2 Samuel 3:33-39

33 And the king lamented over Abner and said, "Died Abner as a fool dieth?

34 Thy hands were not bound nor thy feet put into fetters. As a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou." And all the people wept again over him.

35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David swore, saying, "So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread or aught else till the sun be down."

36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.

37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not because of the king that Abner the son of Ner was slain.

38 And the king said unto his servants, "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?

39 And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too hard for me. The LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness."

2 Samuel 3:33-39 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.