2 Samuel 3:6

KJV

And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, while there was war {H4421} between the house {H1004} of Saul {H7586} and the house {H1004} of David {H1732}, that Abner {H74} made himself strong {H2388} for the house {H1004} of Saul {H7586}.

Complete Jewish Bible

During the war that was going on between the house of Sha'ul and the house of David, Avner strengthened his position in the house of Sha'ul.

Berean Standard Bible

During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 3:6 marks a crucial point in the protracted civil war following King Saul's death, highlighting the ongoing struggle for legitimate kingship between the nascent "house of David" in Judah and the remnants of the "house of Saul" in the northern tribes. This verse specifically underscores the pivotal role of Abner, Saul's formidable army commander, who actively and strategically strengthened the position of Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, thereby prolonging the national division and resistance to David's eventual reign over all Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in 2 Samuel, immediately following the tragic deaths of Saul and his sons at Gilboa, and David's anointing as king over Judah in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King in Judah")). The preceding chapter details Abner's strategic move to establish Ish-bosheth, Saul's surviving son, as king over the rest of Israel ([2 Samuel 2:8-10](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8-10 - Ish-bosheth Becomes King")). Thus, 2 Samuel 3:6 serves as a concise summary statement of the prevailing political reality: a divided kingdom embroiled in active conflict, with Abner as the primary architect and enforcer of the Saulide resistance. It sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of Abner's growing power, his eventual defection to David, and the gradual consolidation of David's kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately after a king's death in ancient Israel, especially one who died tragically like Saul ([1 Samuel 31:6](/1_samuel/31-6 "1 Samuel 31:6 - Saul's Death")), often led to a power vacuum and succession struggles. In this case, the conflict was exacerbated by tribal loyalties, with Judah supporting David and the northern tribes, under Abner's influence, clinging to the Saulide dynasty. Abner, as the former commander of Saul's army, wielded immense military and political authority, effectively acting as a king-maker and the true power behind the figurehead Ish-bosheth. This era reflects the turbulent nature of early monarchies, where personal influence, military might, and tribal allegiances heavily dictated the course of national leadership, often through prolonged periods of internal strife.

* **Key Themes:** The verse explicitly highlights the theme of **Civil War and Division**, stating "war between the house of Saul and the house of David," which underscores the deep national schism and the brutal struggle for the throne of Israel. It also emphasizes **Abner's Influence and Power**, as the phrase "Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul" reveals his immense authority and strategic importance in sustaining the rival kingdom. This period of conflict, though marked by human ambition and suffering, ultimately serves as a necessary prelude to the **Struggle for Unification** under David's kingship ([2 Samuel 5:1](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1 - David Becomes King Over All Israel")), a key part of God's overarching plan for Israel's monarchy. The narrative also subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** working through human political maneuvering and conflict to establish God's chosen king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong (Hebrew, חָזַק _ḥāzaq_):** This verb means to be or grow strong, firm, or resolute; to strengthen, prevail, or seize. In this context, it conveys Abner's active, deliberate, and assertive efforts to fortify and sustain the position of Saul's lineage. It is not a passive state of strength but an energetic exertion of influence, military might, and political maneuvering to ensure the continuance of the rival house. Abner was not merely a supporter; he was the driving force, actively consolidating power and resources to resist David's claim to the throne of all Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass,"**: This is a common Hebrew narrative transition, often translated from the phrase וַיְהִי (_wayhî_), signaling the unfolding of events in a chronological or logical sequence. It serves to move the story forward, introducing the prevailing conditions of the time.
* **"while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David,"**: This clause succinctly defines the political and military reality of the period. It highlights the deep national division, not merely between two individuals, but between two competing dynasties or "houses." The "house of Saul" represents the remnants of the old regime, primarily the northern tribes under Ish-bosheth's nominal rule, while the "house of David" refers to David's emerging kingdom in Judah. This was a direct, ongoing civil conflict for control of the entire nation.
* **"that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul."**: This is the core assertion of the verse, identifying the key actor and his strategic objective. Abner, as Saul's former commander-in-chief, was the real power behind Ish-bosheth. The phrase "made himself strong" (from _ḥāzaq_) indicates his proactive and forceful efforts to consolidate power, gather support, and maintain military readiness on behalf of the Saulide dynasty. This was a deliberate and sustained campaign to resist David's ascendancy and preserve the existing, albeit diminished, rule of Saul's house.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent in the repeated phrases "the house of Saul" and "the house of David," which starkly highlights the binary opposition and the core conflict of the narrative—a civil war not just between leaders, but between two competing dynastic claims. This repetition underscores the deep schism within Israel. **Characterization** is also key, as the verse immediately establishes Abner as a powerful and decisive figure. The active verb "made himself strong" portrays him as the primary agent and driving force behind the resistance, rather than merely a loyal subordinate. This sets the stage for his significant role in the unfolding events of 2 Samuel 3. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as it succinctly summarizes the ongoing conflict that will eventually lead to a series of events, including Abner's pivotal shift in allegiance and the eventual collapse of the house of Saul, thereby paving the way for David's unified kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though describing a period of intense human conflict and political maneuvering, subtly points to the overarching theme of God's sovereignty working through human affairs. The struggle between the "house of Saul" and the "house of David" was not merely a contest of wills between powerful men, but a necessary stage in God's plan to establish His chosen king, David, over all Israel. Even amidst the chaos of civil war and Abner's determined resistance, God's purposes for His people were being advanced. This period of division highlights the human cost of unrighteous leadership and the challenges of transitioning to God's divinely appointed order. Ultimately, the strength Abner amassed for Saul's house would prove futile against the divine decree that David would reign.

* [1 Samuel 16:1](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1 - God Rejects Saul and Chooses David")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Prevail")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Samuel 3:6 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that periods of transition, whether in leadership, organizations, or even personal lives, can be marked by intense struggle, division, and the determined efforts of those who resist change. Abner's actions illustrate how powerful individuals, driven by loyalty, ambition, or a sense of duty, can significantly influence the course of events, prolonging conflict and shaping the destinies of many. For believers, this verse invites us to consider how God's overarching plan often unfolds amidst human conflict, political maneuvering, and even outright opposition. Just as God ultimately brought about a unified kingdom under David, His chosen one, He continues to work His purposes, even through challenging circumstances and the resistance of human wills. We are called to discern God's hand in history, to trust in His ultimate sovereignty, and to pray for unity and righteous leadership, even when faced with division and strife.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do periods of transition and conflict in our lives or communities reveal underlying loyalties and power dynamics?**
* **In what ways might we, like Abner, be tempted to "make ourselves strong" for a cause or a person, rather than trusting in God's sovereign plan?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate purpose in the story of David's rise encourage us when facing prolonged struggles or divisions?**

### FAQ
**Who was Abner and why was he so important in this period?**

Answer: Abner, son of Ner, was King Saul's cousin and the commander of his army. After Saul's death, he became the most powerful figure in the remnants of Saul's kingdom. He was crucial because he took Saul's surviving son, Ish-bosheth, and made him king over Israel, excluding Judah, which had already anointed David ([2 Samuel 2:8-10](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8-10 - Abner Establishes Ish-bosheth's Reign")). Abner effectively served as the true power behind Ish-bosheth's throne, leading the military efforts and political resistance against David's claim to the kingship of all Israel. His actions prolonged the civil war between the "house of Saul" and the "house of David," making him a pivotal figure in this transitional period of Israelite history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The protracted and often violent struggle between the "house of Saul" and the "house of David," epitomized by Abner's efforts to strengthen the former, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in the undisputed and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. While David's kingdom was eventually unified, it was still a temporal, earthly kingdom plagued by internal strife and sin. Jesus, the true Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), comes not to establish a kingdom through human warfare or political maneuvering, but through self-sacrifice and divine power. He is the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), who breaks down the dividing walls of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Dividing Walls")), uniting all who believe into one spiritual "house" or family under His headship. Unlike Abner, who fought to maintain a fading earthly dynasty, Christ's strength is for the establishment of an eternal, heavenly kingdom that will never be divided or overthrown ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). The struggle for earthly dominion in 2 Samuel 3:6 thus foreshadows the greater spiritual battle against sin and death, which Christ decisively won, establishing His reign as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") over a people reconciled and unified in Him.

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

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 2:9

And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Joel 3:9

¶ Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

Joel 3:13

Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness [is] great.

Isaiah 8:9

¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.