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
This occurs during the civil war between David's forces and those loyal to Saul's house after Saul's death. Abner commanded Saul's army while Joab led David's troops. The battle at Gibeon had turned brutal, with both sides suffering heavy casualties as the kingdom of Israel was literally fighting against itself.
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