Topical Encyclopedia Abner, the son of Ner, was a prominent military leader and the commander of Saul's army. He played a significant role in the early monarchy of Israel, particularly during the reign of King Saul. Abner's relationship with the house of Saul was complex and eventually led to his alienation from the royal family.Background and Role in Saul's Reign Abner was a cousin to King Saul, as his father Ner was Saul's uncle (1 Samuel 14:50-51). As the commander of Saul's army, Abner was instrumental in many of the military campaigns against the Philistines and other enemies of Israel. His loyalty to Saul was evident throughout Saul's reign, and he was a key figure in maintaining the king's power. Conflict with David After Saul's death, Abner initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David was anointed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:8-10). This division led to a prolonged conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner led the forces of Ish-bosheth in battles against David's men, commanded by Joab. Alienation from Ish-bosheth The turning point in Abner's relationship with the house of Saul came when Ish-bosheth accused him of sleeping with Saul's concubine, Rizpah (2 Samuel 3:7). This accusation was seen as a challenge to Abner's loyalty and authority. In response, Abner was deeply offended and decided to shift his allegiance to David, saying, "May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him" (2 Samuel 3:9). Alliance with David Abner's decision to support David marked his complete alienation from the house of Saul. He initiated negotiations with David, promising to bring all Israel under David's rule (2 Samuel 3:12). David welcomed Abner's overtures and agreed to a covenant with him, recognizing the strategic advantage of having Abner's support. Death and Aftermath Despite his new alliance with David, Abner's life was cut short. Joab, David's commander, harbored a personal vendetta against Abner for the death of his brother Asahel during a previous battle (2 Samuel 2:23). Joab deceitfully lured Abner into a private meeting and killed him in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:27). David mourned Abner's death and distanced himself from the murder, declaring, "I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner" (2 Samuel 3:28). Abner's alienation from the house of Saul and subsequent death marked a significant shift in the power dynamics of Israel, paving the way for David's unification of the kingdom. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 3:6-21And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul. Nave's Topical Index Resources Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of David and Ish-Bosheth? | GotQuestions.org Who were Rechab and Baanah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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