2 Samuel 3 19

2 Samuel 3:19 kjv

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.

2 Samuel 3:19 nkjv

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.

2 Samuel 3:19 niv

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.

2 Samuel 3:19 esv

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.

2 Samuel 3:19 nlt

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.

2 Samuel 3 verses

2 Samuel 3 19 Meaning

This verse details Abner's strategic political maneuver to consolidate support for David's kingship. He first spoke directly to the influential tribe of Benjamin, which had strong loyalties to Saul's house, persuading them. Subsequently, he approached David in Hebron, advocating for the unity under David by presenting that which was deemed favorable and beneficial by both the broader Israelite population and particularly the tribe of Benjamin, thereby preparing the way for David to reign over all Israel.

2 Samuel 3 19 Context

Following the death of King Saul and his sons in battle, a protracted civil war ensued between David, who had been anointed king over Judah (2 Sam 2:4), and Ish-bosheth, Saul's surviving son, whom Abner (Saul's cousin and army commander) had established as king over the northern tribes of Israel (2 Sam 2:8-9). This conflict lasted for several years. Abner's decision to shift allegiance from Ish-bosheth to David, triggered by a personal insult (Ish-bosheth's accusation regarding Rizpah, 2 Sam 3:7-8), but ultimately recognizing God's predetermined plan for David's kingship (2 Sam 3:9-10), sets the stage for the unification. This verse describes the crucial diplomatic efforts Abner undertakes to prepare Israel, specifically the vital tribe of Benjamin—Saul's own tribe and a key bastion of support for his house—for the transition to David's rule. Abner's actions are pivotal in paving the way for David to reign over all twelve tribes from his capital in Hebron.

2 Samuel 3 19 Word analysis

• Abner (אבנר, Abner): A formidable military commander, cousin to King Saul, and the key figure propping up Ish-bosheth's claim to the throne. His personal integrity and political shrewdness are highlighted. His name means "my father is a lamp" or "my father is light," ironically he is the instrument illuminating the path to David's kingship.
• also spoke (דִּבֶּר גַּם־בְּאָזְנֵי, dibber gam-b'oznei): The Hebrew verb dibber (Piel perfect of dabar) implies speaking with purpose, emphasis, or even speaking forcefully to convince. The phrase gam-b'oznei means "even in the ears of," highlighting a direct, personal, and impactful communication, a deliberate act of persuasion.
• in the hearing of Benjamin (בְּאָזְנֵי בִנְיָמִן, b'oznei Binyamin): Signifies direct engagement with the leaders and elders of the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin was critical due to its loyalty to Saul and its strategic position. Their consent was essential for legitimizing David's rule over the northern kingdom.
• went (הָלַךְ, halakh): Simple verb for movement, indicating a physical journey from the northern parts (where he secured Benjamin's allegiance) to Hebron in Judah. This travel underlines the deliberate nature of his actions.
• to speak (לְדַבֵּר, l'dabber): The infinitive again denotes a purposeful address.
• in the hearing of David (בְּאָזְנֵי דָּוִד, b'oznei David): Direct communication with David, indicating his role as an ambassador and facilitator.
• at Hebron (בְּחֶבְרוֹן, b'Khevron): David's capital in Judah at the time. This geographic detail grounds the political maneuvering, as Hebron was the meeting point between the northern and southern interests.
• all that seemed good (כֹּל אֲשֶׁר־ט֖וֹב, kol asher-tov): The word tov (טוֹב) means "good," "right," "beneficial," or "pleasing." This refers to what the people of Israel and Benjamin considered to be in their best interest, reflecting a growing national sentiment and possibly a divine influence on their perspective. It suggests Abner presented a case aligning David's rule with the nation's well-being and prosperity.
• to Israel (בְּעֵינֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, b'einei Yisrael): "In the eyes of Israel." Represents the broader collective sentiment and political will of the Israelite tribes.
• and to the whole house of Benjamin (וּבְעֵינֵי כָּל־בֵּית בִּנְיָמִן, u-v'einei khol-beit Binyamin): Emphasizes the crucial consensus reached within Saul's own tribe, suggesting a widespread agreement within their leadership and population. "Whole house" stresses the completeness of their compliance.

• "So Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin": This phrase highlights Abner's political astuteness in securing Benjamin's approval first. Benjamin was Saul's own tribe and their loyalty to his house was strong, making their agreement a crucial precedent for other northern tribes and legitimizing the unification.
• "and Abner also went to speak in the hearing of David at Hebron": This signifies Abner's dual role as both negotiator and messenger. He bridges the gap between the northern tribes and David, acting as a crucial mediator who conveys the readiness of the northern tribes for unification.
• "all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin": This refers to the consensus Abner cultivated. "Seemed good" implies a shift in public opinion, recognizing David's legitimacy and the benefits of a united kingdom under him, aligning with divine purpose. This sentiment suggests a move towards national peace and stability over continued civil war. The repetition of "whole house of Benjamin" underscores their specific and critical role in this shift of allegiance.

2 Samuel 3 19 Bonus section

• The political move by Abner showcases a clear example of divine providence working through human instrumentality and ambition. While Abner's initial shift may have been self-serving (following his dispute with Ish-bosheth), it aligns perfectly with God's preordained plan to establish David's throne over all Israel.
• The specific mention of Benjamin is significant not just because they were Saul's tribe, but also because their allegiance was symbolically crucial for a full and seamless transition of power. Without Benjamin, the unity would always be fragile. Their embrace of David marked the beginning of true national consolidation.
• The phrase "all that seemed good" implies a degree of national consensus. It points to the collective will of the people aligning with what was seen as beneficial for the future of the nation, likely influenced by fatigue from the prolonged civil war and recognition of David's divine favor and military success.

2 Samuel 3 19 Commentary

2 Samuel 3:19 describes Abner's shrewd and effective political work essential for the unification of Israel under David. Recognizing the divine appointment of David and seeking personal security, Abner methodically secured the support of the strategically vital tribe of Benjamin, historically loyal to Saul. His mission to David in Hebron was not merely to pledge his own allegiance, but to communicate the widespread acceptance, or "good," for David's kingship among the northern tribes, particularly Benjamin. This verse marks a pivotal moment, as Abner's efforts facilitate the transition from civil war to a unified kingdom, bringing human political activity into alignment with God's ultimate plan for David's reign.