2 Samuel 3:19

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.

And Abner {H74} also spake {H1696} in the ears {H241} of Benjamin {H1144}: and Abner {H74} went {H3212} also to speak {H1696} in the ears {H241} of David {H1732} in Hebron {H2275} all that seemed {H5869} good {H2896} to Israel {H3478}, and that seemed good {H5869} to the whole house {H1004} of Benjamin {H1144}.

Avner also spoke with the people of Binyamin. Then Avner went to Hevron and reported to David everything that had been agreed to by Isra'el and the house of Binyamin.

Abner also spoke to the Benjamites and went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.

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 to the whole house of Benjamin.

Commentary

Context

2 Samuel 3:19 is situated during a pivotal time in Israel's history, following the death of King Saul. A civil war has been raging between the house of Saul, led by Saul's son Ish-bosheth and his commander Abner, and the house of David, who had been anointed king over Judah in Hebron. Abner, having fallen out with Ish-bosheth and recognizing the inevitable shift of power, decides to transfer his allegiance and the northern tribes' loyalty to David. This verse highlights Abner's strategic efforts to secure the support of the influential tribe of Benjamin and the wider northern kingdom of Israel before approaching David.

Key Themes

  • Political Unification: The verse marks a crucial step towards the unification of all twelve tribes of Israel under David's kingship. Abner acts as a key orchestrator in bringing the divided kingdom together.
  • Strategic Diplomacy: Abner's act of speaking "in the ears" of Benjamin and then David demonstrates astute political maneuvering. He ensures that the powerful tribe of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe, is on board with the transition, recognizing that their support is vital for a peaceful and lasting union.
  • Consensus and Agreement: The phrase "all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin" underscores the importance of achieving consensus. Abner's message was designed to present David's rule as beneficial and desirable for all parties involved, paving the way for a smooth transfer of power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spake in the ears" (Hebrew: dibber b'oznei) suggests a private, persuasive, and influential conversation, rather than a public proclamation. It implies a direct appeal to reason and self-interest, working to convince key leaders and representatives. This wasn't merely an announcement but a careful negotiation to win over hearts and minds. The repeated use of "seemed good" (Hebrew: yatov) emphasizes the idea of a mutually beneficial agreement, a political solution that everyone could endorse as advantageous.

Significance and Application

This verse illustrates the complex blend of human political action and divine providence in the biblical narrative. While Abner is driven by personal and strategic motives, his actions align with God's long-standing plan to establish David as king over all Israel (see 1 Samuel 16:1-13). For us today, it highlights:

  • The Value of Unity: The narrative shows the importance of overcoming divisions for the greater good of a community or nation.
  • Effective Leadership: Abner's diplomacy, though self-serving in part, demonstrates the skill required to bridge divides and build consensus, a quality essential for effective leadership.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even amidst political machinations and human choices, God works through circumstances to accomplish His purposes, bringing about the fulfillment of His promises concerning David's throne (read 2 Samuel 7:12-16).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 12:29

    And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.

  • 1 Samuel 10:20

    And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

  • 1 Samuel 10:21

    When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.

  • Psalms 68:27

    There [is] little Benjamin [with] their ruler, the princes of Judah [and] their council, the princes of Zebulun, [and] the princes of Naphtali.
← Back