Abner Seeks Alliance with David
2 Samuel 3:6-21
2 S.3.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בהיות: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,sg
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בין: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבנר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מתחזק: VERB,hitp,ptcp,3,m,sg
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:8 (verbal): Uses the same motif/phrase of Abner strengthening himself in Saul’s house as he organizes opposition to David (parallel account of the early phase of the conflict).
- 2 Samuel 3:1 (verbal): Summarizes the prolonged war between the house of Saul and the house of David and states the shifting balance of power—directly echoes the situation described in 3:6.
- 1 Chronicles 12:19 (allusion): Chronicles gives a parallel account of Abner’s role in setting up Ish-bosheth and sustaining Saul’s house, reflecting the same political/military alignment found in Samuel.
- 2 Samuel 3:22–27 (thematic): Narrates Abner’s later approach to David and his subsequent death—shows the outcome and consequences of Abner’s earlier position of ‘strengthening’ Saul’s house described in 3:6.
- 2 Samuel 5:1–5 (thematic): Describes the eventual unification of Israel under David after the struggle between the house of Saul and the house of David, providing the larger trajectory that 3:6 situates within.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was strengthening himself in the house of Saul.
- And it was, while the war was between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner was strong in the house of Saul.
2 S.3.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולשאול: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פלגש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושמה: CONJ+ADV,loc
- רצפה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- איה: ADV,interr
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדוע: ADV
- באתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- פילגש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 16:21-22 (thematic): Absalom publicly lies with his father David’s concubines as a visible act of claiming the throne—parallel to Abner’s association with Saul’s concubine as a sign of succession.
- 1 Kings 2:13-25 (thematic): Adonijah’s request for Abishag (David’s concubine) is treated by Solomon as a political move to claim kingship, echoing the motif of taking a predecessor’s consort as a claim to the throne.
- 2 Samuel 12:8 (quotation): Nathan’s rebuke to David includes the phrase about giving a man his master’s house and wives; the language ties the transfer of a ruler’s wives/concubines to the transfer of royal power.
- 2 Samuel 21:8-10 (verbal): Rizpah daughter of Aiah (the same concubine named in 2 Samuel 3:7) reappears in the narrative—this is a direct verbal/personal tie to the earlier episode involving Saul’s concubine.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah daughter of Aiah, and Saul said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?"
- And Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah daughter of Aiah; and she said to Abner, 'Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?'
2 S.3.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- לאבנר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאד: ADV
- על: PREP
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ליהודה: PREP+PN,masc,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- אל: NEG
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- מרעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- המציתך: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,?,sg+2ms
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותפקד: VERB,niphal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:6 (verbal): Immediate context: Ish‑bosheth accuses Abner of lying with Saul’s concubine — the specific charge that provokes Abner’s anger in 3:8.
- 2 Samuel 16:21–22 (thematic): Absalom publicly lies with his father David’s concubines to signal and consolidate his claim to the throne — parallel use of sexual access to royal women as a political statement.
- 1 Kings 2:13–25 (thematic): Adonijah’s request for Abishag is treated by Solomon as a political threat (a claim to kingship); highlights the recurring motif that relations to a former king’s concubines have political/royal significance.
- 2 Samuel 12:9 (thematic): Nathan’s rebuke to David for taking another man’s wife and seizing his house emphasizes the moral/political gravity of sexual relations tied to royal power — resonates with the accusation against Abner and its implications.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner was very angry at the words of Ish-bosheth, and he said, "Am I a dog's head? Am I a slave's son? So then today I should show loyalty to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his men, and not give you up to David? May the guilt of this woman be on me this day."
- And Abner was very angry at the words of Ish-bosheth, and he said, 'Am I a dog's head? Am I a flea? Today I will show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his allies, and I will not give you into the hand of David; and you charge me this day with a fault concerning this woman.'
2 S.3.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לאבנר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכה: CONJ+ADV
- יסיף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- כאשר: CONJ
- נשבע: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- כן: ADV
- אעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.26.19 (verbal): Uses the same Hebrew oath formula (“Thus may God do to me, and more also”) when David swears concerning the LORD’s anointed—verbal parallel in phrasing and in invoking divine retribution as guarantee.
- Ps.89.35 (thematic): God’s sworn promise to David’s house (“Once I have sworn by my holiness…I will not lie to David”)—thematically parallel in appeals to a divine oath that secures David’s kingship/dynasty.
- 1 Sam.20.12-13 (thematic): Jonathan’s covenant with David, invoking the LORD as witness to guarantee loyalty and future treatment—a parallel instance of using an oath/covenant language to settle questions about David’s succession and fidelity.
- 2 Sam.3.21 (structural): Within the same episode Abner comes to David and makes terms (defects to David); structurally this passage shows the outcome implicit in the accusation/oath of 3:9—shifting loyalties and covenanting around David’s kingship.
Alternative generated candidates
- So may God do to Abner, and so may he add, if I do not even as the LORD has sworn to David—so do to me.
- May God do so to Abner, and may He add also, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him.
2 S.3.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- להעביר: VERB,hiph,inf
- הממלכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולהקים: CONJ+VERB,hiph,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- כסא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- מדן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- באר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 5:3-5 (structural): Narrative parallel: records the fulfillment anticipated in 3:10—David becomes king over all Israel and Judah and the length of his reign.
- 1 Chronicles 11:3 (structural): Parallel account: Chronicles describes the elders of Israel coming to Hebron and making David king, another retelling of the establishment of David's throne.
- 2 Samuel 7:16 (thematic): Thematic parallel: God's promise to establish David's house and throne forever echoes the idea of transferring and founding the Davidic monarchy.
- Judges 20:1 (verbal): Verbal/geographical parallel: uses the same formula 'from Dan to Beersheba' to denote the full territorial extent of Israel, matching the scope named in 3:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- To transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.
- To transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.
2 S.3.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- יכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- להשיב: VERB,hif,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיראתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- Gen.42.28 (verbal): Brothers 'could not answer him' because they were terrified of Joseph—closely parallels the wording and situation of silence from fear.
- 1Sam.18.12-15 (thematic): Saul 'was afraid of David' and his power over him—similar theme of a ruler or king silenced/intimidated by a stronger figure.
- Matt.14.5 (thematic): Herod wanted to kill John the Baptist but 'feared the people,' so refrained—illustrates fear producing restraint of action or speech.
- Mark.6.20 (thematic): Herod 'feared John' and protected him—another example of fear of an influential person shaping responses and behavior.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.
- And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, for he feared him.
2 S.3.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלאכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחתיו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- למי: PREP,interr
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כרתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בריתך: NOUN,f,sg,cs+2m
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- והנה: ADV
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- להסב: INF,hiphil
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:18-21 (verbal): Continuation of the same episode: Abner sends messengers to David and later comes himself to Hebron, repeating the offer to make a covenant and to bring Israel under David's rule.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (thematic): All the tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron and make him king over all Israel—fulfillment of Abner's proposal to unite the nation under David through a covenant.
- 1 Chronicles 12:17-18 (structural): Parallel account of Abner bringing men to David at Hebron and supporting his kingship; Chronicles retells the same transfer of allegiance described in 2 Samuel.
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (thematic): The leaders of Israel come to David at Hebron to make a covenant with him as king over all Israel, echoing the political unification motif implicit in Abner's offer.
- 2 Samuel 2:4 (structural): Earlier stage of the succession struggle: the men of Judah anoint David as king over Judah—this contrasts with Abner's later initiative to secure a covenant that would extend David's rule over all Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Abner sent messengers to David at Hebron, saying, "Whose is the land? Make a covenant with me; behold, my hand is with you to bring over all Israel to you."
- And Abner sent messengers to David at Hebron, saying, 'To whom does the land belong? Make a covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you.'
2 S.3.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אכרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אך: PART
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- שאל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאתך: PREP,2,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- לא: PART_NEG
- תראה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- לפני: PREP
- הביאך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מיכל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבאך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- לראות: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:12 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Abner approaches David and makes the covenant that precedes David’s single request (return of Michal). This verse sets up the conditional exchange recorded in 3:13.
- 2 Samuel 3:16 (structural): Direct narrative continuation: Abner actually sends Michal back to David. 3:13 is the request; 3:16 records its fulfillment and the political reconciliation that follows.
- 1 Samuel 18:27 (thematic): Earlier account of David’s marriage to Michal (David paid the bride-price). Establishes David’s prior marital claim to Michal, which underlies his demand that she be returned.
- 1 Samuel 25:44 (allusion): Record that Saul gave Michal to Paltiel (Palti). This explains why David must insist on her return—she had been removed from David’s household by Saul’s actions.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said, "Good; I will make a covenant with you—only one thing I ask of you: do not see my face unless you first bring Michal daughter of Saul when you come, to see my face."
- And David said, 'Good; I will make a covenant with you—only one thing I ask of you: you must not see my face unless you first bring Michal, daughter of Saul, when you come, to see my face.'
2 S.3.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלאכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- תנה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אשתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- את: PRT,acc
- מיכל: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ארשתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- במאה: PREP+NUM,card,sg,f
- ערלות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
Parallels
- 1 Sam.18.25-27 (verbal): The original betrothal: Saul gives Michal to David in payment for 'a hundred foreskins of the Philistines'—the same phrasing echoed in 2 Sam 3:14.
- 1 Sam.25.44 (structural): After David fled, Saul gave Michal to Paltiel (Phaltiel) son of Laish—this transfer explains why David must demand Michal's return in 2 Sam 3:14.
- 2 Sam.3.13 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: Abner's offer to bring Michal to David as part of making terms is the context for David's demand in 2 Sam 3:14.
- 1 Sam.19.11-17 (thematic): Michal's role in aiding David's escape from Saul and her subsequent status in Saul's household provides background to the contested marital/royal claims reflected in 2 Sam 3:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- So David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, saying, "Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to me for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines."
- And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, saying, 'Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.'
2 S.3.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויקחה: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg+PRON,3,f,sg
- מעם: PREP
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעם: PREP
- פלטיאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.25.44 (verbal): Explicit earlier notice that Michal was given to Phaltiel (Phaltiel/ Paltiel son of Laish); this verse provides the earlier legal/royal transfer that explains why Ish-bosheth 'sent and took her'.
- 2 Sam.3.16 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Paltiel follows Michal weeping to Bahurim. This verse and 3:15–16 form a unit about the transfer and Paltiel’s response.
- 2 Sam.16.20-23 (thematic): Absalom’s public seizure of David’s concubines to assert his claim to the throne echoes the practice of taking a ruler’s wives/household as a sign of political transfer and authority.
- 2 Sam.12.8 (allusion): God’s rebuke to David—'I gave you your master's house and your master's wives'—frames the taking and transfer of royal wives as a recognized means of conferring kingship and highlights the political significance of Michal’s transfer.
- 1 Sam.19.11-17 (thematic): Earlier episode showing Michal’s loyalty to David (helping him escape Saul) contrasts with her later forcible removal and return; underscores the personal and political tensions surrounding her marriage.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ish-bosheth sent and took her away from the house of Paltiel son of Laish.
- And Ish-bosheth sent and had her taken away from Paltiel son of Laish.
2 S.3.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- אישה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הלוך: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- ובכה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אחריה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- עד: PREP
- בחרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- שוב: ADV
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:13 (structural): Immediate context of the same incident: Abner took Saul’s concubines (political act) which prompts David’s demand and the episode of return in 3:16–21.
- 2 Samuel 12:8 (verbal): Nathan’s rebuke to David uses the language of giving a master’s house and wives — echoes the political significance of transferring a king’s women (cf. Abner taking Saul’s concubines).
- 1 Kings 2:21–25 (thematic): The Adonijah/Abishag episode shows the recurring motif of royal wives/concubines as symbols of succession and political claim, similar to Abner’s actions and the return of Saul’s women to David.
- 2 Samuel 16:5 (allusion): Mentions Bahurim (same locality). The scene links Bahurim with family/political conflict and movement of persons, echoing the setting and social tensions implied in 3:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- And her husband went along, weeping after her to Bahurim; then Abner said to him, "Go back!" So he returned.
- And her husband went along, weeping after her to Bahurim; then Abner said to him, 'Go, return'—and he returned.
2 S.3.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודבר: VERB,qal,fut,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- זקני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- גם: ADV
- תמול: ADV
- גם: ADV
- שלשם: ADV
- הייתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- מבקשים: PART,qal,act,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:4 (structural): Earlier episode where the men of Judah make David king over the house of Judah — background to Abner's claim that people had sought David as king.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (structural): Later fulfillment: all the tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron and anoint him king over all Israel, realizing the earlier seeking mentioned by Abner.
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (structural): Parallel account to 2 Samuel 5:1-3 in Chronicles describing the elders of Israel bringing David to be king — a close narrative echo.
- 1 Samuel 8:4-7 (thematic): The elders of Israel petitioning for a king (generic request) provides a thematic parallel: leadership sought by Israel's elders, relevant to the political moves around David's kingship.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner spoke with the elders of Israel, saying, "Yesterday and the day before you sought to make David king over you.
- And Abner spoke with the elders of Israel, saying, 'It was but yesterday and the day before that you sought to make David king over you;
2 S.3.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הושיע: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיד: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ומיד: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- איביהם: NOUN,m,pl,suff_3mp
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 14:10 (verbal): God tells David he will deliver the Philistines into David’s hand—very close wording and the same promise of salvation 'into thy hand.'
- 1 Samuel 17:46-47 (thematic): David declares that the LORD will deliver Goliath into his hand; thematically parallels the idea that God saves Israel by David’s hand rather than by human weapons.
- 2 Samuel 7:8-9 (structural): God’s promise to David (through Nathan) that He took David and will subdue his enemies and establish Israel under his rule—a broader royal promise underpinning the specific deliverance mentioned in 2 Sam 3:18.
- Psalm 18:40-43 (thematic): Royal thanksgiving describing God delivering David’s enemies into his hand and subjecting nations—echoes the motif of God saving Israel by David’s victorious action.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now then do it; for the LORD has said to David, 'By the hand of David my servant I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.'"
- now do it therefore; for the LORD has spoken to David, saying, “By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.”'
2 S.3.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באזני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- בנימין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדבר: INF,qal
- באזני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובעיני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- כל: DET
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:20 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same episode—states that Abner brought the men of Israel to David at Hebron, echoing the negotiation reported in 3:19.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (thematic): Later summary of the outcome: all the tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron and anoint him king—fulfillment of Abner’s mission to unite Israel under David.
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (structural): Parallel account to Samuel: all Israel and the elders come to David at Hebron and make a covenant with him, reflecting the same transfer of allegiance described in 2 Samuel 3:19.
- 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 (verbal): Chronicles’ expanded roster of fighters who came to David at Hebron (including men of Benjamin) and the mass assembly that made David king, paralleling the tribal and Benjaminite dimensions of Abner’s negotiations.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner spoke also in the hearing of Benjamin; then Abner went on to speak to David in Hebron all that was good in the eyes of Israel and in the eyes of the whole house of Benjamin.
- And Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin; and then Abner went and spoke with David at Hebron all that was good in the eyes of Israel and in the eyes of the whole house of Benjamin.
2 S.3.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואתו: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאבנר: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ולאנשים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- משתה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 12:19-22 (verbal): A near-duplicate account of Abner’s coming to David at Hebron with men and David’s entertaining of them; Chronicles retells the same event with similar details.
- 2 Samuel 3:21 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: after the feast Abner speaks with David and makes terms—this verse shows the next step in the same narrative context.
- 2 Samuel 2:4-7 (thematic): Earlier scene of David’s anointing and establishment at Hebron with supporters; thematically parallels Hebron as David’s royal base where followers gather and hospitality/assemblies mark shifts in allegiance.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (thematic): Later consummation of the transfer of allegiance when all Israel comes to Hebron to make David king over all Israel—this passage can be read as the outcome toward which Abner’s defection (begun in 3:20) contributes.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner came to David at Hebron with twenty men, and David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.
- And Abner came to David at Hebron with twenty men; and David made a feast for Abner and for the men who were with him.
2 S.3.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אקומה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- ואלכה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- ואקבצה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויכרתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומלכת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תאוה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בשלום: PREP
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:18 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same episode—Abner earlier sent messengers to Hebron to persuade Israel to make David king, prefiguring his offer in 3:21.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (thematic): Narrative fulfillment—tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron and make a covenant with him, accomplishing what Abner promised.
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (verbal): Parallel account—Israelite leaders openly declare loyalty to David and anoint him king, echoing the covenant-making language of 2 Sam 3:21.
- 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 (structural): Converging tradition—describes the men of Israel assembling at Hebron to bring David to the throne, matching Abner’s proposed gathering.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abner said to David, "I will arise and go, and will gather to my lord the king all Israel, and they shall make a covenant with you, and you shall reign over all that your heart desires." So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.
- And Abner said to David, 'I will arise and go, and will gather to my lord the king all Israel; and they shall make a covenant with you, and you shall reign over all that your heart desires.' And David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.
And it came to pass, while the war was between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner was strengthening himself in the house of Saul. And Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah daughter of Aiah; and she said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?” And Abner was very angry at the words of Ish-bosheth, and he said, “Am I a dog’s head that you thus speak to me? Far be it from me! If for Judah I am to act today in loyalty to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his men— I did not deliver you into David’s hand, and now you charge me with this woman’s sin.” So may God do to Abner and add to it—if, as the LORD has sworn to David, I do not do for him what follows:
to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.” And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.
Then Abner sent messengers to David, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make a covenant with me—behold, my hand is with you to bring over all Israel to you.” And David said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you—only one thing I require of you: do not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come, to see my face.” So David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to me for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”
Ish-bosheth sent and took her away from Paltiel son of Laish. And her husband went with her, weeping after her to Bahurim; then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” So he returned. And Abner talked with the elders of Israel, saying, “Yesterday and the day before you sought to make David king over you. Now then do it; for the LORD has spoken to David, saying, ‘By the hand of David my servant I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” And Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin; then Abner went to Hebron to speak with David about all that was good in the eyes of Israel and in the eyes of the whole house of Benjamin. So Abner came to David at Hebron with twenty men, and David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. And Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and will gather to my lord the king all Israel; that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” Then David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.