2 Samuel 2:13
And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
2 Samuel 2:13 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:13 describes a meeting between Joab, the son of Zeruiah, and David's servants at the pool of Gibeon. In ancient times, pools were important gathering places where people could socialize, rest, and exchange news. The fact that Joab and David's servants sat on opposite sides of the pool suggests a sense of tension or division between them. This simple act of sitting on different sides of the pool symbolizes the growing conflict within David's kingdom. The pool of Gibeon was a well-known landmark in biblical times, located about six miles northwest of Jerusalem. Its significance in this verse could imply that important decisions or discussions were taking place between Joab and David's servants. Overall, this verse sets the stage for the power struggles and intrigue that will unfold in the following chapters of 2 Samuel.
Theological Overview
Joab, the son of Zeruiah, and David's servants met at the pool of Gibeon in a significant location. The pool of Gibeon was a strategic site where important events in the history of Israel took place. This gathering by the pool could symbolize the unity and collaboration between different individuals in David's administration. The act of sitting down on either side of the pool may also hold deeper meanings. The positioning of Joab and the servants on opposite sides of the pool could represent a division in loyalty, conflicting interests, or the tension within David's inner circle. Additionally, the placement of individuals on either side of the pool could also signify a coming together of opposing forces, finding common ground despite differences. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we can uncover the complexities and nuances of this seemingly simple verse, shedding light on the underlying themes of unity, division, and collaboration within the biblical narrative.
2 Samuel 2:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
World English Bible
Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
Douay-Rheims
And Joab the son of Sarvia, and the servants of David went out, and met them by the pool of Gabaon. And when they were come together, they sat down over against one another: the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Ioab the sonne of Zeruiah, and the seruants of Dauid went out and met one another by the poole of Gibeon: and they sate downe, the one on the one side of the poole, and the other on the otherside of the poole.