2 Samuel 3 summary meaning ai explained commentary

2 Samuel 3 meaning explained in AI Summary

The chapter details the ongoing power struggle between David and Ish-bosheth, Saul's surviving son, for the throne of Israel.

Key Events:

Civil War Continues: The chapter opens with the ongoing war between the house of David (Judah) and the house of Saul (Israel). David's power grows stronger while Ish-bosheth's weakens.
Abner's Defection: Abner, Saul's army commander and Ish-bosheth's main support, has a falling out with Ish-bosheth over a concubine of Saul's. Feeling disrespected, Abner decides to switch sides and support David's claim to the throne.
Negotiations with David: Abner approaches David and offers to bring all of Israel under his rule. David agrees but demands the return of his wife Michal, who had been given to another man by Saul.
Michal's Return: David sends messengers to Ish-bosheth, demanding Michal's return. Ish-bosheth reluctantly agrees, highlighting his weakening position.
Abner's Murder: Joab, David's army commander, is furious about Abner's defection. He sees it as a betrayal since Abner killed his brother Asahel in a previous battle. Joab murders Abner, avenging his brother but jeopardizing David's plan for a peaceful unification of Israel.
David's Mourning: David is devastated by Abner's murder. He publicly mourns Abner, distancing himself from the act and demonstrating his desire for peace and unity. He curses Joab's lineage for the treacherous act.

Themes:

Power and Betrayal: The chapter highlights the ruthless nature of power struggles and the ease with which alliances shift.
Revenge vs. Unity: Joab's actions demonstrate the destructive nature of revenge, even when it undermines a greater good. David's response emphasizes forgiveness and the pursuit of unity.
God's Plan: Despite the turmoil and bloodshed, the narrative subtly points towards God's plan for David to rule over a unified Israel.

Overall, Chapter 3 sets the stage for the eventual collapse of Ish-bosheth's reign and the rise of David as king over all of Israel. However, it also foreshadows future conflicts and challenges that David will face as he consolidates his power.

2 Samuel 3 bible study ai commentary

This chapter documents the pivotal shift of power from the failing house of Saul to the ascendant house of David. The narrative is driven by God’s sovereign plan unfolding through the flawed, self-serving actions of men. It is a story of political maneuvering, betrayal, and murder, where personal ambition (Abner's pride) and personal vengeance (Joab's revenge) inadvertently accomplish God's promise to establish David's kingdom. David, through political astuteness and a public display of righteousness, navigates these treacherous events to unify a divided nation.

2 Samuel 3 Context

The setting is the "long war" between the northern kingdom of Israel under Ish-bosheth (propped up by his general, Abner) and the southern kingdom of Judah under David. David reigns from Hebron, while Ish-bosheth's capital is in Mahanaim, east of the Jordan. Two key cultural concepts are vital: possession of a king's harem was a de facto claim to the throne, and the law of the Go'el Haddam (kinsman-redeemer or blood-avenger) obligated the nearest relative to avenge a slain family member.

2 Samuel 3:1

The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

In-depth-analysis

Long War: The Hebrew milchamah arukah suggests a protracted state of conflict, not continuous, large-scale battles. It was a cold war with occasional hot-spots.
Contrasting Trajectories: The verse establishes the chapter's (and book's) central theme: God's hand is ensuring one dynasty rises while the other falls. This isn't luck; it's divine providence. David's strength wasn't just military but political and familial, as the next verses show.
This verse acts as a thematic summary for the preceding events (2 Sam 2) and the narrative that follows in this chapter.

Bible references

1 Sam 15:28: "...The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you." (Samuel's prophecy to Saul finding its ultimate fulfillment).
Isa 9:7: "Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom..." (Echoes the "stronger and stronger" theme, fulfilled ultimately in Christ).
Ps 18:39: "You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my anemies beneath me." (David's own reflection on how God gave him victory).

Cross references

Dan 2:21 (God removes/sets up kings), Prov 14:19 (evil bow before good), Jn 3:30 (John the Baptist echoes the theme: 'He must increase, but I must decrease').

2 Samuel 3:2-5

Sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel; his second, Kileab the son of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third, Absalom the son of Maakah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; his fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; his fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; and his sixth, Ithream the son of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

In-depth-analysis

Demonstration of Strength: Listing David's sons is a concrete sign of his growing power and the establishment of his royal dynasty. Having heirs secured his future.
Political Alliances: Marriages were political tools. The marriage to Maacah created an alliance with the Aramean kingdom of Geshur, a strategic buffer to the north.
Seeds of Future Conflict: This list of sons born to different mothers is tragically prophetic. Polygamy, while a common royal practice, created intense rivalries that would later tear David's family apart (Amnon's rape of Tamar, Absalom's rebellion, Adonijah's attempt to usurp the throne). David's strength contained the source of his greatest sorrows.

Bible references

2 Sam 13:28-29: "...Absalom had commanded his servants, '...when I say to you, "Strike Amnon," then kill him'..." (The rivalry between David's first and third sons erupts in murder).
1 Kgs 1:5: "Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, 'I will be king.'" (David's fourth son attempts to seize the throne from the chosen heir, Solomon).
Dt 17:17: "And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away..." (David is acting contrary to the Law's ideal for a king, foreshadowing future trouble).

Cross references

1 Chr 3:1-4 (parallel genealogy), 2 Sam 5:13 (more wives/concubines), Gen 29:31-30:24 (rivalries between Jacob's wives and children).

2 Samuel 3:6-7

During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had been strengthening his own position in the house of Saul. Now Saul had had a concubine named Rizpah daughter of Aiah. And Ish-Bosheth said to Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?”

In-depth-analysis

Abner's Power: Abner was the true power behind Ish-bosheth's weak throne. The phrase "strengthening his own position" reveals his ambition.
Claiming the Throne: Sleeping with a deceased king's concubine was tantamount to claiming his throne. It was a direct, public challenge to the ruling family.
Ish-bosheth's Challenge: This is a rare moment of courage from Ish-bosheth, likely born of desperation as he sees Abner's power growing unchecked. However, his accusation is indirect ("Why did you...?"), showing his fear.

Bible references

2 Sam 16:21-22: "...and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel." (Absalom does the exact same thing to publicly declare he has usurped David's throne).
1 Kgs 2:22: "King Solomon answered his mother, '...Why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also...'" (Solomon interprets Adonijah's request for David's last companion as a direct play for the crown).

Cross references

2 Sam 12:8 (God gave Saul's wives to David), 2 Sam 21:8-11 (Rizpah's later, tragic story).

2 Samuel 3:8-11

Abner was very angry because of what Ish-Bosheth said... "Am I a dog’s head of Judah?... This very day I am loyal... But today you accuse me of an offense concerning this woman! May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him— to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish David’s throne over Israel and Judah..." Ish-Bosheth did not dare to say another word to Abner, because he was afraid of him.

In-depth-analysis

Wounded Pride: Abner's fury isn't righteous indignation. His response reveals his immense pride. The accusation is just the pretext he needs to switch his allegiance for personal gain.
"Dog's head of Judah?": A powerful Hebrew idiom expressing contempt. It means, "Do you take me for a worthless traitor loyal to your enemy?" The irony is that is exactly what he is about to become.
Abner Knew God's Plan: He explicitly states he knows of God's oath to make David king. This proves his propping up of Ish-bosheth was a self-serving act of rebellion against God's revealed will. He only acts on it now because his pride is hurt.
Ish-bosheth's Impotence: His silence confirms he is king in name only. Abner holds all the real authority.

Bible references

1 Sam 24:20: "And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand." (Even Saul knew David was God's chosen; Abner certainly knew as well).
Prv 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Abner's pride leads him to make a deal that will result in his own death).

Cross references

1 Sam 25:17 (Nabal as a man no one can speak to), Ps 2:2-3 (rebelling against the Lord's Anointed).

2 Samuel 3:12-16

Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to David, saying, “Whose land is it? Make a covenant with me, and my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.”...David replied... “you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter...” So Ish-Bosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Paltiel the son of Laish. But her husband went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go! Return!” And he returned.

In-depth-analysis

David's Shrewd Condition: David's demand for Michal is politically brilliant. It is not about romance.
1. Legitimacy: It symbolically unites him with Saul's line, strengthening his claim over the northern tribes.
2. Weakens Ish-bosheth: It forces Ish-bosheth to publicly surrender his sister, demonstrating his powerlessness.
3. Justice: It rectifies the wrong done to him when Saul took Michal away (1 Sam 25:44).
Tragedy of Paltiel: The personal tragedy of Paltiel, who genuinely loves Michal, is a poignant detail. It highlights that these high-stakes political moves have real, heartbreaking human costs. His weeping underscores the cruelty of the moment.

Bible references

1 Sam 18:27: "...David arose and went... and brought two hundred foreskins of the Philistines. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife." (The basis for David's claim to Michal).
1 Sam 25:44: "Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Palti the son of Laish..." (The political act David is now reversing).

Cross references

2 Sam 6:20-23 (David and Michal's later conflicted relationship).

2 Samuel 3:17-19

Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time you have wanted to make David your king. Now do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’” Abner also spoke to the Benjamites. Then he went to Hebron to tell David everything that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin were willing to do.

In-depth-analysis

Abner the Broker: Abner easily sways the elders. He appeals to (1) their own past desires, and (2) God's will. He presents himself as the facilitator of what everyone, including God, already wanted.
The Benjamites: He speaks specifically to the Benjamites, Saul's own tribe. Securing their loyalty was the final and most crucial step in ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.
Saving from Philistines: Abner frames this as a matter of national security. Ish-bosheth's weak regime could not handle the Philistine threat, but David had a proven track record as a military deliverer.

Bible references

2 Sam 5:2: "In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel...'" (The elders later repeat these exact sentiments to David).

Cross references

1 Chr 11:1-3 (a parallel account of this transfer), 1 Sam 18:5-7 (David's early popularity as a military hero).

2 Samuel 3:22-27

Just then David’s men and Joab returned from a raid... And Joab was told, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king...” Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done?... he came to deceive you...” Then Joab went out from David's presence and sent messengers after Abner... and when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the stomach, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

In-depth-analysis

Joab's Motives: Joab's actions are driven by a mix of:
1. Revenge: He acts as the Go'el Haddam (blood-avenger) for his brother Asahel, whom Abner killed (2 Sam 2:23).
2. Political Jealousy: He sees Abner as a powerful rival for the position of commander-in-chief in the newly unified kingdom. He eliminates the competition.
Deceitful Murder: The murder is treacherous. He pulls Abner "into the midst of the gate," a place of public business and justice, under the pretense of a private talk. Murder in this location desecrated a place of law.
Challenging David's Authority: Joab acts without David's knowledge or consent, directly undermining the king's peace treaty and authority.

Bible references

2 Sam 2:22-23: "...Abner said again to Asahel, 'Turn aside from following me... 'But he refused... therefore Abner struck him..." (The history behind the blood feud; notably, Abner had warned Asahel and killed him in self-defense).
Num 35:26-27: "...if the avenger of blood finds him outside the city of his refuge and kills him... he shall not be guilty of blood." (The Law had provisions for cities of refuge for unintentional killing. Joab bypasses any legal process and acts as judge, jury, and executioner).

Cross references

Dt 19:11-13 (premeditated murder punishment), Prv 26:24-26 (deceit of an enemy).

2 Samuel 3:28-30

Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner... May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house! And may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is a leper or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!” (So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.)

In-depth-analysis

Public Disavowal: David's immediate and strong reaction is crucial. He must publicly declare his innocence to prevent the northern tribes from seeing Abner's murder as a betrayal by David himself.
The Curse: David pronounces a severe, specific, and lasting curse on Joab's lineage. The curses target male virility and capacity:
- discharge/leper: Ritual uncleanness and social ostracism.
- holds a spindle: A man doing women's work, a deep cultural shame signifying weakness.
- falls by the sword: A life of violence.
- lacks bread: A life of poverty.
Sons of Zeruiah: The narrator notes both Joab and Abishai were involved, highlighting the threat posed by this powerful, ruthless family.

Bible references

1 Kgs 2:31-33: "...Do as he has said and strike him down and bury him, and you will remove from me and from my father's house the guilt for the blood that Joab shed without cause." (David on his deathbed commands Solomon to finally bring Joab to justice).
Dt 21:6-9: "...All the elders of that city... shall wash their hands... and they shall testify, ‘Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it...'" (David's actions mirror this legal rite of clearing one's name from an unsolved murder).

Cross references

Gen 4:10-12 (curse for shedding blood), Jer 28:15-17 (prophetic curse coming to pass).

2 Samuel 3:31-39

Then David said to Joab and all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner.” And King David followed the bier... all the people wept... And the king lamented for Abner, saying, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?..." So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king's will to put to death Abner... The king said... “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? And I am weak today, though anointed king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too hard for me. The LORD repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!”

In-depth-analysis

Political Theater: David's mourning is genuine but also a masterful political act. He forces the murderer, Joab, to participate in the mourning procession.
David's Lament: His short dirge laments that Abner, a warrior, did not die an honorable death in battle but was killed "as a fool dies"—helpless and deceived. This honors Abner and condemns his murderer.
"I am weak today": David admits he is not strong enough to punish Joab. Joab is too powerful, and David needs his military skill. This admission of weakness is a recurring problem for David regarding his own family and inner circle.
Trust in God's Justice: Unable to execute justice himself, David entrusts judgment to God. This statement both explains his inaction and reassures the people that justice will eventually be done.

Bible references

Rom 12:19: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" (David's final statement is a practical Old Testament application of this principle).
1 Kgs 2:5-6: "...you know what Joab... did to me... do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace." (David did not forget; he delegated the final act of justice to his successor, Solomon).

Cross references

Ps 7:8-11 (a king's plea for righteous judgment), 2 Sam 1:17-27 (David's lament for Saul/Jonathan).

2 Samuel Chapter 3 analysis

The Problem of the "Sons of Zeruiah": A major sub-theme throughout Samuel and Kings is David's inability to control Joab and Abishai. They are fiercely loyal but also ruthlessly pragmatic and violent, often acting as a law unto themselves and creating immense problems for David's kingdom. David calls them "too hard for me," acknowledging his authority is limited by their power.
Providence Through Sin: God's will to unify Israel under David is achieved. However, the mechanism is entirely human and deeply sinful: Abner's pride, Ish-bosheth's weakness, and Joab's vengeful murder. This shows God's sovereignty is not contingent on human righteousness; He can work His purposes even through the fallen actions of people.
Righteousness and Political Skill: The chapter masterfully blends David's piety and his political skill. His mourning for Abner and curse on Joab were politically necessary to secure the kingdom, but they also appear to stem from a genuine sense of justice and horror at the treachery. David understands that moral authority is the bedrock of political power.
Perversion of Go'el Haddam: Joab's act highlights the difference between God's law and human revenge. The role of the kinsman-avenger had legal boundaries and was meant to provide justice, not to be a license for treacherous assassination. Joab cloaks his political murder in the guise of family honor, but his actions violate the spirit and process of the law.

2 Samuel Chapter 3 summary

The protracted war between David and Saul's house concludes when Abner, insulted by Ish-bosheth, defects to David, promising to deliver all of Israel. David agrees, but his general Joab, seeking revenge for his brother's death and seeing Abner as a rival, deceitfully murders him. In a masterful display of political and moral leadership, David publicly mourns Abner, curses Joab, and distances himself from the crime, thus solidifying his claim to the throne and winning the trust of all Israel.

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2 Samuel chapter 3 kjv

¹ Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.
² And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
³ And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
⁴ And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
⁵ And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
⁶ And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
⁷ And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?
⁸ Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do show kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
⁹ So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;
¹⁰ To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.
¹¹ And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
¹² And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
¹³ And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
¹⁴ And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
¹⁵ And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.
¹⁶ And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
¹⁷ And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:
¹⁸ Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
¹⁹ And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
²⁰ So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.
²¹ And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
²² And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
²³ When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
²⁴ Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?
²⁵ Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
²⁶ And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
²⁷ And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
²⁸ And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
²⁹ Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
³⁰ So Joab, and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
³¹ And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
³² And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
³³ And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
³⁴ Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
³⁵ And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
³⁶ And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.
³⁷ For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
³⁸ And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
³⁹ And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

2 Samuel chapter 3 nkjv

¹ Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
² Sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
³ his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur;
⁴ the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
⁵ and the sixth, Ithream, by David's wife Eglah. These were born to David in Hebron.
⁶ Now it was so, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner was strengthening his hold on the house of Saul.
⁷ And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ishbosheth said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?"
⁸ Then Abner became very angry at the words of Ishbosheth, and said, "Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah? Today I show loyalty to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and you charge me today with a fault concerning this woman?
⁹ May God do so to Abner, and more also, if I do not do for David as the LORD has sworn to him?
¹⁰ to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba."
¹¹ And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.
¹² Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to David, saying, "Whose is the land?" saying also, "Make your covenant with me, and indeed my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel to you."
¹³ And David said, "Good, I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you: you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face."
¹⁴ So David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul's son, saying, "Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines."
¹⁵ And Ishbosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Paltiel the son of Laish.
¹⁶ Then her husband went along with her to Bahurim, weeping behind her. So Abner said to him, "Go, return!" And he returned.
¹⁷ Now Abner had communicated with the elders of Israel, saying, "In time past you were seeking for David to be king over you.
¹⁸ Now then, do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, 'By the hand of My servant David, I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and the hand of all their enemies.' "
¹⁹ And Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin. Then Abner also went to speak in the hearing of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and the whole house of Benjamin.
²⁰ So Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.
²¹ Then Abner said to David, "I will arise and go, and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires." So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.
²² At that moment the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
²³ When Joab and all the troops that were with him had come, they told Joab, saying, "Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he sent him away, and he has gone in peace."
²⁴ Then Joab came to the king and said, "What have you done? Look, Abner came to you; why is it that you sent him away, and he has already gone?
²⁵ Surely you realize that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you, to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing."
²⁶ And when Joab had gone from David's presence, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David did not know it.
²⁷ Now when Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him privately, and there stabbed him in the stomach, so that he died for the blood of Asahel his brother.
²⁸ Afterward, when David heard it, he said, "My kingdom and I are guiltless before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
²⁹ Let it rest on the head of Joab and on all his father's house; and let there never fail to be in the house of Joab one who has a discharge or is a leper, who leans on a staff or falls by the sword, or who lacks bread."
³⁰ So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
³¹ Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes, gird yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn for Abner." And King David followed the coffin.
³² So they buried Abner in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept.
³³ And the king sang a lament over Abner and said: "Should Abner die as a fool dies?
³⁴ Your hands were not bound Nor your feet put into fetters; As a man falls before wicked men, so you fell." Then all the people wept over him again.
³⁵ And when all the people came to persuade David to eat food while it was still day, David took an oath, saying, "God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread or anything else till the sun goes down!"
³⁶ Now all the people took note of it, and it pleased them, since whatever the king did pleased all the people.
³⁷ For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king's intent to kill Abner the son of Ner.
³⁸ Then the king said to his servants, "Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?
³⁹ And I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too harsh for me. The LORD shall repay the evildoer according to his wickedness."

2 Samuel chapter 3 niv

¹ The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
² Sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel;
³ his second, Kileab the son of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; the third, Absalom the son of Maakah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
⁴ the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
⁵ and the sixth, Ithream the son of David's wife Eglah. These were born to David in Hebron.
⁶ During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had been strengthening his own position in the house of Saul.
⁷ Now Saul had had a concubine named Rizpah daughter of Aiah. And Ish-Bosheth said to Abner, "Why did you sleep with my father's concubine?"
⁸ Abner was very angry because of what Ish-Bosheth said. So he answered, "Am I a dog's head?on Judah's side? This very day I am loyal to the house of your father Saul and to his family and friends. I haven't handed you over to David. Yet now you accuse me of an offense involving this woman!
⁹ May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD promised him on oath
¹⁰ and transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish David's throne over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beersheba."
¹¹ Ish-Bosheth did not dare to say another word to Abner, because he was afraid of him.
¹² Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, "Whose land is it? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you bring all Israel over to you."
¹³ "Good," said David. "I will make an agreement with you. But I demand one thing of you: Do not come into my presence unless you bring Michal daughter of Saul when you come to see me."
¹⁴ Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, demanding, "Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for the price of a hundred Philistine foreskins."
¹⁵ So Ish-Bosheth gave orders and had her taken away from her husband Paltiel son of Laish.
¹⁶ Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go back home!" So he went back.
¹⁷ Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, "For some time you have wanted to make David your king.
¹⁸ Now do it! For the LORD promised David, 'By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.'?"
¹⁹ Abner also spoke to the Benjamites in person. Then he went to Hebron to tell David everything that Israel and the whole tribe of Benjamin wanted to do.
²⁰ When Abner, who had twenty men with him, came to David at Hebron, David prepared a feast for him and his men.
²¹ Then Abner said to David, "Let me go at once and assemble all Israel for my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires." So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.
²² Just then David's men and Joab returned from a raid and brought with them a great deal of plunder. But Abner was no longer with David in Hebron, because David had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
²³ When Joab and all the soldiers with him arrived, he was told that Abner son of Ner had come to the king and that the king had sent him away and that he had gone in peace.
²⁴ So Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you let him go? Now he is gone!
²⁵ You know Abner son of Ner; he came to deceive you and observe your movements and find out everything you are doing."
²⁶ Joab then left David and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern at Sirah. But David did not know it.
²⁷ Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into an inner chamber, as if to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died.
²⁸ Later, when David heard about this, he said, "I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner.
²⁹ May his blood fall on the head of Joab and on his whole family! May Joab's family never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food."
³⁰ (Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)
³¹ Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, "Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk in mourning in front of Abner." King David himself walked behind the bier.
³² They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king wept aloud at Abner's tomb. All the people wept also.
³³ The king sang this lament for Abner: "Should Abner have died as the lawless die?
³⁴ Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered. You fell as one falls before the wicked." And all the people wept over him again.
³⁵ Then they all came and urged David to eat something while it was still day; but David took an oath, saying, "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!"
³⁶ All the people took note and were pleased; indeed, everything the king did pleased them.
³⁷ So on that day all the people there and all Israel knew that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.
³⁸ Then the king said to his men, "Do you not realize that a commander and a great man has fallen in Israel this day?
³⁹ And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!"

2 Samuel chapter 3 esv

¹ There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.
² And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel;
³ and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
⁴ and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
⁵ and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
⁶ While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.
⁷ Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?"
⁸ Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, "Am I a dog's head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman.
⁹ God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him,
¹⁰ to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba."
¹¹ And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.
¹² And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, "To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you."
¹³ And he said, "Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face."
¹⁴ Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, saying, "Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines."
¹⁵ And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish.
¹⁶ But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go, return." And he returned.
¹⁷ And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, "For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you.
¹⁸ Now then bring it about, for the LORD has promised David, saying, 'By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.'"
¹⁹ Abner also spoke to Benjamin. And then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin thought good to do.
²⁰ When Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron, David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.
²¹ And Abner said to David, "I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires." So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.
²² Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
²³ When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, "Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace."
²⁴ Then Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone?
²⁵ You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing."
²⁶ When Joab came out from David's presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it.
²⁷ And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the stomach, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
²⁸ Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, "I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
²⁹ May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!"
³⁰ So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.
³¹ Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner." And King David followed the bier.
³² They buried Abner at Hebron. And the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept.
³³ And the king lamented for Abner, saying, "Should Abner die as a fool dies?
³⁴ Your hands were not bound; your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen." And all the people wept again over him.
³⁵ Then all the people came to persuade David to eat bread while it was yet day. But David swore, saying, "God do so to me and more also, if I taste bread or anything else till the sun goes down!"
³⁶ And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people.
³⁷ So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king's will to put to death Abner the son of Ner.
³⁸ And the king said to his servants, "Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?
³⁹ And I was gentle today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The LORD repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!"

2 Samuel chapter 3 nlt

¹ That was the beginning of a long war between those who were loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. As time passed David became stronger and stronger, while Saul's dynasty became weaker and weaker.
² These are the sons who were born to David in Hebron: The oldest was Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam from Jezreel.
³ The second was Daniel, whose mother was Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel.
The third was Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur.
⁴ The fourth was Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith.
The fifth was Shephatiah, whose mother was Abital.
⁵ The sixth was Ithream, whose mother was Eglah, David's wife.
These sons were all born to David in Hebron.
⁶ As the war between the house of Saul and the house of David went on, Abner became a powerful leader among those loyal to Saul.
⁷ One day Ishbosheth, Saul's son, accused Abner of sleeping with one of his father's concubines, a woman named Rizpah, daughter of Aiah.
⁸ Abner was furious. "Am I some Judean dog to be kicked around like this?" he shouted. "After all I have done for your father, Saul, and his family and friends by not handing you over to David, is this my reward ? that you find fault with me about this woman?
⁹ May God strike me and even kill me if I don't do everything I can to help David get what the LORD has promised him!
¹⁰ I'm going to take Saul's kingdom and give it to David. I will establish the throne of David over Israel as well as Judah, all the way from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south."
¹¹ Ishbosheth didn't dare say another word because he was afraid of what Abner might do.
¹² Then Abner sent messengers to David, saying, "Doesn't the entire land belong to you? Make a solemn pact with me, and I will help turn over all of Israel to you."
¹³ "All right," David replied, "but I will not negotiate with you unless you bring back my wife Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come."
¹⁴ David then sent this message to Ishbosheth, Saul's son: "Give me back my wife Michal, for I bought her with the lives of 100 Philistines."
¹⁵ So Ishbosheth took Michal away from her husband, Palti son of Laish.
¹⁶ Palti followed along behind her as far as Bahurim, weeping as he went. Then Abner told him, "Go back home!" So Palti returned.
¹⁷ Meanwhile, Abner had consulted with the elders of Israel. "For some time now," he told them, "you have wanted to make David your king.
¹⁸ Now is the time! For the LORD has said, 'I have chosen David to save my people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and from all their other enemies.'"
¹⁹ Abner also spoke with the men of Benjamin. Then he went to Hebron to tell David that all the people of Israel and Benjamin had agreed to support him.
²⁰ When Abner and twenty of his men came to Hebron, David entertained them with a great feast.
²¹ Then Abner said to David, "Let me go and call an assembly of all Israel to support my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you to make you their king, and you will rule over everything your heart desires." So David sent Abner safely on his way.
²² But just after David had sent Abner away in safety, Joab and some of David's troops returned from a raid, bringing much plunder with them.
²³ When Joab arrived, he was told that Abner had just been there visiting the king and had been sent away in safety.
²⁴ Joab rushed to the king and demanded, "What have you done? What do you mean by letting Abner get away?
²⁵ You know perfectly well that he came to spy on you and find out everything you're doing!"
²⁶ Joab then left David and sent messengers to catch up with Abner, asking him to return. They found him at the well of Sirah and brought him back, though David knew nothing about it.
²⁷ When Abner arrived back at Hebron, Joab took him aside at the gateway as if to speak with him privately. But then he stabbed Abner in the stomach and killed him in revenge for killing his brother Asahel.
²⁸ When David heard about it, he declared, "I vow by the LORD that I and my kingdom are forever innocent of this crime against Abner son of Ner.
²⁹ Joab and his family are the guilty ones. May the family of Joab be cursed in every generation with a man who has open sores or leprosy or who walks on crutches or dies by the sword or begs for food!"
³⁰ So Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner because Abner had killed their brother Asahel at the battle of Gibeon.
³¹ Then David said to Joab and all those who were with him, "Tear your clothes and put on burlap. Mourn for Abner." And King David himself walked behind the procession to the grave.
³² They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king and all the people wept at his graveside.
³³ Then the king sang this funeral song for Abner: "Should Abner have died as fools die?
³⁴ Your hands were not bound;
your feet were not chained.
No, you were murdered ?
the victim of a wicked plot."
All the people wept again for Abner.
³⁵ David had refused to eat anything on the day of the funeral, and now everyone begged him to eat. But David had made a vow, saying, "May God strike me and even kill me if I eat anything before sundown."
³⁶ This pleased the people very much. In fact, everything the king did pleased them!
³⁷ So everyone in Judah and all Israel understood that David was not responsible for Abner's murder.
³⁸ Then King David said to his officials, "Don't you realize that a great commander has fallen today in Israel?
³⁹ And even though I am the anointed king, these two sons of Zeruiah ? Joab and Abishai ? are too strong for me to control. So may the LORD repay these evil men for their evil deeds."