2 Samuel 3:11

11 Ishbosheth couldn't say a single word in reply to Abner because he was afraid of him.

2 Samuel 3:11 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 3:11

And he could not answer Abner a word again
That is, he would not, he durst not; otherwise, if it was fact he charged him with, he could have insisted on the truth of it, and aggravated the crime and scandal of it; and observed it to him, that the kindness he had shown him was no excuse for it; but such things, though he would, he durst not say:

because he feared him;
he had the army at his command, and could dethrone him when he pleased; and it has been the fate of greater men than Ishbosheth to be awed by their generals, and even David himself; see ( 2 Samuel 3:39 ) .

2 Samuel 3:11 In-Context

9 May God deal harshly with me, Abner, and worse still if I don't do for David exactly what the LORD swore to him—

10 removing the kingdom from Saul's house and securing David's throne over Israel and over Judah, from Dan all the way to Beer-sheba!"

11 Ishbosheth couldn't say a single word in reply to Abner because he was afraid of him.

12 Abner sent messengers to represent him to David and to say, "Who will own the land? Make a covenant with me, then I'll help bring all Israel over to your side."

13 "Good!" David replied. "I will make a covenant with you, but on one condition: don't show yourself in my presence unless you bring Saul's daughter Michal when you come to see me."