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2 Samuel 3

2 Samuel 3:16

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

Translations

Modern
Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home.
Traditional
And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
Literal
And her husband went along with her, weeping behind her to Bahurim. And Abner said to him, “Go, turn back.” And he turned back.
Latin
Sequebaturque eam vir suus, plorans usque Bahurim: et dixit ad eum Abner: Vade, et revertere. Qui reversus est.

Original

Hebrew
English
Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home.

Notes

2 Samuel 3:16

  • Palti wept deeply as this happened, but he had no power to stop it (compare Judges 18:1–26).

  • Bahurim was likely a place where people supported Saul’s family. It was located just east of Jerusalem (compare 2 Samuel 16:5).

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

Abner: Saul's cousin and commander of his army

Places

Bahurim: Village near Jerusalem, home of Shimei, who cursed David

Glossary

Abner Baharum, Baharumite, Bahurim David Ishbosheth Joab Laish (Person) Michal Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Abner: Alienation of, from the House of Saul Bahurim: A Village Between the Fords of the Jordan River and Jerusalem Conspiracy: Abner, Against Ish-Bosheth David: King of Israel: Demands the Restoration of Michal, his Wife Ish-Bosheth: Restores Michal (David's First Wife) to David Michal: David Recovers, to Himself Phalti: Son-In-Law of Saul Treason of Abner Against Ish-Bosheth