2 Samuel 3:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now then do {H6213} it: for the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H559} of David {H1732}, saying {H559}, By the hand {H3027} of my servant {H5650} David {H1732} I will save {H3467} my people {H5971} Israel {H3478} out of the hand {H3027} of the Philistines {H6430}, and out of the hand {H3027} of all their enemies {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, do it. For ADONAI has said of David, 'Through my servant David I will rescue my people Isra'el from the power of the P'lishtim and from the power of all their enemies.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’”

American Standard Version

now then do it; for Jehovah 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse, spoken by Abner to the elders of Israel, serves as a divine endorsement of David's kingship, asserting that his ascent to the throne and his role as Israel's deliverer are not merely political maneuvers but a direct fulfillment of God's prophetic word. It underscores God's sovereign hand in establishing leaders and securing the salvation of His people from their adversaries, positioning David as the chosen instrument for this divine purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the power struggle between the house of Saul and the house of David. Following Saul's death, Abner, Saul's cousin and commander of his army, had established Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over the northern tribes, while David reigned in Hebron over Judah. A protracted civil war ensued, with David's forces steadily gaining strength. Abner's decision to defect to David, prompted by a personal slight from Ish-bosheth and a pragmatic recognition of David's growing divine favor, marks a turning point. In this immediate passage ([2 Samuel 3:17-19](/2_samuel/3-17 "2 Samuel 3:17-19 - Abner's Appeal to the Elders")), Abner addresses the elders of Israel, urging them to transfer their allegiance to David. His appeal is strategically framed, not merely as a political recommendation but as a divine imperative, leveraging the prophetic tradition to legitimize David's claim. This verse, therefore, is the theological linchpin of Abner's argument, providing a divine rationale for the unification of the kingdom under David.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following Saul's death was one of political fragmentation and instability for Israel. The Philistines, a persistent and powerful enemy, continued to pose a significant threat, having recently defeated Israel and killed Saul. The concept of a divinely chosen king was central to Israelite identity, rooted in the covenant promises made to Abraham and later solidified through the Law. Kings were expected to be deliverers and protectors of the nation, particularly from external enemies. The elders of Israel, as tribal and community leaders, held significant authority and their allegiance was crucial for any king to consolidate power. Abner's appeal to them would have resonated deeply, as it addressed both the practical need for a strong leader to counter the Philistine threat and the theological expectation of a king chosen by Yahweh. His reference to previous divine utterances would have carried immense weight in a society where prophetic word was considered authoritative.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **Divine Appointment and Sovereignty** of God in establishing David's kingship. Abner's declaration, "for the LORD hath spoken of David," directly attributes David's future reign to God's preordained plan, echoing earlier divine actions such as David's anointing by Samuel in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel"). This theme underscores that human political maneuvering, though present, ultimately serves God's overarching purpose. Another crucial theme is **Deliverance and Salvation**. God's explicit purpose for David is to "save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies." This highlights David's role as a military and political savior, bringing security and peace to the nation, a role that would be magnificently fulfilled throughout his reign, as seen in passages like [2 Samuel 5:17-25](/2_samuel/5-17 "2 Samuel 5:17-25 - David's Victories over the Philistines"). Finally, the title "**My Servant David**" emphasizes David's humble submission and chosen status as an instrument of God's will. This title, frequently used for key figures like Moses ([Numbers 12:7](/numbers/12-7 "Numbers 12:7 - Moses, God's Servant")) and the prophets, elevates David's kingship beyond mere earthly power to a sacred office under divine authority, foreshadowing the eternal covenant God would later make with him in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoken (Hebrew, _dibber_):** This verb, derived from the root דָּבַר (davar), signifies a direct, authoritative utterance, often with prophetic implications. It is not merely a suggestion or a wish, but a definitive declaration from God. The use of the perfect tense indicates a completed action, emphasizing that God's word regarding David's kingship is already established and immutable, lending divine authority and certainty to Abner's appeal.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _'eved_):** The term עֶבֶד ('eved) denotes a bondservant or slave, but in a theological context, it often refers to an individual chosen and commissioned by God to fulfill a specific purpose. This title signifies a relationship of devotion, obedience, and trust. For David, it underscores that his authority and success derive not from his own strength or ambition, but from his submission to God's will and his role as an instrument in God's redemptive plan for Israel. It highlights his accountability to God and the divine nature of his mission.
* **Save (Hebrew, _yasha'_):** The verb יָשַׁע (yasha') means to deliver, rescue, or bring salvation. While it often has a military or physical connotation in this context (deliverance from enemies), its broader theological scope encompasses well-being, prosperity, and security. David's role as "savior" here is comprehensive, implying not just victory in battle but the establishment of a secure and flourishing kingdom, bringing peace and stability to Israel. This term connects David's earthly deliverance to the larger biblical theme of God as the ultimate Savior of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now then do [it]:"** This is Abner's direct imperative to the elders, urging them to act decisively. The "it" refers to their long-intended desire to make David king, which Abner now presents as a divinely sanctioned necessity. It marks a call to immediate and unified action, signifying a shift in allegiance.
* **"for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying,"** This clause provides the divine justification for Abner's command. It grounds the political transition in theological truth, asserting that David's kingship is not a mere human choice but a fulfillment of God's pre-ordained plan. The phrase "the LORD hath spoken" elevates the matter to the level of divine decree, making resistance to David tantamount to resistance against God.
* **"By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel"** This reveals the specific means and purpose of God's action. God Himself declares His intention to "save" Israel, but He will do so "by the hand of my servant David." This highlights David's instrumentality and God's sovereignty. David is the chosen vessel, empowered by God, to execute His saving will for "my people Israel," emphasizing God's covenantal relationship with the nation.
* **"out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies."** This specifies the nature and scope of the promised salvation. The primary threat, the Philistines, is explicitly named, reflecting their historical antagonism. The addition of "all their enemies" broadens the promise to encompass any adversary, ensuring comprehensive security and peace for Israel under David's reign. This clause defines the practical, tangible outcome of David's divinely appointed mission.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Divine Oracle** is central, as Abner directly quotes or alludes to a prior prophetic utterance from the LORD, lending irrefutable authority to his appeal for David's kingship. This device elevates the political maneuver into a sacred fulfillment of God's will. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: Abner, who was Saul's chief general and the architect of Ish-bosheth's rival kingdom, now becomes the very instrument through which God's plan for David's unified rule is advanced. His personal motivations converge with God's sovereign purpose, demonstrating how God can use even unexpected agents to achieve His ends. Furthermore, the phrase "out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents power, control, and oppression. To be delivered "out of the hand" signifies liberation from the dominion and destructive power of these adversaries, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the salvation David is to bring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's active sovereignty in human history, particularly in the establishment of leadership and the deliverance of His people. It underscores that God's promises are immutable and will be fulfilled through His chosen instruments, even amidst political turmoil and human machinations. The divine declaration that David will "save my people Israel" highlights God's ongoing commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating His faithfulness to protect and provide for them. It also sets the 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 reminder that God's plans are often realized through human agents who, though imperfect, are obedient to His call.

* [1 Samuel 16:1](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1 - God Chooses David")
* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Enduring Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The declaration in 2 Samuel 3:18 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even in the midst of chaos, conflict, and political instability. Just as He had a divine plan for David's ascension, He continues to work out His purposes in our lives and in the world. This should foster a deep trust in His ultimate control, even when our immediate path seems unclear or fraught with difficulty. We are called to discern God's hand at work, recognizing that He often uses ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom. Furthermore, David's role as "my servant" underscores the importance of humility and obedience in our own lives. God uses those who are willing to be instruments in His hands, not those who seek their own glory. Our greatest impact comes when we align our will with His, allowing Him to work through us to bring about His saving purposes in our spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's sovereign hand in history, as seen in David's appointment, impact your perspective on current global or personal challenges?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to be a "servant" for His purposes in your community or sphere of influence today?**
* **How does the promise of deliverance for Israel through David encourage your faith in God's ability to "save" you from your own spiritual or practical "enemies"?**

### 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. While the text indicates a personal dispute with Ish-bosheth ([2 Samuel 3:7-8](/2_samuel/3-7 "2 Samuel 3:7-8 - Abner's Dispute with Ish-bosheth")) as a catalyst for his defection, and a pragmatic recognition of David's growing strength, he strategically frames his appeal to the elders in theological terms. By invoking God's spoken word regarding David, Abner leverages a powerful and legitimate argument that would resonate with the elders of Israel. It's plausible that Abner, having witnessed the decline of Saul's house and David's consistent success, genuinely came to believe that God's favor was with David. Thus, his self-interest may have aligned with, or at least acknowledged, the divine will, demonstrating how God can use even imperfect human agents and their complex motivations to accomplish His sovereign 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 and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, the divinely appointed king and deliverer, serves as a powerful 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](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), delivers humanity from the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the power of the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Jesus is the quintessential "Servant of the Lord," echoing the Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")), who did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His saving work on the cross and His resurrection secured eternal salvation for all who believe ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8-10 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Unlike David's earthly kingdom, which eventually faded, Jesus' kingdom is eternal and spiritual, extending beyond national boundaries to encompass all who are called by His name ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). Thus, the promise of a divinely chosen deliverer in 2 Samuel 3:18 points forward to the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodies the title of God's Servant and fulfills the ultimate mission of salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 15:28

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

Psalms 89:19

¶ Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon [one that is] mighty; I have exalted [one] chosen out of the people.

Psalms 89:23

And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

Psalms 89:3

I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,

Psalms 89:4

Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

1 Samuel 13:14

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee.

2 Samuel 3:9

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