Keraia
2 Samuel 3

2 Samuel 3:21

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

Modern
Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.
Traditional
And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
Literal
And Abner said to David, “I will arise and go and gather to my lord the king all Israel, that they may cut with you a covenant, that you may reign over all that Your heart desires.” And David sent away Abner, and he went in peace.
Latin
Et dixit Abner ad David: Surgam, ut congregem ad te dominum meum regem omnem Israël, et ineam tecum fœdus, et imperes omnibus, sicut desiderat anima tua. Cum ergo deduxisset David Abner, et ille isset in pace,

Original

Hebrew
English
Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.

Notes

2 Samuel 3:21

  • The narrator emphasized that David sent Abner safely on his way as a friend and an ally (restated in 2 Samuel 3:22–23). David was at peace with Abner and was not involved in the killing of this well-known military leader (see 2 Samuel 3:28–29).

  • Despite Abner's murder (2 Samuel 3:27), the northern tribes later did make a covenant with David to make him their king, just as Abner had promised earlier (2 Samuel 5:1–3).

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

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 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