2 Samuel 3:12

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.

And Abner {H74} sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} to David {H1732} on his behalf, saying {H559}, Whose is the land {H776}? saying {H559} also, Make {H3772} thy league {H1285} with me, and, behold, my hand {H3027} shall be with thee, to bring about {H5437} all Israel {H3478} unto thee.

Avner immediately sent envoys to David with this message: "Who is going to control the land? If you make yourself my ally, I will use my power to bring all Isra'el over to you."

Then Abner sent messengers in his place to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.”

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

Commentary

2 Samuel 3:12 marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing power struggle between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner, the commander of Saul's army and the de facto leader behind Ish-bosheth (Saul's son whom Abner had made king over Israel), initiates contact with David, signaling a dramatic shift in allegiance.

Context

Following the death of King Saul, a protracted civil war ensued between his remaining loyalists, led by Abner, and David, who had been anointed by God and was reigning in Hebron over Judah. Abner, a powerful and influential figure, had recently fallen out with Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 3:8) over a perceived insult concerning Rizpah, one of Saul's concubines. This personal affront, combined with a likely recognition of David's growing strength and divine favor, propelled Abner to seek a new political alliance.

Key Themes

  • Shifting Allegiances and Political Pragmatism: Abner's message reveals his willingness to abandon his former loyalty to Saul's house. His rhetorical question, "Whose [is] the land?", underscores his recognition that the true power and divine mandate resided with David, while also asserting his own critical role in facilitating the transition. This is a clear move of political expediency.
  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Schemes: Though driven by personal ambition and political maneuvering, Abner's actions ultimately serve God's overarching plan to establish David as king over all Israel. The verse illustrates how even the self-serving choices of individuals can be orchestrated by divine providence to achieve His purposes.
  • Quest for Unity: Abner's offer to "bring about all Israel unto thee" signifies a crucial step towards ending the civil strife and uniting the divided kingdom under David's leadership. This move was essential for the stability and future of the nation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Whose [is] the land?" is a rhetorical question that carries significant weight. It's not a genuine inquiry about ownership, but rather Abner's way of acknowledging David's legitimate claim to the throne while simultaneously positioning himself as the one capable of delivering the northern tribes. His offer to "Make thy league with me" (a covenant or formal treaty) and the assurance "my hand [shall be] with thee" indicate a powerful pledge of support, leveraging his considerable influence over the northern kingdom to facilitate David's ascension.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us that God's plans are often realized through complex human interactions, including political shifts and personal decisions. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and discern God's sovereign hand at work. For leaders, it highlights the delicate balance between ambition and serving a greater purpose, and the importance of seeking unity rather than perpetuating division. Ultimately, it reinforces the truth that God's chosen path will prevail, regardless of human obstacles or machinations, leading to the eventual establishment of His kingdom, much like David's kingdom was established (compare 2 Samuel 5:2).

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 12:38 (3 votes)

    All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel [were] of one heart to make David king.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:40 (3 votes)

    Moreover they that were nigh them, [even] unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, [and] meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for [there was] joy in Israel.

  • 2 Samuel 5:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.

  • 2 Samuel 5:3 (2 votes)

    So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.

  • Matthew 21:8 (2 votes)

    And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed [them] in the way.

  • Matthew 21:10 (2 votes)

    And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

  • Psalms 62:9 (2 votes)

    Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity.