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Joab said, As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone away, nor followed everyone his brother.
Verse Takeaways
1
A Disputed Statement
Scholars are divided on the exact meaning of Joab's words. One interpretation is that Joab is blaming Abner for the entire conflict, saying, 'If you hadn't proposed the fight in the first place, we would have all gone home peacefully this morning.' The other view is that Joab is boastfully saying, 'If you hadn't asked for peace now, I would have continued this pursuit until morning.' Commentators note both are possible, reflecting either blame-shifting or boastful pride.
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Book Overview
2 Samuel
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4
18th Century
Presbyterian
Joab’s speech means either, “Unless you had spoken (challenging us to fight, 2 Samuel 2:14), the people would have returned from pursui…
19th Century
Anglican
Unless you had spoken. — Joab’s reply to Abner allows for either of two interpretations:
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And Joab said, as God lives Which was the form of an oath, swearing by the living God:
unless you…
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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…
