22 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 3:22

And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from
[pursuing] a troop
A troop of robbers, that made an incursion into the land, taking the advantage of a civil war between Israel and Judah; such as the Edomites, Amalekites, and especially the Philistines; which Joab hearing of went out in pursuit of them, and overtook them:

and brought in a great spoil with them;
which they took from them:

but Abner [was] not with David in Hebron:
when Joab and his army entered the city with their booty:

for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace;
he had just dismissed him, and he was gone off safely.

2 Samuel 3:22 In-Context

20 So Abner came to David to Hebron and twenty men with him. And David made a banquet for Abner and the men that were with him.

21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king that they may make a covenant with thee and that thou may reign over all that thy heart desires. And David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

22 And, behold, the slaves of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop and brought in a great spoil with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.

23 When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner, the son of Ner, came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he is gone in peace.

24 Then Joab came to the king and said, What hast thou done? Behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast let him go?