He could not answer Abner a word - Miserable is the lot of a king who is governed by the general of his army, who may strip him of his power and dignity whenever he pleases! Witness the fate of poor Charles I. of England and Louis XVI. of France. Military men, above all others, should never be intrusted with any civil power, and should be great only in the field. read more
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
Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul. The Hebrew really means that until this miserable quarrel about Rizpah, Abner had been the mainstay of Ishbosheth's throne and dynasty. She is proved to have been a noble woman, with a warm and devoted heart, by the narrative in 2 Samuel 21:8-11 . But the harem of a deceased king was looked upon as the special inheritance of his successor; and Absalom, by taking David's concubines ( 2 Samuel 16:21 , 2 Samuel 16:22 ), treated his father... read more
( MAHANAIM .) The character of Abner. Abner, son of Net, was first cousin of Saul, probably about the same age, commander-in-chief of his army ( 1 Samuel 14:50 ), and contributed greatly to his early successes. He introduced David to the king after his victory over Goliath, sat at the royal table ( 1 Samuel 20:25 ), was well acquainted with their relations to each other, took part in the persecution ( 1 Samuel 26:14 ), and, after the battle of Gilbea, became the main support of... read more
( 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
Then was Abner very wroth. This extreme indignation on Abner's part is not easy to understand; for he could scarcely have expected Ishbosheth to endure quietly what at least was a great insult. But probably the question, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine? does not mean a mild expostulation on the king's part, but the purpose to degrade Abner and strip him of his office. Probably after the defeat by Joab at Gibeon, the army was less satisfied with its leader, and his... read more
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
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
He could not answer Abner. Though the reply was one of open treason, and was spoken with violence, yet Ishbosheth did not venture to bring the matter to an issue. Perhaps he looked round upon his officers to see if any would take his side, and, when all were silent, he was too feeble to dare to order the arrest and trial of his too powerful captain. read more
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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