* As God.
   This was spoken in allusion to the proposal of Abner, (ver.
   14,) which led to the slaughter of twelve young men of each
   party, and thus provoked the battle.  It is probable, that
   Joab had orders simply to act on the defensive, and would not
   have attacked the Israelites that day unless compelled;
   therefore the blame lay upon Abner and Israel.

  1Sa 25:26  Job 27:2 
 * unless.
  14  Pr 15:1  17:14  20:18  25:8  Isa 47:7  Lu 14:31,32 
 * in the morning.  Heb. from the morning.  gone up.  or, gone
   away.