2 Samuel 2 29

2 Samuel 2:29 kjv

And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.

2 Samuel 2:29 nkjv

Then Abner and his men went on all that night through the plain, crossed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron; and they came to Mahanaim.

2 Samuel 2:29 niv

All that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, continued through the morning hours and came to Mahanaim.

2 Samuel 2:29 esv

And Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, and marching the whole morning, they came to Mahanaim.

2 Samuel 2:29 nlt

All that night Abner and his men retreated through the Jordan Valley. They crossed the Jordan River, traveling all through the morning, and didn't stop until they arrived at Mahanaim.

2 Samuel 2 verses

2 Samuel 2 29 Meaning

2 Samuel 2:29 describes Abner and his men undertaking a rapid and urgent night journey. Following the intense conflict near Gibeon where Asahel was killed, they traverse the significant geographical feature of the Arabah, cross the Jordan River, pass through a region identified as Bithron, and eventually arrive at Mahanaim. This journey marks their strategic retreat to Ish-bosheth's headquarters, consolidating their position after suffering losses against David's forces.

2 Samuel 2 29 Context

Chapter 2 of 2 Samuel details the immediate aftermath of Saul's death. David is anointed king over Judah in Hebron. Simultaneously, Abner, the commander of Saul's army, installs Saul's son Ish-bosheth as king over the rest of Israel, establishing his capital at Mahanaim, east of the Jordan. A skirmish ensues between Joab's (David's commander) and Abner's forces at Gibeon, resulting in a rout for Abner's men. During the chase, Asahel, Joab's brother, pursues Abner relentlessly despite warnings and is eventually killed by Abner. Following this devastating loss, Abner and his remaining troops flee under the cover of night. Verse 29 specifically describes the successful, although exhaustive, conclusion of their retreat, establishing their return to the security of Mahanaim, which serves as a stronghold for Ish-bosheth's nascent kingdom against David. This rapid strategic withdrawal underscores the immediate peril Abner and his forces were in and highlights the division between the two rival houses.

2 Samuel 2 29 Word analysis

• And Abner (וַאֲבְנֵר - va'Avner): Refers to Abner, son of Ner, Saul's cousin and his military commander (1 Sam 14:50-51). He is the central figure leading the surviving forces, indicating his leadership and the immediate focus of the narrative on his strategic retreat. His survival is crucial for the continuation of Saul's house.
• and his men (וַאֲנָשָׁיו - va'anashav): Emphasizes that Abner did not flee alone but successfully managed to gather and lead a significant portion of his army in retreat, indicating continued strength and cohesion, albeit after a defeat.
• went through (וַיֵּלְכוּ - vayeleku): Literally "and they went." Suggests deliberate movement, though the context of the night journey implies urgency and necessity rather than leisurely travel.
• the Arabah (בָּעֲרָבָה - ba'Aravah): Refers to the geographical depression, the Jordan Rift Valley, south of the Sea of Galilee to the Red Sea. In this context, it signifies the stretch of the valley from the battleground near Gibeon (west of Jordan) to the river itself. This area can be challenging terrain, implying effort and perseverance for an overnight journey.
• all that night (כָּל הַלַּיְלָה הַהוּא - kol ha'laila ha'hu): "All the night, that one." Specifies the duration of the travel. This signifies the extreme urgency and endurance required, pushing through exhaustion without rest to ensure their escape and safety from pursuit.
• and they crossed (וַיַּעַבְרוּ - vayavru): "And they passed over/through." Signifies overcoming a significant physical barrier, in this case, a river.
• the Jordan (אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן - et-ha'Yarden): The prominent river forming a natural boundary. Crossing it typically meant entering a different geographical or tribal area. For Abner, crossing eastward was a strategic move to return to Mahanaim, the eastern headquarters of Ish-bosheth.
• and went through all Bithron (וּבְכָל הַבִּתְרוֹן - uvekhol ha'Bitron): "And in all of Bithron." The term "Bithron" (from a root meaning "to divide" or "cut") likely refers to a specific district or mountainous region east of the Jordan, leading up to Mahanaim. Its exact location is debated, but it implies a further, perhaps difficult, leg of the journey through a defined territory, possibly with rugged terrain.
• and they came (וַיָּבֹאוּ - vayavo'u): "And they came." Denotes arrival, the successful completion of their journey.
• to Mahanaim (אֶל־מַחֲנַיִם - el-Machanayim): Means "two camps." This is their destination and strategic base, previously mentioned as the seat of Ish-bosheth's kingdom (2 Sam 2:8, 10). It signifies safety, logistical support, and a place to regroup and strategize. Jacob first named this place after seeing "two camps" of angels (Gen 32:2). Its historical and spiritual significance may underscore it as a divinely appointed place for strategic operations, even in the context of human conflict.

2 Samuel 2 29 Bonus section

The geographical details in 2 Sam 2:29 are not merely scenic; they carry strategic weight.

• The Arabah is part of the Great Rift Valley. Night travel through this typically hot and dry region suggests a high degree of urgency, possibly aided by the cooler temperatures.
• Crossing the Jordan symbolically and practically separated Abner and his forces from immediate pursuit by Joab's men, who were likely fatigued from their own long chase. The Jordan formed a significant barrier and, once crossed, allowed Abner to establish a more defensible position east of the river.
• Mahanaim, meaning "two camps," had historical significance dating back to Jacob's encounter with angels (Gen 32:2). This biblical echo of "camps" perhaps subtly reinforces its role as a key military or royal headquarters. David himself would later retreat to Mahanaim during Absalom's rebellion (2 Sam 17:22, 24), further solidifying its status as a critical safe haven and a center of operations during times of national division or conflict. The choice of Mahanaim as Ish-bosheth's capital by Abner reflects a tactical decision to leverage the trans-Jordanian tribes' support and the inherent defensive advantages of the region, removed from David's base in Judah.

2 Samuel 2 29 Commentary

Verse 29 concludes the intense events of the day described in 2 Samuel chapter 2, specifically detailing Abner's urgent strategic withdrawal after the initial military engagement and Asahel's death. This swift night march across challenging terrain (the Arabah, the Jordan, and Bithron) highlights Abner's military prowess and the critical necessity of his escape. Their arrival at Mahanaim signifies a pivotal moment: it is where Ish-bosheth's "kingdom" had been established and where he himself resided (2 Sam 2:8, 10). Thus, this movement secures the current operational base for the house of Saul, reinforcing the divided nature of Israel and setting the stage for the protracted civil war between David's and Saul's houses. Abner's successful, albeit gruelling, retreat demonstrates his commitment to Ish-bosheth's cause, despite the recent defeat, and underscores his ongoing formidable role in the geopolitical landscape of the early united kingdom. The verse is purely descriptive, offering a military update on the disposition of forces.