2 Samuel 3:38

KJV

And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto his servants {H5650}, Know {H3045} ye not that there is a prince {H8269} and a great man {H1419} fallen {H5307} this day {H3117} in Israel {H3478}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The king said to his servants, "You realize that a leader, a great man, has fallen today in Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not realize that a great prince has fallen today in Israel?

American Standard Version

And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 3:38, King David delivers a poignant rhetorical question to his servants, lamenting the death of Abner, the former commander of Saul's army. This declaration underscores Abner's immense political and military stature, recognizing him as "a prince and a great man" whose untimely demise represents a profound loss for the nascent kingdom of Israel. David's public statement serves to distance himself from the treachery of Abner's murder by Joab, his own commander, and to express genuine grief for a figure crucial to the nation's unification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of David's ascent to the throne, following the death of Saul and his sons. Abner, initially a staunch supporter of Saul's son Ish-bosheth and the de facto ruler of the northern tribes, had recently decided to defect to David's side, promising to unite all Israel under David's kingship. This pivotal moment is detailed in [2 Samuel 3:17-19](/2-samuel/3-17 "2 Samuel 3:17-19 - Abner's Appeal to the Elders of Israel"). His murder by Joab, David's nephew and commander, was an act of personal revenge for the death of Joab's brother Asahel (recounted in [2 Samuel 2:23](/2-samuel/2-23 "2 Samuel 2:23 - The Death of Asahel")) and possibly motivated by political jealousy. David's profound reaction, including his public mourning and this lament, is detailed in [2 Samuel 3:31-39](/2-samuel/3-31 "2 Samuel 3:31-39 - David's Mourning for Abner and Rebuke of Joab"), serving to clear his name of any complicity in the treacherous act and to solidify his moral authority before the people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this time, Israel was a fractured kingdom. David had been anointed king over Judah in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2-samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King Over Judah")), while Ish-bosheth ruled over the northern tribes from Mahanaim. Abner was the most powerful figure in Ish-bosheth's camp, holding significant military and political sway. His decision to switch allegiance was a monumental step towards national unity, promising to end the civil war. The concept of "blood revenge" (lex talionis) was a deeply ingrained cultural practice, which explains Joab's motivation. However, murder, especially of a prominent defector under a flag of truce, was considered a heinous act that could destabilize the fragile political landscape. David's public display of grief and condemnation of the murder was crucial to prevent suspicion from falling on him and to maintain the trust of the northern tribes, who might have viewed Abner's death as a betrayal by David.
* **Key Themes:** The verse highlights several major themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It underscores the **fragility of unity** in a divided kingdom, where personal vendettas can derail national reconciliation. It emphasizes the **challenges of leadership**, particularly David's struggle to control his powerful and often ruthless subordinates like Joab, a tension that recurs throughout his reign (e.g., Joab's later murder of Amasa in [2 Samuel 20:8-10](/2-samuel/20-8 "2 Samuel 20:8-10 - Joab Murders Amasa")). Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **divine justice and human accountability**, as David, though innocent of the murder, must navigate its fallout and publicly lament a loss that affects all Israel, demonstrating his commitment to righteous governance even amidst profound injustice. This incident also foreshadows the difficulties David will face in establishing a stable kingdom, marked by internal strife and the consequences of sin, despite God's covenant promises to him (see [2 Samuel 7](/2-samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prince (Hebrew, _sar'_):** This term (H8269, שַׂר) denotes a high-ranking official, a chief, commander, or leader. It implies not merely military rank but also political authority and social standing. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, a "prince" was a figure of significant influence, often associated with royal or noble lineage, or one who held a position of power close to the king. David's use of "prince" for Abner acknowledges his former role as commander of Saul's army and his continued influence over the northern tribes, recognizing his inherent authority and the respect he commanded.
* **Great man (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** The Hebrew word (H1419, גָּדוֹל) means "great," "large," or "important." When applied to a person, it signifies someone of considerable stature, importance, or influence. Coupled with "prince," it forms a superlative description, emphasizing Abner's preeminent status. It speaks to his reputation, his capabilities, and the significant void his death would leave in the political and military landscape of Israel. David's double appellation underscores the magnitude of the loss, not just personally but nationally.
* **Fallen (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** The verb (H5307, נָפַל) literally means "to fall." In this context, it is a euphemism for death, particularly a tragic or violent death. It can imply being struck down or succumbing to an attack. David's choice of "fallen" rather than "died" or "murdered" carries a sense of lament and tragedy, suggesting a great man brought down, perhaps prematurely or unjustly, from his position of power and life. It evokes a sense of defeat or demise that is particularly poignant given Abner's recent efforts to unite Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto his servants,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker as King David and his audience as his immediate court or trusted officials. This was a public declaration, intended to be heard and understood by those around him and, by extension, by the wider populace. It signifies David's official response to the crisis, aiming to control the narrative and clarify his position regarding Abner's murder.
* **"Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?"**: This is a rhetorical question, designed not to elicit information but to emphasize an undeniable truth and to express David's profound dismay. The phrase "Know ye not" implies that the fact of Abner's importance and the tragedy of his death should be self-evident to everyone. By calling Abner "a prince and a great man," David acknowledges Abner's significant status and influence, validating his importance even as a former adversary. The phrase "fallen this day" highlights the immediacy and suddenness of the loss, while "in Israel" underscores the national scope of the tragedy, emphasizing that this was not merely a personal loss but a blow to the entire nation and its prospects for unity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Samuel 3:38 is the **Rhetorical Question**. David's query, "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?", is not posed to gain information but to emphasize the profound and undeniable truth of Abner's stature and the magnitude of his loss. This device serves to underscore David's genuine grief and to publicly distance himself from the treachery of Joab's actions, appealing to the common knowledge and shared sorrow of his audience. Additionally, the phrase "fallen" acts as a **Euphemism** for Abner's violent death, softening the harsh reality while still conveying the tragic nature of his demise. This choice of language contributes to the lamenting tone, focusing on the consequence (death) rather than the brutal act itself. The combined description of Abner as "a prince and a great man" also borders on **Hyperbole**, serving to amplify Abner's importance and the national tragedy of his passing, ensuring that his audience fully grasps the gravity of the situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's lament over Abner's death resonates with profound theological and thematic implications, particularly concerning the nature of righteous leadership, the consequences of sin, and the sovereignty of God amidst human treachery. David, though innocent of the murder, recognized the immense political and moral fallout, understanding that his legitimacy as king depended on his public repudiation of such an act and his commitment to justice. This incident highlights the deep-seated brokenness of humanity, where personal vendettas and ruthless ambition can undermine divine purposes, even the unification of God's chosen people. Yet, even in this chaos, God's overarching plan for David's kingdom ultimately prevails, demonstrating His ability to work through and despite human sin.
* [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Genesis 4:8 - Cain Murders Abel")
* [Psalm 7:16](/psalms/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - The Wicked Fall Into Their Own Pit")
* [Proverbs 24:17-18](/proverbs/24-17 "Proverbs 24:17-18 - Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's public lament for Abner in 2 Samuel 3:38 offers powerful lessons for contemporary life, especially concerning leadership, integrity, and the recognition of human dignity. In a world often marked by political expediency and a lack of accountability, David's immediate and unequivocal disassociation from Joab's heinous act serves as a model for leaders who strive to govern with integrity. It teaches us the importance of acknowledging injustice, even when perpetrated by those close to us, and of publicly mourning significant losses, regardless of past allegiances. This passage reminds us that true leadership is not merely about wielding power but about embodying moral authority and seeking justice, even when it is personally costly. It also challenges us to consider the broader impact of our actions, recognizing that individual acts of sin or revenge can have far-reaching consequences, disrupting peace and hindering unity within families, communities, and nations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's response to Abner's murder challenge our understanding of leadership and accountability in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways do personal conflicts or unresolved grievances in our own lives or communities hinder progress and unity, similar to Abner's death in Israel?**
* **When have you witnessed or had to engage in a public acknowledgment of loss or injustice, and what was the impact of that acknowledgment?**

### FAQ
**Why was Abner's death so significant that David lamented it publicly?**

Answer: Abner's death was profoundly significant for several reasons. First, he was "a prince and a great man," meaning he held immense military and political power as the former commander of Saul's army and the de facto leader of the northern tribes supporting Ish-bosheth. His recent defection to David's side was a crucial step towards unifying the divided kingdom of Israel under David's rule, promising an end to the civil war (see [2 Samuel 3:17-19](/2-samuel/3-17 "2 Samuel 3:17-19 - Abner's Efforts to Unite Israel")). His murder by Joab, David's own commander, was an act of treachery that threatened to undermine David's legitimacy and derail the fragile peace process. David's public lament was essential to distance himself from the murder, assure the northern tribes of his innocence, and express genuine grief for a figure whose death was a major setback for national unity. It was a strategic move to preserve his reputation and the prospects for a unified kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic "fall" of Abner, a powerful earthly prince brought low by human sin and treachery, foreshadows in stark contrast the ultimate "fall" of the true Prince, Jesus Christ, who willingly laid down His life not as a victim of human malice alone, but as the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sin. Abner's death, a setback for Israel's earthly kingdom, highlights the brokenness of human leadership and the destructive power of sin. In contrast, the death of Jesus, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), was not a defeat but the decisive victory that established an eternal, unshakable kingdom. While David lamented Abner's fall as a great loss, the "fall" of Christ on the cross (His death) was the ultimate act of love and power, leading to His resurrection and the reconciliation of humanity to God. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the "great man" who "fell" for us, only to rise again as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), establishing a new covenant that transcends all earthly divisions and brings true, lasting unity to all who believe (as promised in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). His death was not a setback, but the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, securing eternal life and true peace for all.

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

Job 32:9

Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

1 Samuel 14:50

And the name of Saul's wife [was] Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host [was] Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.

1 Samuel 14:51

And Kish [was] the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner [was] the son of Abiel.

2 Samuel 2:8

¶ But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;

2 Samuel 3:12

And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose [is] the land? saying [also], Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand [shall be] with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.