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2 Samuel 3

2 Sam 3, 2 Sa 3, 2S 3, II Sa 3, 2 Sm 3, 2Sa 3, II Sam 3, 2Sam 3, II Samuel 3, 2Samuel 3, 2nd Samuel 3, Second Samuel 3


2 Samuel 3

1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;

5 And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.

7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?

8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do show kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?

9 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;

10 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.

11 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.

13 And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.

14 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

15 And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.

16 And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.

17 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:

18 Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, 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.

19 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.

20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.



21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.

23 When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.

24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?

25 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.

26 And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.

27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

28 And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.

30 So Joab, and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.

32 And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.

33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?

34 Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.

35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.

36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.

37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

38 And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?

39 And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

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Summary and the Meaning of Chapter 3 of 2 Samuel in KJV Holy Bible

The third chapter of the book of 2 Samuel in KJV Holy Bible continues the story of King David's rise to power and the ongoing conflicts within his kingdom. This chapter focuses on the political and personal relationships between David and the house of Saul, as well as the power struggles within David's own family. It also highlights the consequences of David's actions and the fulfillment of God's promises. The main themes of this chapter include loyalty, betrayal, and divine providence.

David's Relationship with the House of Saul

The chapter begins with a detailed account of the many sons born to King David during his time in Hebron. This highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to make David's name great and establish his kingdom forever. However, the focus soon shifts to the political and personal relationships between David and the house of Saul.

Abner, the commander of Saul's army, had defected to David's side after Saul's death. However, he still maintained a close relationship with Saul's son, Ishbosheth, who was made king over the remaining tribes of Israel. Abner's loyalty to Ishbosheth is tested when he is accused of sleeping with one of Saul's concubines, Rizpah. This accusation is seen as a challenge to Ishbosheth's authority, and Abner becomes angry and vows to transfer his allegiance to David.

David, who is still mourning the death of his first wife, Michal, agrees to take Abner's offer, but only if Michal is returned to him. This shows David's desire to reunite with his first wife and also highlights his political astuteness in securing the support of Saul's former allies. However, Ishbosheth's response to Abner's defection shows his weakness as a leader and his inability to maintain control over his kingdom.

The Power Struggle within David's Family

The second part of the chapter focuses on the power struggles within David's own family. Abner's defection to David's side is seen as a threat by Joab, the commander of David's army, who had a personal vendetta against Abner for killing his brother in battle. Joab takes matters into his own hands and kills Abner in revenge, which angers David and causes him to publicly mourn for Abner. This shows David's ability to put aside personal feelings and maintain political alliances for the benefit of his kingdom.

However, the killing of Abner also causes a rift within David's family. David's sons, who were born to him in Hebron, see this as an opportunity to seize power and begin plotting against each other. This highlights the dangers of polygamy and the consequences of David's many wives and concubines. It also foreshadows the future conflicts within David's family, particularly between his sons Absalom and Solomon.

Divine Providence and Fulfillment of Promises

The chapter concludes with the fulfillment of God's promises to David. The death of Abner and the power struggles within David's family are seen as consequences of David's actions and a reminder of the importance of obedience to God. However, God's promise to establish David's kingdom forever is reaffirmed when the tribes of Israel come to Hebron to anoint David as their king. This marks the beginning of David's reign over a united Israel and the fulfillment of God's promise to make David's name great.

The chapter also highlights the role of divine providence in the events that unfold. God uses the actions and decisions of individuals, such as Abner and Joab, to bring about His plans and fulfill His promises. This shows that even in the midst of human struggles and conflicts, God's will ultimately prevails.

The Meaning of Chapter 3 of 2 Samuel

The third chapter of 2 Samuel serves as a reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of loyalty and obedience to God. It also highlights the dangers of power struggles and the importance of wise leadership in maintaining a united kingdom. Additionally, the chapter shows the fulfillment of God's promises and the role of divine providence in bringing about His plans.

The relationships between David and the house of Saul and within David's own family also serve as a cautionary tale against the dangers of pride, jealousy, and personal ambition. These themes are relevant even in today's society, and the chapter serves as a reminder to seek God's will above our own desires and to prioritize unity and loyalty over personal gain.

In conclusion, the third chapter of 2 Samuel continues to showcase the complexities of David's reign and the ongoing struggles within his kingdom. It also highlights the role of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, wise leadership, and unity in fulfilling God's plans and bringing about His ultimate will.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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