2 Samuel 2:17

17 And there was a very severe battle that day where Abner and the men of Israel were overcome before the slaves 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 there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, who pertained to Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, and twelve of the slaves of David.

16 And each one caught his fellow by the head and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together; therefore, that place was called Helkathhazzurim, {Heb. the inheritance of the strong}, which is in Gibeon.

17 And there was a very severe battle that day where Abner and the men of Israel were overcome before the slaves of David.

18 And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel, and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.

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