Let the young men now arise, and play before us— The word rendered play signifies to conflict, or contend together. See Parkhurst on שׂחק sachak. It seems most probable, that Joab was ordered to act only upon the defensive, David having sworn not to destroy the family of Saul. 1 Samuel 24:22. In all likelihood, this was only a scheme of Abner's to pique Joab, and draw on the battle. Josephus understands the proposal as a trial of skill, to shew who had the best disciplined or bravest soldiers. Antiq. lib. vii. c. 1. and see Dr. Shaw's Travels, part ii. p. 250.
Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 2:14
2 Samuel 2:14
14 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.