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?
Then Abner called out to Joab and said, 'Should we keep fighting and killing each other forever? Don't you know this will only lead to bitter pain in the end? How much longer will it be before you tell your people to stop chasing their own brothers?'
Abner is pleading with Joab to end the civil war, asking how long they will continue fighting when it will only bring heartache and they are essentially fighting their own people.
📚 Historical Context
After King Saul's death, a civil war broke out between David's supporters in Judah and the forces loyal to Saul's son Ish-Bosheth, who was backed by Abner, the commander of Saul's army. During a battle at the pool of Gibeon, Abner called out to Joab, David's commander, in an attempt to halt the bloodshed and prevent further loss. He warned that ongoing fighting would ultimately lead to deep bitterness and regret for both sides.
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