2 Samuel 3:38-4:8 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:22-39

We have here an account of the murder of Abner by Joab, and David's deep resentment of it. I. Joab very insolently fell foul upon David for treating with Abner. He happened to be abroad upon service when Abner was with David, pursuing a troop, either of Philistines or of Saul's party; but, upon his return, he was informed that Abner was just gone (2 Sam. 3:22, 23), and that a great many kind things had passed between David and him. He had all the reason in the world to be satisfied of David's... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:38

And the king said unto his servants ,.... His courtiers, giving a reason why he mourned as he did; or "had said" F23 יואמר "nam dixerat", Junius & Tremellius. , and so is a reason why the people concluded, and were fully satisfied, he had no hand in his death; but the first is best, because what follows was said not to the people at the grave, but to his servants at court: know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel ? a "prince", being of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:36-38

( HEBRON .) Acceptance with the people. "And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them," etc. ( 2 Samuel 3:36 ). David's conduct not only freed him from suspicion, but also won the confidence and affection of "all the people" ( 1 Samuel 12:3-5 ). I. THE CONDUCT OF ONE IN AUTHORITY IS CAREFULLY OBSERVED BY THE PEOPLE . Because of: 1 . His elevated position, which (like a mountain peak) attracts their attention, and exposes him to their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:38

A prince and a great man. David pronounces this high estimate of Abner's worth to his servants, that is, to his officers, and especially to the six hundred mighty men. His conduct is bold and open, and must have greatly humiliated Joab and Abishai. But though the six hundred approved of David's conduct, and respected him for it, yet probably, as Abner had killed Asahel, they would not have consented to any further punishment than the disgrace inflicted on Joab by his being deprived of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:38

( HEBRON .) The fall of a prince and a great man. The world is sometimes startled by the fall of an eminent man in a sudden and violent manner—like that of the Czar of Russia or the President of the United States. Here is the epitaph of such a man. Reflect: 1 . How uncertain is the continuance of human life! This familiar but little heeded truth is set forth in an impressive manner by such an event, teaching that no station is exempt from the approach of death, no safeguards... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:38

Death of a great man. Abner had great qualities, filled a high position, seemed likely to be of great service to David, who sincerely lamented his untimely end, and the wicked treachery and violence by which he fell. I. GREAT MEN SHOULD BE HIGHLY VALUED . Great generals and naval commanders. If war must be, it is of vast importance that it should be conducted by able captains. But not only these, men great in the arts of peace,—great statesmen, philosophers, historians,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:38

2 Samuel 3:38. The king said unto his servants Who perhaps were not sensible enough of this loss, or thought he bewailed it too much; Know ye not that there is a prince, &c., fallen this day in Israel? He bids them consider Abner’s birth and his power, his authority and his valour, with all his other excellent qualities, and they would not think it strange that he mourned so much for him. 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 3:38

Know ye . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 3:36-39

2 Samuel 3:36-39. It pleased them: as whatsoever, &c.— David's behaviour towards Abner had its success. The sincerity of his sorrow was seen by all the people, and he was universally acquitted of all guilt in his death: nor was this all; he took care to let his servants know, and they doubtless took care to inform the people, that nothing but the weak and unsettled condition of his affairs, 2Sa 3:39 hindered him from executing just vengeance upon the author of it. In short, his whole... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:22-39

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:38

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:36-38

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:38

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:38

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:38

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:38

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:2-39

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 3:38

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 3:36-39

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