2 Samuel 2:15

Verse

So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David.

American Standard Version (1901)

Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin, and for Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

Bible in Basic English

So they got up and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth and twelve of the servants of David.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Then there arose and went over twelve in number of Benjamin, of the part of Isboseth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

Free Bible Version

So twelve men came forward from each side—twelve for Benjamin and Ishbosheth, and twelve for David.

Geneva Bible 1599

Then there arose and went ouer twelue of Beniamin by number, which perteined to Ish-bosheth the sonne of Saul, and twelue of the seruants of Dauid.

King James (Authorized) Version

Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

Translation for Translators

So twelve men from the tribe of Benjamin fought for Ishbosheth, against twelve of David’s soldiers.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then the young men got up and gathered together, twelve for Benjamin and Ishbosheth son of Saul, and twelve from servants of David.

Noah Webster Bible

Then there arose, and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, who pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

World English Bible

Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin and for Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of David’s servants.

Young's Literal Translation

And they rise and pass over, in number twelve of Benjamin, even of Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

Context

The Battle of Gibeon

¹⁴Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied.¹⁵So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David. ¹⁶Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim.

Summary

This verse describes a moment of conflict and tension between the followers of David and Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, after the death of Saul. The competition for leadership and power is evident as they engage in a fierce battle at the pool of Gibeon. This event marks the beginning of the struggle for the throne of Israel, foreshadowing the division and civil war that will ensue. It sets the stage for the eventual unification of the kingdom under David's reign, illustrating the complexities and challenges of establishing God's chosen leader.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin,.... Whom Abner had picked out of that tribe, being his own, and whom he knew to be stout and courageous men, and closely attached to him. It seems by this as if Abner's men: which pertained to Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, passed over the pool of Gibeon unto Joab's men; so forward were they to engage in this duel, and it makes it still more appear that they were the aggressors: and twelve of the servants of David; of his army under Joab, whom Joab either selected, or they, offered themselves as willing to engage with the twelve that were come over.