2 Samuel 3:38-4:8 NIV

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - 2 Samuel 3:22-39

Abner Murdered by Joab, Mourned by David v. 22. And, behold, the servants of David and Joab, the latter being the general of the army of Judah, came from pursuing a troop, they had been out on a raid against one of the neighboring nations, and brought in a great spoil with them, such expeditions being necessary at that time to support the army. But Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace, dismissed as on the best footing with David. v. 23.... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - 2 Samuel 3:7-39

III. Abner’s quarrel with Ishbosheth, defection from the House of Saul and transition to David2 Samuel 3:7-217And Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah, and Ishbosheth4 said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine?5 8Then was Abner [And Abner was] very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog’s head which against Judah6 [a dog’s head on Judah’s side?] [ins. I] do show kindness this day [to-day] unto the house of Saul thy father,... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:31-39

David’s Lament over Abner 2 Samuel 3:31-39 It was a noble spectacle when David followed the bier of Abner and wept at his grave. He forgot that this man had been his persistent foe, and remembered only his great personal qualities. The chaplet of elegiacs that he wove for Abner’s grave, was only second to that which he prepared for Saul’s. It is not strange that all the people took notice of it and that it pleased them. We should be particularly careful to disavow all complicity in the evil... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

The long warfare continued, and the progress of it is declared in the opening verse of this chapter: "And David waxed stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker." At last matters in the kingdom of Israel were hastened to a crisis by a quarrel between Abner and Ishbosheth. The latter seems to have charged the former with a peculiar sin against his rights, a charge without foundation. This would explain Abner's fierce rejoinder. As a result of this he made overtures to... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:31-39

David Laments The Death of Abner And Demonstrates His Innocence In The Matter (2 Samuel 3:31-39 ). In this final passage in the chapter David makes clear his grief over the death of Abner, thus establishing his innocence, and emphasises what a great man he had been. He also writes a lament so as the better to express his feelings. He then finishes by making it quite clear that he does not approve of his commander-in chiefs political tactics and attitude. Analysis. a And David said to Joab,... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:28-39

2 Samuel 3:28-Malachi : . David made it clear that he had nothing to do with the murder. He gave Abner honourable burial, and king and people lamented him. The dirge in 2 Samuel 3:33 f. is generally accepted as the work of David. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 3:38

A great man, both for his illustrious quality, and for his high courage and wise conduct; and especially now for his great usefulness and serviceableness to me in giving me the entire and peaceable possession of all Israel. But still observe David’s prudence and piety, that he doth not commend him for his virtues and graces, as men of vendible consciences and tongues use to do upon funeral occasions; but only for the kind of worth which was really in him. Compare 2 Samuel 1:23. read more

Joseph Exell

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:22-39

CRITICAL AND EXPOSITORY NOTES—2 Samuel 3:22. “Joab came from pursuing,” etc. “Whither, it is not said, but probably outside the Israelitish territory near the tribe of Judah. In the incomplete organisation of David’s court such expeditions were necessary for the support of the large army.… Probably Abner had purposely chosen the time when Joab with the army was absent to carry out his plan.” (Erdmann.)2 Samuel 3:24-25. Joab may have spoken what he believed to be the truth concerning Abner, or... read more

Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

Chapter 3Now there was a long war [Verse, chapter three] between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David became stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul became weaker and weaker ( 2 Samuel 3:1 ).Now David began to display a weakness that ultimately led him to that terrible sin for which he received so much notoriety. He began to add wives and concubines. So we have here a list of six sons that were born to him while in Hebron, and all six of them by different wives. So he just... read more

Joseph Sutcliffe

Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

2 Samuel 3:1 . Long war, of contention and strife, rather than of bloody battles. 2 Samuel 3:3 . The daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. David had invaded the country of this prince, and might have led her away among the captives; and in that case she might be married by an Israelite. 2 Samuel 3:8 . Am I a dog’s head? This phrase is brief, and therefore obscure. Moses says, thou shalt not bring the price of a dog’s head into the house of the Lord. Abner gives himself this low name... read more