2 Samuel 3:22

22 And, behold, the servants 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 Abner and the men that were with him a feast.

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 league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth . And David sent Abner away ; and he went in peace.

22 And, behold, the servants 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 hath 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 sent him away , and he is quite gone ?