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John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

Abner is Treacherously Murdered by Joab3. Chileab] We read nothing more of him and he probably died as a child. In 1 Chronicles 3:1 he is called Daniel. Geshur] a kingdom on the border of Bashan, where Absalom afterwards took refuge (2 Samuel 13:37) It must not be confused with the Geshur of 1 Samuel 27:8.4. Adonijah] see 1 Kings 1.7. Rizpah] see 2 Samuel 21:8-11. Gone in unto my father’s concubine] According to Eastern ideas this was equivalent to laying claim to the throne: see 2 Samuel 12:8;... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Samuel 3:29

(29) Let it rest on the head of Joab.—The strong curse here pronounced by David shows that Joab’s act could not be justified as that of the “Goel,” or lawful avenger of his brother’s blood, for Abner had slain Asahel in battle, unwillingly and in self-defence. It is also to be remembered that Hebron was a city of refuge (Joshua 21:13), and that here not even the “Goel” might slay the murderer without a trial (Numbers 35:22-25). The curse falls “on his father’s house,” since Abishai also (2... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:22-39

CHAPTER V.ASSASSINATION OF ABNER AND ISHBOSHETH.2 Samuel 3:22-39; 2 Samuel 4:1-12IT is quite possible that, in treating with Abner, David showed too complacent a temper, that he treated too lightly his appearance in arms against him at the pool of Gibeon, and that he neglected to demand an apology for the death of Asahel. Certainly it would have been wise had some measures been taken to soothe the ruffled temper of Joab and reconcile him to the new arrangement This, however, was not done. David... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

4. Abner’s Deeds and End CHAPTER 3 1. The long war and its results (2 Samuel 3:1 ) 2. David’s family (2 Samuel 3:2-5 ) 3. Abner’s defiant deed (2 Samuel 3:6-7 ) 4. Abner and Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 3:8-11 ) 5. Abner’s defection to David (2 Samuel 3:12 ) 6. David’s request (2 Samuel 3:13-16 ) 7. Abner with David (2 Samuel 3:17-22 ) 8. Abner’s end (2 Samuel 3:23-30 ) 9. David’s lamentation over Abner (2 Samuel 3:31-39 ) The first verse speaks of the long war between the house of... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

Though Saul had died, yet there continues long war between his house and the house of David. We have seen that Saul stands for the energy of the flesh, which does not easily give up though it is doomed. The house of David waxes stronger and stronger, but the flesh cannot but expose its own weakness when it is given time. We are told now of David's having six sons, each by a different wife (vs.2-5). Never was it God's intention that a man should have more than one wife. At the beginning He had... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

DAVID MADE KING LAMENTING THE DEAD (2 Samuel 1:0 ) Surely the harshness and gentleness of David are strangely blended in this chapter. That one should so lament an enemy and slay the man who professed to murder him surpasses ordinary thought; but David was built on a large mould. Of course the Amalekite lied to David, for the inspired record of the death of Saul in the preceding book must be regarded as correct. Observe the motive governing David: “Wast thou not afraid.., to destroy the... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

2 Samuel 3:0 1. Now there was long war [not actual fighting but a hostile and military temper] between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker [Providence works through time]. 2. ¶ And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon [see chap. xiii.], of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3. And his second, Chileab [supposed to have died early], of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:28-29

(28) And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD forever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: (29) Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. Very proper as it was, and becoming in David, to make an appeal to his own innocency respecting the death of Abner,... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:29

Issue. Such were looked upon as unclean, (Leviticus xv. 3,) and incapable of having children. Aquila translates zab, "blind." Septuagint, "afflicted with the gonorrh'9ca." --- Distaff, like eunuchs. (Delrio, adag. 190.) (Claud in Eutrop.) Tu telas non tela pati, &c. Some translate a stick, with which the blind, lame and aged endeavour to walk. (Calmet) --- Any of these conditions would be very mortifying to great warriors. (Haydock) --- Bread. Hunger and famine were considered as a... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:22-39

22-39 Judgments are prepared for such scorners as Abner; but Joab, in what he did, acted wickedly. David laid Abner's murder deeply to heart, and in many ways expressed his detestation of it. The guilt of blood brings a curse upon families: if men do not avenge it, God will. It is a sad thing to die like a fool, as they do that any way shorten their own days, and those who make no provision for another world. Who would be fond of power, when a man may have the name of it, and must be... read more

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