Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Samuel 2:25-32

"And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one band, and stood on the top of a hill. Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren? And Joab said, As God liveth, if thou hadst not spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone away, nor followed every one his brother. So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more. And Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David`s servants nineteen men and Asahel. But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner`s men, [so that] three hundred and threescore men died. And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Beth-lehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and the day brake upon them at Hebron." — 2 Samuel 2:25-32 (ASV)

Abner appeals to Joab concerning the miserable consequences of a civil war. Those who make light of such unnatural contests will find that they are bitterness to all concerned.

How easy it is for people to use reason when it serves their interests, yet they are unwilling to use it if it goes against them! See how the outcome of events changes people's minds! The same thing that looked pleasant in the morning looked dismal by night.

Those who are quickest to enter into contention will repent before it is over; they would do better to abandon it before getting involved, as Solomon advises. This is true of every sin—oh, if only people would consider in time that it will be bitterness in the end!

Asahel's funeral is mentioned here. Distinctions are made between the dust of some and that of others; but in the resurrection, the only difference made will be between the godly and the ungodly—a distinction that will remain forever.