What qualities made Abner a "great man" in Israel according to 2 Samuel 3:38?

“Do you not realize that a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel today?” (2 Samuel 3:38)

Qualities that earned Abner that tribute

• Proven military courage and leadership—commander of Saul’s forces (1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 2:8)

• Strategic influence—“Abner was strengthening himself for the house of Saul” (2 Samuel 3:6), and the elders of Israel listened to him (3:17)

• Submission to God’s revealed plan—“Just as the LORD has sworn to David, … so I will do for him” (2 Samuel 3:9-10)

• Peacemaking spirit—negotiated a covenant to unite all Israel under David, ending civil war (2 Samuel 3:12-21)

• Integrity in covenant matters—demanded Michal’s return to honor David’s first marriage before any alliance (2 Samuel 3:13-14)

• Personal honor recognized even by a former enemy—David publicly mourned him, fasting and refusing food (2 Samuel 3:31-35)

• Selfless concern for national welfare—placed Israel’s unity above personal ambition (2 Samuel 3:18)

Together these traits—bravery, influence, submission to God, integrity, peacemaking, and selfless patriotism—explain why David could call Abner both “prince” and “great man.”