Shmuel Bais 3:11

11 And he could not answer Avner a davar again, because he feared him.

Shmuel Bais 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 ) .

Shmuel Bais 3:11 In-Context

9 So do Elohim to Avner, and more also! As Hashem hath sworn to Dovid, even so I do for him [Dovid];

10 To transfer the Mamlachah from the Bais Sha’ul, and to set up the Kisse Dovid over Yisroel and over Yehudah, from Dan even to Beer-Sheva.

11 And he could not answer Avner a davar again, because he feared him.

12 And Avner sent malachim to Dovid on his behalf, saying, Whose is the eretz? Saying also, Cut thy brit with me, and, hinei, my yad shall be with thee, to bring about kol Yisroel unto thee.

13 And he [Dovid] said Tov; I will make a brit with thee; but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Bat Sha’ul, when thou comest to see my face.