2 Samuel 3
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Samuel 3
MacArthur - Eglah is called “David’s wife.” This may be because she is the last of the list and serves to draw emphasis to David’s polygamy. The inclusion of these sons indicates all who would have been in contention for the throne. More children were born to David when he moved to Jerusalem (2Sa 5:14). 2 Samuel 3:6 It came about while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul. BGT 2 Samuel 3:6 καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εἶναι τὸν πόλεμον ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ οἴκου Σαουλ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ οἴκου Δαυιδ καὶ Αβεννηρ ἦν κρατῶν τοῦ οἶκου Σαουλ LXE 2 Samuel 3:6 And it came to pass while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abenner was governing the house of Saul. KJV 2 Samuel 3:6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul. NET 2 Samuel 3:6 As the war continued between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was becoming more influential in the house of Saul. CSB 2 Samuel 3:6 During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner kept acquiring more power in the house of Saul. ESV 2 Samuel 3:6 While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul. NIV 2 Samuel 3:6 During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had been strengthening his own position in the house of Saul. NLT 2 Samuel 3:6 As the war between the house of Saul and the house of David went on, Abner became a powerful leader among those loyal to Saul. Abner: 2Sa 2:8,9 2Ki 10:23 2Ch 25:8 Pr 21:30 Isa 8:9,10 Joe 3:9-13 Mt 12:30 ABNER BECOMES MORE INFLUENTIAL It came about while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul - NET = "becoming more influential." The idea seems to be that Abner was "strengthening his own position in the house of Saul." (NIV) While David was growing stronger in the LORD (2Sa 3:1), Abner was growing stronger in his political influence. NET Note on Abner was making himself strong - Heb “was strengthening himself.” The statement may have a negative sense here, perhaps suggesting that Abner was overstepping the bounds of political propriety in a self-serving way. 2 Samuel 3:7 Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?" Rizpah: 2Sa 21:8-11 gone in: 2Sa 12:8 16:21,22 1Ki 2:17,21,22 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 21:8-11 So the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, Armoni and Mephibosheth (NOT THE SAME SON BORN TO JONATHAN AND DESCRIBED IN 2Sa 4:4) whom she had borne to Saul, and the five sons of Merab the daughter of Saul, whom she had borne to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite. 9 Then he gave them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the mountain before the LORD, so that the seven of them fell together; and they were put to death in the first days of harvest at the beginning of barley harvest. 10 And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until it rained on them from the sky; and she allowed neither the birds of the sky to rest on them by day nor the beasts of the field by night. 11 When it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done, 2 Samuel 16:20-22 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What shall we do?” 21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 1 Kings 2:22-23 King Solomon answered and said to his mother, “And why are you asking Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him also the kingdom–for he is my older brother–even for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah!” 23Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “May God do so to me and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life. ABNER & SAUL'S CONCUBINE RIZPAH Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine - Abner is accused of sexual relations with Saul's concubine (but has no proof Abner had truly had relations with Rizpah) and likely had political ramifications for to sleep with any of the king's wives or concubines was to make a claim to the throne, and it was considered treason. Baldwin - “To take the wife or concubine of the late monarch was to appropriate his property and to make a bid for the throne.” Life Application Study Bible (borrow) - Ishbosheth may have been right to speak out against Abner's behavior, but he didn't have the moral strength to maintain his authority (2Sa 3:11). Lack of moral backbone became the root of Israel's troubles over the next four centuries. Only 4 of the next 40 kings of Israel were called "good." It takes courage and strength to stand firm in your convictions and to confront wrongdoing in the face of opposition. When you believe something is wrong, do not let yourself be talked out of your position. Firmly attack the wrong and uphold the right. NET Note - This accusation against Abner is a very serious one, since an act of sexual infringement on the king’s harem would probably have been understood as a blatant declaration of aspirations to kingship. As such it was not merely a matter of ethical impropriety but an act of grave political significance as well. Ryrie concubine. A slave woman who was the legal chattel of her master and often served to raise him an heir. By the time of the kings, the possession of concubines appears to have been a royal prerogative. Having intercourse with a king's concubine was a treasonous act, for it was in essence making a claim to the throne (cf. 16:20-21). TSK Note - This action of Abner's seems a most evident proof that he intended to seize on the government; and it was so understood by Ish-bosheth Walton - Concubines are women without dowry who include among their duties providing children to the family. In the royal household they may represent minor political alliances. Since a concubine has been a sexual partner, a son who used his father’s concubine was not only viewed as incestuous but was seen as attempting to usurp the authority of the family patriarch. In a similar way a successor to the throne at times sought to expropriate the authority of his predecessor by taking over his concubines. Israel was a tribal society in transition to a monarchy. The network of support for a king would have been found in the powerful clans and families. Acquiring concubines and wives would therefore be the mechanism for building up the backing of each local area. Support might also be found in wealthy merchants, military leaders or even in priestly families. 3:8. dog’s head. This expression is not used anywhere else in the Old Testament. See comment on 1 Samuel 24:14 for information concerning self-deprecation using dog metaphors. (see page 325 IVP Background Commentary-OT) 2 Samuel 3:8 Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, "Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hands of David; and yet today you charge me with a guilt concerning the woman. BGT 2 Samuel 3:8 καὶ ἐθυμώθη σφόδρα Αβεννηρ περὶ τοῦ λόγου Μεμφιβοσθε καὶ εἶπεν Αβεννηρ πρὸς αὐτόν μὴ κεφαλὴ κυνὸς ἐγώ εἰμι ἐποίησα ἔλεος σήμερον μετὰ τοῦ οἴκου Σαουλ τοῦ πατρός σου καὶ περὶ ἀδελφῶν καὶ γνωρίμων καὶ οὐκ ηὐτομόλησα εἰς τὸν οἶκον Δαυιδ καὶ ἐπιζητεῖς ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ ὑπὲρ ἀδικίας γυναικὸς σήμερον LXE 2 Samuel 3:8 And Abenner was very angry with Jebosthe for this saying; and Abenner said to him, Am I a dog's head? I have this day wrought kindness with the house of Saul thy father, and with his brethren and friends, and have not gone over to the house of David, and dost thou this day seek a charge against me concerning injury to a woman? KJV 2 Samuel 3:8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman? NET 2 Samuel 3:8 These words of Ish-bosheth really angered Abner and he said, "Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah? This very day I am demonstrating loyalty to the house of Saul your father and to his relatives and his friends! I have not betrayed you into the hand of David. Yet you have accused me of sinning with this woman today! CSB 2 Samuel 3:8 Abner was very angry about Ish-bosheth's accusation. "Am I a dog's head who belongs to Judah?" he asked. "All this time I've been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends and haven't handed you over to David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! ESV 2 Samuel 3:8 Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, "Am I a dog's head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman. NIV 2 Samuel 3:8 Abner was very angry because of what Ish-Bosheth said and he answered, "Am I a dog's head--on Judah's side? This very day I am loyal to the house of your father Saul and to his family and friends. I haven't handed you over to David. Yet now you accuse me of an offense involving this woman! NLT 2 Samuel 3:8 Abner was furious. "Am I some Judean dog to be kicked around like this?" he shouted. "After all I have done for your father, Saul, and his family and friends by not handing you over to David, is this my reward-- that you find fault with me about this woman? Abner: Ps 76:10 Mk 6:18,19 Am I a dog's head: 2Sa 9:8 16:9 De 23:18 1Sa 24:14,15 2Ki 8:13 do show: 2Sa 3:9,18 5:2 1Sa 15:28 Ps 2:1-4 Isa 37:23 Ac 9:4,5 Related Passage: 1 Samuel 17:43 The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ANGRY ABNER ASKS AM I A DOG'S HEAD? Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, "Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah? If Abner had actually been falsely accused, it would also explain why he was so angry! This expression is not used anywhere else in the Old Testament but means something like "Am I a contemptible traitor?" Clearly this speaks of despising and even ridiculing someone for the Hebrews consider dogs and wild, unclean, scavenging beasts. (cf. Ex. 22:31; 1Sa 17:43; 24:14; 2Sa 9:8; 16:9; 1Ki 14:11; 16:4; 21:19; 2Ki 8:13; 9:35-37; Ps. 22:16). Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hands of David; and yet today you charge me with a guilt concerning the woman - CSB = "All this time I've been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends and haven't handed you over to David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman!" Abner's point is that Ish-bosheth would not be in power were it not for his support! TSK Note - Am I a dog's head was a proverbial expression among the Hebrews to denote whatever was deemed worthless and contemptible. 2 Samuel 3:9 "May God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the LORD has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him, BGT 2 Samuel 3:9 τάδε ποιήσαι ὁ θεὸς τῷ Αβεννηρ καὶ τάδε προσθείη αὐτῷ ὅτι καθὼς ὤμοσεν κύριος τῷ Δαυιδ ὅτι οὕτως ποιήσω αὐτῷ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ LXE 2 Samuel 3:9 God do thus and more also to Abenner, if as the Lord swore to David, so do I not to him this day; KJV 2 Samuel 3:9 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; NET 2 Samuel 3:9 God will severely judge Abner if I do not do for David exactly what the LORD has promised him, CSB 2 Samuel 3:9 May God punish Abner and do so severely if I don't do for David what the LORD swore to him: ESV 2 Samuel 3:9 God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him, NIV 2 Samuel 3:9 May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD promised him on oath NLT 2 Samuel 3:9 May God strike me and even kill me if I don't do everything I can to help David get what the LORD has promised him! May God do so: 2Sa 3:35 19:13 Ru 1:17 1Sa 3:17 14:44 25:22 1Ki 19:2 as the Lord: 1Sa 15:28 16:1-13 28:17 1Ch 12:23 Ps 89:3,4,19,20,35-37 Related Passages: 1 Samuel 24:20 (KING SAUL TO DAVID) “Now, behold, I know that you will surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand. ABNER SWITCHES SIDES TO DAVID May God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the LORD has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him - NLT - "May God strike me and even kill me if I don't do everything I can to help David get what the LORD has promised." Abner invokes a self-induced curse formula (cf. Ru 1:17; 1Sa 14:44; 1Ki 2:23; 19;2). Abner apparently knew that David was to be Saul's successor thus his setting up Ish-bosheth was presumptive sin!
2 Samuel 3
MacArthur on Bahurim - Located just E of Jerusalem, it became the final location where Paltiel (cf. 1Sa 25:44) would see Michal. This was also the town of Shimei, the man who cursed David during his flight from Jerusalem before Absalom (16:5). David’s soldiers also found refuge in a well at Bahurim while being pursued by Absalom’s men (17:18). 2 Samuel 3:17 Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, "In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you. BGT 2 Samuel 3:17 καὶ εἶπεν Αβεννηρ πρὸς τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους Ισραηλ λέγων ἐχθὲς καὶ τρίτην ἐζητεῖτε τὸν Δαυιδ βασιλεύειν ἐφ᾽ ὑμῶν LXE 2 Samuel 3:17 And Abenner spoke to the elders of Israel, saying, In former days ye sought David to reign over you; KJV 2 Samuel 3:17 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: NET 2 Samuel 3:17 Abner advised the elders of Israel, "Previously you were wanting David to be your king. CSB 2 Samuel 3:17 Abner conferred with the elders of Israel: "In the past you wanted David to be king over you. ESV 2 Samuel 3:17 And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, "For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you. NIV 2 Samuel 3:17 Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, "For some time you have wanted to make David your king. NLT 2 Samuel 3:17 Meanwhile, Abner had consulted with the elders of Israel. "For some time now," he told them, "you have wanted to make David your king. in times past: 2Sa 3:17 ABNER NEGOTIATES WITH ISRAEL FOR DAVID Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, "In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you - NET - "Abner advised the elders of Israel, "Previously you were wanting David to be your king" James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - A CALL TO DECISION 2 SAMUEL 3:17 1. Whom they sought. “They sought David.” 2. When they sought him. “In times past.” 3. Why they sought him. “To be king over them.” 4. “Now then, do it.” David is within your reach, and offered to you. 2 Samuel 3:18 "Now then, do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, 'By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.'" BGT 2 Samuel 3:18 καὶ νῦν ποιήσατε ὅτι κύριος ἐλάλησεν περὶ Δαυιδ λέγων ἐν χειρὶ τοῦ δούλου μου Δαυιδ σώσω τὸν Ισραηλ ἐκ χειρὸς ἀλλοφύλων καὶ ἐκ χειρὸς πάντων τῶν ἐχθρῶν αὐτῶν LXE 2 Samuel 3:18 and now perform it: for the Lord has spoken concerning David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save Israel out of the hand of all their enemies. KJV 2 Samuel 3:18 Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. NET 2 Samuel 3:18 Act now! For the LORD has said to David, 'By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and from all their enemies.'" CSB 2 Samuel 3:18 Now take action, because the LORD has spoken concerning David: 'Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the power of the Philistines and the power of all Israel's enemies.'" ESV 2 Samuel 3:18 Now then bring it about, for the LORD has promised David, saying, 'By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.'" NIV 2 Samuel 3:18 Now do it! For the LORD promised David, 'By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.' " NLT 2 Samuel 3:18 Now is the time! For the LORD has said, 'I have chosen David to save my people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and from all their other enemies.'" for the Lord: 2Sa 3:9 1Sa 13:14 15:28 16:1,12,13 Joh 12:42,43 By the hand: Ps 89:3-4, Ps 89:19-23 Ps 132:17-18 Related Passage: Psalm 89:19-23 Once You spoke in vision to Your godly ones, And said, “I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. 20“I have found David My servant; With My holy oil I have anointed him, 21With whom My hand will be established; My arm also will strengthen him. 22“The enemy will not deceive him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him. 23“But I shall crush his adversaries before him, And strike those who hate him. JUST DO IT! Now then, do it! - There is no reason to hold back. For - Abner explains why the elders of Israel need to make David king. Notice that it was Abner, not David, who suggests and manages the transference of the kingdom. He consults with the elders all over Israel to persuade them to make David king, then he goes to Hebron with twenty men to make the deal complete. The LORD has spoken of David, saying, 'By the hand of My servant (ebed; Lxx - doulos) David I will save (yasha; Lxx - sozo) My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies - Abner was Scripturally correct with this reasoning. The implication of course is that Abner knew it was wrong to make Ish-bosheth king of Israel as he had previously done. Once again we see God's sovereignty ("I will save") and Man's responsibility ("hand of My servant") (See "Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible") From the hand (hand [yad - see topic "hand"] speaks of power) of all their enemies would make this a prophecy, one which is yet to be fulfilled in the Time of Jacob's Trouble (Great Tribulation) at the end of which "all Israel (that believes in Messiah) will be saved." (Ro 11:26+, cf Zech 12:10+, "one-third" saved = Zech 13:8-9+). MacArthur - David is called “the Lord’s servant” more than 30 times in the OT. Abner’s words to the elders of Israel clearly recognized David as the servant of the Lord, thus having the right to the throne according to God’s sovereign will. Save (deliver, help) (03467) yasha' (See also yeshua from which we get our word "Jesus") is an important Hebrew verb which means to help, to save, to deliver. The root in Arabic is "make wide" which underscores the main thought of yasha' as to bring to a place of safety or broad pasture in contrast to a narrow strait which symbolizes distress or danger. TWOT adds that the concept of "wide" "connotes freedom from distress and the ability to pursue one’s own objectives. To move from distress to safety requires deliverance. Generally the deliverance must come from somewhere outside the party oppressed. In the OT the kinds of distress, both national and individual, include enemies, natural catastrophies, such as plague or famine, and sickness. The one who brings deliverance is known as the “savior.” Servant (05650) 'ebed from 'abad = work in any sense) means a slave or bondservant. Slavery in Israel amounted to indentured servitude. A fellow Israelite could not be held indefinitely against his will. In fact, his time of service was limited to 6 yr (Ex 21:2). The master could be punished if evil intent against the slave was proven (Ex 21:14) or if the slave died (Ex 21:20). These types of servants held a position of honor (Ge 24:2ff; 41:12, 15:2). D L Moody - I REMEMBER hearing of a man in one of the hospitals who received a bouquet of flowers from the Flower Mission. He looked at the beautiful bouquet and said: “Well, if I had known that a bunch of flowers could do a fellow so much good, I would have sent some myself when I was well.” If people only knew how they might cheer some lonely heart and lift up some drooping spirit, or speak some word that shall be lasting in its effects for all coming time, they would be up and about it. SPECIAL TOPIC: MY SERVANT This was a title of respect and calling (BDB 713). It was used in a collective sense the Patriarchs as a group - Deut. 9:27 the prophets - 2 Kgs. 9:7; 17:13; Ezra 9:11; Jer. 7:25; 26:5; 29:19; 35:15; 44:4 Israel - Ps. 105:6; 136:22; Isa. 41:8-9; 42:18-19; 44:1,2,21; 45:4; 48:20; 49:3; Jer. 30:10; 46:27,28 the Septuagint adds a phrase to Isa. 42:1, which makes it refer to national Israel ("Jacob is my servant, I will help him; Israel is my chosen") It was used in an individual sense Abraham - Gen. 26:24; Ps. 105:6 Job - Job 1:8; 2:3; 42:7, 8 Isaac - Gen. 24:14 Jacob - 1 Chr. 16:13; Ps. 105:6; Ezek. 28:25 Moses - Exod. 14:31; Num. 12:7-8; Deut. 34:5; Jos. 1:1-2,7,13,15 Joshua - Jos. 24:29; Jdg. 2:8 Caleb - Num 14:24 David - Ezek. 37:25 Zerubbabel - Hag. 2:23 Solomon - 1 Kgs. 3:8 Isaiah - Isa. 20:3; 44:26 Jesus - Matt. 12:15-21 quotes Isa. 42:1-4 This is a honorific title used of the Messiah in the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah (cf. Isa. 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12). Some have seen all of these as referring to Israel (cf. Isa. 41:8-9; 42:19; 43:10; 44:21), but Isa. 52:13-53:12 refers to an individual, ideal Israelite (note Isa. 53:8). The servant cannot die for the sins of the servant! Notice Matt. 27:38,59. God is in control of history, men, nations, and even Satan; all may be used to accomplish His redemptive purposes! He used Christ (cf. Isa. 53:10). The footnote of the Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 545, is very helpful as it outlines the different usages of the title "My Servant." 1. a servant of God as a prophet, cf. Num. 12:7-8; Neh. 1:7; Dan. 9:11 a. Moses b. Daniel, cf. Dan. 9:17 2. a servant of God as a military leader (i.e., Joshua), cf. Jos. 24:29; Jdgs. 2:8 3. a servant of God as King (i.e., David), cf. 2 Sam. 7:5,8; Psalm 18; 36; Ezek. 34:24; 37:24 4. a servant of God as administrator a. Nehemiah, cf. Neh. 1:6 b. Zerubbabel, cf. Hag. 2:23 5. all Israel (or Jacob), cf. Isa. 41:8,9; 42:1,19; 43:10; 44:1,21; 49:3; Ezek. 28:25; 37:25 6. the remnant of Israel, cf. Isa. 41:8-10 7. a godly individual, cf. Job 1:8; 2:3; 42:8 8. unbelieving rulers who serve YHWH's purposes a. Cyrus, Isa. 44:28; 45:1 b. Nebuchadnezzar, Jer. 25:9; 27:6; 43:10 2 Samuel 3:19 Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin; and in addition Abner went to speak in the hearing of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin. BGT 2 Samuel 3:19 καὶ ἐλάλησεν Αβεννηρ ἐν τοῖς ὠσὶν Βενιαμιν καὶ ἐπορεύθη Αβεννηρ τοῦ λαλῆσαι εἰς τὰ ὦτα τοῦ Δαυιδ εἰς Χεβρων πάντα ὅσα ἤρεσεν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς Ισραηλ καὶ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς παντὸς οἴκου Βενιαμιν LXE 2 Samuel 3:19 And Abenner spoke in the ears of Benjamin: and Abenner went to speak in the ears of David at Chebron, all that seemed good in the eyes of Israel and in the eyes of the house of Benjamin. KJV 2 Samuel 3:19 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin. NET 2 Samuel 3:19 Then Abner spoke privately with the Benjaminites. Abner also went to Hebron to inform David privately of all that Israel and the entire house of Benjamin had agreed to. CSB 2 Samuel 3:19 Abner also informed the Benjaminites and went to Hebron to inform David about all that was agreed on by Israel and the whole house of Benjamin. ESV 2 Samuel 3:19 Abner also spoke to Benjamin. And then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin thought good to do. NIV 2 Samuel 3:19 Abner also spoke to the Benjamites in person. Then he went to Hebron to tell David everything that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin wanted to do. NLT 2 Samuel 3:19 Abner also spoke with the men of Benjamin. Then he went to Hebron to tell David that all the people of Israel and Benjamin had agreed to support him. Benjamin: 1Sa 10:20,21 1Ch 12:29 Ps 68:27 ABNER'S NEGOTIATIONS WITH TRIBE OF BENJAMIN Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin (Saul's tribe); and in addition Abner went to speak in the hearing of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin - NIV = "Then he went to Hebron to tell David everything that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin wanted to do." The Benjamites are singled out here because this is Saul’s tribe, and they are the ones who need to be supportive of this proposal of Abner to make David king over Israel. The negotiations have been completed, Abner then went to Hebron to report to David everything that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin wanted to do. Walton - Abner’s diplomacy. Abner is now functioning as an agent for David’s kingdom. He is not only planning his own defection but intends to bring the northern tribes with him. Tribal decisions were made by the elders who are called together. It is strategic for him to speak to the Benjaminites personally and individually, both because he is a prominent leader in the tribe of Benjamin, and, even more importantly, because Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin, so they would be the most loyal to Saul’s descendants. (see page 326 IVP Background Commentary-OT) 2 Samuel 3:20 Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. David: Ge 26:30 31:54 Es 1:3 DAVID MEETS WITH ABNER IN HEBRON Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him - Although the text does not say it, Abner also has Michal with him, or has had her sent on ahead to David. Clearly David sees Abner's visit as a positive event and so welcomes him with a feast. Meals were often used as part of the symbolism of sealing a covenant agreement. Walton - It was typical of important transactions that they be sealed with a feast shared between the parties to celebrate the legal arrangements that have been concluded. The twenty men with Abner may be important representatives of the powerful factions in Israel as well as a small military entourage of high ranking officers. (see page 326 IVP Background Commentary-OT) Don Anderson quips on Michal's return to David - It would be difficult to comprehend the emotions involved in this situation as David and Michal see each other once again. I am sure David would have said, “I’ve missed you, Michal.” And she probably would have responded, “I’ll bet you have with all these other women running around the place.” They had been apart for 10-12 years and were childhood sweethearts. Freeman on Covenant Traditions - To demonstrate that what each partner had was now available to the other partner whenever needed, they would then exchange some article of clothing (Ed: see Covenant: The Exchange of Robes). After that they would exchange weapons of some type to demonstrate that each would come to the other’s aid whenever they were being attacked by an enemy and needed help (Ed: Covenant: The Exchange of Armor and Belts). An enemy of one was now the enemy of the other. Thus Christ said to Saul, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” when Saul was actually persecuting Christians (Acts 9:4-see explanatory note). At the end of all they did, they would then have a meal together to demonstrate their friendship … , and take into themselves what the other had provided, for it was customary for each to provide something for the covenant meal. The covenant meal was the final binding and demonstration of the newly made covenant. (Ed comment: Compare our tradition of the husband and wife feeding each other wedding cake after becoming one flesh [Ge 2:24] in the marriage covenant! See Covenant As It Relates to Marriage) It was a covenant meal that the Lord and His disciples ate together in the upper room. It started as an Old Testament Passover meal, and was changed by the Lord into a New Testament covenant meal: And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. (Luke 22:19, 20) (Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. - The New Manners and Customs of the Bible). (Bolding added) 2 Samuel 3:21 Abner said to David, "Let me arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires." So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace. BGT 2 Samuel 3:21 καὶ εἶπεν Αβεννηρ πρὸς Δαυιδ ἀναστήσομαι δὴ καὶ πορεύσομαι καὶ συναθροίσω πρὸς κύριόν μου τὸν βασιλέα πάντα Ισραηλ καὶ διαθήσομαι μετὰ σοῦ διαθήκην καὶ βασιλεύσεις ἐπὶ πᾶσιν οἷς ἐπιθυμεῖ ἡ ψυχή σου καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Δαυιδ τὸν Αβεννηρ καὶ ἐπορεύθη ἐν εἰρήνῃ LXE 2 Samuel 3:21 And Abenner said to David, I will arise now, and go, and gather to my lord the king all Israel; and I will make with him a covenant, and thou shalt reign over all whom thy soul desires. And David sent away Abenner, and he departed in peace. KJV 2 Samuel 3:21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace. NET 2 Samuel 3:21 Abner said to David, "Let me leave so that I may go and gather all Israel to my lord the king so that they may make an agreement with you. Then you will rule over all that you desire." So David sent Abner away, and he left in peace. CSB 2 Samuel 3:21 Abner said to David, "Let me now go and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you, and you will rule over all you desire." So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace. ESV 2 Samuel 3:21 And Abner said to David, "I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires." So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace. NIV 2 Samuel 3:21 Then Abner said to David, "Let me go at once and assemble all Israel for my lord the king, so that they may make a compact with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires." So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace. NLT 2 Samuel 3:21 Then Abner said to David, "Let me go and call an assembly of all Israel to support my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you to make you their king, and you will rule over everything your heart desires." So David sent Abner safely on his way. gather: 2Sa 3:10,12 2:9 Php 2:21 that you may be king : 1Ki 11:37 Ps 20:4 DAVID ACCEPTS ABNER'S OFFER TO GATHER ALL ISRAEL Abner said to David, "Let me arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may ("cut" - karath) a covenant (beriyth) with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires." - Abner’s proposal to David is now very concise. His desire is to assemble all Israel and that they make a compact with David, and that David may rule over all that his heart desires. Abner shows his commitment to a united Israel under David with three verbs - arise, go, gather. MacArthur - This covenant moved beyond the personal agreement made between Abner and David and was operative on the national level, uniting both N and S. So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace - David's conscience is clean as he sends Abner in peace (repeated in 2Sa 3:22). This fact emphasizes he had no part in the murder of Abner by Joab and Abishai. In other words David clearly sought peace with Abner. Psalm 37:3-9 “Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him, and He will do it. And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath. Fret not yourself; it leads only to evil doing. For evil doers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.” 2 Samuel 3:22 And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much spoil with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. JOAB RETURNS TO HEBRON FROM RAID And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much spoil with them - Why would he say "behold" here? I think it is because the "persona non grata" Abner has just departed. It is like Abner leaves the stage and "behold" Joab enters the stage and there is "bad blood" between these two. So the drama is about to "heat up" quickly. On one hand much spoil would have filled them with joy, but that emotion would soon be changed to anger. Walton - Most armies, whether made up of mercenaries, conscripts or professional members of a standing army, considered plunder to be part of the pay of being a soldier (much like a waitress would consider tips). Some raids were carried out with military objectives in mind (expansion, control of trade routes, etc.), but others would be intended to pester an enemy and, at the same time, provide extra pay for the soldiers. Since David had little means to finance an administration or military, plunder was probably the sole source of compensation for the army. (see page 326 IVP Background Commentary-OT) but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace (shalom; Lxx - eirene) - Joab returns but Abner (recall they have a blood feud) has already been dismissed by David. Peace (07965) shalom from salam/salem/shalam = to be safe, sound, healthy, perfect, complete [1Ki 7:51, Neh 6:18]) signifies a sense of well-being and harmony both within and without - Completeness, wholeness, peace, health, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, fullness, rest, harmony; the absence of agitation or discord, a state of calm without anxiety or stress. The root meaning of shalom is to be whole or sound and this leads to translations that speak of completeness, wholeness, well-being, welfare and peace. Shalom also includes the idea of vigour and vitality in all dimensions of life. In short, shalom speaks of holistic ("holy") health for our souls and spirits. 2 Samuel 3:23 When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they told Joab, saying, "Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace." JOAB HEARS REPORT OF ABNER'S MEETING When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they told Joab, saying, "Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace (shalom; Lxx - eirene) - Note the repetition of the word peace! Abner had left David in peace, but Joab will soon "disturb" the peace! 2 Samuel 3:24 Then Joab came to the king and said, "What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why then have you sent him away and he is already gone? What have you done 2Sa 3:8,39 19:5-7 Nu 23:11 Joh 18:35 JOAB QUESTIONS DAVID'S DECISION Then Joab came to the king and said, "What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why then have you sent him away and he is already gone - Joab was angry that David let Abner go without arresting or killing him. He is a bit "hot under the collar" for he is not thinking of David's welfare but his own selfish interest. He knew there could be only one commander over David's forces and he wanted to keep that position. TSK Note - Joab and his brother Abishai, David's nephews, had been very faithful and highly useful to him in his distresses; and, from gratitude and natural affection, he had inadvertently permitted them to assume almost as much ascendancy over him as Abner had over the pusillanimous Ishbosheth 2 Samuel 3:25 "You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you and to learn of your going out and coming in and to find out all that you are doing." that he came: 2Sa 3:27 2Ki 18:32 Joh 7:12,47 Ro 2:1 and to learn: 2Sa 10:3 Ge 42:9,12,16 Nu 27:17 De 28:6 1Sa 29:4-6 Ps 121:8 Isa 37:28 JOAB ATTEMPTS TO DISSUADE DAVID You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you and to learn of your going out and coming in and to find out all that you are doing - Without any apparent evidence Joab accuses Abner of seeking to deceive and spy on David. Anderson - Joab puts a completely wrong interpretation upon Abner’s act. So many times we make wrong judgments of people simply because we do not have all the facts that determine the situation. MacArthur - It is ironic that Joab accused Abner of deception in spying on David in v. 25 when in v. 26 he deceived David by not telling him of his request to have Abner returned to Hebron. Joab used this deception to slay Abner out of personal vengeance for the death of his brother Asahel (v. 27; see 2 Sa 2:19–23). NET Note on your going out and coming in - The expression is a merism. It specifically mentions the polar extremities of the actions but includes all activity in between the extremities as well, thus encompassing the entirety of one’s activities. 2 Samuel 3:26 When Joab came out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know it. he sent: Pr 26:23-26 27:4-6 JOAB TAKES THE INITIATIVE AGAINST ABNER When Joab came out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah - Joab basically usurps the king's authority. The well of Sirah was about 2 miles north of Hebron. Josephus, Antiq. 7.1.5, says the well was about a half mile north of Hebron. but David did not know it - David was ignorant of Joab's wicked plan for revenge on Abner. Joab who had accused Abner of deception, was himself deceiving. 2 Samuel 3:27 So when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the belly so that he died on account of the blood of Asahel his brother. BGT 2 Samuel 3:27 καὶ ἐπέστρεψεν Αβεννηρ εἰς Χεβρων καὶ ἐξέκλινεν αὐτὸν Ιωαβ ἐκ πλαγίων τῆς πύλης λαλῆσαι πρὸς αὐτὸν ἐνεδρεύων καὶ ἐπάταξεν αὐτὸν ἐκεῖ ἐπὶ τὴν ψόαν καὶ ἀπέθανεν ἐν τῷ αἵματι Ασαηλ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ Ιωαβ LXE 2 Samuel 3:27 And he brought back Abenner to Chebron, and Joab caused him to turn aside from the gate to speak to him, laying wait for him: and he smote him there in the loins, and he died for the blood of Asael the brother of Joab. KJV 2 Samuel 3:27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. NET 2 Samuel 3:27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside at the gate as if to speak privately with him. Joab then stabbed him in the abdomen and killed him, avenging the shed blood of his brother Asahel. CSB 2 Samuel 3:27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside to the middle of the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the death of Asahel, Joab's brother. ESV 2 Samuel 3:27 And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the stomach, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. NIV 2 Samuel 3:27 Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway, as though to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died. NLT 2 Samuel 3:27 When Abner arrived back at Hebron, Joab took him aside at the gateway as if to speak with him privately. But then he stabbed Abner in the stomach and killed him in revenge for killing his brother Asahel. took him: 2Sa 20:9,10 De 27:24 1Ki 2:5,32 privately Jer 41:2,6,7 for the blood: 2Sa 2:19-23 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 2:23 However, he (ASAHEL) refused to turn aside; therefore Abner struck him in the belly with the butt end of the spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died on the spot. And it came about that all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still. Map to help visualize cities of refuge - UNDERLINED Zondervan Atlas of the Bible: C. Rasmussen (recommended resource - do not reproduce) JOAB KILLS ABNER IN HEBRON A CITY OF REFUGE So when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him privately - "City gates were elaborate structures." (ESVSB) Joab hides his true intentions. HEBRON WAS A CITY OF REFUGE - Joshua 20:1-3+ Then the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, 3 that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditation (ABNER KILLED ASAHEL IN SELF DEFENSE), may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood (JOAB WAS THE BLOOD AVENGER)....7 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. Adrian Rogers comments - Abner died right at the doorway of the city of refuge, right in the place of safety. All he would have had to do was just step right inside the gate, and he would have been absolutely safe. This is the reason that David lamented; this is the reason that David wept, and he said, "Abner was a great man; but he died like a fool. He died right outside the gate of the city of refuge. And, that's an interesting thing to me, because I believe that I've met many of the brothers of Abner today—many men who are so wise, many men who are so capable, many men who are so great. David said, in verse 38, that he was a great man and a prince. I've seen these men—intellectual men. I've seen men who can cook up a business deal. I've seen men who can build apartment complexes. I've seen men who can perform surgery. I have seen men who can draw buildings. I have seen men who can make speeches. I've seen men who can lead people. I've seen men who can lead in Boy Scouts. And, I've seen men who can lead in the Kiwanis—men who are wise men, men who are good men, men who are great men, but they die like a fool, because they die without the Lord Jesus Christ. They're successful in every other realm, but they die like a fool, because they die without Christ. (See Luke 12:17-20+ "God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’") and there he struck him in the belly so that he died on account of the blood of Asahel his brother - CSB - "So Abner died in revenge for the death of Asahel, Joab's brother." Just as Abner had struck Asahel in the stomach, Joab now returned the favor to Abner. Keep in mind that Abner was being attacked when he struck Asahel (2Sa 2:18–23) and thus his action would seem to be in self-defense. On the other hand, Joab murdered Abner to avenge the death of Asahel who was actually the agresser! Note also that Hebron was a city of refuge and theoretically Abner should have been protected from harm. Some might argue that Abner was not actually WITHIN the city but only in the gate and therefore not legally protected and if that is the case that makes Joab's murder all the more sinister because it implies he knew the rule. Life Application Study Bible (borrow) - Joab took revenge for the death of his brother instead of leaving justice to God. But that revenge backfired on him (1 Kings 2:31-34). God will repay those who deserve it (Romans 12:19). Refuse to rejoice when your enemies suffer, and don't try to get revenge. Seeking revenge will ruin your own peace of mind and increase the chances of further retaliation. Abner killed Joab's brother Asahel in self-defense. Joab then killed Abner to avenge his brother's death and also to save his position of military leadership. People who killed in self-defense were supposed to be safe in cities of refuge (Numbers 35:22-25). Joab showed his disrespect for God's laws by killing Abner out of revenge in Hebron, a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7) (SEE UNDERLINED CITIES ABOVE = CITIES OF REFUGE). Spurgeon “We may even deceive ourselves into the belief that we are honoring our Lord and Master when we are, all the while, bringing disgrace upon his name.” TSK Note - Joab was afraid that Abner, after rendering such essential service to David, would be made the general of the army; and therefore, under pretence of avenging the death of his brother, he treacherously assassinated the unsuspecting and too-confiding Abner: and such was the power of this cool-blooded and nefarious murderer, that the king dared not bring him to justice for his crime. But, while Joab's conduct cannot be too severely reprobated, the justice of God is apparent in Abner's punishment; who, from ambition, had pertinaciously, against his conscience, opposed the declared will of God; and was induced by base resentment to desert Ish-bosheth, and offer his services to David: see ver. 6-10; 4:6. 2 Samuel 3:28 Afterward when David heard it, he said, "I and my kingdom are innocent before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner. are innocent: Ge 9:6 Ex 21:12 Nu 35:33 De 21:1-9 Mt 27:24 blood: Ge 4:10 DAVID DECLARES SELF INNOCENT OF ABNER'S BLOOD Afterward when David heard it, he said, "I and my kingdom are innocent before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner - David He washes his hands from the guilt of Abner’s blood and declares his hands and conscience are clean. Warren