Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now do it! For the LORD promised David, ‘By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” New Living Translation Now is the time! For the LORD has said, ‘I have chosen David to save my people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and from all their other enemies.’” English Standard Version Now then bring it about, for the LORD has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’” Berean Standard Bible Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’” Berean Literal Bible And now do it, for YHWH has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of David My servant I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” King James Bible Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. New King James Version Now then, do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David, I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and the hand of all their enemies.’ ” New American Standard Bible Now then, do it! For the LORD has spoken regarding David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hands of all their enemies.’” NASB 1995 “Now then, do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” NASB 1977 “Now then, do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” Legacy Standard Bible So now, do it! For Yahweh has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” Amplified Bible Now then, do it [and make him king]! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and the hand of all their enemies.’” Berean Annotated Bible Now take action, because the LORD {YHWH} has said to David (beloved), ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel (he wrestles with God) from the hands of the Philistines (immigrants) and of all their enemies. Christian Standard Bible Now take action, because the LORD has spoken concerning David: ‘Through my servant David I will save my people Israel from the power of the Philistines and the power of all Israel’s enemies.’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Now take action, because the LORD has spoken concerning David: ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the power of the Philistines and the power of all Israel’s enemies.’” American Standard Version now then do it; for Jehovah hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. Contemporary English Version So do it! After all, God said he would use his servant David to rescue his people Israel from their enemies, especially from the Philistines." English Revised Version now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. GOD'S WORD® Translation Do it now, because the LORD said about David: 'I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and all their other enemies through my servant David.'" Good News Translation Now here is your chance. Remember that the LORD has said, 'I will use my servant David to rescue my people Israel from the Philistines and from all their other enemies.'" International Standard Version So do it, then! Because the LORD has said this about David: 'Through my servant David I will save my people Israel from the control of the Philistines and from all of their enemies.'" NET Bible Act now! For the LORD has said to David, 'By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and from all their enemies.'" New Heart English Bible Now then do it, for the LORD has spoken of David, saying, 'By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.'" Webster's Bible Translation Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’” World English Bible Now then do it! For Yahweh has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand now, do [it], for YHWH has spoken of David saying, [It is] by the hand of my servant David to save My people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.” Berean Literal Bible And now do it, for YHWH has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of David My servant I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” Young's Literal Translation and now, do it, for Jehovah hath spoken of David saying, By the hand of David my servant -- to save My people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.' Smith's Literal Translation And now do; for Jehovah said to David, saying, By the hand of David my servant I saved my people from the hand of the rovers, and from the hand of all their enemies. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow then do it: because the Lord hath spoken to David, saying: By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hands of the Philistines, and of all their enemies. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, accomplish it now. For the Lord has spoken to David, saying: ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’ ” New American Bible Now take action, for the LORD has said of David: By David my servant I will save my people Israel from the power of the Philistines and from the power of all their enemies.” New Revised Standard Version Now then bring it about; for the LORD has promised David: Through my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from all their enemies.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow then do so; for the LORD has spoken of David, saying. By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and out of the hand of all their enemies. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And now do so, because LORD JEHOVAH has said concerning David: ‘By the hand of David my Servant I shall work salvation for my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies!’" OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917now then do it; for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying: By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.' Brenton Septuagint Translation and now perform it: for the Lord has spoken concerning David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save Israel out of the hand of all their enemies. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Abner Joins David…17Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king. 18Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’” 19Abner also spoke to the Benjamites and went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.… Cross References Now take action, Joshua 1:2-3 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. / I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses. Exodus 14:15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. because the LORD has said to David, 2 Samuel 7:8-16 Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. / I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make for you a name like that of the greatest in the land. / And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they may dwell in a place of their own and be disturbed no more. No longer will the sons of wickedness oppress them as they did at the beginning … Psalm 132:11-12 The LORD swore an oath to David, a promise He will not revoke: “One of your descendants I will place on your throne. / If your sons keep My covenant and the testimony I will teach them, then their sons will also sit on your throne forever and ever.” ‘Through My servant David Psalm 89:20-21 I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. / My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him. Ezekiel 34:23-24 I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. / I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken. I will save My people Israel Zechariah 8:7-8 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I will save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west. / I will bring them back to dwell in Jerusalem, where they will be My people, and I will be their faithful and righteous God.” Exodus 6:6-7 Therefore tell the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. / I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. from the hands of the Philistines 2 Samuel 5:17-25 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” … 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went out to face them. / Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.” … and of all their enemies.’” 2 Samuel 7:1 After the king had settled into his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, Psalm 18:48-50 who delivers me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men. / Therefore I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to Your name. / Great salvation He brings to His king. He shows loving devotion to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever. Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. 1 Samuel 9:16 “At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.” 1 Samuel 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 16:1 Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” Treasury of Scripture Now then do it: for the LORD has spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. for the Lord 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; 1 Samuel 13:14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. 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. By the hand Psalm 89:3,4,19-23 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, … Psalm 132:17,18 There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed… Jump to Previous David Enemies Hand Israel Philistines Promised Rescue Safe Save ServantJump to Next David Enemies Hand Israel Philistines Promised Rescue Safe Save Servant2 Samuel 3 1. During the war David becomes stronger2. Six sons are born to him in Hebron 6. Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth 7. revolts to David 13. David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal 17. Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed 22. Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner 28. David curses Joab 31. and mourns for Abner Now take action This phrase is a call to immediate and decisive action. In the context of 2 Samuel 3, Abner, the commander of Saul's army, is speaking to the elders of Israel, urging them to support David as king. The urgency reflects the need for Israel to unify under God's chosen leader. This call to action is reminiscent of other biblical moments where God's people are urged to act in faith, such as Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:2). because the LORD has said to David ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidAnointed by God to be king over Israel, David is central to God's plan to deliver Israel from its enemies. His leadership and faithfulness are pivotal in the unfolding of God's promises. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who has chosen David as His servant to fulfill His divine purposes for the nation. 3. Israel The chosen people of God, who are in need of deliverance from their enemies, particularly the Philistines, during this period of their history. 4. Philistines A perennial enemy of Israel, representing the external threats and challenges that God's people face. 5. Abner The commander of Saul's army, who is speaking in this verse, urging the leaders of Israel to recognize David as king, in accordance with God's will. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod chooses leaders according to His purposes. Just as He chose David, He appoints leaders today to fulfill His plans. We should seek to discern and support God's chosen leaders in our communities. Divine Deliverance God's promise to deliver Israel through David reminds us of His power to save us from our own "Philistines"—the challenges and adversities we face. Trust in God's deliverance is crucial. Obedience to God's Word Abner's call to action ("Now then, do it!") underscores the importance of acting on God's promises. Faith requires not just belief but also obedience and action. The Role of Faithful Servants David's role as a servant of God highlights the importance of servanthood in leadership. True leaders serve God's people and His purposes. God's Faithfulness to His Promises The fulfillment of God's word through David assures us of His faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives as well. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:18?2. How does 2 Samuel 3:18 affirm God's promise to David's kingship? 3. What role does divine timing play in fulfilling God's promises in 2 Samuel 3:18? 4. How does 2 Samuel 3:18 connect with God's covenant in 2 Samuel 7:12-16? 5. How can we trust God's promises like David did in 2 Samuel 3:18? 6. What does "by the hand of My servant David" teach about God's deliverance? 7. How does 2 Samuel 3:18 reflect God's sovereignty in choosing leaders for Israel? 8. What does 2 Samuel 3:18 reveal about God's covenant with David? 9. How does 2 Samuel 3:18 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3? 11. What is the essence of Absalom's Spirit? 12. How can David's earlier triumphs over the Philistines, such as in 1 Samuel 17, be reconciled with Achish's acceptance of him in 1 Samuel 29? 13. 2 Samuel 3:12–13: Does Abner’s sudden support for David align with known tribal loyalties and historical realities of that era? 14. In 2 Samuel 8:2, does the severe treatment of the Moabites conflict with the earlier friendly interactions noted elsewhere, suggesting an inconsistency? What Does 2 Samuel 3:18 Mean Now take action• This opening call is a summons to move from intention to obedience. Abner is urging Israel’s elders to act on what they already know to be God’s will—making David king. • James 1:22 reminds us, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only,” and 1 Kings 18:21 shows Elijah calling wavering Israelites to decisive action. • God’s purposes never stall; He invites His people to align with them. because the LORD has said to David • The authority behind the action is God’s own promise, not human politics. • 1 Samuel 16:1, 13 records the LORD’s choice and anointing of David. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 later formalizes this covenant, showing the consistency of God’s word. • When God speaks, His word stands (Isaiah 55:11); believers act because the promise is sure. Through My servant David • “Servant” highlights David’s humility and God-given role. Psalm 78:70-72 celebrates how God “chose David His servant.” • David prefigures the ultimate Servant-King, Jesus (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32-33), reminding us that God often works through willing vessels. • Our usefulness, like David’s, flows from submission to God’s plan. I will save My people Israel • Salvation is God’s initiative: “I will save.” He is the active Rescuer. • Exodus 14:13 (“Stand firm and you will see the salvation that the LORD will accomplish for you today”) echoes the same deliverance motif. • The promise reassures the nation that their security lies not in armies but in the covenant-keeping God (2 Samuel 22:2-3). from the hands of the Philistines • The Philistines had dominated Israel (1 Samuel 13:19-22). David’s earlier victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17) was a down payment on this wider deliverance. • 2 Samuel 5:17-25 records David defeating the Philistines once he is king, showing the promise fulfilled in real history. • God targets specific oppressors; He knows our exact battles. and of all their enemies • This broadens the scope: no foe is beyond God’s reach. • 2 Samuel 8:1-14 details victories over Moab, Edom, Aram, and others, demonstrating comprehensive protection. • Ultimately, the Messiah—descended from David—will subdue every enemy (Psalm 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:25-26). summary 2 Samuel 3:18 is Abner’s call to Israel’s leaders to embrace God’s revealed plan: enthrone David so that God may bring promised deliverance. Each phrase underscores a facet of God’s faithful character—His call to obedience, the certainty of His word, His use of humble servants, His initiative in salvation, and His power over every enemy. Acting on God’s promises brings His people into the flow of His redemptive work, then and now. (18) The Lord hath spoken.--The promise here quoted is not contained in so many words in the records which have come down to us. It may have been either an unrecorded utterance of one of the prophets (Samuel, Gad, or Nathan), or simply a reasonable inference from what had been promised, and from the Divine support of David in his career hitherto.Verse 18. - The Lord hath spoken. Here again Abner's statements go far beyond the text of anything recorded in Holy Scripture, but probably they give the popular interpretation of the prophecies respecting David. It will be noticed also that Abner endeavours to meet the general prejudice against David by asserting that he was Israel's destined deliverer from Philistine oppression. As Abner's speech is virtually an acknowledgment of failure, we may also be sure that he had found himself unable any longer to make head against the Philistines on the western side of the Jordan, and that Judah was the only tribe there that enjoyed tranquillity. Everywhere else they had once again established their supremacy. Though a brave soldier, Abner was inferior, not only to David, but also to Joab, both as statesman and general; and the weak Ishbosheth was no help to him, but the contrary.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Nowוְעַתָּ֖ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time take action, עֲשׂ֑וּ (‘ă·śū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 6213: To do, make because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has said אָמַ֤ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to David, דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse ‘Through בְּיַ֣ד ׀ (bə·yaḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand My servant עַבְדִּ֗י (‘aḇ·dî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant David דָּוִ֣ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse I will save הוֹשִׁ֜יעַ (hō·wō·šî·a‘) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor My people עַמִּ֤י (‘am·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Israel יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc from the hands מִיַּ֣ד (mî·yaḏ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of the Philistines פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia [and] וּמִיַּ֖ד (ū·mî·yaḏ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every their enemies.’” אֹיְבֵיהֶֽם׃ (’ō·yə·ḇê·hem) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary Links 2 Samuel 3:18 NIV2 Samuel 3:18 NLT 2 Samuel 3:18 ESV 2 Samuel 3:18 NASB 2 Samuel 3:18 KJV 2 Samuel 3:18 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 3:18 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 3:18 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 3:18 French Bible 2 Samuel 3:18 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 3:18 Now then do it (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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