Keraia
2 Samuel 3

2 Samuel 3:7

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

Modern
Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?”
Traditional
And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish–bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine?
Literal
And Saul had a concubine, and her name was Rizpah the daughter of Aiah. And he said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to the concubine of my father?”
Latin
Fuerat autem Sauli concubina nomine Respha, filia Aja. Dixitque Isboseth ad Abner:

Original

Hebrew
English
Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?”

Notes

2 Samuel 3:7

  • Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?: It is not clear whether Abner actually did this. Taking a king’s wife or concubine was often a sign that someone was trying to take the king’s place (that is, trying to become king; see 2 Samuel 12:8; 16:21; 1 Kings 2:17–25).

  • Rizpah: See also 2 Samuel 21:8–14.

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 Aiah: Father of Rizpah, Saul's concubine Rizpah: Concubine of Saul; mother of Armoni and Mephibosheth Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Glossary

Abner Aiah Concubinage, Concubines David Ishbosheth Rizpah Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Abner: Alienation of, from the House of Saul Ajah: Father of Rizpah Concubinage: Laws Concerning: Saul Conspiracy: Abner, Against Ish-Bosheth Ish-Bosheth: Deserted by Abner Rizpah: Concubine of Saul Treason of Abner Against Ish-Bosheth