Topical Encyclopedia Abner was a prominent military leader in Israel during the reign of King Saul and the early years of King David. He was the son of Ner and the cousin of Saul, serving as the commander of Saul's army (1 Samuel 14:50). Abner played a significant role in the power dynamics following Saul's death, initially supporting Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, as king over Israel, while David reigned over Judah (2 Samuel 2:8-10).Murdered by Joab Abner's death is a pivotal event in the narrative of David's rise to power. After a falling out with Ish-bosheth, Abner sought to transfer his allegiance to David, promising to bring all Israel under David's rule (2 Samuel 3:6-12). David welcomed Abner and held a feast for him, sending him away in peace after their meeting (2 Samuel 3:20-21). However, Joab, the commander of David's army, harbored a personal vendetta against Abner for killing his brother Asahel in battle (2 Samuel 2:18-23). Upon learning of Abner's visit to David, Joab deceitfully summoned Abner back to Hebron under the pretense of a private conversation. There, Joab murdered Abner by stabbing him in the stomach, seeking revenge for his brother's death (2 Samuel 3:26-27). David's Sorrow For David's reaction to Abner's murder was one of profound sorrow and public lamentation. He immediately distanced himself from the act, declaring his innocence and cursing Joab's house for the treacherous deed (2 Samuel 3:28-29). David ordered a period of mourning for Abner, and he himself followed the bier, weeping at Abner's grave. He composed a lament for Abner, expressing his grief and the injustice of his death: "Should Abner die the death of a fool? Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked, you have fallen" (2 Samuel 3:33-34). David's public mourning and his refusal to eat until sunset demonstrated his respect for Abner and his desire to show that he had no part in the murder. The people of Israel took note of David's actions, and it pleased them, reinforcing David's integrity and leadership (2 Samuel 3:35-36). David's lament for Abner and his condemnation of Joab's actions highlight the complexities of loyalty, justice, and the struggle for power in the early monarchy of Israel. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 3:27-39And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. Nave's Topical Index Library The Kingdom of all Israel. The Sixth Commandment Resources Who was Abner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Abner and Joab? | GotQuestions.org Who was Rizpah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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