Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 2:17

"And the battle was very sore that day: and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David." — 2 Samuel 2:17 (ASV)

A very sore battle. —The combat of the twelve on each side having decided nothing, the two armies joined battle. Abner and the Israelites were defeated. The numbers engaged were probably not large, as the whole number of the slain was nineteen on David’s side, and 360 on that of Israel (2 Samuel 2:30–31). It was, however, a turning-point in the struggle.