2 Samuel 3:1-5

The House of David Strengthened

1 Now ¹there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.

2 ²Sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by ³Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

3 and his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of ⁴Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of ⁵Geshur;

4 and the fourth, ⁶Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;

5 and the sixth, Ithream, by David's wife Eglah. These were born to David at Hebron.

2 Samuel 3:1-5 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.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Kings 14:30; Psalms 46:9
• 2. 1 Chronicles 3:1-3
• 3. 1 Samuel 25:42, 43
• 4. 1 Samuel 27:8; 1 Chronicles 3:2
• 5. 2 Samuel 14:32; 2 Samuel 15:8
• 6. 1 Kings 1:5

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "wife"