Loading...

Change Translation

Loading...
  • Recent Translations
  • All Translations

2 Samuel 3:10-20

Listen to 2 Samuel 3:10-20
10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, 1from 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, [a] 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, 2you shall not see my face unless you first bring 3Michal, 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, 4for 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 5Bahurim. 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, 6for 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 7Benjamin. 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.

2 Samuel 3:10-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 3

This chapter begins with the continuation of the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, 2Sa 3:1; and gives an account of the wives of David, and his sons by them, 2Sa 3:2-5; of a quarrel between Ishbosheth and Abner, 2Sa 3:6-11; and of Abner's proposal to make a league with David; but David would not see his face unless Michal his wife was returned to him, who was accordingly, 2Sa 3:12-16; and of the interest Abner made with the elders of Israel in favour of David, which he reported to him, and promised to make more, 2Sa 3:17-21; but Joab returning from a pursuit, and with great spoil, just as Abner departed, and hearing of it, chided David for letting him go, and privately sent for him back, and treacherously murdered him, 2Sa 3:22-27; from which murder David cleared himself and his kingdom, and for it made dreadful imprecations on Joab and his family, 2Sa 3:28-30; and buried Abner with great lamentation, expressing much concern for his death, and the high opinion he had of him, 2Sa 3:31-39.

Unlock Deeper Insights: Get Over 20 Commentaries with Plus! Subscribe Now

Cross References 7

  • 1. 3:10 ch. 17:11; 24:2, 15; Judg. 20:1; 1 Sam. 3:20; 1 Kgs. 4:25
  • 2. 3:13 [Gen. 43:3]
  • 3. 3:13 1 Sam. 14:49
  • 4. 3:14 1 Sam. 18:25, 27
  • 5. 3:16 ch. 16:5; 17:18; 19:16; 1 Kgs. 2:8
  • 6. 3:18 See ver. 9
  • 7. 3:19 [1 Chr. 12:29]

Footnotes 1

  • [a] 3:12 Or 'where he was'; Septuagint 'at Hebron'
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025

Study Tools

PLUS

Unlock Notes

This feature is for PLUS subscribers only. Join PLUS today to access these tools and more.

JOIN PLUS

Unlock Highlights

This feature is for PLUS subscribers only. Join PLUS today to access these tools and more.

JOIN PLUS

Unlock Bookmarks

This feature is for PLUS subscribers only. Join PLUS today to access these tools and more.

JOIN PLUS

Track Your Reading

Create a free account to start a reading plan, or join PLUS to unlock our full suite of premium study tools.

Already have an account? Sign in