2 Samuel 3:31

KJV

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that [were] with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David [himself] followed the bier.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} to Joab {H3097}, and to all the people {H5971} that were with him, Rend {H7167} your clothes {H899}, and gird {H2296} you with sackcloth {H8242}, and mourn {H5594} before {H6440} Abner {H74}. And king {H4428} David {H1732} himself followed {H1980}{H310} the bier {H4296}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But David said to Yo'av and all those with him, "Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn over Avner." King David himself walked behind the body as it was carried.

Berean Standard Bible

Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier.

American Standard Version

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David followed the bier.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 3:31, King David commands his people, including his general Joab, to engage in traditional acts of profound public mourning—rending clothes and wearing sackcloth—for Abner, the commander of Saul's army, who was treacherously murdered. This verse culminates with David himself leading the funeral procession by following the bier, an extraordinary act of humility and solidarity. David's actions here are a crucial demonstration of his genuine sorrow, his dissociation from Joab's heinous crime, and his commitment to justice and the fragile process of unifying all Israel under his kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the shocking assassination of Abner by Joab in Hebron, recounted in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Murders Abner"). Abner, a pivotal figure, had recently defected from Ish-bosheth's side and was instrumental in negotiating the allegiance of the northern tribes to David, promising to unite all Israel under his rule. Joab's act was a vengeful response to Abner's earlier killing of Joab's brother, Asahel ([2 Samuel 2:23](/2_samuel/2-23 "2 Samuel 2:23 - Asahel's Death")). David's public and emphatic mourning, as described in [2 Samuel 3:31-35](/2_samuel/3-31 "2 Samuel 3:31-35 - David's Mourning for Abner"), serves to unequivocally distance him from Joab's treachery, which could have been perceived as David's complicity, thereby jeopardizing the burgeoning unity of the kingdom. The narrative highlights David's integrity and his deep distress over the injustice and political ramifications of Abner's death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, public mourning rituals were deeply significant and highly formalized expressions of grief, distress, or indignation. Rending garments and wearing sackcloth were common and widely understood symbols of profound sorrow, humility, and lament. For a king to participate personally, and even lead, such a procession, particularly for a former adversary, was an extraordinary gesture. It underscored David's sincerity and his respect for Abner, despite their past political rivalry. This public display was vital for David's legitimacy, as suspicion of his involvement in Abner's death could have shattered the trust of the northern tribes and undermined the fragile political stability he was working to establish. David's actions were a calculated yet genuine response to a crisis that threatened to unravel his reign before it had fully begun.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully underscores several key themes central to the book of Samuel. Firstly, **Leadership and Integrity** are paramount, as David's actions demonstrate his commitment to justice and his moral authority, even when dealing with the egregious wrongdoing of his own general. He prioritizes righteousness over political expediency, seeking to maintain his reputation as a "man after God's own heart" ([Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart")). Secondly, **Reconciliation and Unity** are central, as David's honoring of Abner was a crucial step in reassuring the northern tribes that their former leader's death was not sanctioned by him, thus paving the way for a united kingdom. This theme resonates throughout [2 Samuel 3](/2_samuel/3 "2 Samuel 3 - David's Power Grows and Abner's Death"), which details the shifting allegiances and the gradual consolidation of power under David. Finally, the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** is subtly present, as God is working through these complex human interactions—even tragic ones—to establish David's kingdom, despite the obstacles presented by human sin and political intrigue.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rend (Hebrew, _qara'_)**: This verb signifies a violent tearing or ripping, typically of garments. In biblical contexts, it is a powerful, non-verbal expression of extreme grief, despair, or moral outrage. It is not merely a symbolic act but a visceral demonstration of inner turmoil and a broken spirit, often performed spontaneously in moments of intense emotion, as seen with Jacob in [Genesis 37:34](/genesis/37-34 "Genesis 37:34 - Jacob Rends His Clothes").
* **Sackcloth (Hebrew, _saq_)**: A coarse, rough fabric, often made of goat hair, worn as a sign of mourning, humility, repentance, or distress. It was uncomfortable and visually distinct, serving as a public declaration of one's state of lament. Wearing sackcloth was frequently accompanied by other acts of self-abasement, such as sitting in ashes or fasting, as exemplified in [Jonah 3:5-6](/jonah/3-5 "Jonah 3:5-6 - Nineveh Repents in Sackcloth").
* **Mourn (Hebrew, _saphad_)**: This verb denotes a formal act of lamentation, often involving wailing, beating the breast, or other public expressions of sorrow for the deceased. It implies a public, communal demonstration of grief, distinct from private sorrow. David's command for his people to "mourn before Abner" emphasizes the public and collective nature of this lament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said to Joab, and to all the people that [were] with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner."**: This opening clause reveals David's immediate and decisive response to Abner's murder. By directly addressing Joab, the perpetrator, and "all the people," David publicly dissociates himself from the crime and compels a communal act of mourning. The commands to "rend your clothes" and "gird you with sackcloth" are not suggestions but royal decrees, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the depth of the required public lament. This collective mourning serves to validate Abner's importance and to underscore the injustice of his death in the eyes of all present.
* **"And king David [himself] followed the bier."**: This concluding phrase highlights David's personal and profound involvement. For the king to humble himself by walking behind the bier (a portable stretcher or coffin) in the funeral procession was an extraordinary act. It was a visible and undeniable demonstration of his genuine grief, his respect for Abner, and his solidarity with the bereaved. This action, more than any verbal declaration, communicated his innocence in the murder and solidified his image as a righteous and compassionate leader, willing to share in the sorrow of his people, even for a former adversary.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the acts of "rending clothes" and "girding with sackcloth" serving as universally recognized symbols of extreme grief, penitence, and distress in ancient Near Eastern culture. These are not mere customs but potent visual metaphors for a broken heart and a spirit in lament. The act of "following the bier" is also highly **symbolic**, representing humility, respect, and deep personal sorrow from the highest authority. Furthermore, there is an implicit **contrast** between David's genuine, public demonstration of grief and Joab's treacherous, self-serving act of murder, which occurred just moments before in the narrative. This contrast underscores David's moral integrity against the backdrop of his general's sin. The verse also exhibits a form of **parallelism** or progression, moving from a general command to the people (including Joab) to mourn, to David's personal, leading participation in the mourning, thereby emphasizing his sincerity and leadership by example.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's actions in 2 Samuel 3:31 are deeply theological, illustrating principles of righteous leadership, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of integrity in the face of political expediency. His public mourning for Abner was not merely a political maneuver but an act rooted in a deeper understanding of God's justice and the value of human life. David, as God's anointed king, understood that his authority was tied to his moral character and his adherence to divine standards, even when those around him faltered. His lament underscores the tragic consequences of sin (Joab's murder) and the need for leaders to model repentance and empathy. This event also foreshadows the long and often painful process of unifying God's people, a task that requires both strength and humility, and a commitment to overcoming division.

* [Genesis 37:34](/genesis/37-34 "Jacob Rends His Clothes for Joseph")
* [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Rend Your Hearts, Not Your Garments")
* [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King David's response to Abner's murder in 2 Samuel 3:31 provides profound lessons for contemporary leaders and individuals alike. His willingness to publicly humble himself, to genuinely mourn, and to distance himself from the wrongdoing of his closest ally demonstrates a rare blend of strength and vulnerability. This act was not about maintaining appearances but about upholding justice and demonstrating authentic leadership. In a world often characterized by political maneuvering and a lack of accountability, David's example calls us to integrity, even when it is costly or inconvenient. It reminds us that true leadership involves empathy, a commitment to righteousness, and the courage to confront injustice within our own circles. For believers, it underscores the importance of embodying Christ-like character, even amidst complex and challenging circumstances, and to mourn with those who mourn, genuinely and visibly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's public display of grief challenge our modern understanding of leadership, particularly in moments of crisis or scandal?**
* **What does "rending our clothes" and "wearing sackcloth" look like in a contemporary context when confronted with injustice or profound loss?**
* **How can we, as individuals or communities, effectively distance ourselves from wrongdoing committed by those within our sphere of influence without compromising our integrity?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage us to prioritize reconciliation and unity, even when faced with deep divisions or past grievances?**

### FAQ
**Why was Abner's death so significant, and why did David react so strongly?**

Answer: Abner's death was significant for several reasons. He was the commander of Saul's army and, after Saul's death, the primary supporter of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel. His defection to David's side, as detailed in [2 Samuel 3:17-19](/2_samuel/3-17 "Abner Negotiates with David"), was a pivotal moment, promising to unite all the tribes of Israel under David's kingship. His treacherous murder by Joab, David's own general, threatened to derail this fragile unity. Many would suspect David's complicity, especially given Abner's political importance. David's strong reaction—public mourning, fasting, and a curse on Joab's house—was crucial to demonstrate his innocence, to distance himself from the act, and to reassure the northern tribes that he genuinely sought their unity and not their subjugation through violence. His actions were a necessary act of political damage control and a genuine expression of grief for a formidable figure whose death jeopardized the peace and stability of the nascent kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's public mourning for Abner, an act demonstrating profound grief, integrity, and a desire for unity, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart, was still a flawed earthly king whose actions, while righteous, were limited by human imperfection. His grief over Abner's unjust death, and his earnest desire to unite a fractured kingdom, powerfully foreshadow the perfect empathy and unifying work of the true King, Jesus. Christ not only mourned over the lost city of Jerusalem ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")) but also bore the ultimate sorrow of humanity's sin on the cross, becoming the sacrificial [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike Abner, whose death was a tragic consequence of human vengeance, Christ's death was a willing sacrifice, a perfect act of justice and love that reconciled humanity to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Reconciliation Through Christ")). David sought to unite a divided kingdom through political and moral means; Christ, through His death and resurrection, truly broke down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")), creating one new humanity, the Church, under His eternal reign. Thus, David's integrity and unifying efforts in 2 Samuel 3:31 serve as a poignant, albeit incomplete, shadow of the perfect, reconciling work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Genesis 37:34

And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.

2 Samuel 1:11

¶ Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that [were] with him:

Judges 11:35

And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.

Joshua 7:6

¶ And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.

2 Samuel 1:2

It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and [so] it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

Genesis 37:29

And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph [was] not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.

2 Kings 19:1

¶ And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard [it], that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.