Keraia
2 Samuel 3

2 Samuel 3:13

Abner Joins David · 2 Samuel 3:6–21
Read 2 Samuel 3

Translations

Modern
“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.”
Traditional
And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul’s daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
Literal
And he said, “Good, I will cut with you a covenant. But one thing I am asking of you, saying, you shall not see my face, except if to my face you bring Michal daughter of Saul when you come to see my face.”
Latin
Qui ait: Optime: ego faciam tecum amicitias: sed unam rem peto a te, dicens: Non videbis faciem meam antequam adduxeris Michol filiam Saul: et sic venies, et videbis me.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.”

Notes

2 Samuel 3:13

Saul had given his daughter Michal to David as his wife (1 Samuel 18:20–27). However, when Michal saved David’s life from her father (1 Samuel 19:11–17), Saul ended the marriage and gave Michal to another man, Palti (1 Samuel 25:44). If David got her back now, it would strengthen his claim to Saul’s kingdom (see 1 Kings 2:13–25).

2 Samuel 3:1–39

The house of David (David’s family line and those loyal to his rule) grew stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker. A key turning point came when Abner, who held the real political power among Saul’s followers, changed his loyalty to David. When Abner did this, many of his relatives from the northern tribes followed him.

Theme notes and profiles

Abner David Joab Michal

Events

People

Michal: Daughter of Saul; wife of David Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Glossary

Abner David Ishbosheth Joab Michal Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Abner: Alienation of, from the House of Saul Conspiracy: Abner, Against Ish-Bosheth Michal: David Recovers, to Himself Treason of Abner Against Ish-Bosheth