Overview
The Bible addresses truce across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Abner and War. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joab, Abner, David and Asahel.
Key Bible verses about truce
Old Testament
2 Samuel
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?
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. in the: Heb. from the morning gone: or, gone away
So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.
And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.
But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.
People in the Bible and truce
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying truce for yourself
- Begin with 2 Samuel 2:26, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Joab, Abner and David and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Abner and War.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about truce?
The Bible addresses truce across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Abner and War. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joab, Abner, David and Asahel.
How many Bible verses are about truce?
The Bible references truce in 6 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention truce?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 2 Samuel 2:26: “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?”
Which people in the Bible are associated with truce?
Joab, Abner, David and Asahel.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on truce.
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