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Matthew Henry

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 3:22

And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop ,.... A troop of robbers, that made an incursion into the land, taking the advantage of a civil war between Israel and Judah; such as the Edomites, Amalekites, and especially the Philistines; which Joab hearing of went out in pursuit of them, and overtook them: and brought in a great spoil with them ; which they took from them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron : when Joab and his army entered the city... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:22

From pursuing a troop. This gives a wrong idea, as though Joab had been repelling an attack. The Revised Version is right in rendering "came from a foray," the troop being a company of men sent out on a predatory excursion. It is not unlikely that David had arranged this expedition in order that his interview with Abner might take place in Joab's absence; and as he returned with "great spoil," he had probably been away for some nine or ten days, during which he had penetrated far into the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:22-27

The facts are: 1 . Joab, returning from an expedition, finds David at Hebron after Abner's departure. 2 . Hearing from the people a general statement of what had transpired between the king and Abner, Joab reproaches David for his peaceful conduct, and insinuates that Abner was simply playing the spy. 3 . Sending a messenger, unknown to David, after Abner, he induces him to return to Hebron, and, under pretence of a quiet conference, he leads him aside and assassinates him. 4 .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:22-30

( HEBRON .) The vengeance of Joab. [References: 1 . Among those who played a prominent part in David's reign the foremost man was his nephew Joab. He was possessed of great physical strength and daring, clear judgment and strong will, eminent military skill, and immense power over others; "a bold captain in bad times." With the ruder qualities of activity, courage, and implacable revenge, "he combined something of a more statesmanlike character, which brings him more nearly to a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:21-22

2 Samuel 3:21-22. Abner said, I will gather all Israel unto my lord the king How empty and ill founded are the purposes of vain man! Abner, who here promises kingdoms, soon found that he could not ensure to himself one hour of life. David had sent him away, and he departed in peace; but, Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop In those times of distraction between Judah and Israel, we may well think their neighbours, who were enemies to both, namely, the... 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

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:22

JOAB'S ANGRY REBUKE OF DAVID"Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. When Joab and all the army that were with him came, it was told Joab, "Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace.." Then Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why is it that you have sent him away,... 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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