2 Samuel 3:23 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 3:23

When Joab and all the host that was with him were come ,.... To Hebron, or rather to David's court; for their coming to the city is before mentioned; this must be understood not of the whole army, of all the common soldiers, but of the chief officers, who with Joab came to court, to wait upon David, and report their success: they told Joab, saying, Abner the son, of Ner came to the king ; some of the courtiers informed him of it, who knew it would not be very agreeable to him: and... 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

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

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

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

Abner is Treacherously Murdered by Joab3. Chileab] We read nothing more of him and he probably died as a child. In 1 Chronicles 3:1 he is called Daniel. Geshur] a kingdom on the border of Bashan, where Absalom afterwards took refuge (2 Samuel 13:37) It must not be confused with the Geshur of 1 Samuel 27:8.4. Adonijah] see 1 Kings 1.7. Rizpah] see 2 Samuel 21:8-11. Gone in unto my father’s concubine] According to Eastern ideas this was equivalent to laying claim to the throne: see 2 Samuel 12:8;... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 3:22-39

CHAPTER V.ASSASSINATION OF ABNER AND ISHBOSHETH.2 Samuel 3:22-39; 2 Samuel 4:1-12IT is quite possible that, in treating with Abner, David showed too complacent a temper, that he treated too lightly his appearance in arms against him at the pool of Gibeon, and that he neglected to demand an apology for the death of Asahel. Certainly it would have been wise had some measures been taken to soothe the ruffled temper of Joab and reconcile him to the new arrangement This, however, was not done. David... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

4. Abner’s Deeds and End CHAPTER 3 1. The long war and its results (2 Samuel 3:1 ) 2. David’s family (2 Samuel 3:2-5 ) 3. Abner’s defiant deed (2 Samuel 3:6-7 ) 4. Abner and Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 3:8-11 ) 5. Abner’s defection to David (2 Samuel 3:12 ) 6. David’s request (2 Samuel 3:13-16 ) 7. Abner with David (2 Samuel 3:17-22 ) 8. Abner’s end (2 Samuel 3:23-30 ) 9. David’s lamentation over Abner (2 Samuel 3:31-39 ) The first verse speaks of the long war between the house of... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 3:1-39

Though Saul had died, yet there continues long war between his house and the house of David. We have seen that Saul stands for the energy of the flesh, which does not easily give up though it is doomed. The house of David waxes stronger and stronger, but the flesh cannot but expose its own weakness when it is given time. We are told now of David's having six sons, each by a different wife (vs.2-5). Never was it God's intention that a man should have more than one wife. At the beginning He had... read more