2 Samuel 2 15

2 Samuel 2:15 kjv

Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

2 Samuel 2:15 nkjv

So they arose and went over by number, twelve from Benjamin, followers of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve from the servants of David.

2 Samuel 2:15 niv

So they stood up and were counted off?twelve men for Benjamin and Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David.

2 Samuel 2:15 esv

Then they arose and passed over by number, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

2 Samuel 2:15 nlt

So twelve men were chosen to fight from each side ? twelve men of Benjamin representing Ishbosheth son of Saul, and twelve representing David.

2 Samuel 2 verses

2 Samuel 2 15 Meaning

The verse 2 Samuel 2:15 describes the formal, agreed-upon initiation of a limited combat challenge between twelve men from Ish-bosheth's faction, primarily associated with the tribe of Benjamin and Saul's house, and twelve men from David's loyalists. This event at the pool of Gibeon, proposed by Abner as a "game" or "play," was a symbolic, yet tragically real, confrontation preceding broader hostilities, aimed at asserting dominance between the two claimants to the throne of Israel.

2 Samuel 2 15 Context

2 Samuel chapter 2 chronicles the fractured state of Israel after King Saul's death. David has been anointed king over Judah in Hebron (2 Sam 2:4) following divine guidance. Meanwhile, Abner, Saul's former commander, installs Saul's son Ish-bosheth as king over the rest of Israel from Mahanaim (2 Sam 2:8-10). The civil war formally commences with the confrontation at the pool of Gibeon. Verse 15 is the immediate fulfillment of Abner's seemingly casual but provocative suggestion in verse 14, "Let the young men arise and play before us." This "play" quickly escalates from a controlled skirmish of twelve versus twelve into a ferocious, deadly encounter, signifying the broader, bloody conflict for supremacy that would unfold between the houses of Saul and David. The verse precisely details the initial setup of this tragic contest.

2 Samuel 2 15 Word analysis

• So they arose (וַיָּקֻמוּ - vayyaqumu): From the root קוּם (qum), meaning "to rise," "to stand up." This implies an immediate, intentional, and determined action. It indicates a readiness for confrontation, a direct response to Abner's call for "play." This is not a passive or hesitant movement but a proactive, disciplined preparation for what is to follow.
• and went over (וַיַּעַבְרוּ - vayya'av'ru): From the root עָבַר (avar), meaning "to pass over," "to cross." This suggests they moved to a specific location, likely across the pool or to a designated neutral ground, making a clear separation between the two opposing groups for the impending contest. It emphasizes the setting of the stage for the conflict.
• by number (בְּמִסְפָּר - bəmispar): This phrase highlights that the combatants were chosen and counted, signifying a precise, deliberate selection rather than a chaotic rush. It suggests a pre-arranged, perhaps ritualized, form of combat with agreed-upon terms, emphasizing the organized nature of the proxy battle, even if its outcome was disastrous. The "twelve" might carry symbolic weight, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel.
• twelve for Benjamin: This specifies the faction aligned with Ish-bosheth. Benjamin was Saul's own tribe and a stronghold of support for his dynasty. Their loyalty to Ish-bosheth underscores the continuation of the dynastic struggle and the resistance to David's kingship. The number twelve denotes a chosen contingent representing their whole.
• and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul: This directly names the claimant to the throne whom this faction represents, underscoring the political and dynastic nature of the conflict. He is the rallying point for those loyal to Saul's legacy, contrasting with David.
• and twelve of the servants of David: This names the opposing faction. "Servants of David" (עַבְדֵי דָוִד - avdei David) emphasizes their allegiance and commitment to David, the anointed king of Judah. This clarifies that the conflict is directly between the followers of the two rival kings. The symmetry of "twelve" on both sides again underscores the controlled, formal, yet highly aggressive, nature of this "game."

2 Samuel 2 15 Bonus section

• The "play" (שָׂחַק - sahaq) mentioned in the preceding verse (2 Sam 2:14) has strong ironic connotations. While it can mean sport or amusement, in this context, its result is pure tragedy. This stark contrast emphasizes the brutality underlying the seemingly casual suggestion.
• The specific location, the pool of Gibeon, becomes a notable site for this pivotal event. Ancient Gibeon was a significant city, and the encounter at its water source suggests a chosen, perhaps neutral or customary, meeting point for such engagements, highlighting the formalized nature of this tragic duel.
• This verse, and the subsequent "Helkath-hazzurim" (Field of Swords/Sides, or Field of Treachery), is seen by scholars as illustrating ancient modes of conflict resolution where champions fought on behalf of armies. However, here, it immediately devolves beyond that, spiraling into a wider battle, indicating a failed attempt at limited engagement.
• The careful counting ("by number") underscores the military discipline and deliberate choices being made on both sides, transforming the encounter from a spontaneous brawl into a calculated, albeit fatal, event.

2 Samuel 2 15 Commentary

2 Samuel 2:15 details the practical execution of Abner's reckless proposition: a staged contest of twelve against twelve. Far from a mere game, this encounter at the pool of Gibeon became a bloody trial by combat, tragically resulting in all twenty-four men killing each other. The symmetry of the "twelve" on each side underscores the perceived equality and representative nature of the contest, as if twelve warriors could decide the fate of a nation. It serves as a grim prelude, setting a tone of violence and direct confrontation for the civil war between the house of Saul and David. The very idea of resolving a kingdom's leadership through such a deadly sport reflects the deep-seated division and human shortsightedness in rejecting God's clear will for David, opting instead for a violent human resolution. This brief but fatal episode instantly demonstrates the escalating tension and personal vendettas, such as the later chase and killing of Asahel, that arose from this initial bloody confrontation.