2Sa 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.
There was long war - Frequent battles and skirmishes took place between the followers of David and the followers of Ishbosheth, after the two years mentioned above, to the end of the fifth year, in which Ishbosheth was slain by Rechab and Baanah.
There was long war - The recent battle, though so much in favor of David, did not, put an end to the war between him and Ishbosheth, which lasted five years longer; for it was when Ishbosheth had reigned two years that that battle was fought, and he reigned five years longer; for not till his death, and when David had reigned above seven years in Hebron, was he made king over all Israel; and during this time peace was not made, but the war carried on;
the house of Saul waxed weaker - being always worsted whenever they skirmished with David's men, and by continual revolts from them. This is reckoned an emblem of the kingdoms of Christ and antichrist, the one increasing more and more, as it has and will do, and the other decreasing, and before long will be consumed; and of the two parties in a regenerate man, grace and indwelling sin, the one as to its exercise growing stronger and stronger, and the other as to its influence on the outward conversation weaker and weaker.
And the war - this does not mean continual fighting, but the state of hostility or war in which they continued to stand towards one another. They concluded no peace, so that David was not recognised by Ishbosheth as king, any more than Ishbosheth by David. Not only is there nothing said about any continuance of actual warfare by Abner or Ishbosheth after the loss of the battle at Gibeon, but such a thing was very improbable in itself, as Ishbosheth was too weak to be able to carry on the war, whilst David waited with firm reliance upon the promise of the Lord, until all Israel should come over to him.
2Sa 3:2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
his firstborn was Amnon - he had not much comfort of this firstborn son of his; 2Sa_13.
2Sa 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
Chileab - This son's name is called Daniel, 1Ch_3:1; and was the first name he had, and which his father gave him, because as if he should say, "God hath judged me", and pleaded the cause of his reproach from Nabal, 1Sa_25:39; but why he should be called Chileab is not easy to say; the name is commonly thought to signify "like unto his father", or "all father": had all the features of his father, and was exceedingly like him;
Geshur - A part of Syria , northward from the land of Israel . Her he married, as it may seem, in policy, that he might have a powerful friend and ally to assist him against Ishbosheth's party in the north, whilst himself opposed him in the southern parts. But he paid dear for making piety give place to policy, as the history of Absolom shows.
Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur--a region in Syria , north of Israel . This marriage seems to have been a political match, made by David, with a view to strengthen himself against Ishbosheth's party, by the aid of a powerful friend and ally in the north. Piety was made to yield to policy, and the bitter fruits of this alliance with a heathen prince he reaped in the life of the turbulent Absalom.
the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur - in 1Sa_27:8 we read of David's invading the land of the Geshurites; and the Jews say that he then took the daughter of this king captive, and she being a beautiful woman married her, after made a proselyte according to the law in Deu_21:10; but it should be observed that David slew all the women of that country, and left not any alive; and besides that lay to the south of Judah, whereas this Geshur, of which Talmai was king, was a part of Syria, 2Sa_15:8; and lay to the north of the land of Israel; and with this king David hereby entered into an alliance, to strengthen his interest against Ishbosheth in those parts;
Absalom - of the trouble he met with from Absalom, see 2Sa_13:1, contrary to the expectations he had raised when he gave him the name of Absalom, or Leabsalom, as in 1Ch_3:2; that is, one given "for his father's peace".
2Sa 3:4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
Adonijah - The same who, when David was dying, usurped the throne before his father's death, and was put to death by Solomon 1Ki_1:5.
Shephatiah - “God is judge.” This is the same name as Jehoshaphat, only with the two elements composing it placed in inverted order. Nothing more is known of him or of his brother Ithream.
Haggith, Abital, Eglah - The origin of the last three wives is unknown.
2Sa 3:5 And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
Ithream - Who also is not spoken of in any other place;
David's wife – the phrase, by what the rhetoricians call "zeugma", or "hypozeugma", is to be joined to everyone of the women before mentioned, 2Sa_3:2, who were his wives, and so called to distinguish them from his concubines, by whom he had sons also. Polygamy, or plurality of wives, which David gave into, is no favorable part of his character.
2Sa 3:6 And 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.
Abner made himself strong – he was strongly in the interest of that house, and used his utmost endeavors to support and confirm it which is mentioned, to show the reason of his deep resentment of the following aspersion.
2Sa 3:7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?
wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine --In the East, the wives and concubines of a king are the property of his successor to this extent, that for a private person to aspire to marry one of them would be considered a virtual advance of pretensions to the crown. It is not clear whether the accusation against Abner was well or ill founded. But he resented the charge as an indignity, and, impelled by revenge, determined to transfer all the weight of his influence to the opposite party. He evidently set a full value on his services, and seems to have lorded it over his weak nephew in a haughty, overbearing manner.
wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine - It was the exclusive right of the successor to the throne to cohabit with the concubines of the deceased king, who came down to him as part of the property which he inherited.
Saul had a concubine - By whom he had two sons, 2Sa_21:8.
wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine - and defiled her; though perhaps it was not so much the act of uncleanness that so much offended him, or the dishonor reflected on him and his family, as it discovered an ambitious view in Abner to get the kingdom into his own hands.
Decline of the House of Saul - During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner adhered firmly to the house of Saul, but he appropriated one of Saul's concubines to himself. When Ishbosheth charged him with this, he fell into so violent a rage, that he at once announced to Ishbosheth his intention to hand over the kingdom to David. Abner had certainly perceived the utter incapacity of Ishbosheth for a very long time, if not from the very outset, and had probably made him king after the death of Saul, merely that he might save himself from the necessity of submitting to David, and might be able to rule in Ishbosheth's name, and possibly succeed in paving his own way to the throne. His appropriation of the concubine of the deceased monarch was at any rate a proof, according to Israelitish notions, and in fact those generally prevalent in the East, that he was aiming at the throne. But it may gradually have become obvious to him, that the house of Saul could not possibly retain the government in opposition to David; and this may have led to his determination to persuade all the Israelites to acknowledge David, and thereby to secure for himself an influential post under his government. This will explain in a very simple manner Abner's falling away from Ishbosheth and going over to David.
2Sa 3:8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
Am I a dog’s head - This was a proverbial expression among the Hebrews to denote whatever was deemed worthless and contemptible.
Then was Abner very wroth - If false he had a good deal of reason for it; and if true, he thought he deserved better at his hands, than to be reproved for and upbraided with what he might think was a very small fault, and might easily be connived at, and especially in one that had been so serviceable to him:
that thou chargest me today with a fault concerning this woman - he neither denies nor owns the charge, and yet, by his not denying it, tacitly owns it; though, by his way of speaking, he suggests as if it was no fault at all, at least a very trifling one, and such as ought not to have been mentioned to him, considering the services he had done to Ishbosheth and his family.
2Sa 3:9 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;
So do God to Abner, and more also - He wishes the worst of evils to himself, such as he cared not to name; but left them to be supposed what he meant as utter ruin and destruction of himself, soul and body:
Except, as the Lord hath sworn to David - And why did he not do this before, when he knew that God had given the kingdom to David? Was he not now, according to his own concession, fighting against God?
Except, as the Lord hath sworn to David - it appears that Abner knew of the promise and oath of God respecting this matter; and therefore acted against his conscience, in setting up Ishbosheth on the throne; which he knew would not prosper, and that he was fighting against God; which shows what a hardened wicked creature he was, and how far ambition, and being thought to be of consequence, will carry a man.
2Sa 3:10 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.
To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul -Which was what the Lord had sworn to do, 1Sa_15:28 And Samuel said to him, The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you; and which Abner now threatens to do, insolently taking that to himself which belonged to the Lord, and as if he could not do it without him:
from Dan even unto Beersheba - which were the utmost borders of the land of Israel , from north to south, and so includes the whole.
2Sa 3:11 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
2Sa 3:12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
Whose is the land - Meaning, Is not the land thine by God’s promise? It is not to any of Saul's posterity. This he ordered the messengers to say in the first place, in order to ingratiate himself to David, and gain his messengers an audience.
Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf - On his own account, and not on the account of Ishbosheth, or the people of Israel ; but to obtain terms for himself,
Abner sent messengers to David--Though his language implied a secret conviction, that in supporting Ish-bosheth he had been laboring to frustrate the divine purpose of conferring the sovereignty of the kingdom on David, this acknowledgment was no justification either of the measure he was now adopting, or of the motives that prompted it. Nor does it seem possible to uphold the full integrity and honor of David's conduct in entertaining his secret overtures for undermining Ishbosheth, except we take into account the divine promise of the kingdom, and his belief that the secession of Abner was a means designed by Providence for accomplishing it. The demand for the restoration of his wife Michal was perfectly fair; but David's insisting on it at that particular moment, as an indispensable condition of his entering into any treaty with Abner, seems to have proceeded not so much from a lingering attachment as from an expectation that his possession of her would incline some adherents of the house of Saul to be favorable to his cause.
make thy league with me - he desired to enter into a covenant of friendship with him, that everything that had passed might be forgiven and forgotten:
my hand shall be with thee - he promises on his part to do his utmost to bring all Israel under his government and to obedience to him.
2Sa 3:13 And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
Except thou first bring Michal - David had already six wives at Hebron; and none of them could have such pretensions to legitimacy as Michal, who had been taken away from him and married to Phaltiel. However distressing it was to take her from a husband who loved her most tenderly, yet prudence and policy required that he should strengthen his own interest in the kingdom as much as possible; and that he should not leave a princess in the possession of a man who might, in her right, have made pretensions to the throne. Besides, she was his own lawful wife, and he had a right to demand her when he pleased.
Except thou first bring Michal - David’s motive in requiring the restitution of Michal was partly his affection for her, and his memory of her love for him; partly the wish to wipe out the affront put upon him in taking away his wife, by obtaining her return; and partly, also, a politic consideration of the effect on Saul’s partisans of a daughter of Saul being David’s queen.
Except thou first bring Michal - he insisted on it that Michal, Saul's daughter, and his wife, should be brought along with him, and presented to him; this was the preliminary to the league and covenant; if this was not complied with, the proposal would not be attended to. This shows the great affection David retained for his first wife, though he had had six since, and though she had lived with another man, 1Sa_25:44; as also his great regard to the honor of Saul's family, that one of them might share with him in the grandeur of the kingdom; though this also might be a piece of policy in him, to gain the friends of Saul's family to him.
Except thou first bring Michal - Michal was not divorced, but violently separated from David, he had a legal right to demand her, and was justified in receiving her again. It is probable, also, that her marriage with Phaltiel was a force upon her inclinations; and whatever affections he might have for her, it was highly criminal for him to take another man’s wife. David required Michal probably both out of affection for her, and to strengthen his interest, by asserting his affinity with the house of Saul.
I will make a league with thee - He accepted of the offer, he was ready and willing to enter into a covenant of friendship with him, and forgive all past offences:
thou shall not see my face – not be admitted into my presence, or have any mark of my favor and respect:
2Sa 3:14 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
Sent messengers to Ishbosheth - Not to Abner, for the league between David and Abner was a profound secret, but to Ishbosheth who, David knew, must act, feeble as he was, at Abner’s dictation. Abner’s first act of overt allegiance to David was thus done at Ishbosheth’s bidding; and the effect of the humiliation laid upon Ishbosheth in exposing his weakness to his own subjects, and so shaking their allegiance to him, was such that Abner needed to use no more disguise.
Sent messengers to Ishbosheth - When Abner's messengers returned to him, and acquainted him with the condition of David's entering into a league with him, it is probable that Abner sent them or others to David, to let him know that it was advisable for him to write to Ishbosheth, whose sister she was, and demand her of him; and that then he would use his interest with Ishbosheth to grant it, and this method David took:
Sent messengers to Ishbosheth - Whose consent was necessary, both to take her away from her present husband, and to persuade her to return to David.
Deliver me my wife - It is supposed that he meant to screen Abner; and to prevent that violence which he might have used in carrying off Michal.
Deliver me my wife - two arguments he made use of to enforce his demand; one is, that it was his wife he required, to whom he had a right, and no other man; and the other is, that he had purchased her at a great expense, at the risk of his life, in slaying an hundred Philistines, whose foreskins he paid in for her at the instance of Saul; he mentions but one hundred, though he gave two hundred as her dowry, no more being required than one hundred;
2Sa 3:15 And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.
took her from her husband - Her second husband, to whom Saul had given her, 1Sa_25:44 And Saul gave his daughter Michal, David's wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, who was of Gallim.
2Sa 3:16 And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
Bahurim - Best known as the residence of Shimei, and as the place where Jonathan and Ahimaaz were concealed in a well on the occasion of David’s flight from Absalom 2Sa_16:5; 2Sa_17:18. It seems to have been situated in the southern border of the tribe of Benjamin, and on the route from Jerusalem to the Jordan fords, since Phaltiel came from Mahanaim 2Sa_2:8.
Weeping behind her - Because of his great affection to her, unwilling to part with her, but forced to it at the command of the king her brother: If genuine affection did not still subsist between David and Michal, it was a pity to have taken her from Phaltiel, who had her to wife from the conjoint authority of her father and her king. Nevertheless David had a legal right to her, as she had never been divorced, for she was taken from him by the hand of violence.
2Sa 3:17 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:
Ye sought for David - It was only by Abner’s great influence that the elders of Israel had been restrained hitherto from declaring for David, and this accounts for Ishbosheth’s helpless submission to his uncle’s dictation.
Ye sought for David - that is, at the death of Saul, and not before; for it was pretty generally known throughout the kingdom that David was anointed by Samuel and Saul himself had declared that he knew the kingdom would come to him; so that upon his death it was the general expectation and desire of the people that the government would devolve upon him, as it doubtless would, if Abner had not set up one of Saul's house, and persuaded the Israelites to own him their king.
Abner had communication with the elders of Israel--He spoke the truth in impressing their minds with the well-known fact of David's divine designation to the kingdom. But he acted a base and hypocritical part in pretending that his present movement was prompted by religious motives, when it sprang entirely from malice and revenge against Ishbosheth. The particular appeal of the Benjamites was a necessary policy; their tribe enjoyed the honor of giving birth to the royal dynasty of Saul; they would naturally be disinclined to lose that prestige. They were, besides, a determined people, whose contiguity to Judah might render them troublesome and dangerous. The enlistment of their interest, therefore, in the scheme, would smooth the way for the adhesion of the other tribes; and Abner enjoyed the most convenient opportunity of using his great influence in gaining over that tribe while escorting Michal to David with a suitable equipage. The mission enabled him to cover his treacherous designs against his master. Abner pursued a course unworthy of an honorable man and though his offer was accepted by David, the guilt and infamy of the transaction were exclusively his.
2Sa 3:18 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.
2Sa 3:19 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin - Of the inhabitants of the tribe of Benjamin, of which tribe he was, and among whom he had the greatest influence; and with whom it was necessary to take some pains, because of their attachment to the family of Saul, which was of that tribe; We may see from Abner's address to the elders, that even among the northern tribes the popular voice had long since decided for David. In 1 Chron 12 we have historical proofs of this.
Abner went also to speak in the ears of David - having sounded the elders of Israel, and won their thoughts about the change of government, and found them well disposed to David, and had prevailed upon them to consent to make him king, and had gained the tribe of Benjamin on his side, went and reported to David the success he had:
all that seemed good to Israel - how agreeable it was to the elders of Israel , and particularly to the tribe of Benjamin, to have David king over them.
2Sa 3:20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.
Twenty men - These were doubtless his official suite as Ishbosheth’s envoy to conduct Michal to David, but privy and consenting to his intrigue with David. It is remarkable that not a word should be said about the meeting of David and Michal.
Abner came to David to Hebron - Before he went privately to him, and conferred with him, but now, having gained so many of the Israelites in favor of David, he appeared more publicly and brought perhaps some of the principal of the nation with him, to join in the league and covenant to be made:
David made Abner a feast - not only in honor to them, as great personages, especially Abner, and as expressive of reconciliation; but as a token of the covenant they were entering into, and for the confirmation of it; it being usual to have feasts when covenants were made; see Gen_26:28.
2Sa 3:21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
Abner said to David - Abner repeats the offer 2Sa_3:12; and the condition of Michal’s return 2Sa_3:13 being now fulfilled, David accepts it, and the league between them was solemnly ratified at David’s board, amidst the rites of hospitality.
Abner said to David - What Abner had done for Ishbosheth, including his fighting against David, was indeed a sinful act of resistance to the will of Jehovah, which was not unknown to him, and according to which Samuel had both called and anointed David king over the nation; but for all that, it was not an ordinary act of rebellion against the person of David and his rightful claim to the throne, because Jehovah had not yet caused David to be set before the nation as its king by Samuel or any other prophet, and David had not yet asserted the right to reign over all Israel, which had been secured to him by the Lord and guaranteed by his anointing, as one which the nation was bound to recognise; but, like a true servant of God, he waited patiently till the Lord should give him the dominion over all His people.
He went in peace - David dismissed him in good faith, having no sinister design in reference to him. The expression “in peace” serves to prepare the way for what follows. It is not stated, however, that David sent him away in peace (without avenging himself upon him), but that “David sent him away, and he went in peace.” Apart altogether from the mildness of David's own character, he had no reason whatever for treating Abner as an enemy, now that he had given up all opposition to his reigning, and had brought all the Israelites over to him.
thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth - which he supposed reached to all the people of the house of Israel and of Judah, though David had not expressed any eager and impatient desire of government, but waited the Lord's time to be put into the possession of the whole kingdom of Israel:
2Sa 3:22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop - A troop of robbers, that made an incursion into the land, taking the advantage of a civil war between Israel and Judah ;
2Sa 3:23 When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
2Sa 3:24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?
what hast thou done - which was very insolent in a subject to say to his prince: Joab and his brother Abishai, David’s nephews, had been very faithful and highly useful to him in his distresses; and, from gratitude and natural affection, he had inadvertently permitted them to assume almost as much ascendancy over him as Abner had over Ishbosheth. he trusted and feared them too much, and allowed them all the importance they claimed; which had emboldened them, especially Joab, to a high degree of presumption.
why is it that thou hast sent him away - when he ought to have been laid hold on as a traitor, and put in irons.
Then Joab came to the king - Possibly Joab saw that if Abner was reconciled to David, his own post as second in the state would be forfeited; and then with characteristic unscrupulosity he proceeded to take Abner’s life.
Joab came to the king - Joab's knowledge of Abner's wily character might have led him to doubt the sincerity of that person's proposals and to disapprove the policy of relying on his fidelity. But undoubtedly there were other reasons of a private and personal nature which made Joab displeased and alarmed by the reception given to Abner. The military talents of that general, his popularity with the army, his influence throughout the nation, rendered him a formidable rival. In the event of his overtures being carried out, the important service of bringing over all the other tribes to the king of Judah would establish so strong a claim on the gratitude of David, that his accession would inevitably raise a serious obstacle to the ambition of Joab. To these considerations was added the remembrance of the blood feud that existed between them since the death of his brother Asahel (2Sa_2:23). Determined, therefore, to get Abner out of the way, Joab feigned some reason, probably in the king's name, for recalling him, and, going out to meet him, stabbed him unawares; not within Hebron, for it was a city of refuge, but at a noted well in the neighborhood.
2Sa 3:25 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner - Thou canst not be ignorant what a cunning deceitful man he is, nor of his designs;
to know thy going out, and coming in - the affairs of his court, the secrets of his government, to observe his conduct and behavior, and all his actions, and improve them against him: He suggests that he came not as a friend, but as a spy, and therefore ought to have been taken up, and detained, and not dismissed. This Joab said to set David against him, fearing, if he should be received into favor, he would be a rival of his; and besides his breast was full of revenge against him for the death of his brother.
2Sa 3:26 And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
The well Sirah - Nowhere else mentioned;
David knew it not - that Joab had sent after Abner to fetch him back; it was not done by his order, with his consent or knowledge; this is observed, to clear David from any concern in the death of Abner.
2Sa 3:27 And 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.
And smote him there - Joab feared that, after having rendered such essential services to David, Abner would be made captain of the host: he therefore determined to prevent it by murdering the man, under pretense of avenging the death of his brother Asahel. The murder, however, was unprovoked and wicked: and such was the power and influence of this nefarious general, that the king dared not to bring him to justice for his crime. In the same way he murdered Amasa, a little time afterwards. 2Sa_20:10. Joab was a cool-blooded, finished murderer.
Joab took him aside in the gate - where he was waiting for him, and met him; this was a public place, where people were continually passing, and where courts of judicature used to be held; wherefore Abner might think himself safe here with Joab, and have no suspicion at all of his design, and shows how fearless Joab was of God or men:
to speak with him quietly - peaceably, in a friendly manner, as all his gestures towards him showed; so that Abner made no difficulty of turning aside with him, supposing he had something to communicate to him from the king, which he had forgot:
smote him under the fifth rib - in the same place that Abner had smote his brother,
smote him under the fifth rib - while Joab’s conduct cannot be too severely reprobated, the justice of God is apparent in Abner’s punishment; who, from ambition, had opposed the declared will of God; and was induced by base resentment to desert Ishbosheth, and offer his services to David.
for the blood of Asahel his brother - for Abner's shedding his brother's blood; but this was not the only reason, and perhaps not the chief reason; but because he was fearful if Abner was received into the friendship of the king, he would be preferred unto him, and take his place as general of the army, as being an older and more experienced officer.
2Sa 3:28 And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
And afterward, when David heard it - this circumstance is observed, the more to clear the king from any concern in this affair: He spoke publicly and called God to witness.
I and my kingdom are guiltless - He was sensible it would be known that Abner had been with him, and that Joab his general had killed him; and therefore it might be suspected that he had an hand in it; and therefore, to purge him from it, he made this public declaration, that neither he nor his council knew anything of it; and that it was not done with their knowledge and consent, and by their order, but through the resentment of a single person; and therefore hoped that no man would impute the shedding of this blood unto them, or that God would punish them for it; and he was the rather led to make this public declaration, because he knew that the death of Abner in this way would be resented by the friends of Saul's family, and be an obstruction to the union of the two kingdoms, which it was known Abner was endeavoring to bring about.
2Sa 3:29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
Let it rest on the head - That is, the blood of Abner, who was the shedder of it; let the guilt of it be charged to him, and let punishment for it be inflicted on him: All these verbs may be rendered in the future tense: it will rest on the head of Joab, etc. This was a prophetic declaration, which sufficiently showed the displeasure of God against this execrable man.
Let it rest on the head - The meaning is: May God avenge the murder of Abner upon Joab and his family, by punishing them continually with terrible diseases, violent death, and poverty. To make the reason for this fearful curse perfectly clear, the historian observes in 2Sa_3:30, that Joab and his brother Abishai had murdered Abner, “because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle” (2Sa_2:23). This act of Joab, in which Abishai must have been in some way concerned, was a treacherous act of assassination, which could not even be defended as blood-revenge, since Abner had slain Asahel in battle after repeated warnings, and only for the purpose of saving his own life. The principal motive for Joab's act was the most contemptible jealousy, or the fear lest Abner's reconciliation to David should diminish his own influence with the king, as was the case again at a later period with the murder of Amasa (2Sa_20:10).
and on all his father's house - on Abishai his brother, and other relations that might be privy to the death of Abner,
let there not fail from the house of Joab - let there be always in his family, and of his seed, one or other of the persons described as follows:
let there not fail from the house of Joab - all which David might say, not by a spirit of prophecy, but in a passion; and to show with what horror he resented the action, and how detestable it was to him, and how far it was for him to have any concern in it: but though it was a very wicked action in Joab to murder Abner in this manner, and for the reasons he did; yet it was a just vengeance from the Lord on Abner for fighting against God, and acting against the dictates of his own conscience; for his rebellion against David, and perfidy to Ishbosheth, and for having been the cause of much bloodshed in Israel.
let there not fail from the house of Joab - The curse of David proves that Joab was not justified as blood-revenger 2Sa_3:27 in taking away Abner’s life. For similar instances of hereditary disease and poverty as a punishment of great sin, see 1Sa_2:31-33, 1Sa_2:36; 2Ki_5:27. Compare to Joh_9:2-3 And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither has this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God might be revealed in him.
That leaneth on a staff - Rather, a crutch. The phrase denotes one lame or infirm.
one that hath an issue - gonorrhoea, which was reckoned infamous, and very impure, according to the Jewish law, and rendered persons unfit for society; see Lev_15.
that is a leper - whose disease was very loathsome and infectious, and shut him out of the company of men; see Lev_13.
or that falleth on the sword - not by it honorably in the field of battle, but cowardly destroying themselves with it:
or that lacketh bread - and is obliged to beg it:
2Sa 3:30 So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner - For though it was only Joab that gave him the thrust of which he died, Abishai was in the secret, and was consenting and advising to his death, and so an accessory to it; and might be present, ready to assist in it, if occasion required.
because he had slain their brother Asahel - which was no just reason at all; his blood was shed in war, this in peace, in cold blood, and under the guise of friendship; that was shed with reluctance, and after fair warning, and in defense of himself; but this willfully in Joab, unawares to Abner, and in great deceit and hypocrisy; 1Ki_2:5 And also you know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, that he murdered them, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle on his loins, and in his shoes on his feet.
2Sa 3:31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
David said to Joab - He commanded him to take on him the part of a principal mourner.
David said to Joab - To his whole court, Joab being present: for he did not flee, nor was he laid hold on in order to be brought to justice; which shows how great his power was, and that he was too hard for David; however he enjoined his whole court, and Joab also, to express public mourning on this account:
David said to Joab - Him he especially obliged to it, to bring him to repentance for his sin, and to expose him to public shame. David, intending no doubt to punish Joab, and to lessen his authority with the people, commanded him to take upon him the office of chief mourner; but, as his revenge was gratified, his rival removed, and no heavier punishment inflicted, it is probable his hardened mind would feel but little objection to the ceremony.
rend your clothes and gird you with sackcloth - which were expressions of mourning used on various occasions, and on account of the dead.
rend your clothes and gird you with sackcloth - David's sorrow was sincere and profound, and he took occasion to give it public expression by the funeral honors he appointed for Abner.
2Sa 3:32 And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
2Sa 3:33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
Lamented - composed and sang the funeral dirge.
the king lamented over Abner--This brief elegy is an effusion of indignation as much as of sorrow. As Abner had stabbed Asahel in open war [2Sa_2:23], Joab had not the right of the Goel. Besides, he had adopted a lawless and execrable method of obtaining satisfaction. The deed was an insult to the authority, as well as most damaging to the prospects of the king. But David's feelings and conduct on hearing of the death, together with the whole character and accompaniments of the funeral solemnity, tended not only to remove all suspicion of guilt from him, but even to turn the tide of popular opinion in his favor, and to pave the way for his reigning over all the tribes more honorably than by the treacherous negotiations of Abner.
died Abner as a fool dieth – That is, as a wicked man. Was he cut off by the hand of justice for his crimes? Nothing less; but by Joab's malice and treachery.
died Abner as a fool dieth – the answer to the question is, he did not die as wicked men die; he did not die for any wickedness he had been guilty of; he did not die as a malefactor, whose crime has been charged and proved in open court, and sentence of condemnation pronounced on him righteously for it; but he died without anything being laid to his charge, and much less proved, and without judge or jury; he was murdered in a clandestine, insidious, and deceitful manner; so the word "fool" is often taken in Scripture for a wicked man, especially in the book of Proverbs;
2Sa 3:34 Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
Thy hands were not bound - This thought prepares the way for the solution; Abner had been treacherously murdered by wicked men.
Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters - As criminals are when they are taken up for any crime, and especially when proved upon them, and condemned for it, and brought forth to be executed. This was not his case, and had he been aware of the design against him.
as a man falleth before wicked men - as a man being before bloodthirsty and deceitful men, falls before them, through treachery and deceit, privately and unawares, so fell Abner before Joab and Abishai; this David said in the presence of Joab, and before all the people, to declare the plain fact how it was, to express his detestation of it, and to show he had no hand in it; and Joab must be an hardened creature to stand at the grave of Abner, and hear all this, and not be affected with it:
all the people wept again over him - over Abner, being laid in his grave; they had wept before, but hearing this funeral oration delivered by the king in such moving language, and in such a mournful tone, it drew tears afresh from them.
2Sa 3:35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
To eat meat - Fasting was a sign of the deep mourning 2Sa_1:12. The fast lasted until the sun was set.
To eat meat - The custom was to bury in the daytime, and after the funeral was over to provide and send in food to the relations of the deceased, and come and eat with them;
2Sa 3:36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.
The people took notice - They saw that the king’s grief was sincere, and that he had no part nor device in the murder of Abner:
The people took notice - Not only of his oath, that he would not eat food till evening, but of his whole conduct at the funeral of Abner; the sorrow he expressed for his death, and the oration he made on account of it, in which he pretty severely reflected on his murderer:
it pleased them - that he showed such a concern for his death, and that it was a clear case he had no hand in it: and they had such an high opinion of him, that all that he did in public and private affairs they reckoned well done; they were highly approved of by them. They were satisfied concerning David's integrity.
2Sa 3:37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
2Sa 3:38 And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
a prince and a great man - a "prince", being of the royal family, his father was Saul's uncle, and he his own cousin; a "great" man, being general of the army, a very valiant and skilful commander, a man of great wisdom and parts. David says nothing of his grace and virtue, only of his grandeur, his high birth and civil excellencies; he praises him in what he was commendable, and proceeds no further;
2Sa 3:39 And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
I am this day weak - Which seems to be given as a reason, or for an excuse why he did not inflict just punishment upon the murderer, according to the law of God, because he was "weak"; not in body or mind, but with respect to the kingdom, that was like a tender branch, or in its infant state; and great care and caution were to be used that it was not overturned: he was a king by unction, not by birth; a son of the late king was yet up against him, and was possessed of the far greater part of the kingdom; he was indeed anointed by Samuel to be king over all Israel; but as yet he was not put into the possession of the kingdom he was anointed to; he was anointed and made king over Judah, and invested with the office of king there, and settled in it; and yet his power was not very great there.
The Lord shall reward the doer of evil - That is, Joab, whom he appears afraid to name. Which may be considered either as an imprecation of evil on Joab, or a prediction, that sooner or later righteous judgment would be rendered to him by the Lord; with whom he leaves it to take vengeance on him, satisfying himself with this for the present, that though it was not in his power to do it, the Lord would in his own time and way:
the sons of Zeruiah, be too hard for me - his sister's sons, Joab and Abishai, they were a check upon him; he could not do what he would, their influence was so great, both in the court and in the camp; the one was general of the army, and the other a considerable officer in it, and both very respectable among the people, for their achievements in war, and the success they had; so that they were very much out of the reach of David to bring them to justice, without shaking his kingdom; and therefore in point of prudence he thought it best to connive at this fact until he was more established in the kingdom. Whatever may be said for this conduct, it is certain he was too dilatory, and it did not sit easy upon his mind, and therefore gave it in charge to Solomon before his death not to suffer Joab to go to his grave in peace, 1Ki_2:5-6.
the sons of Zeruiah, be too hard for me - After all that can be said in favor of David, he seems to have been too much in fear of men, and too distrustful of the power and promise of God to establish him in his kingdom, and was too negligent of public justice; which had it been exercised, might have prevented other sins, as the murder of Ishbosheth, Ammon, and others.
