2 Samuel 3:3

KJV

And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

KJV (with Strong's)

And his second {H4932}, Chileab {H3609}, of Abigail {H26} the wife {H802} of Nabal {H5037} the Carmelite {H3761}; and the third {H7992}, Absalom {H53} the son {H1121} of Maacah {H4601} the daughter {H1323} of Talmai {H8526} king {H4428} of Geshur {H1650};

Complete Jewish Bible

his second, Kil'av, whose mother was Avigayil the widow of Naval from Karmel; the third, Avshalom, whose mother was Ma'akhah the daughter of Talmai king of G'shur;

Berean Standard Bible

his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur;

American Standard Version

and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse continues the enumeration of King David's sons born in Hebron, specifically identifying Chileab, born of Abigail, and Absalom, born of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. These details are not mere genealogical records but provide critical insights into the political and social landscape of David's nascent kingdom, highlighting his strategic alliances through marriage and subtly foreshadowing future dynastic complexities and conflicts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Samuel 3:3 is part of a concise list found in [2 Samuel 3:2-5](/2_samuel/3-2 "2 Samuel 3:2-5 - David's Sons Born in Hebron"), which details the six sons born to David during his seven-and-a-half-year reign in Hebron, before he captured Jerusalem and established it as his unified capital. This list immediately follows the account of Abner's defection to David and his subsequent murder, setting the stage for David's consolidation of power. The inclusion of the mothers' names is a significant literary feature, as it not only establishes the lineage but also subtly introduces the diverse backgrounds and political implications of David's growing household, laying groundwork for later narrative developments, particularly concerning Absalom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, polygamy was a common practice among monarchs, often serving as a means to forge political alliances, secure dynastic succession, and expand influence. David's marriages, including those to Abigail and Maacah, reflect this practice. Abigail, initially the wife of Nabal the Carmelite, brought not only personal wisdom and discernment but also a connection to the wealthy and strategically important region of Carmel. Maacah, as the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, represents a significant foreign alliance. Geshur was an Aramean kingdom located east of the Jordan River, and a marriage alliance with its king would have secured David's eastern flank and potentially provided access to trade routes. The identities of these mothers underscore the intricate web of relationships that characterized early monarchies and directly impacted the stability and future of the kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the **consolidation of David's power** and the establishment of his royal household, signifying the legitimacy and growth of his reign in Hebron. Secondly, it underscores the **complexities and consequences of polygamy**, a practice that, while culturally accepted, frequently led to internal strife and rivalries within royal families, as seen later in David's own house. The mention of Absalom's foreign lineage also serves as a subtle **foreshaowding of future conflict** and disunity, as this connection would later provide Absalom with a refuge and a base for his infamous rebellion against his father, detailed in [2 Samuel 13](/2_samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom") and [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"). The verse thus weaves together themes of dynastic succession, political strategy, and the often-unforeseen repercussions of human choices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chileab (Hebrew, _Kîl'āḇ'_):** This name is unique to 2 Samuel and appears as "Daniel" in [1 Chronicles 3:1](/1_chronicles/3-1 "1 Chronicles 3:1 - David's Sons"). The meaning of Chileab is debated, possibly "perfection of the father" or "my father is complete." His alternative name, Daniel, means "God is my judge." The shift in name might reflect different traditions or perhaps a later theological interpretation. Regardless, his relative obscurity in the biblical narrative, unlike his half-brother Absalom, suggests he did not play a prominent role in David's public life or succession struggles.
* **Absalom (Hebrew, _ʾAḇšālôm'_):** Meaning "father of peace" or "my father is peace." This name stands in stark ironic contrast to the character and actions of Absalom throughout his life. Far from being a bringer of peace, he was a source of immense turmoil, rebellion, and violence within David's family and kingdom, ultimately leading a devastating civil war against his own father. The name's meaning serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic dissonance between aspiration and reality in human lives.
* **Geshur (Hebrew, _Gəšûr'_):** This refers to a small Aramean kingdom located east of the Sea of Galilee, in the Bashan region. Its king, Talmai, was Maacah's father, making David's marriage to Maacah a significant political alliance. This connection would prove crucial later when Absalom fled to Geshur after murdering Amnon ([2 Samuel 13:37-38](/2_samuel/13-37 "2 Samuel 13:37-38 - Absalom Flees to Geshur")), finding refuge with his maternal grandfather. Geshur's strategic location provided Absalom with a secure base from which to eventually launch his rebellion, highlighting the long-term implications of David's dynastic marriages.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite;":** This clause introduces David's second son born in Hebron, Chileab. His mother, Abigail, is explicitly identified by her former marital status, "the wife of Nabal the Carmelite." This detail is significant because Abigail's story, as recounted in [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David, Nabal, and Abigail"), portrays her as a wise, discerning, and wealthy woman who skillfully intervened to prevent David from shedding innocent blood by avenging himself against her foolish first husband, Nabal. Her subsequent marriage to David after Nabal's death brought not only a capable partner into David's household but also a connection to the prosperous region of Carmel, enhancing David's standing and resources.
* **"and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;":** This clause introduces Absalom, David's third son, and provides crucial information about his mother, Maacah. Her identity as "the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur" immediately signals a foreign, royal lineage. This marriage was undoubtedly a political alliance, cementing ties between David's nascent kingdom and the Aramean kingdom of Geshur. This foreign connection would become critically important in Absalom's life, providing him a safe haven in his grandfather's kingdom after he murdered his half-brother Amnon, and later serving as a potential base of operations or a place of influence for his rebellion against David. The emphasis on her royal foreign parentage highlights the strategic nature of David's marriages.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though seemingly a simple genealogical record, employs several subtle literary devices. The most striking is **Irony**, particularly in the naming of Absalom, whose name means "father of peace" but whose life was characterized by rebellion, violence, and profound familial strife, culminating in civil war. This ironic contrast serves to underscore the tragic trajectory of his life and the turmoil he brought to David's kingdom. Additionally, the detailed identification of the mothers and their backgrounds functions as **Foreshadowing**. Abigail's wisdom and wealth hint at the kind of strategic alliances David was forging, while Maacah's foreign royal lineage directly foreshadows Absalom's later flight to Geshur and the international dimension of his rebellion. Finally, the very act of listing these births and their maternal origins serves the literary device of **Genealogy**, which in biblical narratives is not merely a dry list of names but a means of establishing legitimacy, tracing lineage, and often, as here, subtly introducing characters and circumstances that will be pivotal to the unfolding narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 3:3, while a record of lineage, speaks to profound theological and thematic truths about God's sovereignty working through human imperfection and the long-term consequences of choices. David's marriages, though politically astute and culturally acceptable at the time, were part of a polygamous household that would ultimately breed jealousy, rivalry, and violence, demonstrating that even God's chosen leaders operate within flawed human systems. Yet, God's overarching plan for a righteous king and a lasting dynasty continues to unfold, even amidst the chaos of human sin. The verse also highlights the importance of lineage in God's redemptive history, as the promise of a perpetual dynasty to David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")) would ultimately find its fulfillment in the Messiah. The seeds of future national and familial strife are sown here, reminding us that personal decisions, especially those made by leaders, have far-reaching implications, and that God's purposes are often achieved not in spite of, but through, the complex tapestry of human lives and their consequences.

* [1 Chronicles 3:1](/1_chronicles/3-1 "1 Chronicles 3:1 - David's Sons Born in Hebron")
* [1 Samuel 25:39-42](/1_samuel/25-39 "1 Samuel 25:39-42 - David Marries Abigail")
* [2 Samuel 13:37-38](/2_samuel/13-37 "2 Samuel 13:37-38 - Absalom Flees to Geshur")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple genealogical entry offers rich ground for reflection on the complexities of leadership, family dynamics, and the unfolding of God's purposes amidst human imperfection. David, a man after God's own heart, nevertheless made choices, such as polygamy and political marriages, that would sow seeds of discord within his own household, leading to tragic consequences like Absalom's rebellion. This reminds us that even divinely appointed leaders are not immune to the repercussions of their actions, and that personal choices, especially within the family unit, can have profound and lasting impacts on future generations and even on the broader community or nation. We are called to consider the long-term implications of our decisions, particularly in how they shape the environments we create for our families. Furthermore, the narrative encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, which can work through flawed circumstances and individuals to achieve His ultimate redemptive purposes, demonstrating His faithfulness even when human plans go awry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the choices of leaders, particularly concerning family and alliances, impact the stability and future of a community or nation?**
* **What does Absalom's name ("father of peace") in contrast to his actions teach us about the deceptive nature of appearances or the tragic potential of human sin?**
* **In what ways can we see God's providence at work even amidst the complex and often messy human relationships described in this verse?**
* **What lessons can we draw from David's family life regarding the importance of healthy family dynamics for personal and communal well-being?**

### FAQ
**Who was Chileab, and why is he not mentioned much later in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: Chileab was David's second son, born to Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. He is also known as Daniel in [1 Chronicles 3:1](/1_chronicles/3-1 "1 Chronicles 3:1 - David's Sons Born in Hebron"). Despite being a son of David and Abigail, a prominent figure, Chileab is conspicuously absent from later biblical accounts. Unlike his half-brothers Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah, who played significant roles in the dynastic struggles and tragic events of David's reign, Chileab is never mentioned again after this initial listing. This silence suggests that he either died in childhood or early adulthood, or simply did not participate in or survive the tumultuous political landscape of David's court, thus not leaving a mark on the historical record. His lack of prominence highlights the stark contrast with his infamous brother, Absalom.

**What was the significance of Absalom's mother, Maacah, being a foreign princess?**

Answer: Maacah's identity as "the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur" was highly significant due to the political and strategic implications of such a marriage. In the ancient Near East, royal marriages were often strategic alliances, designed to secure borders, foster trade, or prevent conflicts. Geshur was an Aramean kingdom located to the northeast of Israel, east of the Jordan River. David's marriage to Maacah would have established a non-aggression pact or even an alliance with this neighboring kingdom, securing his eastern flank during the formative years of his rule in Hebron. This foreign connection proved vital for Absalom later in his life. After murdering his half-brother Amnon, Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather, Talmai, in Geshur, where he found refuge for three years ([2 Samuel 13:37-38](/2_samuel/13-37 "2 Samuel 13:37-38 - Absalom Flees to Geshur")). This foreign royal connection provided him with a safe haven and a powerful base of support, enabling him to eventually return to Israel and launch his rebellion against David ([2 Samuel 15:1-12](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1-12 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The enumeration of David's sons in 2 Samuel 3:3, born of various mothers and political alliances, subtly yet powerfully points to the contrast between David's earthly, flawed kingdom and the perfect, eternal kingdom of Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart, established his dynasty through human means, including polygamy and strategic marriages that, while politically astute, ultimately led to internal strife and rebellion within his own family. Absalom, whose name ironically means "father of peace," brought nothing but war and division, highlighting the inability of human efforts, even those of a divinely chosen king, to bring ultimate peace and order. This brokenness in David's household foreshadows the need for a truly righteous King, one whose lineage is not complicated by political expediency or human sin, but secured by divine promise. Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, fulfills this need. His birth, not from a strategic marriage but through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18 "Matthew 1:18-25 - The Birth of Jesus")), establishes a lineage that is pure and untainted. He is the ultimate "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), who genuinely brings reconciliation and unity, unlike Absalom. While David's sons brought division and conflict, the one true Son of David brings salvation and an everlasting kingdom, demonstrating that God's perfect plan of redemption is realized not through the flawed attempts of human kings, but through the perfect reign of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 27:8

¶ And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those [nations were] of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.

1 Chronicles 3:1

¶ Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:

1 Samuel 25:3

Now the name of the man [was] Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and [she was] a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man [was] churlish and evil in his doings; and he [was] of the house of Caleb.

Deuteronomy 3:14

Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair, unto this day.

Joshua 13:13

Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.

1 Samuel 25:42

And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.

2 Samuel 13:37

But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And [David] mourned for his son every day.