27 And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.
27 Joab answered, "As surely as God lives, if you had not spoken, the men would have continued pursuing them until morning."
27 And Joab said, "As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely the men would not have given up the pursuit of their brothers until the morning."
27 "As God lives," said Joab, "if you hadn't spoken up, we'd have kept up the chase until morning!"
27 And Joab said, "As God lives, unless you had spoken, surely then by morning all the people would have given up pursuing their brethren."
27 Then Joab said, "God only knows what would have happened if you hadn't spoken, for we would have chased you all night if necessary."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:27
Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:25-32
(Read 2 Samuel 2:25-32)
Abner appeals to Joab concerning the miserable consequences of a civil war. Those who make light of such unnatural contests, will find that they are bitterness to all concerned. How easy it is for men to use reason, when it makes for them, who would not use it, if it made against them! See how the issue of things alter men's minds! The same thing which looked pleasant in the morning, at night looked dismal. Those who are most forward to enter into contention, will repent before they have done with it, and had better leave it off before it be meddled with, as Solomon advises. This is true of every sin, oh that men would consider it in time, that it will be bitterness in the latter end! Asahel's funeral is here mentioned. Distinctions are made between the dust of some and that of others; but in the resurrection no difference will be made, but between the godly and ungodly, which will remain for ever.