2 Samuel 3:8

KJV

Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, [Am] I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then was Abner {H74} very {H3966} wroth {H2734} for the words {H1697} of Ishbosheth {H378}, and said {H559}, Am I a dog's {H3611} head {H7218}, which against Judah {H3063} do shew {H6213} kindness {H2617} this day {H3117} unto the house {H1004} of Saul {H7586} thy father {H1}, to his brethren {H251}, and to his friends {H4828}, and have not delivered {H4672} thee into the hand {H3027} of David {H1732}, that thou chargest {H6485} me to day {H3117} with a fault {H5771} concerning this woman {H802}?

Complete Jewish Bible

These words of Ish-Boshet's enraged Avner. "What am I," he shouted, "[that you treat me with such contempt]? A dog's head in Y'hudah? Till this moment I have shown only kindness to the house of Sha'ul your father, and to his brothers and to his friends; and I haven't handed you over to David. Yet you choose today to pick a fight with me over this woman!

Berean Standard Bible

Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman!

American Standard Version

Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ish-bosheth, and said, Am I a dog’s head that belongeth to Judah? This day do I show kindness unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David; and yet thou chargest me this day with a fault concerning this woman.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse vividly captures the explosive indignation of Abner, the formidable commander of Saul's army, in response to an accusation from Ishbosheth, Saul's son and the reigning king over Israel. Ishbosheth had charged Abner with illicit relations with Rizpah, one of Saul's concubines—an act widely perceived as a symbolic claim to the throne. Abner, who had been the architect and sustainer of Ishbosheth's fragile kingdom, views this accusation as a profound insult to his honor and a gross underestimation of his power and loyalty, leading to a pivotal shift in his allegiance that would ultimately pave the way for David's undisputed reign over all Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Ishbosheth's accusation against Abner](/2_samuel/3-7 "2 Samuel 3:7 - Ishbosheth Accuses Abner") concerning Rizpah, a concubine of Saul. In the ancient Near East, taking a king's concubine was often understood as a symbolic act of claiming the throne, a highly treasonous offense. Abner had been the instrumental figure in establishing Ishbosheth as king over Israel after Saul's death, as detailed in [2 Samuel 2:8-10](/2_samuel/2 "2 Samuel 2 - Ishbosheth Made King"). Ishbosheth's charge, whether politically motivated or born of insecurity, deeply offends Abner's sense of honor and loyalty. Abner's furious retort here serves as a dramatic turning point in the narrative, directly preceding his decision to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul to David, fulfilling God's long-standing promise to David, as hinted in [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - Kingdom Torn from Saul"). This moment signifies the unraveling of Ishbosheth's tenuous grip on power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is one of protracted civil war, with two rival kingdoms: David ruling from Hebron over Judah, and Ishbosheth ruling from Mahanaim over the northern tribes of Israel. Abner was the military strongman holding Ishbosheth's kingdom together, effectively the power behind the throne. The concept of "honor" was paramount in ancient Israelite society; a public accusation of disloyalty or sexual impropriety was a grave insult that demanded a forceful response to preserve one's reputation and status. Furthermore, the phrase "dog's head" was a potent expression of utter contempt and worthlessness. Dogs in this culture were generally despised as scavengers, unclean animals associated with humiliation and low status, making the epithet a profound degradation of Abner's standing as a powerful military commander.
* **Key Themes:** Abner's outburst powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, **Honor and Indignation** are central; his fury stems from a perceived assault on his dignity and invaluable service, highlighting the societal importance of honor and the devastating impact of public shame. Second, the verse underscores **Power Dynamics** within Ishbosheth's court; Abner, though serving Ishbosheth, clearly wields the real authority, reminding the king of his indispensable role and the ease with which he could have delivered the kingdom to David. This exposes Ishbosheth's weakness and dependence, a theme echoed in other accounts of weak kingship. Finally, Abner's anger precipitates **Shifting Loyalties**, marking a decisive moment in the protracted struggle for the throne. His immediate resolution to transfer the kingdom to David, elaborated in [2 Samuel 3:9-10](/2_samuel/3-9 "2 Samuel 3:9-10 - Abner's Oath to David"), demonstrates how personal offense can align with, or be used by, divine providence to advance God's overarching plan for the establishment of David's unified kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wroth (Hebrew, _ḥārāh'_):** Derived from H2734, this verb literally means "to glow or grow warm," and figuratively, "to blaze up" with anger, zeal, or jealousy. Abner's anger was not a mere irritation but a burning rage, indicating a profound sense of injustice and insult. This emotional intensity underscores the gravity of Ishbosheth's accusation and the depth of Abner's wounded pride. His reaction is visceral and immediate, signaling a critical shift in his disposition and intentions.
* **Dog's Head (Hebrew, _rôʼš-kelev'_):** This highly derogatory and contemptuous insult combines H7218 (_rôʼš_, "head," often signifying leadership or prominence) and H3611 (_keleb_, "dog," an animal generally despised as a scavenger and unclean in ancient Israelite culture). To be called a "dog's head" was to be equated with the lowest, most despised, and worthless creature, stripped of any honor or authority. Abner's rhetorical question, "Am I a dog's head?", expresses his outrage at being treated as if he were a contemptible, powerless servant, rather than the powerful and loyal commander he believed himself to be. This profound degradation is what truly ignites his decision to abandon Ishbosheth.
* **Kindness (Hebrew, _ḥêçêd'_):** Derived from H2617, this word signifies "kindness," "favour," "good deed," or "loving-kindness," often implying steadfast love or faithfulness. Abner asserts that he has shown this loyal support to the house of Saul, including Ishbosheth's "father" (H1, _ʼâb_), his "brethren" (H251, _ʼâch_), and his "friends" (H4828, _mêrêaʻ_). By claiming to have acted with unwavering loyalty and benevolent support towards Saul's "house" (H1004, _bayith_), Abner highlights the perceived betrayal by Ishbosheth, who, instead of acknowledging Abner's *ḥesed*, accuses him of disloyalty, making the insult doubly painful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth":** This opening clause immediately establishes the intense emotional state of Abner. The "words" (H1697, _dâbâr_) of Ishbosheth refer to the accusation of sleeping with Rizpah, Saul's concubine, which Abner perceived as a direct challenge to his honor and a devaluing of his immense contributions to Ishbosheth's reign. The term "very" (H3966, _mᵉʼôd_) emphasizes the extreme nature of his anger (H2734, _ḥārāh_).
* **"and said, [Am] I a dog's head":** This rhetorical question is the core of Abner's furious response (H559, _ʼâmar_, "said"). It is an expression of profound indignation and self-worth. By equating himself with a "dog's head" (H3611, _keleb_, "dog"; H7218, _rôʼsh_, "head"), Abner highlights the extreme humiliation and contempt he feels Ishbosheth has subjected him to, implying that such an accusation is fit only for the lowest of the low, not for a commander of his stature.
* **"which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends":** Abner here asserts his loyalty and benevolent actions (H6213, _ʻâsâh_, "do shew"). He reminds Ishbosheth that despite David's (H1732, _Dâvid_) growing power in "Judah" (H3063, _Yᵉhûwdâh_), he has consistently upheld the "house" (H1004, _bayith_) of "Saul" (H7586, _Shâʼûwl_) Ishbosheth's "father" (H1, _ʼâb_), showing "kindness" (H2617, _ḥêçêd_, loyal support) to Ishbosheth's entire family and "friends" (H4828, _mêrêaʻ_). This underscores the ingratitude and injustice of Ishbosheth's accusation. The phrase "this day" (H3117, _yôwm_) emphasizes the present, ongoing nature of his loyalty.
* **"and have not delivered thee into the hand of David":** This is a powerful declaration of Abner's true authority and the precariousness of Ishbosheth's position. Abner implicitly states that he has actively *chosen* not to betray Ishbosheth and hand him (H3027, _yâd_, "hand") over to "David" (H1732, _Dâvid_), despite having the "power" (H3027, _yâd_) and opportunity to do so (H4672, _mâtsâʼ_, "delivered"). This reveals that Abner, not Ishbosheth, was the true power broker in their relationship.
* **"that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?":** This concluding rhetorical question encapsulates Abner's outrage. After all his loyal service and the immense power he wields, he cannot comprehend why Ishbosheth would "charge" (H6485, _pâqad_) him "to day" (H3117, _yôwm_) with such a trivial and dishonorable "fault" (H5771, _ʻâvôn_, "iniquity, sin") concerning "this woman" (H802, _ʼishshâh_), especially when it carries the implication of treason. This perceived slight is the final straw, leading to his dramatic shift in allegiance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes effective use of several literary devices to convey Abner's intense emotion and the dramatic turning point. A prominent device is **Rhetorical Question**, particularly "Am I a dog's head?" and the concluding "that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?" These are not questions seeking information but rather powerful expressions of indignation, disbelief, and a forceful assertion of Abner's wounded honor and perceived injustice. They serve to highlight the absurdity and insult of Ishbosheth's accusation from Abner's perspective, demanding a recognition of his true status and contributions. **Hyperbole** is also evident in Abner's self-debasement to "a dog's head," an exaggerated comparison designed to emphasize the extreme nature of the insult and his profound outrage. This vivid, culturally charged imagery underscores the depth of his fury and the complete lack of respect he feels from Ishbosheth. Finally, there is a strong element of **Irony**. Ishbosheth's accusation, intended to assert his authority and perhaps control Abner, ironically backfires completely, leading to Abner's immediate decision to abandon him and transfer the kingdom to David, thereby sealing Ishbosheth's fate. The very action meant to secure Ishbosheth's power ultimately ensures its collapse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abner's explosive reaction in 2 Samuel 3:8, while rooted in personal pride and a cultural emphasis on honor, serves as a powerful illustration of divine sovereignty working through human agency, even flawed and self-serving agency. Ishbosheth's baseless accusation, driven by insecurity, and Abner's furious response, fueled by wounded pride, are deeply human acts. Yet, these very human conflicts and decisions become the catalyst for God's long-ordained plan to establish David as king over all Israel. This narrative reminds us that God's purposes are not thwarted by human sin or folly, but can, in fact, utilize them to bring about His will. It underscores the profound truth that "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will" [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The Lord Directs the King's Heart"). God's ultimate plan for David's kingdom was not derailed but rather advanced by these very human failings.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - Man Plans, God Directs")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abner's story in 2 Samuel 3:8 offers profound insights into the destructive power of unchecked anger and pride, and the far-reaching consequences of careless words. Ishbosheth's accusation, whether true or false, demonstrates the danger of making charges that alienate key allies and undermine trust, leading to the collapse of his own fragile kingdom. For us, this serves as a potent reminder to guard our tongues and consider the impact of our words, especially when we are in positions of authority or influence. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to foster loyalty or ignite betrayal. Conversely, Abner's pride, though understandable given the profound insult, led him to make a momentous decision out of rage, highlighting how even justified anger, when unmanaged, can lead to actions with unintended and often negative consequences. Yet, amidst this human drama of pride, power, and betrayal, we also glimpse the unwavering hand of God. His ultimate plan for David's kingdom was not derailed but rather advanced by these very human failings. This encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem chaotic or driven by human sin, reminding us that He can orchestrate His purposes through any means, ultimately working all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abner's reaction to the accusation challenge or affirm your understanding of honor and pride in leadership?**
* **In what ways might careless words or baseless accusations in our own lives or communities lead to significant relational or organizational breakdown?**
* **How can we discern God's sovereign hand at work even in situations marked by human conflict, sin, and betrayal?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Abner's prideful response regarding the management of our own anger and indignation, especially when we feel unjustly accused?**

### FAQ
**Why was Abner so angry about the accusation concerning Rizpah?**

Answer: Abner's anger stemmed from multiple layers of insult and perceived injustice. First, in ancient Near Eastern culture, taking a king's concubine was often seen as a symbolic act of claiming the throne, implying treason. Ishbosheth's accusation, therefore, was a direct attack on Abner's loyalty and honor. Second, Abner had been the primary architect and military force behind Ishbosheth's reign, essentially propping up the house of Saul against David's rising power (see [2 Samuel 2:8-10](/2_samuel/2 "2 Samuel 2 - Ishbosheth Made King")). For Ishbosheth to accuse him of such a demeaning and treasonous act, after all his loyal service, was a profound insult to his immense contribution and status. Abner felt his indispensable role was being utterly disregarded and his honor publicly shamed, leading to his explosive "dog's head" retort.

**What is the significance of "dog's head" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "dog's head" (Hebrew: רֹאשׁ־כֶּלֶב, _rosh-kelev_) was a grave and deeply offensive insult in ancient Israelite culture. Unlike in some modern cultures where dogs are beloved companions, dogs in the ancient Near East were generally viewed as scavengers, unclean animals, and symbols of contempt, humiliation, and worthlessness. To be called a "dog's head" was to be equated with the lowest form of existence, utterly devoid of honor, power, or dignity. Abner's use of this rhetorical question ("Am I a dog's head?") powerfully conveys his outrage at being treated as if he were a contemptible, powerless servant, rather than the mighty military commander who had single-handedly sustained Ishbosheth's kingdom. It signifies the ultimate degradation of his status and a profound assault on his honor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic events surrounding Abner's shift in allegiance, though rooted in human pride and political maneuvering, ultimately serve as a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His unfolding plan for the establishment of a righteous kingdom. Abner's decision to "transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul to David" [2 Samuel 3:9-10](/2_samuel/3-9 "2 Samuel 3:9-10 - Abner's Oath to David") was a crucial step in fulfilling God's promise to David, a promise that pointed forward to an even greater King and an eternal kingdom. Just as God used the flawed actions of human agents to establish David's earthly reign, so too did He orchestrate the entire sweep of redemptive history to bring forth the ultimate Son of David, Jesus Christ. The political transfer of power from a failing, disobedient line (Saul) to a chosen, anointed king (David) foreshadows the spiritual transfer of authority from the dominion of darkness to the glorious kingdom of God's beloved Son [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Kingdom of His Beloved Son"). Christ, the true "Lamb of God" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly laid down His life, not out of human pride or anger, but out of perfect obedience and divine love, thereby securing a kingdom that will never end [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Kingdom of Christ"). The chaos of 2 Samuel 3:8 ultimately points to the perfect order and eternal peace found in the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose kingdom is not of this world [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"), yet rules over all, bringing true justice and lasting reconciliation.

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 9:8

And he bowed himself, and said, What [is] thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I [am]?

2 Samuel 16:9

Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

Mark 6:18

For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

Mark 6:19

Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

Isaiah 37:23

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy One of Israel.

2 Samuel 3:9

So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;

2 Samuel 5:2

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.