2 Samuel 2:17

17 Then the battle {became increasingly fierce} on that day, and Abner and the men of Israel [were] defeated before the servants of David.

2 Samuel 2:17 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 2:17

And there was a very sore battle that day
When the twenty four men fell together, and no decision could be made thereby, or any triumph on either side, both armies drew up in battle array, and fought very furiously:

and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of
David;
the army under him had the worst of it, and were routed, and obliged to flee before the army of David under the command of Joab.

2 Samuel 2:17 In-Context

15 So they came forward and passed by in number: twelve for Benjamin and for Ish-Bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve from the servants of David.

16 Then each seized his {opponent} by the head and [each thrust] his sword in the side of his opponent, so they fell together. So they called the name of that place Helkath Hazzurim, which [is] in Gibeon.

17 Then the battle {became increasingly fierce} on that day, and Abner and the men of Israel [were] defeated before the servants of David.

18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel. Now Asahel [was] swift with his feet as one of the gazelles which [is] in the open field.

19 So Asahel pursued Abner, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left from going after Abner.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "and it was/became strong/fierce until very"