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Commentary on 2 Samuel 3 verses 7–21
Here, I. Abner breaks with Ish-bosheth, and deserts his interest, upon a little provocation which Ish-bosheth unadvisedly gave him. God can serve his own purposes by the sins and follies of men. 1. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of no less a crime than debauching one of his father's concubines, Sa2 3:7. Whether it was so or no does not appear, nor what ground he had for the suspicion: but, however it was, it would have been Ish-bosheth's prudence to be silent, considering how much it was his interest not to disoblige Abner. If the thing was false, and his jealousy groundless, it was very disingenuous and ungrateful to entertain unjust surmises of one who had ventured his all for him, and was certainly the best friend he had in the world. 2. Abner resented the charge very strongly. Whether he was guilty of the fault concerning this woman or no he does not say (Sa2 3:8), but we suspect he was guilty, for he does not expressly deny it; and, though he was, he lets Ish-bosheth know, (1.) That he scorned to be reproached with it by him, and would not take reproof at his hands. "What!" says Abner, "Am I a dog's head, a vile and contemptible animal, that thou exposest me thus? Sa2 3:8. Is this my recompence for the kindness I have shown to thee and thy father's house, and the good services I have done you?" He magnifies the service with this, that it was against Judah, the tribe on which the crown was settled, and which would certainly have it at last, so that, in supporting the house of Saul, he acted both against his conscience and against his interest, for which he deserved a better requital than this: and yet, perhaps, he would not have been so zealous for the house of Saul if he had not thereby gratified his own ambition and hoped to find his own account in it. Note, Proud men will not bear to be reproved, especially by those whom they think they have obliged. (2.) That he would certainly be revenged on him, Sa2 3:9, Sa2 3:10. With the utmost degree of arrogance and insolence he lets him know that, as he had raised him up, so he could pull him down again and would do it. He knew that God had sworn to David to give him the kingdom, and yet opposed it with all his might from a principle of ambition; but now he complies with it from a principle of revenge, under colour of some regard to the will of God, which was but a pretence. Those that are slaves to their lusts have many masters, which drive, some one way and some another, and, according as they make head, men are violently hurried into self-contradictions. Abner's ambition made him zealous for Ish-bosheth, and now his revenge made him as zealous for David. If he had sincerely regarded God's promise to David, and acted with an eye to that, he would have been steady and uniform in his counsels, and acted in consistency with himself. But, while Abner serves his own lusts, God by him serves his own purposes, makes even his wrath and revenge to praise him, and ordains strength to David by it. Lastly, See how Ish-bosheth was thunder-struck by Abner's insolence: He could not answer him again, Sa2 3:11. If Ish-bosheth had had the spirit of a man, especially of a prince, he might have answered him that his merits were the aggravation of his crimes, that he would not be served by so base a man, and doubted not but to do well enough without him. But he was conscious to himself of his own weakness, and therefore said not a word, lest he should make bad worse. His heart failed him, and he now became, as David had foretold concerning his enemies, like a bowing wall and a tottering fence, Psa 62:3.
II. Abner treats with David. We must suppose that he began to grow weary of Ish-bosheth's cause, and sought an opportunity to desert it, or else, however he might threaten Ish-bosheth with it, for the quashing of the charge against himself, he would not have made good his angry words so soon as he did, Sa2 3:12. He sent messengers to David, to tell him that he was at his service. "Whose is the land? Is it not thine? For thou hast the best title to the government and the best interest in the people's affections." Note, God can find out ways to make those serviceable to the kingdom of Christ who yet have no sincere affection for it and who have vigorously set themselves against it. Enemies are sometimes made a footstool, not only to be trodden upon, but to ascend by. The earth helped the woman.
III. David enters into a treaty with Abner, but upon condition that he shall procure him the restitution of Michal his wife, Sa2 3:13. Hereby, 1. David showed the sincerity of his conjugal affection to his first and most rightful wife; neither her marrying another, nor his, had alienated him from her. Many waters could not quench that love. 2. He testified his respect to the house of Saul. So far was he from trampling upon it, now that it was fallen, that even in his elevation he valued himself not a little on his relation to it. He cannot be pleased with the honours of the throne unless he have Michal, Saul's daughter, to share with him in them, so far is he from bearing any malice to the family of his enemy. Abner sent him word that he must apply to Ish-bosheth, which he did (Sa2 3:14), pleading that he had purchased her at a dear rate, and she was wrongfully taken from him. Ish-bosheth durst not deny his demand, now that he had not Abner to stand by him, but took her from Phaltiel, to whom Saul had married her (Sa2 3:15), and Abner conducted her to David, not doubting but that then he should be doubly welcome when he brought him a wife in one hand and a crown in the other. Her latter husband was loth to part with her, and followed her weeping (Sa2 3:16), but there was no remedy: he must thank himself; for when he took her he knew that another had a right to her. Usurpers must expect to resign. Let no man therefore set his heart on that to which he is not entitled. If any disagreement has separated husband and wife, as they expect the blessing of God let them be reconciled, and come together again; let all former quarrels be forgotten, and let them live together in love, according to God's holy ordinance.
IV. Abner uses his interest with the elders of Israel to bring them over to David, knowing that whichever way they went the common people would follow of course. Now that it serves his own turn he can plead in David's behalf that he was, 1. Israel's choice (Sa2 3:17): "You sought for him in times past to be king over you, when he had signalized himself in so many engagements with the Philistines and done you so much good service; no man can pretend to greater personal merit than David nor to less than Ish-bosheth. You have tried them both, Detur digniori - Give the crown to him that best deserves it. Let David be your king." 2. God's choice (Sa2 3:18): "The Lord hath spoken of David. Compare Sa2 3:9. When God appointed Samuel to anoint him he did, in effect, promise that by his hand he would save Israel; for for that end he was made king. God having promised, by David's hand, to save Israel, it is both your duty, in compliance with God's will, and your interest, in order to your victories over your enemies, to submit to him; and it is the greatest folly in the world to oppose him." Who would have expected such reasonings as these out of Abner's mouth? But thus God will make the enemies of his people to know and own that he has loved them, Rev 3:9. He particularly applied to the men of Benjamin, those of his own tribe, on whom he had the greatest influence, and whom he had drawn in to appear for the house of Saul. He was the man that had deceived them, and therefore he was concerned to undeceive them. Thus the multitude are as they are managed.
V. David concludes the treaty with Abner; and he did wisely and well therein; for, whatever induced Abner to it, it was a good work to put an end to the war, and to settle the Lord's anointed on the throne; and it was as lawful for David to make use of his agency as it is for a poor man to receive alms from a Pharisee, who gives it in pride and hypocrisy. Abner reported to David the sense of the people and the success of his communications with them, Sa2 3:19. He came now, not as at first privately, but with a retinue of twenty men, and David entertained them with a feast (Sa2 3:20) in token of reconciliation and joy and as a pledge of the agreement between them: it was a feast upon a covenant, like that, Gen 26:30. If thy enemy hunger, feed him; but, if he submit, feast him. Abner, pleased with his entertainment, the prevention of his fall with Saul's house (which would have been inevitable if he had not taken this course), and much more with the prospect he had of preferment under David, undertakes in a little time to perfect the revolution, and to bring all Israel into obedience to David, Sa2 3:21. He tells David he shall reign over all that his heart desired. He knew David's elevation took rise from God's appointment, yet he insinuates that it sprang from his own ambition and desire of rule; thus (as bad men often do) he measured that good man by himself. However, David and he parted very good friends, and the affair between them was well settled. Thus it behoves all who fear God and keep his commandments to avoid strife, even with the wicked, to live at peace with all men, and to show the world that they are children of the light.
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SUMMARY
This pivotal verse, spoken by Abner to the elders of Israel, serves as a profound divine endorsement of David's kingship, asserting that his ascent to the throne and his foundational role as Israel's deliverer are not merely political maneuvers but a direct and certain fulfillment of God's prophetic word. It powerfully underscores God's sovereign hand in establishing leaders and securing the salvation of His covenant people from their adversaries, positioning David as the chosen, indispensable instrument for this divine purpose.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and authoritative message. Divine Oracle is central, as Abner directly quotes or alludes to a prior prophetic utterance from the LORD, lending irrefutable and ultimate authority to his appeal for David's kingship. This device elevates the political maneuver into a sacred fulfillment of God's preordained will. There is also a subtle yet significant Irony at play: Abner, who was Saul's chief general and the very architect of Ish-bosheth's rival kingdom, now becomes the unexpected instrument through which God's plan for David's unified rule is advanced. His complex personal motivations and pragmatic political calculations converge with God's sovereign purpose, demonstrating how God can use even unexpected or initially adversarial agents to achieve His divine ends. Furthermore, the repeated phrase "out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies" utilizes Metonymy, where "hand" represents power, control, dominion, and oppression. To be delivered "out of the hand" signifies complete liberation from the dominion and destructive power of these adversaries, emphasizing the comprehensive and absolute nature of the salvation David is divinely commissioned to bring.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's active and unwavering sovereignty in human history, particularly in the establishment of leadership and the deliverance of His people. It underscores that God's promises are immutable, eternal, and will be faithfully fulfilled through His chosen instruments, even amidst periods of intense political turmoil, civil conflict, and human machinations. The divine declaration that David will "save my people Israel" highlights God's ongoing, steadfast commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating His faithfulness to protect, provide for, and ultimately secure them. It also sets the crucial theological stage for the broader Davidic Covenant, where God promises an enduring dynasty through David, linking his earthly reign to an eternal spiritual kingdom. This passage serves as a powerful and comforting reminder that God's grand plans are often realized through human agents who, though imperfect and flawed, are willing to be obedient to His call and serve as His instruments.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The declaration in 2 Samuel 3:18 offers profound comfort and a challenging call to action for believers today. It reminds us that God is absolutely sovereign over all circumstances, even in the midst of chaos, conflict, and seemingly insurmountable political or personal instability. Just as He had a meticulously divine plan for David's ascension to the throne, He continues to work out His purposes in our individual lives and in the grand tapestry of the world. This truth should foster a deep, unwavering trust in His ultimate control and providential care, even when our immediate path seems unclear, fraught with difficulty, or when human efforts appear futile. We are called to discern God's active hand at work, recognizing that He often uses ordinary individuals, with their unique gifts and flaws, to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom. Furthermore, David's designation as "my servant" underscores the paramount importance of humility, obedience, and a servant's heart in our own lives. God uses those who are willing to be instruments in His hands, not those who seek their own glory or personal gain. Our greatest impact and spiritual fruitfulness come when we align our will completely with His, allowing Him to work powerfully through us to bring about His saving purposes in our families, communities, and spheres of influence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Abner truly motivated by God's will, or was he acting purely out of self-interest?
Answer: Abner's motivations appear to be complex and multi-layered, reflecting a blend of personal interest and a strategic recognition of divine providence. While the text clearly indicates a personal dispute with Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 3:7-8) as a significant catalyst for his defection, and a pragmatic acknowledgment of David's steadily growing strength and popular support, he masterfully frames his appeal to the elders in profound theological terms. By invoking God's spoken word regarding David's kingship, Abner leverages a powerful and legitimate argument that would resonate deeply with the elders of Israel, who understood divine authority. It is plausible that Abner, having witnessed the decline and disarray of Saul's house and David's consistent success and divine favor, genuinely came to believe that God's hand was indeed with David. Thus, his self-interest may have aligned with, or at least strategically acknowledged, the divine will, demonstrating a profound biblical principle: God can use even imperfect human agents and their complex, sometimes self-serving, motivations to accomplish His sovereign and righteous purposes.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 3:18, with its declaration of David as God's "servant" chosen to "save" His people from their enemies, finds its ultimate, most profound, and eternal fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, the divinely appointed king and deliverer, serves as a powerful and indispensable type of the coming Messiah. While David brought physical salvation from the Philistines and other earthly adversaries, Jesus, the greater Son of David (Matthew 1:1), delivers humanity from the ultimate, spiritual enemies: sin, death, and the power of the devil (Hebrews 2:14-15). Jesus is the quintessential "Servant of the Lord," perfectly embodying the Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah (Isaiah 53:4-6), who did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). His saving work on the cross and His glorious resurrection secured eternal salvation, reconciliation, and new life for all who believe (Romans 5:8-10). Unlike David's earthly kingdom, which was temporal and eventually faded, Jesus' kingdom is eternal, spiritual, and universal, extending beyond national boundaries to encompass all who are called by His name from every tribe and nation (Luke 1:32-33). Thus, the promise of a divinely chosen deliverer in 2 Samuel 3:18 points forward with prophetic precision to the person and redemptive work of Jesus, who perfectly embodies the title of God's Servant and fulfills the ultimate mission of salvation for all humanity.