2 Samuel 3:25

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.

Thou knowest {H3045} Abner {H74} the son {H1121} of Ner {H5369}, that he came {H935} to deceive {H6601} thee, and to know {H3045} thy going out {H4161} and thy coming in {H4126}{H3996}, and to know {H3045} all that thou doest {H6213}.

You know Avner the son of Ner - he came only to deceive you, to learn what campaigns you're planning and to find out everything you're doing!"

Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.”

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.

Commentary

2 Samuel 3:25 (KJV): "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."

Context

This verse captures Joab's urgent and suspicious warning to King David regarding Abner, the former commander of Saul's army. Following the death of Saul, Abner initially supported Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, leading to a prolonged civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David (2 Samuel 3:1). However, Abner later sought to make a covenant with David, promising to bring all Israel under his reign. David had just dismissed Abner in peace after a productive meeting. Joab, David's own military commander, was furious and deeply distrustful of Abner's intentions. Joab's animosity was also personal, as Abner had killed Joab's brother, Asahel, in battle (2 Samuel 2:23). This verse reveals Joab's conviction that Abner's visit was not for genuine peace but for espionage, to gather intelligence on David's movements and plans.

Key Themes

  • Suspicion and Distrust: Joab's words highlight a deep-seated suspicion, questioning Abner's motives and believing his overtures of peace were a cunning deception. This reflects the intense political maneuvering and lack of trust prevalent during this period of transition and civil strife.
  • Strategic Intelligence and Espionage: The phrase "to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest" points directly to the gathering of strategic intelligence. In ancient warfare and politics, understanding an opponent's movements, resources, and plans was crucial for gaining an advantage. Joab fears Abner is acting as a spy.
  • Underlying Conflict and Treachery: Despite Abner's apparent shift in allegiance, Joab perceives him as an enemy still capable of treachery. This verse sets the stage for the tragic events that follow, culminating in Abner's assassination by Joab, driven by both personal revenge and a perceived threat to David's kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "going out and coming in" (יְצִאָתְךָ וּבוֹאֲךָ, *yetzhi'at'kha u'vo'akha*) is a common biblical idiom. It signifies one's entire conduct, activities, or movements, encompassing all aspects of life and operations. It often implies a comprehensive knowledge of a person's affairs or freedom of movement. For example, it is used in Psalm 121:8 to describe God's protection over one's whole life journey. Here, in the context of Joab's warning, it emphasizes the totality of the intelligence Abner was allegedly seeking: not just a single piece of information, but a full understanding of David's strategic capacity and vulnerability.

The word "deceive" is from the Hebrew verb נָשָׁא (*nasha*), which means to beguile, mislead, lead astray, or entice. Joab believed Abner's intentions were not genuine but aimed at tricking David for his own purposes, or for the benefit of the house of Saul.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of discernment, especially in positions of leadership. In any sphere of life—personal, professional, or spiritual—it is crucial to:

  • Exercise Discernment: Not everyone who approaches with seemingly good intentions has pure motives. Wisdom dictates carefully evaluating the words and actions of others, particularly in times of significant change or negotiation.
  • Be Aware of Hidden Agendas: People may have ulterior motives, and what appears to be an olive branch could sometimes be a strategic probe. Vigilance is necessary to protect oneself and those under one's care from potential harm or exploitation.
  • Understand the Value of Information: The verse highlights how vital "knowing one's going out and coming in" is in any strategic context. This applies to understanding one's own vulnerabilities and strengths, as well as those of potential adversaries.
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

  • Isaiah 37:28

    But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.

  • Deuteronomy 28:6

    Blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou comest in, and blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou goest out.

  • 1 Samuel 29:4

    And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? [should it] not [be] with the heads of these men?

  • 1 Samuel 29:6

    ¶ Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, [as] the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host [is] good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not.

  • Genesis 42:9

    And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye [are] spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.

  • Romans 2:1

    ¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

  • John 7:47

    Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
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