2 Samuel 3:35

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:22-39

We have here an account of the murder of Abner by Joab, and David's deep resentment of it. I. Joab very insolently fell foul upon David for treating with Abner. He happened to be abroad upon service when Abner was with David, pursuing a troop, either of Philistines or of Saul's party; but, upon his return, he was informed that Abner was just gone (2 Sam. 3:22, 23), and that a great many kind things had passed between David and him. He had all the reason in the world to be satisfied of David's... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:35

And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day ,.... The custom was to bury in the daytime, and after the funeral was over to provide and send in food to the relations of the deceased, and come and eat with them; as was also the usage with the Greeks and Romans F23 Vid. Kirchman. de Funer. Roman, l. 4. c. 5. & 6. ; See Gill on Jeremiah 16:5 and See Gill on Jeremiah 16:7 ; and kings themselves used to attend those feasts; for the Jews say F24 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:31-35

( HEBRON .) David's lament over Abner. "As a fool dies should Abner die?— Thy bands unbound, Thy feet not set in fetters: As one falls before the wicked, thou didst fall!" On hearing of the death of Abner, David exhibited the same generous spirit as formerly at the death of Saul ( 2 Samuel 1:11 , 2 Samuel 1:12 ). 1 . He disclaimed (before his trusted servants, as afterwards, 2 Samuel 3:38 ) against having had any part therein; declaring, "I and my kingdom are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:35

The people came to cause David to eat meat. The Jewish commentators, Philippson, Cahen, etc; consider that the occasion for this was given by the custom of taking food after a funeral ( Jeremiah 16:7 ; Ezekiel 24:17 ), which in time degenerated into the giving of a costly banquet (Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 2. 1). To this day, at a Jewish funeral in Germany, the bearers are regaled with eggs, broad, and wine. While, then, others were partaking of the food that had been provided, David... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 3:35

To eat meat ... - Fasting was a sign of the deepest mourning 2 Samuel 1:12. The fast lasted until the sun was set. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:35

2 Samuel 3:35. All the people came to cause David to eat This was agreeable to the usage of the Jews; for when any one died among them, “it was customary with the friends of the family to resort to the house immediately after the funeral, and bring the best provisions they had along with them to support and refresh their friends in affliction, to the utmost of their power. And surely a more humane and benevolent usage never obtained in any country. The presumption was, that people in... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:2-39

End of the line of Saul (3:2-4:12)On becoming king of Judah, David followed the pattern of neighbouring kings by taking a number of wives (2-5). (For the more important people of David’s family and relatives see the appendix at the end of the commentary on 2 Samuel.) Meanwhile Abner became so powerful among Ishbosheth’s supporters, that Ishbosheth accused him of trying to gain the throne for himself. (According to an eastern custom, one way a person signified his claim to the throne was by... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 3:35

meat . Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species) for food in general. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 3:35

2 Samuel 3:35. All the people came to cause David to eat— When any one died among the Jews, it was customary with the friends of the family to resort to the house immediately after the funeral, and bring the best provisions they had along with them, to support and refresh their friends in afflictions to the utmost of their power, The presumption was, that the people in affliction forgot, or, it may be, neglected their proper refreshment, at a time when they most needed it; and therefore it was... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 3:6-39

1. David’s acceptance of Abner 3:6-39Abner was the strong man in Israel; Ish-bosheth was simply a figurehead (2 Samuel 3:11). Abner’s loyalty to the house of Saul is clear from his actions so far. However there was conflict between Ish-bosheth and Abner. In the ancient Near East the king’s concubines were his means for raising up heirs if the queen could not bear children, or even if she could. Ish-bosheth regarded Abner’s act as a sign of disloyalty. He seemed to be trying to have an heir by a... read more

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