the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
Click here to join the effort!
Bible Dictionaries
Abner
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
or ABNER . Saul’s cousin ( 1 Samuel 9:1; 1 Samuel 14:51 ) and commander-in-chief ( 1 Samuel 17:55; 1 Samuel 26:5 ). He set Ish-bosheth on his father’s throne, and fought long and bravely against David’s general, Joab ( 2 Samuel 2:1-32 ). After a severe defeat, he killed Asabel in self-defence ( 2 Samuel 2:23 ). He behaved arrogantly towards the puppet-king, especially in taking possession of one of Saul’s concubines ( 2 Samuel 3:7 ). Resenting bitterly the remonstrances of Ish-bosheth, he entered into negotiations with David ( 2 Samuel 3:8-12 ), and then, on David’s behalf, with the elders of Israel ( 2 Samuel 3:17 ). Dreading the loss of his own position, and thirsting for revenge, Joab murdered him at Hebron ( 2 Samuel 3:26 f.). David gave him a public funeral, dissociated himself from Joab’s act ( 2 Samuel 3:31-37 ), and afterwards charged Solomon to avenge it ( 1 Kings 2:5 ). Abner was destitute of all lofty ideas of morality or religion ( 2 Samuel 3:8; 2 Samuel 3:16 ), but was the only capable person on the side of Saul’s family.
J. Taylor.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Hastings, James. Entry for 'Abner'. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdb/a/abner.html. 1909.
