2 Samuel 3:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

So do {H6213} God {H430} to Abner {H74}, and more also {H3254}, except, as the LORD {H3068} hath sworn {H7650} to David {H1732}, even so I do {H6213} to him;

Complete Jewish Bible

May God bring terrible curses on Avner and worse ones yet if I don't accomplish what ADONAI swore to David-

Berean Standard Bible

May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him:

American Standard Version

God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as Jehovah hath sworn to David, I do not even so to him;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 3:9 records a pivotal moment in the unification of Israel under King David, as Abner, the powerful commander of Saul's army, makes a solemn, self-imprecatory oath to David. This verse signifies Abner's dramatic and strategic shift in allegiance, acknowledging God's divine ordination of David as king over all Israel and committing himself to bringing about this divinely appointed reality. It marks a critical turning point in the protracted civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David, paving the way for a unified monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of the ongoing civil war between the northern tribes, loyal to Ish-bosheth (Saul's son) and led by Abner, and the southern tribe of Judah, which had already crowned David king in Hebron. The immediate preceding verses (2 Samuel 3:7-8) detail a significant dispute between Ish-bosheth and Abner concerning Rizpah, Saul's concubine. Ish-bosheth's accusation of Abner's illicit relations with Rizpah, seen as a claim to the throne, deeply offends Abner. In response, Abner, feeling disrespected and recognizing the futility of propping up Ish-bosheth, declares his intention to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul to David. Verse 9 is the solemn oath that solidifies this declaration, made directly to David, promising to bring all of Israel under David's dominion, thus ending the division.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following Saul's death was one of political instability and fragmentation. Israel was effectively divided, with two competing kingships. Abner, as Saul's cousin and chief general, wielded immense military and political influence over the northern tribes. His defection was not merely a personal choice but a strategic realignment that would inevitably lead to the collapse of Ish-bosheth's reign and the consolidation of power under David. The use of a self-imprecatory oath ("So do God to Abner, and more also") was a common and extremely serious practice in the ancient Near East, signifying the absolute commitment of the oath-taker and invoking divine judgment upon themselves if the vow was broken. Such oaths were considered legally and religiously binding.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Promise**, particularly God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. Abner's explicit acknowledgment that "the LORD hath sworn to David" reveals a widespread understanding, even among those who initially opposed him, that David's kingship was divinely ordained. This echoes the broader narrative of God's election of David and His promise to establish his throne forever, as seen profoundly in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). It also highlights the theme of **Solemn Oaths and Covenants**, demonstrating the gravity with which such vows were taken in biblical culture. Abner's oath, though tragically interrupted by his death, was intended to be a binding commitment to facilitate the **Political Transition and Unification** of Israel, fulfilling God's long-standing purpose for David's reign over all twelve tribes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **So do God to Abner, and more also (Hebrew, כֹּה יַעֲשֶׂה־לִּי אֱלֹהִים וְכֹה יֹסִיף, _koh ya'aseh-li Elohim v'khoh yosif'_):** This is a classic Hebrew self-imprecatory oath formula, frequently found in the Old Testament. It means, "May God do such-and-such to me, and even more, if I do not fulfill my promise." It serves to intensify the commitment and the severity of the curse if the oath is broken, directly appealing to God as the witness and enforcer of the promise. Its use here by Abner underscores the extreme seriousness with which he views his commitment to David.
* **sworn (Hebrew, נִשְׁבַּע, _nishba'_):** The verb "sworn" (from the root שָׁבַע, _shava'_) refers to the act of taking an oath. When applied to God, as it is here, it emphasizes the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of His promise. Abner's use of this word indicates his recognition that David's kingship is not merely a political aspiration but a divine decree, a promise made by the LORD Himself.
* **David (Hebrew, דָּוִד, _David'_):** The name of the divinely chosen king, central to God's redemptive plan. Abner's oath explicitly names David as the recipient of the LORD's oath, acknowledging his legitimate claim to the throne of all Israel, not just Judah. This recognition from a former adversary is highly significant, validating David's divine appointment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So do God to Abner, and more also,"**: This opening clause establishes the solemnity of Abner's vow. It is a self-curse, indicating that Abner is invoking divine judgment upon himself if he fails to uphold the subsequent promise. This was the strongest form of oath in the ancient world, demonstrating an absolute commitment to the words that follow.
* **"except, as the LORD hath sworn to David,"**: This crucial interjection reveals the basis for Abner's actions. He is not merely acting out of personal pique or political opportunism, but out of a recognition that David's kingship over all Israel is a divine decree. The phrase "as the LORD hath sworn to David" directly references God's prior promise and covenant with David, acknowledging its divine authority and inevitability. Abner sees himself as an instrument in fulfilling God's established will.
* **"even so I do to him;"**: This final clause states Abner's active commitment. He pledges to personally ensure that the kingdom is transferred from the house of Saul to David. This involves actively working to unite the tribes of Israel under David's rule, fulfilling the divine oath that Abner has just acknowledged. It is a promise of direct action to bring about the divinely ordained outcome.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Samuel 3:9 is the **Oath Formula**, specifically a **Self-Imprecatory Oath**. This ancient Near Eastern convention is characterized by the speaker invoking a curse upon themselves if they do not fulfill their promise. Its inclusion here dramatically emphasizes the gravity of Abner's commitment and his recognition of the divine will concerning David's kingship. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the imminent unification of the divided kingdom under David's rule, a significant turning point in Israel's history. There is also a subtle layer of **Irony** present, as Abner, despite his solemn oath and clear intent to fulfill it, is tragically assassinated by Joab (David's commander) before he can fully bring about the unification he promised, highlighting the unpredictable nature of human events even within the framework of divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 3:9 provides a powerful testament to God's ultimate sovereignty and the unwavering reliability of His divine promises. Even amidst the chaos of civil war and the complex interplay of human ambition and betrayal, God's preordained plan for David's kingship is seen unfolding, recognized even by an adversary like Abner. This verse underscores that God's purposes will prevail, often utilizing unexpected agents and circumstances to bring about His will. It also highlights the profound weight and sanctity of oaths and promises in biblical thought, reminding us that words carry immense power and are held accountable before God.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Enduring Covenant with David")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Are the Plans in a Person's Heart, but the LORD's Purpose Prevails")
* [Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your Yes Be Yes, and Your No Be No")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abner's dramatic shift in allegiance, driven by a recognition of God's sworn promise to David, offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's sovereign plan is always at work, even when circumstances seem chaotic or contrary to His purposes. Just as Abner, an initial adversary, came to discern and align with God's will for David, we too are called to seek God's purposes in our lives and in the world around us, even if it means a significant change of course or a challenging realignment of our own priorities and allegiances. Furthermore, Abner's solemn oath underscores the biblical emphasis on integrity and the sanctity of our promises. In a world where commitments are often taken lightly, this verse challenges us to be people of our word, letting our "yes be yes" and our "no be no," reflecting the faithfulness of the God we serve. Our actions, like Abner's intended ones, should be in alignment with God's revealed will and promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abner's recognition of God's oath to David challenge our own understanding of divine sovereignty in seemingly chaotic or politically charged situations?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the weight and seriousness of the promises we make, both to God and to others, and how can we cultivate greater integrity in our commitments?**
* **In what ways might we be called to discern and align our actions with God's established purposes, even if it requires a significant change in our current direction or perspective?**

### FAQ
**What is a "self-imprecatory oath," and why was it used in ancient times?**

Answer: A self-imprecatory oath is a solemn vow in which the speaker invokes a curse upon themselves if they fail to uphold their promise. The phrase "So do God to Abner, and more also" is a classic example of this formula. It was used in ancient Near Eastern cultures to signify the utmost seriousness and binding nature of a commitment. By invoking divine judgment upon oneself, the oath-taker was essentially putting their life, well-being, or future in God's hands as collateral for their promise. This practice highlighted the profound respect for divine authority and the belief that God was the ultimate enforcer of covenants and vows, making such oaths incredibly powerful and legally binding in their cultural context.

**Did Abner ultimately fulfill his oath to David?**

Answer: Abner initiated the process of fulfilling his oath by meeting with David and beginning to persuade the elders of Israel to accept David as king. However, he was tragically and unexpectedly assassinated by Joab, David's commander, before he could fully complete the unification of the kingdom (as detailed in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Kills Abner")). While Abner's life was cut short and he did not personally see the full realization of his promise, his actions and intentions set in motion the events that led to David's eventual reign over all Israel. Ultimately, God's sovereign plan for David's kingship prevailed, even through the complex and often violent human events that transpired.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The oath of Abner in 2 Samuel 3:9, acknowledging God's sworn promise to David, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Davidic covenant, which Abner references, points directly to a greater King whose reign would be eternal and whose kingdom would know no end. Just as Abner sought to unify a divided Israel under David, Jesus, the true Son of David, came to unify a humanity divided by sin and alienation from God. He is the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given, and His reign is not merely over a physical nation but over all who believe, bringing them into one body (as seen in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls")). The promises made to David for an enduring throne and an everlasting kingdom are perfectly realized in Christ, whose kingdom is spiritual and eternal, and whose reign will culminate in the establishment of God's perfect rule over all creation (foretold in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary") and [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Abner's oath, though made in a political context, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the divine decree that would ultimately establish the King of kings, who truly unifies all things in Himself.

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 15:28

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

1 Kings 19:2

Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do [to me], and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

1 Chronicles 12:23

¶ And these [are] the numbers of the bands [that were] ready armed to the war, [and] came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.

1 Samuel 28:17

And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, [even] to David:

Ruth 1:17

Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, [if ought] but death part thee and me.

1 Samuel 14:44

And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.

Psalms 89:35

Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.