2 Samuel 3:34

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 3:34

Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters ,.... As malefactors are when they are taken up for any crime, and especially when proved upon them, and condemned for it, and brought forth to be executed. This was not his case, and had he been aware of the design against him, as his hands and feet were at liberty, he might have defended himself; or if he found he had too many to deal with, might have made use of his feet and fled: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest... 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 3:34

Thy hands were not bound. Abner had been put to death by Joab for killing Asahel. But there had been no legal process. He had not been brought in fetters before a judge to be tried for the crime alleged, but murdered for private ends. And thus, "As a man falleth before the children of iniquity, so had he fallen," that is, by crime, and not by law. These words s re probably the refrain of the dirge, like those in 2 Samuel 1:19 , 2 Samuel 1:25 , 2 Samuel 1:27 , and were followed by the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 3:34

Thy hands were not bound ... - This thought prepares the way for the solution; Abner had been treacherously murdered by wicked men. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 3:33-34

2 Samuel 3:33-34 . Died Abner as a fool dieth? That is, as a wicked man. Was he cut off by the hand of justice for his crimes? Nothing less; but by Joab’s malice and treachery. It is a sad thing to die as a fool dieth, as they do that any way shorten their own days; and indeed all they that make no provision for another world. Were not bound Thou didst not tamely yield up thyself to Joab, to be bound hand and foot at his pleasure. Joab did not overcome thee in an equal combat, nor durst... 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 3:34

not bound : i.e. as a malefactor. Compare 1 Samuel 25:25 , 1 Samuel 25:26 . fetters. Hebrew = brass, put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for fetters made of it. App-6 . wicked men = "sons of ` avlah". App-44 . 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

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