The battle that day was very fierce — The initial twelve-against-twelve quickly escalates to full battle. 'Very fierce' (קָשָׁה מְאֹד, qāšâh məʾōd) indicates brutal combat. Joab, David's general, commands superior forces and superior will; Ish-bosheth's army is fighting for a puppet king, lacking covenant legitimacy. The outcome is predictable: David's men 'prevailed' (וַיִּמְצְאוּ יָד, vayyimṣəʾû yāḏ), a phrase meaning 'found strength' or gained upper hand. Abner's forces 'were defeated' (וַיִּנָּגְפוּ, vayyinnāgəp̄û), struck down, losing the day. The victory belongs to David's cause, confirming the covenant direction. Yet the narrative notes it was 'very fierce'—the cost was high on both sides.

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