2 Samuel 3:1-5:25

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:1-6

Here is, I. The struggle that David had with the house of Saul before his settlement in the throne was completed, 2 Sam. 3:1. 1. Both sides contested. Saul's house, though beheaded and diminished, would not fall tamely. It is not strange between them, but one would wonder it should be a long war, when David's house had right on its side, and therefore God on its side; but, though truth and equity will triumph at last, God made for wise and holy ends prolonged the conflict. The length of this... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:1

Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David ,.... The recent battle, though so much in favour of David, did not, put an end to the war between him and Ishbosheth, which lasted five years longer; for it was when Ishbosheth had reigned two years that that battle was fought, and he reigned five years longer; for not till his death, and when David had reigned above seven years in Hebron, was he made king over all Israel; and during this time peace was not made, but... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:1

There was long war - Frequent battles and skirmishes took place between the followers of David and the followers of Ish-bosheth, after the two years mentioned above, to the end of the fifth year, in which Ish-bosheth was slain by Rechab and Baanah. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:1

EXPOSITION There was long war. As Ishbosheth reigned only two years, and as "the house of Saul" is the phrase used, it seems probable that after Ishbosheth's murder, during the five years before David's election to the throne of all Israel, the house of Saul had some puppet representative at Mahanaim, and some commander in Abner's place. But after the death of this able man matters would go from bad to worse, and, though David probably remained on the defensive, yet the contrast... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:1-5

( HEBRON .) The house of David. 1 . The theocracy had its chief support in David and his house. On him also rested the Messianic hope ( 2 Samuel 7:13 ). Hence the importance which attaches to events of his life that would otherwise have been left unrecorded. 2 . "The summary narrative of these seven years presents the still youthful king in a very lovable light. The same temper which had marked his first acts after Saul's death is here strikingly brought out. He seems to have... 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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:1

2 Samuel 3:1. There was long war For five years longer: for it is probable Ish-bosheth was made king immediately upon Saul’s death; and the other tribes did not submit to David before seven years were expired. Between the house of Saul and the house of David Their enmity continuing throughout the whole reign of Ish-bosheth. It is probable there were many skirmishes between Israel and Judah; but we do not read of any pitched battle. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:1

Two kings in Israel (2:1-3:1)The Philistines now controlled much of Israel’s territory west of Jordan (see 1 Samuel 31:7). Believing that David was still friendly to them, the Philistines allowed him to become king over Judah in the south, no doubt thinking that this would help to divide and weaken Israel further. The tribes east of Jordan, however, were still free, and David quickly tried to win their support (2:1-7). But Abner (Saul’s army commander and his cousin; see 1 Samuel 14:50) had... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 3:1

Saul. Note the Figure of speech Antimetabole ( App-6 ) in this verse, and the Introversion of the subjects of this chapter. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:1

ABNER DECIDED TO AID DAVID;ABNER WAS MURDERED BY JOAB;A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE CIVIL WAR"There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker."This progressive shift of power from the house of Saul to that of David fulfilled Samuel's prophecy in 1 Samuel 15:28.During this extended conflict, there was not a succession of many battles, but an atmosphere of constant hostility. At least part of... read more

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