Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 3

Introduction

Overview

2 Samuel 3:1, During the war David still waxes stronger; 2 Samuel 3:2, Six sons are born to him in Hebron; 2 Samuel 3:6, Abner, displeased with Ish-bosheth, 2 Samuel 3:7, revolts to David; 2 Samuel 3:13, David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal; 2 Samuel 3:17, Abner, having communed with the Israelites, is feasted by David, and dismissed; 2 Samuel 3:22, Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner; 2 Samuel 3:28, David curses Joab; 2 Samuel 3:31, and mourns for Abner.

Verse 1

long war: 1 Kings 14:30, 1 Kings 15:16, 1 Kings 15:32

between: Genesis 3:15, Psalms 45:3-5, Matthew 10:35, Matthew 10:36, Galatians 5:17, Ephesians 6:12

David waxed: 2 Samuel 2:17, Esther 6:13, Job 8:7, Job 17:9, Psalms 84:7, Proverbs 4:18, Proverbs 4:19, Daniel 2:34, Daniel 2:35, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 2:45, Revelation 6:2

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 33:7 - let his hands Joshua 17:13 - waxen strong 2 Samuel 2:31 - three hundred 2 Samuel 5:10 - General 2 Samuel 22:44 - delivered 1 Chronicles 11:9 - waxed greater and greater 1 Chronicles 12:22 - day by day Esther 9:4 - waxed Psalms 18:43 - from Psalms 71:21 - increase Psalms 89:23 - I will

Verse 2

sons born: 1 Chronicles 3:1-4

Amnon: 2 Samuel 13:1-29, Genesis 49:3, Genesis 49:4

Ahinoam: 1 Samuel 25:43

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 17:17 - multiply wives Judges 8:30 - many wives 1 Samuel 30:5 - two wives 2 Samuel 11:27 - fetched her 2 Samuel 12:2 - exceeding 2 Samuel 15:10 - Hebron 1 Kings 11:3 - seven hundred 2 Chronicles 11:21 - eighteen wives

Verse 3

Chileab: 1 Chronicles 3:1, Daniel

Abigail: 2 Samuel 2:2, 1 Samuel 25:3, 1 Samuel 25:42

Absalom: 2 Samuel 13:20-28, 2 Samuel 14:24-33, 2 Samuel 15:1-18, 2 Samuel 17:1-14, 2 Samuel 18:9-18, 2 Samuel 18:33

Talmai: 2 Samuel 13:37, 2 Samuel 13:38

Geshur: Deuteronomy 3:14, Joshua 13:13, 1 Samuel 27:8

Reciprocal: Joshua 12:5 - unto the Joshua 13:2 - Geshuri 1 Samuel 30:5 - two wives 2 Samuel 13:1 - Absalom 2 Samuel 14:23 - Geshur 2 Samuel 15:10 - Hebron 1 Kings 1:6 - bare him

Verse 4

Adonijah: 1 Kings 1:5-18, 1 Kings 2:13-25

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:6 - bare him 1 Kings 1:11 - Haggith 1 Chronicles 3:2 - Adonijah

Verse 5

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 3:3 - Eglah

Verse 6

Abner: 2 Samuel 2:8, 2 Samuel 2:9, 2 Kings 10:23, 2 Chronicles 25:8, Proverbs 21:30, Isaiah 8:9, Isaiah 8:10, Joel 3:9-13, Matthew 12:30

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:27 - and smote Proverbs 7:26 - General

Verse 7

Rizpah: 2 Samuel 21:8-11

Wherefore: 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; see parallel texts.

gone in: 2 Samuel 12:8, 2 Samuel 16:21, 2 Samuel 16:22, 1 Kings 2:17, 1 Kings 2:21, 1 Kings 2:22

Reciprocal: Judges 19:1 - a concubine 1 Samuel 26:5 - Abner 2 Samuel 2:8 - Ishbosheth 2 Samuel 21:10 - Rizpah Proverbs 29:12 - General

Verse 8

Abner: Psalms 76:10, Mark 6:18, Mark 6:19

Amos I a dog's head: This was a proverbial expression among the Hebrews to denote whatever was deemed worthless and contemptible. Something similar to this was the answer of the Turkish commander at Beer, on the Euphrates, to a request made to see the castle. "Do they," said he, "take me for a child, or an ass's head, that they would feed me with sweet meats, and dupe me with a bit of cloth? No, they shall not see the castle." 2 Samuel 9:8, 2 Samuel 16:9, Deuteronomy 23:18, 1 Samuel 24:14, 1 Samuel 24:15, 2 Kings 8:13

do show: 2 Samuel 3:9, 2 Samuel 3:18, 2 Samuel 5:2, 1 Samuel 15:28, Psalms 2:1-4, Isaiah 37:23, Acts 9:4, Acts 9:5

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 17:43 - Am 1 Samuel 26:5 - Abner 2 Samuel 2:8 - Ishbosheth 2 Samuel 3:24 - What hast

Verse 9

So do God: 2 Samuel 3:35, 2 Samuel 19:13, Ruth 1:17, 1 Samuel 3:17, 1 Samuel 14:44, 1 Samuel 25:22, 1 Kings 19:2

as the Lord: 1 Samuel 15:28, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 1 Samuel 28:17, 1 Chronicles 12:23, Psalms 89:3, Psalms 89:4, Psalms 89:19, Psalms 89:20, Psalms 89:35-37

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:8 - do show 2 Samuel 3:18 - for the Lord 1 Kings 2:23 - God 2 Kings 6:31 - God do so 1 Chronicles 10:14 - turned Psalms 89:49 - thou

Verse 10

from Dan: 2 Samuel 17:11, 2 Samuel 24:2, Judges 20:1, 1 Kings 4:25

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 3:20 - Dan 2 Samuel 3:21 - will gather 1 Chronicles 10:14 - turned 1 Chronicles 21:2 - Beersheba

Verse 11

because: 2 Samuel 3:39

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 14:28 - which belonged to Judah Psalms 60:2 - broken

Verse 12

Whose: 2 Samuel 19:6, 2 Samuel 20:1-13

Make: Psalms 62:9, Luke 16:5-8

my hand: 2 Samuel 3:21, 2 Samuel 3:27, 2 Samuel 5:1-3, 2 Samuel 19:14, 2 Samuel 19:41-43, 2 Samuel 20:1, 2 Samuel 20:2, 1 Chronicles 11:1-3, 1 Chronicles 12:38-40, Matthew 21:8-10

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:38 - a prince 2 Samuel 8:15 - over all Israel

Verse 13

that is: Heb. saying

Thou shalt: Genesis 43:3, Genesis 44:23, Genesis 44:26

except: As Michal was not divorced, but violently separated from David, he had a legal right to demand her, and was justified in receiving her again. It is probable, also, that her marriage with Phaltiel was a force upon her inclinations; and whatever affections he might have for her, it was highly criminal for him to take another man's wife. David required Michal probably both out of affection for her, and to strengthen his interest, by asserting his affinity with the house of Saul.

Michal: 2 Samuel 3:20-23, 1 Samuel 18:20-28, 1 Samuel 19:11-17, 1 Chronicles 15:29

Reciprocal: Genesis 33:10 - I have seen 1 Samuel 14:49 - name of the firstborn 2 Samuel 14:24 - let him not

Verse 14

Ishbosheth: 2 Samuel 2:10

an hundred: 1 Samuel 18:25, 1 Samuel 18:27

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:11 - the flesh Genesis 29:18 - I will serve Genesis 34:12 - dowry 1 Samuel 25:44 - Phalti 2 Samuel 6:16 - Michal 1 Chronicles 15:29 - Michal

Verse 15

Phaltiel: 1 Samuel 25:44, Phalti

Verse 16

along weeping: Heb. going and weeping, Proverbs 9:17, Proverbs 9:18

Bahurim: 2 Samuel 16:5, 2 Samuel 17:18, 2 Samuel 19:16, 1 Kings 2:8

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 41:6 - weeping

Verse 17

in times past: Heb. both yesterday and the third day, 2 Samuel 3:17

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 24:20 - I know well 1 Chronicles 11:10 - to make Psalms 75:7 - he putteth

Verse 18

for the Lord: 2 Samuel 3:9, 1 Samuel 13:14, 1 Samuel 15:28, 1 Samuel 16:1, 1 Samuel 16:12, 1 Samuel 16:13, John 12:42, John 12:43

By the hand: Psalms 89:3, Psalms 89:4, Psalms 89:19-23, Psalms 132:17, Psalms 132:18

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 24:20 - I know well 2 Samuel 3:8 - do show 1 Chronicles 11:10 - to make 1 Chronicles 12:23 - according Psalms 60:6 - God Psalms 75:7 - he putteth Psalms 78:70 - chose

Verse 19

Benjamin: 1 Samuel 10:20, 1 Samuel 10:21, 1 Chronicles 12:29, Psalms 68:27

Verse 20

David: Genesis 26:30, Genesis 31:54, Esther 1:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 21:8 - feast 2 Samuel 3:13 - Michal 1 Chronicles 12:17 - If ye be come

Verse 21

will gather: 2 Samuel 3:10, 2 Samuel 3:12, 2 Samuel 2:9, Philippians 2:21

reign over: 1 Kings 11:37, Psalms 20:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:54 - did eat 1 Samuel 23:20 - all the desire 2 Samuel 17:3 - I will bring 1 Kings 11:21 - Let me depart 1 Chronicles 11:10 - to make

Verse 22

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 4:2 - captains

Verse 23

Reciprocal: Proverbs 17:26 - to strike

Verse 24

What hast: 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: he trusted and feared them too much, and allowed them all the importance they claimed; which had emboldened them, especially Joab, to a high degree of presumption. 2 Samuel 3:8, 2 Samuel 3:39, 2 Samuel 19:5-7, Numbers 23:11, John 18:35

Reciprocal: Genesis 3:13 - What 1 Samuel 13:11 - What hast 2 Samuel 19:6 - thou regardest Proverbs 19:10 - much

Verse 25

that he came: 2 Samuel 3:27, 2 Kings 18:32, *marg. John 7:12, John 7:47, Romans 2:1

and to know: 2 Samuel 10:3, Genesis 42:9, Genesis 42:12, Genesis 42:16, Numbers 27:17, Deuteronomy 28:6, 1 Samuel 29:4-6, Psalms 121:8, Isaiah 37:28

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 29:6 - thy going 2 Samuel 19:6 - thou regardest Proverbs 19:10 - much

Verse 26

he sent: Proverbs 26:23-26, Proverbs 27:4-6

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 2:32 - my father

Verse 27

took him: 2 Samuel 20:9, 2 Samuel 20:10, Deuteronomy 27:24, 1 Kings 2:5, 1 Kings 2:32

quietly: or, peaceably, Jeremiah 41:2, Jeremiah 41:6, Jeremiah 41:7

and smote: 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 note on 2 Samuel 3:6, and see note on 2 Samuel 4:6.

for the blood: 2 Samuel 2:19-23

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:8 - talked Exodus 21:14 - slay Numbers 35:20 - if he thrust 1 Samuel 14:50 - the name of the captain 1 Samuel 26:5 - Abner 2 Samuel 2:22 - how then 2 Samuel 2:23 - the fifth rib 2 Samuel 3:12 - my hand 2 Samuel 3:25 - that he came 2 Samuel 4:11 - require 2 Samuel 11:16 - he assigned 2 Samuel 11:21 - Thy servant 2 Samuel 13:26 - let my brother 2 Samuel 14:19 - of Joab 1 Chronicles 11:6 - Joab 1 Chronicles 21:6 - Joab 1 Chronicles 27:21 - Abner Nehemiah 6:2 - Come Psalms 55:23 - bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days Proverbs 7:26 - General Proverbs 10:18 - that hideth Proverbs 26:26 - Whose hatred is covered by deceit Jeremiah 9:8 - one Jeremiah 41:1 - they did Hosea 6:8 - polluted with blood Matthew 26:48 - Whomsoever

Verse 28

guiltless: Genesis 9:6, Exodus 21:12, Numbers 35:33, Deuteronomy 21:1-9, Matthew 27:24

blood: Heb. bloods, Genesis 4:10, *marg.

Reciprocal: Numbers 32:22 - be guiltless Deuteronomy 21:8 - lay not Joshua 2:19 - his blood 1 Samuel 25:39 - hath returned 2 Samuel 13:21 - he was very wroth 2 Samuel 14:9 - and the king 2 Samuel 16:8 - the blood 2 Samuel 20:22 - And Joab 1 Kings 2:31 - and from 1 Kings 2:33 - upon David Psalms 51:14 - Deliver Daniel 6:14 - and he Matthew 27:25 - His Acts 20:26 - that

Verse 29

rest: 2 Samuel 1:16, Judges 9:24, Judges 9:56, Judges 9:57, 1 Kings 2:31-34, Acts 28:4, Revelation 16:6

let there: 1 Samuel 2:32-36, 2 Kings 5:27, Psalms 109:8-19

fail: Heb. be cut off

an issue: Leviticus 13:44-46, 2 Kings 5:1

Reciprocal: Exodus 21:19 - upon his staff Leviticus 13:2 - the plague of leprosy Leviticus 15:2 - when any man Joshua 2:19 - his blood 1 Samuel 25:39 - hath returned 2 Samuel 13:21 - he was very wroth 2 Samuel 14:9 - and the king 2 Samuel 14:19 - of Joab 2 Samuel 16:8 - the blood 2 Samuel 19:13 - room of Joab 1 Kings 2:33 - return upon 2 Kings 15:5 - the Lord Psalms 109:10 - General Psalms 109:14 - Let the Jeremiah 33:17 - David shall never want Daniel 6:14 - and he Matthew 27:25 - His Mark 1:40 - a leper

Verse 30

slew Abner: Proverbs 28:17, Acts 28:4

because: 2 Samuel 2:19-23

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 16:9 - Abishai 2 Samuel 19:13 - room of Joab 2 Samuel 20:6 - Abishai 2 Samuel 20:8 - in Gibeon 2 Samuel 23:18 - Abishai 1 Chronicles 11:20 - Abishai 1 Chronicles 11:26 - Asahel 1 Chronicles 18:12 - Moreover

Verse 31

And David: David, intending no doubt to punish Joab, and to lessen his authority with the people, commanded him to take upon him the office of chief mourner; but, as his revenge was gratified, his rival removed, and no heavier punishment inflicted, it is probable his hardened mind would feel but little objection to the ceremony.

Rend: 2 Samuel 1:2, 2 Samuel 1:11, Genesis 37:29, Genesis 37:34, Joshua 7:6, Judges 11:35, 2 Kings 19:1

bier: Heb. bed, Luke 7:14

Reciprocal: Numbers 14:6 - rent their clothes 2 Samuel 11:26 - she mourned 2 Samuel 13:31 - all his servants 1 Kings 20:31 - put sackcloth 2 Kings 5:8 - rent his clothes Ecclesiastes 3:7 - time to rend Isaiah 15:3 - their streets Acts 8:2 - made

Verse 32

lifted: 2 Samuel 1:12, 2 Samuel 18:33, 1 Samuel 30:4, Job 31:28, Proverbs 24:17, Luke 19:41, Luke 19:42

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 4:12 - in the sepulchre 2 Samuel 21:14 - buried

Verse 33

as a fool dieth: That is, as a bad man, as the word frequently signifies in Scripture. 2 Samuel 13:12, 2 Samuel 13:13, 2 Samuel 13:28, 2 Samuel 13:29, Proverbs 18:7, Ecclesiastes 2:15, Ecclesiastes 2:16, Jeremiah 17:11, Luke 12:19, Luke 12:20

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 26:5 - Abner Jeremiah 22:18 - Ah my brother Ezekiel 32:16 - General

Verse 34

hands: The hand of malefactors were usually secured with cords, and their feet with fetters; a custom to which David affectingly alludes in his lamentation over the dust of Abner. Thy hands, O Abner, were not bound, as found to be a malefactor, nor thy feet put in fetters; thou was treated with honour by him whose business it was to judge thee, and thy attachment to the house of Saul was esteemed rather generous than culpable: as the best of men may fall, so thou fellest by the sword of treachery, not of justice. Judges 16:21, Psalms 107:10, Psalms 107:11

wicked men: Heb. children of iniquity, Job 24:14, Hosea 6:9

wept: 2 Samuel 1:12

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 11:21 - Thy servant 2 Samuel 14:19 - of Joab Ezekiel 32:16 - General

Verse 35

cause: 2 Samuel 12:17, Jeremiah 16:7, Ezekiel 24:17, Ezekiel 24:22

So do: 2 Samuel 3:9, Ruth 1:17

till the: 2 Samuel 1:12, Judges 20:26

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 3:17 - God 1 Samuel 20:13 - The Lord do 1 Kings 2:23 - God 2 Kings 6:31 - God do so 1 Chronicles 10:12 - fasted

Verse 36

pleased them: Heb. was good in their eyes

as: 2 Samuel 15:6, 2 Samuel 15:13, Psalms 62:9, Mark 7:37, Mark 15:11-13

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:37 - good Genesis 45:16 - it pleased Pharaoh well 1 Chronicles 13:4 - the thing Acts 15:22 - pleased

Verse 37

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 16:7 - bloody man 1 Kings 2:32 - my father 1 Chronicles 27:21 - Abner

Verse 38

a prince: 2 Samuel 3:12, 2 Samuel 2:8, 1 Samuel 14:50, 1 Samuel 14:51, Job 32:9

Verse 39

I am: Exodus 21:12, 2 Chronicles 19:6, 2 Chronicles 19:7, Psalms 75:10, Psalms 101:8, Proverbs 20:8, Proverbs 25:5

weak: Heb. tender, 1 Chronicles 22:5, Isaiah 7:4, *marg. Romans 13:4

the sons: 1 Chronicles 2:15, 1 Chronicles 2:16

too hard: 2 Samuel 19:6, 2 Samuel 19:7, 2 Samuel 19:13

the Lord: 1 Kings 2:5, 1 Kings 2:6, 1 Kings 2:33, 1 Kings 2:34, Psalms 7:16, Psalms 28:4, Psalms 62:12, 2 Timothy 4:14

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:11 - because 2 Samuel 3:24 - What hast 2 Samuel 4:11 - require 2 Samuel 16:10 - What have 2 Samuel 19:22 - What have 2 Samuel 20:6 - Abishai Job 21:19 - he rewardeth Proverbs 17:26 - to strike Proverbs 19:10 - much Jeremiah 38:5 - for Daniel 6:16 - the king Matthew 8:2 - a leper