Introduction:
Abner, son of Ner, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, primarily known for his role as the commander of Saul's army. His account is woven through the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, where he is depicted as a powerful military leader and a key player in the political dynamics of Israel during the transition from Saul's reign to David's kingship.

Family and Background:
Abner was the son of Ner, who was Saul's uncle, making Abner Saul's cousin. This familial connection likely contributed to his high-ranking position as the commander of Saul's army. His loyalty to Saul and his house is evident throughout his early appearances in the biblical narrative.

Role in Saul's Reign:
Abner first appears in the biblical narrative as the commander of Saul's army. He is present during significant events, such as the confrontation with Goliath, although his role in this particular event is not detailed. Abner's military leadership is highlighted in various battles against the Philistines and other enemies of Israel.

Conflict with David:
After Saul's death, Abner initially supports Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David is anointed king over Judah. This division leads to a prolonged conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner's loyalty to Ish-bosheth is tested when Ish-bosheth accuses him of sleeping with Saul's concubine, Rizpah. Feeling insulted and undervalued, Abner decides to defect to David's side.

Alliance with David:
Abner's decision to support David marks a turning point in the struggle for the throne. He reaches out to David, offering to bring all Israel under David's rule. David accepts Abner's offer, and they make a covenant. Abner's defection is a significant political move, as he was a respected leader and his support lent legitimacy to David's claim to the throne.

Death:
Despite his new alliance with David, Abner's life is cut short by Joab, the commander of David's army. Joab kills Abner in Hebron, seeking revenge for the death of his brother Asahel, whom Abner had killed in battle. David publicly mourns Abner's death, demonstrating his disapproval of Joab's actions and honoring Abner as a great leader. In 2 Samuel 3:38, David laments, "Do you not realize that a great prince has fallen today in Israel?"

Legacy:
Abner's legacy is complex, as he is seen both as a loyal servant to Saul and a pragmatic leader who ultimately supports David. His actions significantly influence the political landscape of Israel during a critical period of transition. Abner's account is a testament to the intricate interplay of loyalty, power, and politics in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:
· 1 Samuel 14:50-51: Introduction of Abner as the son of Ner and commander of Saul's army.
· 2 Samuel 2:8-9: Abner makes Ish-bosheth king over Israel.
· 2 Samuel 3:6-21: Abner defects to David and negotiates the unification of Israel under David's rule.
· 2 Samuel 3:27: Joab kills Abner in Hebron.
· 2 Samuel 3:38: David mourns Abner's death, acknowledging his significance in Israel.1 Samuel 14:50
And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 17:55
And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As your soul lives, O king, I cannot tell.
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1 Samuel 26:5,14
And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.
Nave's Topical Index

The Horns of the Altar
... righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not
knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the horns of the altar.htm

Love and Remorse
... arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place
where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Xer, the captain of his host: and Saul lay ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... anointed me king over them.8. But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host,
took Ishb-osheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; 9. And he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm

Every Inch a King.
... king. The other tribes did not come, for Saul's son and the captain of
his host, Abner, were still holding the kingdom. But when ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiii every inch a.htm

What Charge David Gave Tohis Son Solomon at the Approach of his ...
... mindful of the transgressions of Joab, [26] the captain of the host, who hath slain
two generals out of envy, and those righteous and good men, Abner the son ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 what charge david.htm

Continued.
... And as for Abner's profession of ignorance, an incipient jealousy of this stripling
hero may naturally have made the "captain of the host" willing to keep the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iii early dayscontinued.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... Of A Sedition, He Made Amasa Captain Of His Host, In Order ... He also appointed Amass
for the captain of his forces ... for the same cause it was that he killed Abner. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ...
... purified himself, as the custom was, came to supper; and when there sat by him his
son Jonathan on his right hand, and Abner, the captain of his host, on the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david upon.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... He had also Abner, his uncle's son, for the captain of his host: that uncle's name
was Ner. Now Ner, and Kish the father of Saul, were brothers. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

One Fold and one Shepherd
... would still have remained dull if Abner and Ishbosheth ... is nothing impossible, with
Jesus Christ for our Captain. ... all Christ's servants in one host, with the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

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