17 The battle that day was very fierce, and Abner and the Israelites were defeated by David's men.
17 And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
17 And the battle was very fierce that day. And Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
17 The fighting went from bad to worse throughout the day. Abner and the men of Israel were beaten to a pulp by David's men.
17 So there was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
17 A fierce battle followed that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the forces of David.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:17
Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:8-17.
(Read 2 Samuel 2:8-17.)
The nation in general refused David. By this the Lord trained up his servant for future honour and usefulness; and the tendency of true godliness was shown in his behaviour while passing through various difficulties. David was herein a type of Christ, whom Israel would not submit to, though anointed of the Father to be a Prince and a Saviour to them. Abner meant, Let the young men fight before us, when he said, Let them play before us: fools thus make a mock at sin. But he is unworthy the name of a man, that can thus trifle with human blood.