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2 Samuel 3:8

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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?

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}?

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!

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!

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

In 2 Samuel 3:8, we witness a pivotal moment in the power struggle between the house of Saul and the rising kingdom of David. This verse captures the furious retort of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, to an accusation made by Ishbosheth, Saul's son and the nominal king over Israel.

Context

This verse immediately follows Ishbosheth's accusation against Abner concerning Rizpah, one of Saul's concubines. In ancient Near Eastern culture, taking a king's concubine was often seen as a claim to the throne, a highly treasonous act. Ishbosheth's charge, though perhaps politically motivated or a sign of his growing insecurity, deeply offends Abner. Abner, who had been the primary force in establishing Ishbosheth as king over Israel (see 2 Samuel 2:8-10), views this accusation as a profound insult to his loyalty and honor, especially given his efforts to sustain Saul's lineage amidst David's growing power.

Key Themes

  • Honor and Indignation: Abner's outburst reveals a man whose honor has been severely wounded. The phrase "Am I a dog's head?" is a powerful expression of outrage, signifying utter contempt and worthlessness. In a culture where honor was paramount, such an accusation was intolerable.
  • Power Dynamics: Abner clearly asserts his indispensable role and power. He reminds Ishbosheth that he has actively supported the house of Saul, implying that he could just as easily have delivered the kingdom into David's hands. This highlights Ishbosheth's weakness and Abner's true authority in the kingdom of Israel.
  • Shifting Loyalties: Abner's anger serves as a turning point. His subsequent actions, described in 2 Samuel 3:9-10, show his immediate resolution to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul to David, fulfilling God's long-standing promise to David (cf. 1 Samuel 15:28).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a dog's head" (Hebrew: רֹאשׁ־כֶּלֶב, rosh-kelev) is a grave insult in ancient Hebrew culture. Dogs were generally viewed as unclean scavengers, despised and associated with humiliation and low status. To be called a "dog's head" was to be equated with the lowest form of existence, utterly devoid of honor or power, and implying servility or treachery. Abner's use of this term reflects the depth of his fury and the perceived degradation of his position.

Practical Application

This passage offers several insights for believers today:

  • The Danger of Baseless Accusations: Ishbosheth's rash and possibly untrue accusation had severe consequences, alienating his most powerful supporter and ultimately contributing to the collapse of his own reign. It underscores the importance of careful speech and avoiding false charges.
  • Pride and Its Consequences: While Abner was wronged, his explosive pride led him to make a decision out of anger that had far-reaching implications, though it aligned with God's ultimate plan for David. It serves as a reminder of how unchecked pride can influence our actions.
  • God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Actions: Even in the midst of human conflict, political maneuvering, and personal pride, God's divine plan for David to rule over all Israel was progressing. This narrative illustrates how God can use the choices and even the sinful reactions of individuals to accomplish His overarching purposes (Proverbs 19:21).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 9:8 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Mark 6:19 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 37:23 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.