2 Samuel 3:39 NIV

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 3:39

And I am this day weak, though anointed king ,.... Which seems to be given as a reason, or for an excuse why he did not inflict just punishment upon the murderer, according to the law of God, because he was "weak"; not in body or mind, but with respect to the kingdom, that was like a tender branch, or in its infant state; and great care and caution were to be used that it was not overturned: he was a king by unction, not by birth; a son of the late king was yet up against him, and was... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:39

I am this day weak - Had Abner lived, all the tribes of Israel would have been brought under my government. Though anointed king - I have little else than the title: first, having only one tribe under my government; and secondly, the sons of Zeruiah, Joab and his brethren, having usurped all the power, and reduced me to the shadow of royalty. The Lord shall reward the doer of evil - That is, Joab, whom he appears afraid to name. We talk much of ancient... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:39

I am this clay weak … the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me. David would gladly have had Abner as a counterpoise to Joab's too-great power. As it was, though an anointed king, he had but one tribe loyal to him; the rest were the subjects of a rival; and the Philistines were oppressing all alike. Had Abner's enterprise been carried out, all the tribes would have been united under his sway. He could thus have made head against the Philistines, and Abner, in command of the Benjamites and other... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:39

( HEBRON .) The sons of Zeruiah. The mental and moral qualities of men are largely traceable to hereditary tendencies. If Joab and Abishai resembled their mother, she must have been a woman of strong mind, and of a suspicious, irascible, and intolerant temper, rather than noted for her simplicity, meekness, and forbearance. And so much may be inferred from the manner in which David associates the name of his sister with her sons ( 2 Samuel 16:10 ; 2 Samuel 19:22 ; 1 Kings 2:5 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:39

A weak king. "I am this day weak, though anointed king." David, indignant and distressed on account of the murder of Abner, could not venture to attempt to punish the murderers. They were too powerful for even him. Hence this lamentation. It was hardly wise to express his feeling—it would help to confirm the power of Joab and his brother. Many a monarch has been similarly weak, owing to the power of those who are nominally his servants. This is injurious when it prevents the execution of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:39

Sure retribution. "The Lord shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness." In the Revised Version the words are rendered as a wish: "The Lord reward the wicked doer according to his wickedness." The substantial meaning is the same in both translations. "In his impotence to punish Joab himself, David remits him to the just judgment of God" ('Speaker's Commentary'). The words may be taken in respect to all evil doers. None can escape the judgment of God, even if they escape... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:39

2 Samuel 3:39. And I am this day weak Hebrew, רךְ , rack, tender; that is, his kingdom was young, was in its infancy, as we speak, and not well settled and confirmed. The metaphor is taken from a young and tender plant. And these men Joab and Abishai; the sons of my sister Zeruiah, be too hard for me That is, too powerful. They have so great an interest in, and command over all the soldiers, and are in such great favour with the people, that I cannot punish them without apparent... 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 3:39

shall reward . Compare 1Ki 2:5 , 1 Kings 2:6 . evil . Hebrew. ra ` a `. App-44 . wickedness . Hebrew. ra ' a `. App-44 . read more

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:39

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:39

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:39

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:39

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:39

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:39

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:39

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:2-39

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 3:39

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