King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:8 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:8 in the King James Version says “But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; Sau...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; Saul's host: Heb. the host which was Saul's Ishbosheth: or, Eshbaal”

2 Samuel 2:8 · KJV

Context

6

And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.

7

Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant : for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them. be ye: Heb. be ye the sons of valour

8

But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; Saul's host: Heb. the host which was Saul's Ishbosheth: or, Eshbaal

9

And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

10

Ishbosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.

Read 2 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Judah, emphasizing divine timing, patience in promises. The Hebrew vayyimloch (וַיִּמְלֹךְ, 'and he reigned') marks David's official royal status over Judah at Hebron. The seven-year period before ruling all Israel demonstrates patient trust in God's timing. Theological themes include divine election, the gradual unfolding of God's promises through historical process, and the reality that human resistance to God's plans produces genuine suffering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 2 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding divine timing, patience in promises provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of divine timing, patience in promises?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאַבְנֵ֣ר1 of 15

“But Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

בֶּן2 of 15

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֵ֔ר3 of 15

“of Ner”

H5369

ner, an israelite

שַׂר4 of 15

“captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

צָבָ֖א5 of 15

“host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׁא֔וּל7 of 15

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לָקַ֗ח8 of 15

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת9 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִ֥ישׁ10 of 15
H0
בֹּ֙שֶׁת֙11 of 15

“Ishbosheth”

H378

ish-bosheth, a son of king saul

בֶּן12 of 15

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שָׁא֔וּל13 of 15

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיַּֽעֲבִרֵ֖הוּ14 of 15

“and brought him over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

מַֽחֲנָֽיִם׃15 of 15

“to Mahanaim”

H4266

machanajim, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 2:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 14:50Genesis 32:22 Samuel 3:7-82 Samuel 4:5-61 Chronicles 9:391 Samuel 17:55

Places in This Verse

MahanaimSettlement · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab el Gharbi · 32.19°N, 35.69°E16 verses across 6 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 2 →

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