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2 Samuel 3

2 Samuel 3:17

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

Modern
Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king.
Traditional
And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:
Literal
And the word of Abner was with the elders of Israel, saying, “Even before also heretofore you were seeking David for king over you.
Latin
Sermonem quoque intulit Abner ad seniores Israël, dicens: Tam heri quam nudiustertius quærebatis David ut regnaret super vos.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king.

Notes

2 Samuel 3:17

It seems that support among the elders of Israel in the north had been growing to accept David as king, even though the text has not mentioned this earlier.

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

Events

People

Abner: Saul's cousin and commander of his army David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Abner David Ishbosheth Joab Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Abner: Alienation of, from the House of Saul Conspiracy: Abner, Against Ish-Bosheth Government: Mosaic: Chooses David As King Government: Mosaic: Chose, or Ratified, the Chief Ruler Treason of Abner Against Ish-Bosheth