2 Samuel 3:2-12

2 To David were sons born in Hevron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Achino'am the Yizre`elite;

3 and his second, Chileab, of Avigayil the wife of Naval the Karmelite; and the third, Avshalom the son of Ma`akhah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

4 and the fourth, Adoniyahu the son of Haggit; and the fifth, Shefatyah the son of Avital;

5 and the sixth, Yitre`am, of `Eglah, David's wife. These were born to David in Hevron.

6 It happened, while there was war between the house of Sha'ul and the house of David, that Aviner made himself strong in the house of Sha'ul.

7 Now Sha'ul had a concubine, whose name was Ritzpah, the daughter of Ayah: and [Ish-Boshet] said to Aviner, Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?

8 Then was Aviner very angry for the words of Ish-Boshet, and said, Am I a dog's head that belongs to Yehudah? This day do I show kindness to the house of Sha'ul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me this day with a fault concerning this woman.

9 God do so to Aviner, and more also, if, as the LORD has sworn to David, I don't do even so to him;

10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Sha'ul, and to set up the throne of David over Yisra'el and over Yehudah, from Dan even to Be'er-Sheva.

11 He could not answer Aviner another word, because he feared him.

12 Aviner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying [also], Make your league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring about all Yisra'el to you.

2 Samuel 3:2-12 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.