2 Samuel 2:17

17 The battle was very severe that day: and Aviner was beaten, and the men of Yisra'el, 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 Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Binyamin, and for Ish-Boshet the son of Sha'ul, and twelve of the servants of David.

16 They caught everyone his fellow by the head, and [thrust] his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkat-Hatztzurim, which is in Giv`on.

17 The battle was very severe that day: and Aviner was beaten, and the men of Yisra'el, before the servants of David.

18 The three sons of Tzeru'yah were there, Yo'av, and Avishai, and `Asa'el: and `Asa'el was as light of foot as a wild roe.

19 `Asa'el pursued after Aviner; and in going he didn't turn to the right hand nor to the left from following Aviner.