2 Samuel 18:16
New International Version
Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and the troops stopped pursuing Israel, for Joab halted them.

New Living Translation
Then Joab blew the ram’s horn, and his men returned from chasing the army of Israel.

English Standard Version
Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the troops came back from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained them.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them.

King James Bible
And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

New King James Version
So Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel. For Joab held back the people.

New American Standard Bible
Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people.

NASB 1995
Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people.

NASB 1977
Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people.

Amplified Bible
Then Joab blew the trumpet [to signal the end of the combat], and the men returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab held them back.

Christian Standard Bible
Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab restrained them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Afterward, Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab restrained them.

American Standard Version
And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back the people.

Contemporary English Version
Then Joab blew a trumpet to signal his troops to stop chasing Israel's soldiers.

English Revised Version
And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Joab blew the ram's horn to stop their [fighting], and the troops returned from pursuing Israel.

Good News Translation
Joab had the trumpet blown to stop the fighting, and his troops came back from pursuing the Israelites.

International Standard Version
At this, Joab sounded his battle trumpet and his troops stopped pursuing the other Israelis.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Joab blew the ram?s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them.

NET Bible
Then Joab blew the trumpet and the army turned back from chasing Israel, for Joab had called for the army to halt.

New Heart English Bible
Then Joab blew the trumpet and the people turned back from pursuing Israel, for Joab had called for the people to halt.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel: for Joab restrained the people.

World English Bible
Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held the people back.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Joab blows with a horn, and the people turn back from pursuing after Israel, for Joab has kept back the people;

Young's Literal Translation
And Joab bloweth with a trumpet, and the people turneth back from pursuing after Israel, for Joab hath kept back the people;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joab will strike upon the trumpet, and the people will turn back from pursuing after Israel: for Joab restrained the people.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Joab sounded the trumpet, and kept back the people from pursuing after Israel in their flight, being willing to spare the multitude.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and he held back the people, lest they pursue Israel in their flight, for he was willing to spare the multitude.

New American Bible
Joab then sounded the horn, and the soldiers turned back from the pursuit of the Israelites, because Joab called them to halt.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and the troops came back from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the troops.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel; for Joab had held back the people.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yuab sounded on the Shophar and he returned all the people who were pursuing after Israel, because Yuab had restrained the people
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joab blew the horn, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back the people.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab spared the people.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Absalom Killed
15And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. 16Then Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them. 17They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 2:28
So Joab blew the ram’s horn, and all the troops stopped; they no longer pursued Israel or continued to fight.

2 Samuel 20:22
Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 22:36
As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: “Every man to his own city, and every man to his own land!”

Judges 7:7
Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.”

Judges 8:4
Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit.

1 Samuel 14:19
While Saul was talking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp continued to increase. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”

1 Samuel 17:52
Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.

1 Samuel 30:21-25
When David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Brook of Besor, they came out to meet him and the troops with him. As David approached the men, he greeted them, / but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” / But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us. ...

2 Kings 9:17-22
Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” ...

2 Kings 11:13-14
When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people in the house of the LORD. / And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!”

1 Chronicles 19:16-19
When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. / When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, advanced toward the Arameans, and arrayed for battle against them. When David lined up to engage them in battle, they fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army. ...

Psalm 46:9
He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.

Isaiah 31:8
“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor.

Isaiah 37:36-37
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.

Matthew 24:6-7
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.


Treasury of Scripture

And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

blew the trumpet

2 Samuel 2:28
So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.

2 Samuel 20:22
Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

Numbers 10:2-10
Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps…

Jump to Previous
Blew Bloweth Halted Held Horn Israel Joab Jo'ab Kept Pursuing Restrained Sounded Stopped Troops Trumpet Turneth
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Blew Bloweth Halted Held Horn Israel Joab Jo'ab Kept Pursuing Restrained Sounded Stopped Troops Trumpet Turneth
2 Samuel 18
1. David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom
6. The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim
9. Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit
18. Absalom's place
19. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David
33. David mourns for Absalom














Then Joab blew the trumpet
The act of blowing the trumpet in ancient Israel was a significant means of communication, often used to signal the end of a battle or to gather people. The Hebrew word for "trumpet" is "shofar," typically made from a ram's horn. This act by Joab, David's military commander, signifies a decisive moment in the battle against Absalom's forces. The shofar was not only a military tool but also held religious significance, used in various ceremonies and feasts, such as the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24). Joab's action here is both a practical military decision and a symbolic gesture of authority and control, reflecting his leadership and the cessation of hostilities.

and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel
The phrase "broke off their pursuit" indicates a sudden halt in the military action. The Hebrew root for "broke off" is "עָמַד" (amad), which means to stand or stop. This cessation of pursuit shows the discipline and obedience of the troops under Joab's command. Historically, the pursuit of a fleeing enemy was a common practice to ensure a decisive victory. However, Joab's decision to stop the pursuit reflects a strategic choice, possibly to prevent unnecessary bloodshed or to maintain order among the troops. This moment underscores the importance of leadership and the ability to control one's forces even in the heat of battle.

because Joab had restrained them
The word "restrained" comes from the Hebrew "חָשַׂךְ" (chasak), meaning to withhold or hold back. Joab's restraint of the troops highlights his authority and the respect he commanded among his men. It also suggests a level of mercy or strategic foresight, recognizing that further pursuit could lead to greater chaos or unintended consequences. In the broader biblical narrative, Joab is a complex character, often depicted as a fierce warrior but also as someone who acts decisively, sometimes ruthlessly, to achieve his goals. Here, his restraint may reflect a moment of wisdom, understanding the broader implications of the conflict and the need to preserve the unity of Israel after the civil strife caused by Absalom's rebellion. This act of restraint can be seen as a call for peace and reconciliation, aligning with the biblical theme of seeking peace and unity among God's people.

(16) Blew the trumpet.--Comp. 2Samuel 2:28; 2Samuel 20:22. With the death of Absalom the rebellion was at an end, and Joab would stop further slaughter.

Verse 16. - Joab blew the trumpet. Stem and unscrupulous as he was, yet Joab is always statesmanlike. He had slain Absalom more for public than for private reasons, though he may have grimly remembered his own blazing barley field. But the rebellion being now crushed, further slaughter was impolitic, and would only cause sullen displeasure. The people, at the end of the verse, are those under Joab's command, and a translation proposed by some, "Joab wished to spare the people," is to be rejected.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Joab
יוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

blew
וַיִּתְקַ֤ע (way·yiṯ·qa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8628: To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman

the trumpet,
בַּשֹּׁפָ֔ר (baš·šō·p̄ār)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7782: A cornet, curved horn

and the troops
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

broke off
וַיָּ֣שָׁב (way·yā·šāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

their pursuit
מִרְדֹ֖ף (mir·ḏōp̄)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

Joab
יוֹאָ֖ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

had restrained them.
חָשַׂ֥ךְ (ḥā·śaḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2820: To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe


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OT History: 2 Samuel 18:16 Joab blew the trumpet and the people (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 18:15
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