2 Samuel 3:22
2 Samuel 3:22 in Multiple Translations
Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was not with David in Hebron because David had sent him on his way in peace.
¶ And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
Now the servants of David and Joab had been out attacking a band of armed men, and they came back with a great store of goods taken in the fight: but Abner was no longer in Hebron with David, for he had sent him away and he had gone in peace.
Soon after Joab and David's men came back from a raid, bringing with them a large amount of plunder. However, Abner wasn't there with David in Hebron because David had already sent him safely on his way in peace.
And beholde, the seruants of Dauid and Ioab came from the campe, and brought a great pray with them (but Abner was not with Dauid in Hebron: for he had sent him away, and he departed in peace)
And lo, the servants of David, and Joab, have come from the troop, and much spoil have brought with them, and Abner is not with David in Hebron, for he hath sent him away, and he goeth in peace;
Behold, David’s servants and Joab came from a raid and brought in a great plunder with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
Immediately David’s servants and Joab came, after having slain the robbers, with an exceeding great booty: and Abner, was not with David in Hebron, for he had now sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
Soon after that, Joab and some of David’s other soldiers returned to Hebron after raiding one of their enemies’ villages, bringing with them a lot of things that they had captured. But Abner was not there at Hebron, because David had sent him safely home.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 3:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִנֵּה֩
עַבְדֵ֨י
דָוִ֤ד
וְ/יוֹאָב֙
בָּ֣א
מֵֽ/הַ/גְּד֔וּד
וְ/שָׁלָ֥ל
רָ֖ב
עִמָּ֣/ם
הֵבִ֑יאוּ
וְ/אַבְנֵ֗ר
אֵינֶ֤/נּוּ
עִם
דָּוִד֙
בְּ/חֶבְר֔וֹן
כִּ֥י
שִׁלְּח֖/וֹ
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
בְּ/שָׁלֽוֹם
וְ/הִנֵּה֩
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
עַבְדֵ֨י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
דָוִ֤ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וְ/יוֹאָב֙
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
Conj | N-proper
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מֵֽ/הַ/גְּד֔וּד
gᵉdûwd
H1416
band
Prep | Art | N-ms
וְ/שָׁלָ֥ל
shâlâl
H7998
spoil
Conj | N-ms
רָ֖ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
עִמָּ֣/ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
הֵבִ֑יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
וְ/אַבְנֵ֗ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
Conj | N-proper
אֵינֶ֤/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בְּ/חֶבְר֔וֹן
Chebrôwn
H2275
Hebron (Valley)
Prep | N-proper
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שִׁלְּח֖/וֹ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/שָׁלֽוֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 3:22
וְ/הִנֵּה֩
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
עַבְדֵ֨י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
דָוִ֤ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וְ/יוֹאָב֙
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
Conj | N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מֵֽ/הַ/גְּד֔וּד
gᵉdûwd
H1416
"band"
Prep | Art | N-ms
This word means a group of people, often a band of soldiers or a crowd. In the Bible, it is used to describe the armies of Israel and other nations, like the troop that followed King David. It can also refer to a group of robbers.
Definition: 1) a band, troop, marauding band 1a) marauding band, raiding band 1b) troop, band (of divisions of army) 1c) foray, raid
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: army, band (of men), company, troop (of robbers). See also: Genesis 49:19; 1 Chronicles 12:19; Psalms 18:30.
וְ/שָׁלָ֥ל
shâlâl
H7998
"spoil"
Conj | N-ms
Shâlâl refers to the spoils of war, or the booty taken from enemies. It is used in the Bible to describe the plunder or prey taken in battle. In the KJV, it is translated as 'prey' or 'spoil'.
Definition: 1) prey, plunder, spoil, booty 1a) prey 1b) booty, spoil, plunder (of war) 1c) plunder (private) 1d) gain (meaning uncertain)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: prey, spoil. See also: Genesis 49:27; 2 Chronicles 15:11; Psalms 68:13.
רָ֖ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
עִמָּ֣/ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
הֵבִ֑יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וְ/אַבְנֵ֗ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
"Abner"
Conj | N-proper
Abner was a prominent Israelite, cousin of King Saul, and army captain, who played a key role in the book of 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50; son of: Ner (H5369); father of: Jaasiel (H3300H) § Abner = "my father is a lamp" Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Abner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 27:21.
אֵינֶ֤/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בְּ/חֶבְר֔וֹן
Chebrôwn
H2275
"Hebron (Valley)"
Prep | N-proper
Hebron is a place in Palestine and also the name of two Israelites, one a descendant of Levi and the other of Caleb. It is first mentioned in the book of Genesis and is also referenced in 1 Chronicles.
Definition: Hebron = "association" Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010K)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: Hebron. See also: Genesis 13:18; 2 Samuel 3:19; 2 Chronicles 11:10.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שִׁלְּח֖/וֹ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בְּ/שָׁלֽוֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 2 Samuel 3:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:22
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22
Context — Joab Murders Abner
20When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them.
21Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.
22Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, because David had sent him on his way in peace.
23When Joab and all his troops arrived, he was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace.” 24So Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away!2 Samuel 3:22 Summary
This verse tells us that David's soldiers and Joab returned from a successful raid, but Abner, who had just visited David, was not with them because David had sent him away in peace. This shows that David was a man of his word and willing to extend kindness to those who came to him in good faith, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:21. It also highlights the importance of trusting God and being wise in our relationships with others, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By studying this verse, we can learn more about what it means to be a person of integrity and kindness, like David, and to trust God in all our ways, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David send Abner away in peace?
David sent Abner away in peace because Abner had come to him in good faith, seeking to make a covenant with him, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:21, and David was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, as encouraged in Proverbs 26:24-25.
What was Joab's reaction to Abner's visit with David?
Joab was upset that David had sent Abner away, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:24, because he did not trust Abner's intentions and was concerned for David's safety, much like the concern for safety expressed in Psalm 121:7.
What does this verse reveal about David's character?
This verse reveals that David was a man of his word and willing to extend peace and trust to those who came to him in good faith, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:22, much like the character of God described in 2 Corinthians 1:20.
How does this event relate to the larger story of David's reign?
This event is significant because it shows David's efforts to unify the kingdom of Israel under his rule, as promised in 1 Samuel 16:13, and his willingness to work with former enemies, like Abner, to achieve that goal, as encouraged in Romans 12:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to extend trust to someone, and how did it turn out?
- How can I, like David, show kindness and peace to those who may have formerly been my enemies, as encouraged in Matthew 5:44?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my commitment to being a person of my word, like David, in my daily life, as encouraged in Psalm 15:4?
- How can I balance the need to be cautious and wise, like Joab, with the need to extend trust and kindness, like David, in my relationships with others, as discussed in Proverbs 11:3?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:22
And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from [pursuing] a troop,.... A troop of robbers, that made an incursion into the land, taking the advantage of a civil war between Israel and Judah;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:22
Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22
A troop of robbers, either Philistines, or Edomites, or some others, who taking advantage of the discord between the houses of Saul and David, made inroads into Judah, as they had occasion.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22
2 Samuel 3:22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from [pursuing] a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner [was] not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.Ver. 22. Joab came from pursuing a troop.] Of foragers and brigands; Philistines likely. Spoilers shall be spoiled.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22
(22) Joab came.—He had been either on some expedition against the Philistines, the Amalekites, or other enemies of Judah, or else engaged in repelling some attack from them. In either case, he returned elated with victory, and bringing great spoil; but Abner had concluded his interview and gone away before his return.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:22
22–27. Abner treacherously murdered by Joab 22. from pursuing a troop] Lit. from the troop, i.e. from the foray, or plundering expedition on which they had gone to procure supplies. In the absence of taxes and regular pay, it was the only means of supporting an army. Comp. David’s practice at Ziklag (1 Samuel 27:8 ff.).
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22
22. From pursuing a troop — Literally, from the troop; that is, a troop or band of select warriors that had been out fighting with hostile tribes of the desert.