2 Samuel 2:17

17 And the battle that day was very severe; and Abner and the men of Israel were routed 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 And they arose and went over by number, twelve for Benjamin, and for Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

16 And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and [thrust] his sword in his fellow's side, and they fell down together. And that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is by Gibeon.

17 And the battle that day was very severe; and Abner and the men of Israel were routed before the servants of David.

18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was swift of foot, as one of the gazelles that are in the field.

19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from behind Abner.