2 Samuel 3:12 ARC

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:7-21

Here, I. Abner breaks with Ish-bosheth, and deserts his interest, upon a little provocation which Ish-bosheth unadvisedly gave him. God can serve his own purposes by the sins and follies of men. 1. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of no less a crime than debauching one of his father's concubines, 2 Sam. 3:7. Whether it was so or no does not appear, nor what ground he had for the suspicion: but, however it was, it would have been Ish-bosheth's prudence to be silent, considering how much it was his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:12

And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf ,.... On his own account, and not on the account of Ishbosheth, or the people of Israel; but to obtain terms for himself, or in his own name, as representing him and standing in his stead; or secretly, as Kimchi explains it, unknown to Ishbosheth, or the people of Israel. The Targum is,"out of his place;'he sent them from the place where he was, from Mahanaim: saying, whose is the land ? the land of Israel, is it not thine, David? verily... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:9-12

Doing right wrongly. Abner knew well that David was appointed by God to be king over all Israel. Yet he set up Ishbosheth as king over the eleven tribes in opposition to David, and thus caused much unnecessary and useless delay and bloodshed. When, however, Ishbosheth (whether rightly or wrongly) remonstrated with him for his conduct towards Rizpah, he calls to mind the purpose and promise of God, and resolves to cooperate with him (!) in placing David over all the nation ( 2 Samuel 3:9 );... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:12

Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf; Hebrew, under him. The Revised Version renders this "where he was;" but the phrase really means "immediately" (see note on 2 Samuel 2:23 ). And this agrees with the haughty temper of Abner. Without waiting for advice, or allowing his anger to cool, he at once sent trusty envoys to open negotiations with David. Whose is the land? Abner's meaning in these words is plain. You, David, he seems to say, will answer that the land is mine; for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:12-16

( BAHURIM .) A domestic episode. Michal was the first wife of David ( 1 Samuel 19:11-17 ). Of her he had been deprived when he fled from the court of Saul; she was given to Phaltiel (Phalti), the son of Laish, of Gallim ( 1 Samuel 25:44 ), by her father, perhaps as a piece of policy, to attach him to his house, and they lived together for many years, apparently in much domestic comfort. We have here— I. AN INJURED HUSBAND DEMANDING HIS JUST RIGHT . "Well; I will... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:12-21

The facts are: 1 . Abner, disgusted with Ishbosheth's conduct, opens negotiation with David for the transfer of the kingdom to him. 2 . David consents to discuss the question on condition that Abner first of all undertakes to restore unto him Michal, Saul's daughter. 3 . Concurrent with Abner's efforts to bring this to pass, David makes a demand on Ishbosheth for the restoration of Michal. 4 . Abner, taking charge of Michal on her return to David, effects the final separation... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 3:12

Whose is the land? - Meaning, Is not the land thine by God’s promise? read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:12

2 Samuel 3:12. And Abner sent messengers to David Having thus incensed his master, he judged it not safe to delay the execution of what he had threatened. Yet he thought it neither safe nor prudent to go himself to David till he had tried his inclinations by messengers, whom he sent privately to treat with him about a reconciliation. Thus God overrules the passions of wicked men, and turns and directs their devices and counsels, to accomplish his own wise and holy purposes! And who then... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:2-39

End of the line of Saul (3:2-4:12)On becoming king of Judah, David followed the pattern of neighbouring kings by taking a number of wives (2-5). (For the more important people of David’s family and relatives see the appendix at the end of the commentary on 2 Samuel.) Meanwhile Abner became so powerful among Ishbosheth’s supporters, that Ishbosheth accused him of trying to gain the throne for himself. (According to an eastern custom, one way a person signified his claim to the throne was by... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 3:12

league = covenant. behold . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 . hand . Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 . Hand put for help given by it. read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:7-21

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:12

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:9-12

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:12

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:12-16

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:12-21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 3:12

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:12

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:2-39

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 3:12

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