2 Samuel 2 25

2 Samuel 2:25 kjv

And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.

2 Samuel 2:25 nkjv

Now the children of Benjamin gathered together behind Abner and became a unit, and took their stand on top of a hill.

2 Samuel 2:25 niv

Then the men of Benjamin rallied behind Abner. They formed themselves into a group and took their stand on top of a hill.

2 Samuel 2:25 esv

And the people of Benjamin gathered themselves together behind Abner and became one group and took their stand on the top of a hill.

2 Samuel 2:25 nlt

Abner's troops from the tribe of Benjamin regrouped there at the top of the hill to take a stand.

2 Samuel 2 verses

2 Samuel 2 25 Meaning

2 Samuel 2:25 describes a critical moment in the battle between the forces of David, led by Joab and Abishai, and the forces loyal to Ish-Bosheth (son of Saul), led by Abner. Following Asahel's death and Abner's relentless pursuit by Joab's men, the Benjamite soldiers, who formed the core of Saul's support, quickly consolidated their ranks. They rallied together under Abner's leadership, forming a single, unified defensive unit, and strategically positioned themselves on the summit of a hill. This act marked a decisive shift from chaotic retreat and pursuit to an organized and formidable defensive stand, indicating their intent to cease flight and engage or negotiate from a position of strength.

2 Samuel 2 25 Context

2 Samuel chapter 2 begins the narrative of David's reign over Judah following Saul's death. However, Abner, Saul's commander-in-chief, proclaims Saul's son Ish-Bosheth as king over the rest of Israel, creating a prolonged period of civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David. The chapter depicts an initial arranged combat at Gibeon's pool, which quickly escalates into a full-scale battle. Joab, David's military leader, and his brothers pursue Abner and his Benjamite forces. In a tragic turn, Asahel, Joab's swift brother, obsessively pursues Abner despite warnings and is killed by Abner's spear in self-defense. This act intensifies the conflict. Verse 25 captures the critical moment when Abner, having been relentlessly pursued, skillfully rallies his dispersed forces, predominantly Benjamites (Saul's tribe, deeply loyal to him), to cease their retreat. By regrouping and taking the high ground on a hill, Abner transformed a rout into a strategic standoff, preventing further casualties and allowing him to negotiate or prepare for continued conflict, showcasing his tactical acumen.

2 Samuel 2 25 Word analysis

• But: Ak (אַךְ) - A strong adversative particle, emphasizing a shift or contrast. Here, it marks the change from scattered pursuit to unified stand.
• the men of Benjamin: Bəné BinYāmîn (בְּנֵי בִּנְיָמִן) - Literally "sons of Benjamin." This highlights their tribal identity and strong loyalty to the house of Saul, as Saul himself was a Benjamite. This tribe was fierce and known for its warrior culture (Judg 20:16; Gen 49:27).
• gathered themselves together: vayyēʾāsəpû (וַיֵּאָסְפוּ) - From the verb אָסַף (asaph), meaning to collect, assemble, gather. The reflexive-intensive stem (Nifal) implies that they were gathered or gathered themselves in an act of intentional assembly and consolidation, indicating a return to order from disarray.
• behind Abner: This prepositional phrase signifies their allegiance and submission to Abner's command. He remained their undisputed leader despite the chaos. It shows they trusted his tactical judgment.
• and became one troop: wa-yihyū laʾăguddāh ʾeḥāt (וַיִּהְיוּ לַאֲגֻדָּה אֶחָת) -
  • wayyihyū: "and they became" – the verb הָיָה (hayah), "to be," "become."
  • laʾăguddāh: "into a troop" or "into a bundle." אֲגֻדָּה (aguddah) is a significant term. It denotes a tightly bound bundle, band, or company, implying cohesion, unity, and strength through togetherness. It suggests a close-knit and well-ordered unit, distinct from a loose gathering. This emphasizes their strong organization.
  • ʾeḥāt: "one" – feminine singular of אֶחָד (echad). Reinforces the sense of singularity, indivisibility, and collective purpose.
• and took their stand: wa-yaʿamdû (וַיַּעַמְדוּ) - From the verb עָמַד (amad), "to stand," "stand still," "remain firm." It implies cessation of flight and the assumption of a fixed, determined, and often defiant, defensive posture. This is a deliberate choice to stop retreating and face the enemy.
• on the top of a certain hill: ʿal rōʾš gibʿāh ʾeḥāt (עַל רֹאשׁ גִּבְעָה אֶחָת) -
  • ʿal rōʾš: "on the head of," meaning "on the summit" or "top."
  • gibʿāh: גִּבְעָה (giv'ah), meaning a hill, high ground. Hills provided natural defensive advantages in ancient warfare, offering a commanding view and making uphill assaults difficult for the attacker. This shows tactical intelligence on Abner's part.
  • ʾeḥāt: "a certain" or "one." Simply refers to a specific hill, perhaps unnamed or implied by context.

2 Samuel 2 25 Bonus section

The Hebrew word aguddah (אֲגֻדָּה), translated as "troop" here, is rich in meaning. In Exodus 12:22, it refers to a "bunch" of hyssop. In Amos 9:6, it is translated "bands," referring to groups of structures or people. In Isaiah 58:6, it's used metaphorically for "bonds" or "bands" of injustice. This wide semantic range highlights that the Benjamites did not just loosely gather but became a tightly bound, unified entity, moving with single purpose and discipline under Abner's command. This cohesive unit would have presented a much more formidable challenge than scattered individuals, signaling their collective determination to stand their ground. The narrative implicitly positions Abner's tactical ingenuity and human strategic prowess against the impending, divinely ordained kingship of David.

2 Samuel 2 25 Commentary

2 Samuel 2:25 encapsulates a moment of significant military maneuvering and strategic turning point in the unfolding civil war. Abner's decision to stop the flight and rally the Benjamites on high ground highlights his shrewd military leadership. Having accidentally killed Asahel, he knew continued, chaotic flight would lead to complete disintegration of his forces and potential annihilation by the vengeful Joab and Abishai. By forming "one troop" (an aguddah), Abner re-established discipline and transformed a retreating mob into a unified, resolute fighting force. This tactical choice of occupying a defensible hill effectively stalled the pursuit and set the stage for the parley (v. 26-28), preventing further bloodshed at that moment. The loyalty of the Benjamites to Abner, even amidst defeat and their personal grief over Asahel's death (whose tribe was probably Benjamin), demonstrates the strong ties within Saul's kingdom, contrasting with the consolidation of David's power. Spiritually, this passage can illustrate the human tendency to seek our own strongholds or gather our own resources when facing overwhelming challenges, often without first seeking divine wisdom or intervention (Prov 21:30-31).