2 Samuel 3 18

2 Samuel 3:18 kjv

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.

2 Samuel 3:18 nkjv

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.' "

2 Samuel 3:18 niv

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.'?"

2 Samuel 3:18 esv

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.'"

2 Samuel 3:18 nlt

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.'"

2 Samuel 3 verses

2 Samuel 3 18 Meaning

This verse signifies a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as Abner, a key figure from Saul's former kingdom, acknowledges and articulates God's specific promise concerning David. It reveals that David's future role as king, ordained to deliver Israel from its enemies, particularly the Philistines, was not merely a human ambition but a divine decree previously communicated. The verse underscores God's sovereign plan for His people to be brought to salvation and stability through the hand of His chosen servant, David, establishing a united kingdom.

2 Samuel 3 18 Context

2 Samuel chapter 3 details the ongoing conflict between the house of Saul, led by Abner, and the rising power of David, who had been anointed king over Judah in Hebron. Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, reigned over the rest of Israel under Abner's control, but their power waned. This verse, 2 Sam 3:18, is Abner's address to the elders of Israel. After falling out with Ish-bosheth, Abner seeks to defect to David. He strategically reminds the elders of the widely known divine prophecy concerning David becoming king over all Israel, explicitly stating God's purpose for David to save Israel from their enemies. This serves as Abner's justification for their shift in allegiance, presenting it not merely as political expediency but as aligning with God's preordained plan, thereby legitimizing David's claim to the throne of a united Israel.

2 Samuel 3 18 Word analysis

• For now, you are to bring it about:

  • For now (כִּי עַתָּה ki 'attah): "Indeed, now." This phrase signals a turning point, an immediate and critical moment for action. It implies a sense of urgency and ripeness of time for a long-awaited event to materialize.
  • you (אַתֶּם 'attem): Plural, directly addressing the elders of Israel. This highlights their role as agents in God's plan. They are called to execute, to perform.
  • are to bring it about (עָשׂוּ 'asu, root עָשָׂה 'asah, meaning "to do," "make," "accomplish"): This verb implies purposeful action. The elders are not passively awaiting a divine act but are active participants in realizing God's spoken word. It signifies cooperation with divine will.

• for the LORD has spoken of David, saying:

  • for the LORD (כִּי יְהוָה ki YHWH): Identifies the ultimate authority and source of the pronouncement. The name YHWH emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and active presence in Israel's history.
  • has spoken (אָמַר 'amar): Refers to a clear, authoritative divine utterance. God's word is foundational and unchangeable. It points to a previous, known prophecy.
  • of David (לְדָוִד lədāwiḏ): Specifically concerns David. God's purpose is fixed on him.
  • saying (לֵאמֹר lēmōr): Introduces the direct content of God's spoken word, indicating a specific quote or summary of it.

• ‘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.’

  • By the hand of (בְּיַד bəyaḏ): "By means of," "through the agency of." The "hand" (יַד yad) symbolizes power, authority, and agency. David is God's chosen instrument.
  • my servant David (דָּוִד עַבְדִּי dāwiḏ 'aḇdî): 'aḇdî meaning "my servant." This title signifies divine choice, covenant relationship, obedience, and dedicated service. David is God's designated agent for a specific purpose. This title is highly significant in Old Testament theology, frequently applied to Abraham, Moses, and the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, foreshadowing the Messiah.
  • I will save (אוֹשִׁיעַ 'ōšīʿa, Hiphil imperfect of יָשַׁע yasha' meaning "to save," "deliver," "bring salvation"): God Himself is the ultimate rescuer, working through David. The verb "save" here primarily denotes military and political deliverance from oppression, ensuring the security and well-being of the nation. This salvation is foundational to God's broader plan of spiritual salvation.
  • my people Israel (אֶת־עַמִּי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'et-'ammî Yiśrā'ēl): Emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Israel is His people, and He is committed to their well-being. The establishment of David's kingdom is part of this covenant fidelity.
  • from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies (מִיַּד פְּלִשְׁתִּים וּמִיַּד כָּל־אֹיְבֵיהֶם Miyyaḏ Pəlišṯîm ūmīyaḏ kāl-'ōyəḇêhem): Names the primary, most pressing adversary. The "hand" again denotes control or power. "All their enemies" broadens the scope, implying complete deliverance and dominion under David's reign, bringing rest and peace to the land.

• Phrase analysis: "For now, you are to bring it about, for the LORD has spoken of David..."

  • This phrase captures the intersection of divine decree and human responsibility. Abner places the elders in the position of fulfilling God's word, emphasizing their accountability in recognizing and enacting the divine will for David to be king. It's not an if God's word will happen, but a when and through whom.

• Phrase analysis: "By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel..."

  • This is the core divine promise. It underscores God's sovereignty (He will save) and David's specific role as His chosen instrument ("my servant"). The salvation described is primarily national deliverance, paving the way for spiritual blessings and ultimately the coming of the Messiah, the ultimate "Servant of the Lord" who brings eternal salvation.

2 Samuel 3 18 Bonus section

• Abner's Strategic Prophecy: It is ironic yet profoundly significant that Abner, a calculating figure deeply entangled in political strife, articulates this divine truth to rally support for David. It suggests that God's plan can be recognized and even forwarded by unexpected actors, irrespective of their motives. His appeal indicates the common knowledge and belief among the elders of God's stated intention for David, validating the divine appointment beyond political machinations.
• The Unifying Promise: The promise of salvation from enemies through David was a critical message that could unite the fragmented tribes of Israel. Saul's failure to consistently defeat the Philistines highlighted the need for a divinely endorsed leader capable of achieving peace and security for God's people. This promise cemented David's role as the destined shepherd of Israel.
• Progression of the Divine Will: This verse serves as an important intermediate step in the revelation of the Davidic covenant. While a full covenant is yet to be formalized in 2 Samuel 7, this verse indicates that elements of God's choice and purpose for David were already known and communicated earlier, likely through prophets like Samuel or even earlier traditions regarding Judah's kingship.
• "Servant" as a Royal/Messianic Title: The term "servant" applied to David is weighty. It's not just a term of humility, but one denoting special status, chosenness, and responsibility. Later prophets and New Testament writers expand on this, portraying the coming Messiah as the ultimate "Servant of the Lord" who fulfills the salvific role in a far grander, spiritual sense.

2 Samuel 3 18 Commentary

2 Samuel 3:18 is a testament to God's sovereign plan and His faithfulness to His word, even amidst political maneuvering and human weakness. Abner, a pragmatic military leader, appeals to a known divine decree to legitimize his change of allegiance to David. This is not simply a power play; it reveals a broader recognition in Israel that David's ascent to the throne was not by accident or merely by popular choice, but by God's explicit will. David is presented as God's "servant," chosen and empowered to deliver Israel from oppression and unite the nation. This divinely appointed role of savior/deliverer foreshadows the greater salvation brought by Jesus Christ, the ultimate "Son of David" and "Servant of the Lord," who redeems His people from sin and establishes an eternal kingdom. The verse also subtly highlights that God works through human agents and that obedience to His revealed will is imperative for a nation's well-being and blessing.