2 Samuel 3:18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:7-21

Here, I. Abner breaks with Ish-bosheth, and deserts his interest, upon a little provocation which Ish-bosheth unadvisedly gave him. God can serve his own purposes by the sins and follies of men. 1. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of no less a crime than debauching one of his father's concubines, 2 Sam. 3:7. Whether it was so or no does not appear, nor what ground he had for the suspicion: but, however it was, it would have been Ish-bosheth's prudence to be silent, considering how much it was his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:18

Now then do it ,.... Make him your king, and I shall no longer oppose it as I have done: for the Lord hath spoken of David ; concerning his being king, and the saviour of his people Israel: saying, by the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies ; and which, though where recorded in so many words, yet was the sense of the promise of making him king, and the design of his unction; and besides... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:18

The Lord hath spoken of David - Where is this spoken? Such a promise is not extant. Perhaps it means no more than, "Thus, it may be presumed, God hath determined." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:12-21

The facts are: 1 . Abner, disgusted with Ishbosheth's conduct, opens negotiation with David for the transfer of the kingdom to him. 2 . David consents to discuss the question on condition that Abner first of all undertakes to restore unto him Michal, Saul's daughter. 3 . Concurrent with Abner's efforts to bring this to pass, David makes a demand on Ishbosheth for the restoration of Michal. 4 . Abner, taking charge of Michal on her return to David, effects the final separation... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:17-18

An urgent appeal: an evangelistic address. "Now then do it "( 2 Samuel 3:18 ). Having resolved to transfer his allegiance, Abner here persuades the elders of Israel to make David king over the whole land; as they afterwards did ( 2 Samuel 5:1-3 ). A similar appeal may be addressed to others, urging them to submit to the royal authority of Christ, of whom David was a type ( 1 Samuel 2:10 ). Translated into New Testament language, it is, "We beseech you, on behalf of Christ, be ye... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:18

The Lord hath spoken. Here again Abner's statements go far beyond the text of anything recorded in Holy Scripture, but probably they give the popular interpretation of the prophecies respecting David. It will be noticed also that Abner endeavours to meet the general prejudice against David by asserting that he was Israel's destined deliverer from Philistine oppression. As Abner's speech is virtually an acknowledgment of failure, we may also be sure that he had found himself unable any longer... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:18

2 Samuel 3:18. The Lord hath spoken By the hand of my servant David, &c. We nowhere find these words recorded; but it is probable Samuel had often spoken them; at least the sense of them is implied in the words of God to Samuel, when he commanded him to anoint David king over Israel, 1 Samuel 10:1-12; for the intention of giving them a king was, that he might fight their battles, 1 Samuel 8:20. 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 3:18

do it = act. 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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