Verse 1

Introduction

Overview

2 Samuel 3 . 1 , During the war David still waxes stronger; 2 Samuel 3 . 2 , Six sons are born to him in Hebron; 2 Samuel 3 . 6 , Abner , displeased with Ish-bosheth , 2 Samuel 3 . 7 , revolts to David; 2 Samuel 3 . 13 , David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal; 2 Samuel 3 . 17 , Abner , having communed with the Israelites , is feasted by David , and dismissed; 2 Samuel 3 . 22 , Joab returning from battle , is displeased with the king , and kills Abner; 2 Samuel 3 . 28 , David curses Joab; 2 Samuel 3 . 31 , and mourns for Abner.

long war . 1 Kings 14 . 30 , 1 Kings 15 . 16 , 1 Kings 15 . 32

between . Genesis 3 . 15 , Psalm 45 . 3-5 , Matthew 10 . 35 , Matthew 10 . 36 , Galatians 5 . 17 , Ephesians 6 . 12

David waxed . 2 Samuel 2 . 17 , Esther 6 . 13 , Job 8 . 7 , Job 17 . 9 , Psalm 84 . 7 , Proverbs 4 . 18 , Proverbs 4 . 19 , Daniel 2 . 34 , Daniel 2 . 35 , Daniel 2 . 44 , Daniel 2 . 45 , Revelation 6 . 2

Reciprocal . Deuteronomy 33 . 7 . let his hands Joshua 17 . 13 . waxen strong 2 Samuel 2 . 31 . three hundred 2 Samuel 5 . 10 . General 2 Samuel 22 . 44 . delivered 1 Chronicles 11 . 9 . waxed greater and greater 1 Chronicles 12 . 22 . day by day Esther 9 . 4 . waxed Psalm 18 . 43 . from Psalm 71 . 21 . increase Psalm 89 . 23 . I will

Verse 2

sons born . 1 Chronicles 3 . 1-4

Amnon . 2 Samuel 13 . 1-29 , Genesis 49 . 3 , Genesis 49 . 4

Ahinoam . 1 Samuel 25 . 43

Reciprocal . Deuteronomy 17 . 17 . multiply wives Judges 8 . 30 . many wives 1 Samuel 30 . 5 . two wives 2 Samuel 11 . 27 . fetched her 2 Samuel 12 . 2 . exceeding 2 Samuel 15 . 10 . Hebron 1 Kings 11 . 3 . seven hundred 2 Chronicles 11 . 21 . eighteen wives

Verse 3

Chileab . 1 Chronicles 3 . 1 , Daniel

Abigail . 2 Samuel 2 . 2 , 1 Samuel 25 . 3 , 1 Samuel 25 . 42

Absalom . 2 Samuel 13 . 20-28 , 2 Samuel 14 . 24-33 , 2 Samuel 15 . 1-18 , 2 Samuel 17 . 1-14 , 2 Samuel 18 . 9-18 , 2 Samuel 18 . 33

Talmai . 2 Samuel 13 . 37 , 2 Samuel 13 . 38

Geshur . Deuteronomy 3 . 14 , Joshua 13 . 13 , 1 Samuel 27 . 8

Reciprocal . Joshua 12 . 5 . unto the Joshua 13 . 2 . Geshuri 1 Samuel 30 . 5 . two wives 2 Samuel 13 . 1 . Absalom 2 Samuel 14 . 23 . Geshur 2 Samuel 15 . 10 . Hebron 1 Kings 1 . 6 . bare him

Verse 4

Adonijah . 1 Kings 1 . 5-18 , 1 Kings 2 . 13-25

Reciprocal . 1 Kings 1 . 6 . bare him 1 Kings 1 . 11 . Haggith 1 Chronicles 3 . 2 . Adonijah

Verse 5

Reciprocal . 1 Chronicles 3 . 3 . Eglah

Verse 6

Abner . 2 Samuel 2 . 8 , 2 Samuel 2 . 9 , 2 Kings 10 . 23 , 2 Chronicles 25 . 8 , Proverbs 21 . 30 , Isaiah 8 . 9 , Isaiah 8 . 10 , Joel 3 . 9-13 , Matthew 12 . 30

Reciprocal . 2 Samuel 3 . 27 . and smote Proverbs 7 . 26 . General

Verse 7

Rizpah . 2 Samuel 21 . 8-11

Wherefore . This action of Abner's seems a most evident proof that he intended to seize on the government; and it was so understood by Ish-bosheth; see parallel texts.

gone in . 2 Samuel 12 . 8 , 2 Samuel 16 . 21 , 2 Samuel 16 . 22 , 1 Kings 2 . 17 , 1 Kings 2 . 21 , 1 Kings 2 . 22

Reciprocal . Judges 19 . 1 . a concubine 1 Samuel 26 . 5 . Abner 2 Samuel 2 . 8 . Ishbosheth 2 Samuel 21 . 10 . Rizpah Proverbs 29 . 12 . General

Verse 8

Abner . Psalm 76 . 10 , Mark 6 . 18 , Mark 6 . 19

Amos I a dog's head . This was a proverbial expression among the Hebrews to denote whatever was deemed worthless and contemptible. Something similar to this was the answer of the Turkish commander at Beer , on the Euphrates , to a request made to see the castle. "Do they ," said he , "take me for a child , or an ass's head , that they would feed me with sweet meats , and dupe me with a bit of cloth? No , they shall not see the castle." 2 Samuel 9 . 8 , 2 Samuel 16 . 9 , Deuteronomy 23 . 18 , 1 Samuel 24 . 14 , 1 Samuel 24 . 15 , 2 Kings 8 . 13

do show . 2 Samuel 3 . 9 , 2 Samuel 3 . 18 , 2 Samuel 5 . 2 , 1 Samuel 15 . 28 , Psalm 2 . 1-4 , Isaiah 37 . 23 , Acts 9 . 4 , Acts 9 . 5

Reciprocal . 1 Samuel 17 . 43 . Am 1 Samuel 26 . 5 . Abner 2 Samuel 2 . 8 . Ishbosheth 2 Samuel 3 . 24 . What hast

Reciprocal . 2 Kings 14 . 28 . which belonged to Judah Psalm 60 . 2 . broken

Verse 12

Whose . 2 Samuel 19 . 6 , 2 Samuel 20 . 1-13

Make . Psalm 62 . 9 , Luke 16 . 5-8

my hand . 2 Samuel 3 . 21 , 2 Samuel 3 . 27 , 2 Samuel 5 . 1-3 , 2 Samuel 19 . 14 , 2 Samuel 19 . 41-43 , 2 Samuel 20 . 1 , 2 Samuel 20 . 2 , 1 Chronicles 11 . 1-3 , 1 Chronicles 12 . 38-40 , Matthew 21 . 8-10

Reciprocal . 2 Samuel 3 . 38 . a prince 2 Samuel 8 . 15 . over all Israel

Verse 13

that is . Heb. saying

Thou shalt . Genesis 43 . 3 , Genesis 44 . 23 , Genesis 44 . 26

except . As Michal was not divorced , but violently separated from David , he had a legal right to demand her , and was justified in receiving her again. It is probable , also , that her marriage with Phaltiel was a force upon her inclinations; and whatever affections he might have for her , it was highly criminal for him to take another man's wife. David required Michal probably both out of affection for her , and to strengthen his interest , by asserting his affinity with the house of Saul.

Michal . 2 Samuel 3 . 20-23 , 1 Samuel 18 . 20-28 , 1 Samuel 19 . 11-17 , 1 Chronicles 15 . 29

Reciprocal . Genesis 33 . 10 . I have seen 1 Samuel 14 . 49 . name of the firstborn 2 Samuel 14 . 24 . let him not

Verse 14

Ishbosheth . 2 Samuel 2 . 10

an hundred . 1 Samuel 18 . 25 , 1 Samuel 18 . 27

Reciprocal . Genesis 17 . 11 . the flesh Genesis 29 . 18 . I will serve Genesis 34 . 12 . dowry 1 Samuel 25 . 44 . Phalti 2 Samuel 6 . 16 . Michal 1 Chronicles 15 . 29 . Michal

Verse 15

Phaltiel . 1 Samuel 25 . 44 , Phalti

Verse 16

along weeping . Heb. going and weeping , Proverbs 9 . 17 , Proverbs 9 . 18

Bahurim . 2 Samuel 16 . 5 , 2 Samuel 17 . 18 , 2 Samuel 19 . 16 , 1 Kings 2 . 8

Reciprocal . Jeremiah 41 . 6 . weeping

Verse 17

in times past . Heb. both yesterday and the third day , 2 Samuel 3 . 17

Reciprocal . 1 Samuel 24 . 20 . I know well 1 Chronicles 11 . 10 . to make Psalm 75 . 7 . he putteth

Verse 18

for the Lord . 2 Samuel 3 . 9 , 1 Samuel 13 . 14 , 1 Samuel 15 . 28 , 1 Samuel 16 . 1 , 1 Samuel 16 . 12 , 1 Samuel 16 . 13 , John 12 . 42 , John 12 . 43

By the hand . Psalm 89 . 3 , Psalm 89 . 4 , Psalm 89 . 19-23 , Psalm 132 . 17 , Psalm 132 . 18

Reciprocal . 1 Samuel 24 . 20 . I know well 2 Samuel 3 . 8 . do show 1 Chronicles 11 . 10 . to make 1 Chronicles 12 . 23 . according Psalm 60 . 6 . God Psalm 75 . 7 . he putteth Psalm 78 . 70 . chose

Verse 19

Benjamin . 1 Samuel 10 . 20 , 1 Samuel 10 . 21 , 1 Chronicles 12 . 29 , Psalm 68 . 27

Verse 20

David . Genesis 26 . 30 , Genesis 31 . 54 , Esther 1 . 3

Reciprocal . Genesis 21 . 8 . feast 2 Samuel 3 . 13 . Michal 1 Chronicles 12 . 17 . If ye be come

Verse 21

will gather . 2 Samuel 3 . 10 , 2 Samuel 3 . 12 , 2 Samuel 2 . 9 , Philippians 2 . 21

reign over . 1 Kings 11 . 37 , Psalm 20 . 4

Reciprocal . Genesis 31 . 54 . did eat 1 Samuel 23 . 20 . all the desire 2 Samuel 17 . 3 . I will bring 1 Kings 11 . 21 . Let me depart 1 Chronicles 11 . 10 . to make

Verse 22

Reciprocal . 2 Samuel 4 . 2 . captains

Verse 23

Reciprocal . Proverbs 17 . 26 . to strike

Verse 24

What hast . Joab and his brother Abishai , David's nephews , had been very faithful and highly useful to him in his distresses; and , from gratitude and natural affection , he had inadvertently permitted them to assume almost as much ascendancy over him as Abner had over the pusillanimous Ishbosheth . he trusted and feared them too much , and allowed them all the importance they claimed; which had emboldened them , especially Joab , to a high degree of presumption. 2 Samuel 3 . 8 , 2 Samuel 3 . 39 , 2 Samuel 19 . 5-7 , Numbers 23 . 11 , John 18 . 35

Reciprocal . Genesis 3 . 13 . What 1 Samuel 13 . 11 . What hast 2 Samuel 19 . 6 . thou regardest Proverbs 19 . 10 . much

Verse 25

that he came . 2 Samuel 3 . 27 , 2 Kings 18 . 32 , *marg. John 7 . 12 , John 7 . 47 , Romans 2 . 1

and to know . 2 Samuel 10 . 3 , Genesis 42 . 9 , Genesis 42 . 12 , Genesis 42 . 16 , Numbers 27 . 17 , Deuteronomy 28 . 6 , 1 Samuel 29 . 4-6 , Psalm 121 . 8 , Isaiah 37 . 28

Reciprocal . 1 Samuel 29 . 6 . thy going 2 Samuel 19 . 6 . thou regardest Proverbs 19 . 10 . much

Verse 26

he sent . Proverbs 26 . 23-26 , Proverbs 27 . 4-6

Reciprocal . 1 Kings 2 . 32 . my father

Verse 27

took him . 2 Samuel 20 . 9 , 2 Samuel 20 . 10 , Deuteronomy 27 . 24 , 1 Kings 2 . 5 , 1 Kings 2 . 32

quietly . or , peaceably , Jeremiah 41 . 2 , Jeremiah 41 . 6 , Jeremiah 41 . 7

and smote . Joab was afraid that Abner , after rendering such essential service to David , would be made the general of the army; and therefore , under pretence of avenging the death of his brother , he treacherously assassinated the unsuspecting and too-confiding Abner , and such was the power of this cool-blooded and nefarious murderer , that the king dared not bring him to justice for his crime. But , while Joab's conduct cannot be too severely reprobated , the justice of God is apparent in Abner's punishment; who , from ambition , had pertinaciously , against his conscience , opposed the declared will of God; and was induced by base resentment to desert Ish-bosheth , and offer his services to David. See note on 2 Samuel 3 . 6 , and see note on 2 Samuel 4 . 6.

for the blood . 2 Samuel 2 . 19-23

Reciprocal . Genesis 4 . 8 . talked Exodus 21 . 14 . slay Numbers 35 . 20 . if he thrust 1 Samuel 14 . 50 . the name of the captain 1 Samuel 26 . 5 . Abner 2 Samuel 2 . 22 . how then 2 Samuel 2 . 23 . the fifth rib 2 Samuel 3 . 12 . my hand 2 Samuel 3 . 25 . that he came 2 Samuel 4 . 11 . require 2 Samuel 11 . 16 . he assigned 2 Samuel 11 . 21 . Thy servant 2 Samuel 13 . 26 . let my brother 2 Samuel 14 . 19 . of Joab 1 Chronicles 11 . 6 . Joab 1 Chronicles 21 . 6 . Joab 1 Chronicles 27 . 21 . Abner Nehemiah 6 . 2 . Come Psalm 55 . 23 . bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days Proverbs 7 . 26 . General Proverbs 10 . 18 . that hideth Proverbs 26 . 26 . Whose hatred is covered by deceit Jeremiah 9 . 8 . one Jeremiah 41 . 1 . they did Hosea 6 . 8 . polluted with blood Matthew 26 . 48 . Whomsoever

Verse 28

guiltless . Genesis 9 . 6 , Exodus 21 . 12 , Numbers 35 . 33 , Deuteronomy 21 . 1-9 , Matthew 27 . 24

blood . Heb. bloods , Genesis 4 . 10 , *marg.

Reciprocal . Numbers 32 . 22 . be guiltless Deuteronomy 21 . 8 . lay not Joshua 2 . 19 . his blood 1 Samuel 25 . 39 . hath returned 2 Samuel 13 . 21 . he was very wroth 2 Samuel 14 . 9 . and the king 2 Samuel 16 . 8 . the blood 2 Samuel 20 . 22 . And Joab 1 Kings 2 . 31 . and from 1 Kings 2 . 33 . upon David Psalm 51 . 14 . Deliver Daniel 6 . 14 . and he Matthew 27 . 25 . His Acts 20 . 26 . that

Verse 29

rest . 2 Samuel 1 . 16 , Judges 9 . 24 , Judges 9 . 56 , Judges 9 . 57 , 1 Kings 2 . 31-34 , Acts 28 . 4 , Revelation 16 . 6

let there . 1 Samuel 2 . 32-36 , 2 Kings 5 . 27 , Psalm 109 . 8-19

fail . Heb. be cut off

an issue . Leviticus 13 . 44-46 , 2 Kings 5 . 1

Reciprocal . Exodus 21 . 19 . upon his staff Leviticus 13 . 2 . the plague of leprosy Leviticus 15 . 2 . when any man Joshua 2 . 19 . his blood 1 Samuel 25 . 39 . hath returned 2 Samuel 13 . 21 . he was very wroth 2 Samuel 14 . 9 . and the king 2 Samuel 14 . 19 . of Joab 2 Samuel 16 . 8 . the blood 2 Samuel 19 . 13 . room of Joab 1 Kings 2 . 33 . return upon 2 Kings 15 . 5 . the Lord Psalm 109 . 10 . General Psalm 109 . 14 . Let the Jeremiah 33 . 17 . David shall never want Daniel 6 . 14 . and he Matthew 27 . 25 . His Mark 1 . 40 . a leper

Verse 30

slew Abner . Proverbs 28 . 17 , Acts 28 . 4

because . 2 Samuel 2 . 19-23

Reciprocal . 2 Samuel 16 . 9 . Abishai 2 Samuel 19 . 13 . room of Joab 2 Samuel 20 . 6 . Abishai 2 Samuel 20 . 8 . in Gibeon 2 Samuel 23 . 18 . Abishai 1 Chronicles 11 . 20 . Abishai 1 Chronicles 11 . 26 . Asahel 1 Chronicles 18 . 12 . Moreover

Verse 31

And David . David , intending no doubt to punish Joab , and to lessen his authority with the people , commanded him to take upon him the office of chief mourner; but , as his revenge was gratified , his rival removed , and no heavier punishment inflicted , it is probable his hardened mind would feel but little objection to the ceremony.

Rend . 2 Samuel 1 . 2 , 2 Samuel 1 . 11 , Genesis 37 . 29 , Genesis 37 . 34 , Joshua 7 . 6 , Judges 11 . 35 , 2 Kings 19 . 1

bier . Heb. bed , Luke 7 . 14

Reciprocal . Numbers 14 . 6 . rent their clothes 2 Samuel 11 . 26 . she mourned 2 Samuel 13 . 31 . all his servants 1 Kings 20 . 31 . put sackcloth 2 Kings 5 . 8 . rent his clothes Ecclesiastes 3 . 7 . time to rend Isaiah 15 . 3 . their streets Acts 8 . 2 . made

Verse 32

lifted . 2 Samuel 1 . 12 , 2 Samuel 18 . 33 , 1 Samuel 30 . 4 , Job 31 . 28 , Proverbs 24 . 17 , Luke 19 . 41 , Luke 19 . 42

Reciprocal . 2 Samuel 4 . 12 . in the sepulchre 2 Samuel 21 . 14 . buried

Verse 33

as a fool dieth . That is , as a bad man , as the word frequently signifies in Scripture. 2 Samuel 13 . 12 , 2 Samuel 13 . 13 , 2 Samuel 13 . 28 , 2 Samuel 13 . 29 , Proverbs 18 . 7 , Ecclesiastes 2 . 15 , Ecclesiastes 2 . 16 , Jeremiah 17 . 11 , Luke 12 . 19 , Luke 12 . 20

Reciprocal . 1 Samuel 26 . 5 . Abner Jeremiah 22 . 18 . Ah my brother Ezekiel 32 . 16 . General

Verse 34

hands . The hand of malefactors were usually secured with cords , and their feet with fetters; a custom to which David affectingly alludes in his lamentation over the dust of Abner. Thy hands , O Abner , were not bound , as found to be a malefactor , nor thy feet put in fetters; thou was treated with honour by him whose business it was to judge thee , and thy attachment to the house of Saul was esteemed rather generous than culpable . as the best of men may fall , so thou fellest by the sword of treachery , not of justice. Judges 16 . 21 , Psalm 107 . 10 , Psalm 107 . 11

wicked men . Heb. children of iniquity , Job 24 . 14 , Hosea 6 . 9

wept . 2 Samuel 1 . 12

Reciprocal . 2 Samuel 11 . 21 . Thy servant 2 Samuel 14 . 19 . of Joab Ezekiel 32 . 16 . General