And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.

And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together to Abner: and being joined in one body, they stood on the top of a hill.

And the children of Benjamin assembled themselves after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of a hill.

And the sons of Benjamin gather themselves together after Abner, and become one troop, and stand on the top of a certain height,

And the men of Benjamin came together after Abner in one band, and took their places on the top of a hill.

And the sons of Benjamin gathered themselves to Abner. And being joined in one battle line, they stood at the summit of a hill.

And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner,.... Either those that were with him before, who upon the battle were dispersed, but now got together again; or others of that tribe, who, hearing of the defeat of Abner, went out of the several cities after him, to strengthen his hands, and renew the fight with Joab:
and became one troop; were united together in a body, and became a regular troop:
and stood on the top of an hill; which was some advantage to them, and from whence they could take a view of Joab's army, and observe its motions.

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.

The Benjaminites then gathered in a crowd behind Abner, and halted upon the top of a hill to beat back their pursuers; and Abner cried out to Joab, "Shall the sword then devour for ever (shall there be no end to the slaughter)? dost thou not know that bitterness arises at last? and how long wilt thou not say to the people, to return from pursuing their brethren?" Thus Abner warns Joab of the consequences of a desperate struggle, and calls upon him to put an end to all further bloodshed by suspending the pursuit.