Heb. gedud, which generally means “a marauding band,” “a troop,” but here seems to be used in the sense of “a foray,” or “a raid.” The sentence should read, “Joab came from a foray.” The raid had probably been against the Amalekites, the Philistines, or some other enemy of Judah. It is possible that the expedition had been planned by David, so that Joab would not be present during Abner’s visit. Joab returned, elated with his victory and the great spoil.

The introduction of this item immediately after the mention of Joab’s return, suggests that the departure of Abner before Joab’s return was more than a mere coincidence. For the two rival generals to meet face to face at that juncture might have ruined all prospects of peace.