“And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.”
Context:The book of 2 Samuel is a continuation of the narrative of the life of David, who became the king of Israel after the death of Saul. In this particular chapter, David had been anointed as king over the tribe of Judah, while Saul’s son, Ishbosheth, was made king over the rest of Israel. This verse takes place during a conflict between the two kingdoms.
Abner and Joab:Abner was the commander of Saul’s army, while Joab was the commander of David’s army. After Saul’s death, Abner supported Ishbosheth’s claim to the throne, while Joab remained loyal to David. In this verse, Abner proposes a contest between young men from each side, possibly as a way to avoid a full-scale battle.
“Let the young men now arise, and play before us”:The phrase “let the young men arise” suggests that Abner and Joab were calling for representatives from their respective armies, possibly warriors or skilled fighters, to engage in a physical contest. The Hebrew word for “play” used here can also mean to “fight” or “engage in combat.”
Significance of the contest:Abner’s proposal for a contest was an attempt to settle the conflict between the two kingdoms without a full-scale war. It was a way to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and determine the outcome through a smaller‑scale competition.
Joab’s response:Joab agrees to Abner’s proposal, allowing the young men to arise and engage in the contest. His willingness to accept the challenge indicates his confidence in the military prowess of David’s men.
Lessons and Application:
- Seeking peaceful resolutions:Abner’s proposal demonstrates a desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between the two kingdoms. As Christians, we should also strive to seek peaceful solutions whenever possible, promoting reconciliation and unity among believers.
- Strategic decision-making:Joab’s decision to accept the contest reveals his strategic thinking. He recognized the opportunity to settle the dispute without further bloodshed and was confident in the abilities of David’s men. Likewise, we should seek godly wisdom in making decisions, considering the best course of action to achieve positive outcomes.
- Confidence in God’s strength:Joab’s confidence in the skills of David’s warriors reflects his trust in God’s strength and providence. As believers, we should have faith in God’s power and rely on Him in times of conflict or challenges.
Remember, when studying the Bible, it is important that we approach the text with humility, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and apply its timeless truths to our daily lives.
