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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:7-21

Here, I. Abner breaks with Ish-bosheth, and deserts his interest, upon a little provocation which Ish-bosheth unadvisedly gave him. God can serve his own purposes by the sins and follies of men. 1. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of no less a crime than debauching one of his father's concubines, 2 Sam. 3:7. Whether it was so or no does not appear, nor what ground he had for the suspicion: but, however it was, it would have been Ish-bosheth's prudence to be silent, considering how much it was his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:9

So do God to Abner, and more also ,.... He wishes the worst of evils to himself, such as he cared not to name; but left them to be supposed what he meant as utter ruin and destruction of himself, soul and body: except as the Lord hath sworn to David, even so I do to him ; meaning if he did not do that David, which God had sworn should be done, namely, what follows, the translation of the kingdom to him; by which it appears that Abner knew of the promise and oath of God respecting this... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:10

To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul ,.... Which was what the Lord had sworn to do, 1 Samuel 15:28 ; and which Abner now threatens to do, insolently taking that to himself which belonged to the Lord, and as if he could not do it without him: and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah ; over the one as well as over the other; for it was set over Judah already: from Dan even unto Beersheba ; which were the utmost borders of the land of Israel, from north... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:9

Except , as the Lord hath sworn to David - And why did he not do this before, when he knew that God had given the kingdom to David? Was he not now, according to his own concession, fighting against God? read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:1-11

Rival interests. The facts are: 1. A desultory war is carried on between the house of Saul and the house of David, in which the latter has the advantage. 2 . David has six sons born to him while at Hebron. 3 . A quarrel arises between Abner and Ishbosheth, consequent on an accusation resented by Abner. 4 . Abner charges his master with ingratitude, and threatens to transfer his allegiance to David. 5 . In seeking to give emphasis to his threat, Abner indicates his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:7-11

( MAHANAIM .) The dissensions of the wicked. 1 . The union of wicked men rests only upon regard for their own interests. It is not founded on mutual esteem, and does not constitute true friendship ( 1 Samuel 18:1-4 ). "The friendships of the world are oft Confederacies in vice, or leagues in pleasure." (Addison.) 2. When their interests come into collision, their dissensions begin. And occasions of such collision are sure to arise. "Let us mark the inherent weakness... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:9

As the Lord hath sworn to David. This not only shows that the prophetic promise of the kingdom to David was generally known (see note on 2 Samuel 1:2 ), hut that Abner regarded it as solemnly ratified. There is no express mention of any such oath, but Abner was a man of strong words, and possibly only meant that Jehovah's purpose was becoming evident by the course of events. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:9-12

Doing right wrongly. Abner knew well that David was appointed by God to be king over all Israel. Yet he set up Ishbosheth as king over the eleven tribes in opposition to David, and thus caused much unnecessary and useless delay and bloodshed. When, however, Ishbosheth (whether rightly or wrongly) remonstrated with him for his conduct towards Rizpah, he calls to mind the purpose and promise of God, and resolves to cooperate with him (!) in placing David over all the nation ( 2 Samuel 3:9 );... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:9

2 Samuel 3:9. As the Lord hath sworn to David These words show clearly that Abner knew very well God had resolved to bestow the kingdom of Israel upon David; and yet he had hitherto opposed it with all his might, from a principle of ambition. That is, he had all this while fought against his own knowledge and conscience, and against God himself. Now, however, (but, alas! it is out of resentment to Ish-bosheth, and from a principle of revenge,) he complies with the divine will, and vows with... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:10

2 Samuel 3:10. To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul A wonderful change, which the study of revenge had wrought in him, that he who so lately had gone about the country confirming the Israelites in their opposition to David, now resolved to bring them all over to him! But here we see the hand of God. Providence made use of this unjust resentment of Abner to bring about its own designs with regard to David. read more

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