2 Samuel 2:17

17 The battle was very fierce that day; and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten by 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 were counted as they passed by, twelve for Benjamin and Ishbaal son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

16 Each grasped his opponent by the head, and thrust his sword in his opponent's side; so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is at Gibeon.

17 The battle was very fierce that day; and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten by the servants of David.

18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle.

19 Asahel pursued Abner, turning neither to the right nor to the left as he followed him.