Joab Murders Abner; David's Protest and Mourning
2 Samuel 3:22-39
2 S.3.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנה: ADV
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מהגדוד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושלל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- עמם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- הביאו: VERB,hiphil,imperat,2,m,pl
- ואבנר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איננו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl,neg
- עם: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שלחו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בשלום: PREP
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:21 (structural): Immediate context: Abner had come to Hebron and made a covenant with David; 3:22 follows by noting that Abner was not with David because he was sent away, so 3:21–22 form a unit about Abner's visit and departure.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Joab murders Abner after Abner leaves — a direct outcome tied to Abner's being sent away and his return to Hebron mentioned in 3:22.
- 2 Samuel 2:12-32 (thematic): Earlier hostilities between the house of Saul (led by Abner) and David's house (Joab and his men), including pursuit and casualties, provide the background for the continuing feud and the movement of troops and spoils in 3:22.
- 1 Samuel 30:18-20 (thematic): David and his men return from a raid with much spoil — parallels the motif in 3:22 of David's servants and Joab coming back with abundant booty.
- 2 Samuel 3:6 (verbal): Abner's earlier outreach and negotiation with David (sending messengers and proposing transfer of allegiance) connects verbally and thematically to the diplomatic movements and Abner's presence/absence described in 3:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- And behold, David’s servants and Joab came from the camp, and they brought with them a great spoil; but Abner was not with David at Hebron, for David had sent him away and he had gone in peace.
- And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from the raid; they brought much plunder with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
2 S.3.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ליואב: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישלחהו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בשלום: PREP
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:21 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same narrative: Abner comes to David at Hebron, David receives him and sends him away, establishing the same action reported to Joab.
- 2 Samuel 3:22 (verbal): Direct continuation stating that Abner went in peace to Hebron—repeats the key phrase וילך בשלום found in 3:23 and emphasizes his peaceful departure.
- 1 Chronicles 12:19-20 (verbal): Chronicles retells the episode of Abner coming to David and being sent away in peace, offering a parallel account of the same event in a different biblical tradition.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Sharp narrative contrast: although Abner was sent away in peace, he is later murdered by Joab—this verse supplies the outcome that reframes the significance of 3:23.
- 2 Samuel 2:18-23 (thematic): Background parallel: earlier conflict between Abner and Joab in which Asahel is killed by Joab, providing motive and context for Joab's hostile response to Abner despite the peaceful departure reported in 3:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joab and all the army that were with him came; they reported to Joab, saying, “Abner son of Ner came to the king, and the king sent him away, and he has gone in peace.”
- And Joab and all the army that was with him came, and it was reported to Joab, saying, "Abner son of Ner has come to the king, and the king sent him away, and he went in peace."
2 S.3.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- עשיתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- למה: ADV
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- שלחתו: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg,3,m,sg(obj)
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הלוך: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:21 (structural): Sets the immediate context: Abner had come to David, spoken to him, and they made a covenant — the factual background for Joab’s question that Abner 'came to you.'
- 2 Samuel 3:25-26 (verbal): David’s reply and his sending of messengers to bring Abner back directly responds to Joab’s complaint in 3:24; the verses repeat and resolve the concern about allowing Abner to depart.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Joab’s murder of Abner is the tragic outcome triggered by the events of 3:24–26; this verse shows the lethal consequences implied by Joab’s alarm.
- 2 Samuel 3:31-39 (thematic): David’s public lament and his protestation of innocence after Abner’s death contrast with Joab’s action, highlighting the political fallout and David’s distancing from the murder.
- 2 Samuel 2:18-23 (allusion): Earlier conflict between Abner and Joab (including the death of Joab’s brother Asahel) explains Joab’s longstanding hostility and motive for his harsh reaction when Abner visits David.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you—why did you send him away, that he has gone?”
- Then Joab came to the king and said, "What have you done? Behold, Abner has come to you — why did you send him away, that he has gone off?"
2 S.3.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ידעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- לפתתך: VERB,qal,inf,2,m,sg
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ולדעת: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- מוצאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- מובאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- ולדעת: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam 3:22 (structural): Same episode — earlier verse summarizes Abner’s visit to David ‘to know whence thou wentest, and whither thou wentest,’ paralleling Joab’s charge that Abner came to learn David’s comings and goings.
- 2 Sam 3:27 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence — Joab murders Abner after accusing him of deceit; connects the allegation in 3:25 with the violent outcome that follows.
- 1 Kings 2:5–6 (thematic): David’s charge to Solomon to punish Joab for his slayings (including Abner) treats Joab’s killing as unlawful treachery tied to the episode described in 2 Sam 3:25–27.
- Ps 55:21 (thematic): Describes duplicitous speech and hidden hostility (‘his words were softer than butter… war in his heart’), thematically echoing Joab’s claim that Abner came under a pretense to spy on David.
- Ps 41:9 (thematic): Speaks of betrayal by a close companion (‘even my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted’), reflecting the theme of an apparent ally (Abner) who is accused of treacherous intent toward David.
Alternative generated candidates
- You know Abner son of Ner—he came to deceive you, to learn your going out and your coming in, to know all that you do.
- You know Abner son of Ner, how he came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to learn all that you do.
2 S.3.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעם: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מלאכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- מבור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (structural): Direct continuation of the episode: Joab murders Abner after bringing him back from the well — explains the immediate outcome of the messengers' action.
- 2 Samuel 4:5-12 (thematic): Ish-bosheth is murdered by captains who bring his head to David claiming to act in his interest; parallels covert killings and the problem of others committing violence while the king is unaware.
- 1 Samuel 24:3-7 (thematic): Abishai urges David to kill Saul in the cave and would have done so without David's consent; parallels the motif of a subordinate ready to take lethal action while the leader refrains or is unaware.
- 1 Samuel 26:7-11 (thematic): Abishai again gains access to Saul and could have killed him but David refuses — another instance of a lieutenant acting (or ready to act) against an enemy without the leader's approval, echoing Joab's independent violence.
- 1 Kings 2:5-6, 31-34 (allusion): Solomon's later execution of Joab (and David's charge to Solomon) alludes back to Joab's murder of Abner; shows long-term consequence and royal judgment for the unauthorized killing narrated in 2 Samuel 3:26–27.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Joab departed from David and sent messengers after Abner; they brought him back from the well of Sirah, and David did not know it.
- So Joab went out from the presence of David and sent messengers after Abner; they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah, and David did not know it.
2 S.3.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויטהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תוך: PREP
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לדבר: INF,qal
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- בשלי: PREP
- ויכהו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- החמש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בדם: PREP
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:24-26 (allusion): Abner kills Asahel after a pursuit (2:24–26); this earlier death gives Joab a personal motive and background for murdering Abner in 3:27.
- 2 Samuel 3:29-30 (structural): David's public mourning over Abner and his curse on Joab immediately follow the killing, showing the political and moral fallout of the assassination.
- 2 Samuel 3:33-34 (verbal): David's words and actions after Abner's murder—refusing to see Joab and demanding justice—underscore the king's disavowal of the killing and attempt to distance himself from Joab's act.
- 2 Samuel 4:5-7 (thematic): The assassination of Ish-bosheth in his own house by Rechab and Baanah parallels the theme of political murder and betrayal within the royal household.
- 1 Kings 2:5-6, 31-34 (structural): Solomon later orders and carries out Joab's execution for the blood of Abner (and others), showing long-term retribution and the legal/political consequences of Joab's murder.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gate to speak with him privately, and there Joab struck him in the belly; the wound was fatal, and he died—for the blood of Asahel his brother.
- When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gate to speak with him privately; there Joab struck him in the belly under the fifth rib, and he died — for the blood of Asahel his brother.
2 S.3.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאחרי: PREP
- כן: ADV
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נקי: ADJ,m,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- וממלכתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs,1s
- מעם: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדמי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam 3:27 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel — this verse reports the murder of Abner by Joab, the event to which David's declaration in 3:28 directly responds.
- 2 Sam 3:29 (structural): Close contextual parallel — David's subsequent words lament Abner's death and reiterate that he and his kingdom are not guilty, developing the same claim of innocence.
- 1 Sam 24:12-15 (thematic): David twice refuses to slay Saul and publicly asserts his innocence regarding Saul’s blood, appealing to the LORD as judge—parallel in theme and rhetoric (disavowal of bloodguilt before God).
- 1 Sam 26:9-11 (thematic): Another episode where David spares Saul and insists he will not stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed, likewise disavowing responsibility for royal blood and leaving judgment to God.
- Ps 7:3-5 (thematic): A psalm in which David pleads his innocence and challenges God to judge him if he has committed violence — echoes the motif of asserting freedom from bloodguilt and invoking divine judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- David heard afterward and said, “I am clear, and my kingdom is innocent before the LORD forever—from the blood of Abner son of Ner.”
- When David heard afterward, he said, "I am clean, and my kingdom is clean before the LORD forever from the blood of Abner son of Ner."
2 S.3.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יחלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- יכרת: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומצרע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומחזיק: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptcp,m,sg
- בפלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונפל: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחסר: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:28-34 (structural): Narrative fulfillment of the judgment invoked here: Solomon orders Joab slain and his house punished for past murders (Joab is executed by Benaiah).
- 2 Samuel 20:10-13 (thematic): Another episode of Joab's violent, treacherous killing (of Amasa) showing the pattern of murder and bloodguilt that David condemns in 3:29.
- Deuteronomy 28:15-20 (thematic): The covenantal curse formula lists misfortunes—disease, defeat by the sword, and lack of food—paralleling the catalogue of calamities invoked against Joab's house.
- Psalm 109:6-15 (thematic): An imprecatory psalm that enumerates a series of harsh punishments and social/physical calamities on an enemy, similar in form and intent to David’s curse in 2 Samuel 3:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- May it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; may there be cut off from the house of Joab one who is bald, one who is leprous, one who grips a spear and falls by the sword and lacks bread.
- May it be on the head of Joab, and on all the house of his father; may there not be left from the house of Joab one with a running sore, or one leprous, or one who grasps the millstone, who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.
2 S.3.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבישי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- הרגו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לאבנר: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- על: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- המית: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עשהאל: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אחיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff,3,m,pl
- בגבעון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- במלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:23-24 (structural): Earlier narrative of the same episode: Asahel pursues Abner and is killed by him at Gibeon—this is the immediate motive given for Joab and Abishai’s later slaying of Abner.
- 2 Samuel 3:31-39 (thematic): The aftermath of Abner’s murder: David’s public lament, his disavowal of the killing, and his curse on Joab’s house—shows the political and moral consequences of Joab’s act.
- 1 Kings 2:5-6 (allusion): David’s charge to Solomon to deal with Joab for killing Abner (and for other blood-guilt) — a later royal reckoning that links Joab’s slaying of Abner to dynastic justice.
- 1 Kings 2:31-34 (structural): Solomon’s execution of Joab for the blood of Abner (and Amasa) — the eventual enforcement of David’s charge and the long-term outcome of Joab’s violence.
- 2 Samuel 20:10-13 (thematic): Joab’s murder of Amasa in the field—another instance of Joab eliminating a rival commander by violence, revealing a recurring pattern of ruthless action to secure factional advantage.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
- So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
2 S.3.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- קרעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בגדיכם: NOUN,m,pl,poss(2,m,pl)
- וחגרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- שקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וספדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והמלך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- המטה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2Sam.3.33-35 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: David publicly laments Abner, curses the guilty (Joab/sons), and protests his own innocence—expanding the mourning and royal procession begun in 3:31.
- 2Sam.1.17-27 (thematic): David's extended lament for Saul and Jonathan (’The Song of the Bow’) is a parallel instance of public, poetic mourning for fallen leaders—same motifs of grief for slain comrades and lamenting the loss of mighty warriors.
- 1Sam.31.11-13 (thematic): After Saul and his sons die, the men of Jabesh‑Gilead take charge of the bodies, burn and bury them and publicly mourn; parallels in communal funerary rites, mourning garments/sackcloth and public displays of grief.
- 2Sam.4.9-12 (thematic): David distances himself from and punishes the murderers of Ish‑Bosheth to demonstrate he does not condone political assassination—echoes his public mourning for Abner and his protest against Joab’s deed.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your garments, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier.
- Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes, gird yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner." And the king followed the bier.
2 S.3.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- קולו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויבך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- קבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Sam.3:28-31 (structural): Immediate context: David publicly disclaims responsibility for Abner’s death and orders mourning — these verses lead directly into the burial and weeping described in v.32.
- 2 Sam.1:17-27 (thematic): David’s famous lament for Saul and Jonathan is a parallel instance of a public, royal lament over fallen leaders and expresses communal mourning and poetic grief.
- 1 Kings 2:5-6,31-34 (thematic): Solomon’s later punishment of Joab for murdering Abner shows the long-term political and legal consequences of Abner’s death and connects to themes of justice for the slaying of a commander.
- 2 Sam.4:5-12 (thematic): David’s execution of Rechab and Baanah for killing Ish-bosheth parallels his insistence on punishing murderers of royal figures and underscores the principle applied after Abner’s murder.
Alternative generated candidates
- They buried Abner at Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept.
- They buried Abner in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept.
2 S.3.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקנן: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הכמות: INTJ
- נבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימות: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:5-6 (quotation): David charges Solomon to deal with those who shed innocent blood (including Joab); directly echoes David's oath/command regarding the slayer of Abner.
- 1 Kings 2:31-33 (structural): Solomon has Joab executed for murders (including Abner), a later fulfillment of David's charge and curse in 2 Sam 3:33.
- Genesis 9:5-6 (thematic): Principle of retributive justice for bloodshed — 'whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed' — parallels the demand that Abner's slayer not go unpunished.
- Exodus 21:12 (thematic): Legal injunction that one who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death; provides the Mosaic-law background for David's demand for punishment.
- 1 Samuel 24:12 (thematic): David's earlier refusal to take vengeance on Saul ('the LORD will reward each man for his righteousness') offers a contrast to his firm oath here that Abner's slayer must not escape punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king lamented over Abner and said, “How could Abner die like a fool?”
- And the king lamented for Abner and said, "How has Abner fallen — as one falls the death of a fool!"
2 S.3.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ידך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2,f,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אסרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ורגליך: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- לנחשתים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הגשו: VERB,hif,impv,2,pl
- כנפול: PREP+ADJ,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עולה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נפלת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ויספו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לבכות: VERB,qal,inf
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.3.33 (structural): Immediate context: David commands public mourning for Abner (tearing clothes, sackcloth) and follows the bier; v.33–34 form a single lament scene, so v.34 continues and completes the same funeral lament.
- 2 Sam.1.19–27 (thematic): David’s earlier lament for Saul and Jonathan (’How are the mighty fallen’) parallels the public mourning over a slain leader—formal dirge, communal lament and praise of the fallen’s stature.
- 1 Sam.31.11–13 (structural): Report of Saul’s death and the retrieval/burial of the bodies by the people; parallels the practical aftermath of a leader’s death and communal rites and lamentation.
- 2 Sam.4.12 (thematic): David’s execution of the murderers of Ish-bosheth as justice for a slain leader echoes the concerns about the manner of a leader’s death and the public response to regicide/killing of royal figures.
Alternative generated candidates
- Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; as one falls before the wicked, you have fallen. All the people again bewailed him.
- Your hand was not bound, nor your foot put into fetters; as one falls before the mighty you have fallen. They open their mouths against you, and all the people shall bewail you.
2 S.3.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- להברות: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעוד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישבע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כה: ADV
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וכה: CONJ+ADV
- יסיף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- לפני: PREP
- בוא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- השמש: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אטעם: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- או: CONJ
- כל: DET
- מאומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2Sam.3.32-33 (structural): Immediate structural parallel in the same episode: David's lament over Abner (vv.32–33) leads directly to the people's attempt to get him to eat and his solemn oath in v.35; the verses form one coherent mourning/response unit.
- 2Sam.1:11-12 (thematic): After Saul and Jonathan's deaths the people and David mourned and 'fasted until evening' (refusing food during the day) — the same mourning/fasting practice and timing as in 3:35.
- 2Sam.12:16-17,20 (thematic): David refuses food and fasts in response to the illness and then death of his child; both passages show David's pattern of abstaining from food as an expression of grief and petition.
- 1Sam.20:41-42 (verbal): Jonathan 'caused David to vow/swear' (covenant/oath language). This parallels 3:35's use of an emphatic oath ('as the LORD lives...') as a binding personal declaration in a charged relational/political context.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the people came to urge David to eat bread on that day, but David swore, “As the LORD lives, I will surely not taste bread or anything else before the sun goes down.”
- All the people came to urge the king to eat bread while it was still day; but the king swore, "Thus may God do to me, and more besides, if I taste bread or anything before the sun goes down."
2 S.3.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הכירו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וייטב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בעיניהם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,poss-3,m,pl
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:6-7 (thematic): Public acclaim for David's deeds—women (and the people) praise David’s victories, showing popular approval of the king’s actions, similar to the crowd’s approval in 2 Sam 3:36.
- 1 Samuel 18:16 (thematic): Verse summarizes how all Israel and Judah loved David because he went out and came in before them, echoing the motif that the people positively receive the king’s conduct.
- 2 Samuel 5:3 (structural): All the elders of Israel come to David at Hebron and anoint him king—another passage in the narrative tradition where the people formally accept and approve David’s rule.
- 1 Chronicles 11:3 (structural): Parallel account to 2 Samuel 5:3 (and the broader Davidic accession tradition) in which the leaders of Israel affirm and anoint David as king, reflecting popular and elite approval of his kingship.
- 1 Kings 1:39-40 (thematic): At Solomon’s anointing the people blow trumpets and rejoice, publicly expressing approval for the chosen king—a comparable scene of popular endorsement of a monarch’s authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the people perceived it, and it pleased them; for whatever the king did pleased all the people.
- All the people perceived it, and it pleased them; for whatever the king did pleased all the people.
2 S.3.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מהמלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- להמית: VERB,hiphil,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam 3:28 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: David proclaims innocence before the Lord and the kingdom regarding Abner's blood, explicitly denying that the king caused Abner's death.
- 2 Sam 4:12 (thematic): Shows David's policy of punishing those who murder political rivals (he executes the killers of Ish-bosheth), reinforcing the claim that David did not sanction Abner's murder.
- 1 Sam 24:11 (thematic): David's protest of innocence toward the killing of 'the Lord's anointed'—a recurring theme where David publicly disavows responsibility for politically significant killings to preserve his legitimacy.
- 1 Kings 2:31-33 (structural): Later resolution of the Abner episode: Solomon holds Joab responsible and orders his execution for Abner's murder, confirming the attribution of guilt to Joab rather than the royal house.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the people and all Israel knew on that day that the king had no part in the slaying of Abner son of Ner.
- And all the people and all Israel understood that day that the king had not put forth his hand to slay Abner son of Ner.
2 S.3.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- הלוא: PART
- תדעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- נפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.3.27 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel — this verse comments on the killing narrated in 3:27 (the death of Abner) and is part of the same mournful scene.
- 2 Sam.1.25–27 (thematic): David's lament for Saul and Jonathan ('How are the mighty fallen') shares the theme of royal mourning for a fallen leader and the public expression of grief and honor.
- 2 Sam.18.33 (thematic): David's anguished lament for Absalom uses the same motif of a great person fallen and expresses royal sorrow at the loss of a prominent figure.
- 1 Chron.10.12 (verbal): A parallel verbal formula ('How are the mighty fallen') used in the chronicler’s account of Saul’s death — echoes the language of lament for a great man slain in Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?”
- Then the king said to his servants, "Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?"
2 S.3.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואנכי: PRON,1,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רך: ADJ,m,sg
- ומשוח: VERB,pual,ptcp,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- והאנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- צרויה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קשים: ADJ,m,pl
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- ישלם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לעשה: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כרעתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg+PRON,3,m
Parallels
- 1 Sam.24.6 (verbal): David refuses to harm 'the LORD's anointed' (language and stance); parallels his self‑identification as anointed and his refusal to take vengeance, leaving judgment to God.
- 1 Sam.26.9 (verbal): Again David declares he will not stretch out his hand against the LORD's anointed — thematically parallel in asserting restraint and divine prerogative in dealing with evildoers.
- Psalm 7:15-17 (verbal): Psalmist speaks of the evildoer receiving the fruit of his own hands and calls on God to repay the wicked according to their deeds — close verbal/thematic echo of 'may the LORD repay the doer of evil according to his wickedness.'
- Psalm 94:1-2 (thematic): An appeal to God to act against the arrogant and the evildoers; thematically parallels David's prayer that Yahweh execute justice on those who have done wrong.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I am weak today, though anointed king; these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are harder than I—may the LORD repay the evildoer according to his wickedness.
- And I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are harsh beyond me. May the LORD repay the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from the raiding party, bringing with them much plunder; and Abner was not with David at Hebron—for David had sent him away and he went in peace. And Joab and all the army that was with him came, and they reported to Joab, saying, “Abner son of Ner has come to the king; he sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” So Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you—why did you send him away so that he went off?”
You know Abner son of Ner—he came to deceive you, to learn your comings and goings and to know all that you are doing.”
Then Joab departed from David and sent messengers after Abner; they brought him back from the well of Sirah, but David did not know it.
Abner returned to Hebron, and Joab drew him aside into the gateway to speak with him privately; there Joab struck him in the belly, and he died—thus avenging the blood of Asahel his brother.
When David heard it afterward he said, “I am innocent, and my kingdom is innocent before the LORD forever concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner.”
May it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; may there be cut off from the house of Joab a man who has a discharge, and a leper, and one who holds a spindle, and one who falls by the sword, and one who lacks bread.
Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. And David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your garments, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” The king followed the bier.
They buried Abner at Hebron, and the king lifted up his voice and wept at Abner’s grave; and all the people wept.
The king lamented over Abner and said, “Should Abner die the death of a fool?”
“Your hands were not bound, your feet were not put in fetters; as one falls before the wicked, so you have fallen.” And all the people continued to weep over him.
All the people urged David to eat while it was yet day, but David swore, saying, “As the LORD lives, surely I will not taste bread or anything else until the sun goes down.”
All the people understood and found favor in what the king had done; for all that the king had done pleased the whole people. And all the people and all Israel knew on that day that it had not been the king’s doing to put Abner son of Ner to death.
The king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a chief and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?”
“And I am young and tender, and I have been anointed king; but these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too hard for me—may the LORD repay the wrongdoer according to his wickedness.”