2 Samuel 3:11

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

13 He said, Well; I will make a league with you; but one thing I require of you: that is, you shall not see my face, except you first bring Mikhal, Sha'ul's daughter, when you come to see my face.