King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:15 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:15 in the King James Version says “And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish .” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish .”

2 Samuel 3:15 · KJV

Context

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. that is: Heb. saying

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.

15

And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish .

16

And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned. along: Heb. going and weeping

17

And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: in times: Heb. both yesterday and the third day

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Abner Defects and Dies, emphasizing political maneuvering, revenge consequences. This chapter illustrates the complexity of political transition and personal revenge. Abner's defection using covenant language (brit, בְּרִית) contrasts with Joab's treacherous murder, demonstrating how personal vengeance undermines national purposes. The text develops themes of legitimate vs illegitimate authority, the corrupting power of revenge, and maintaining integrity when others act unethically.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 3 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 political maneuvering, revenge consequences 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 political maneuvering, revenge consequences?
  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 · 10 words
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙1 of 10

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אִ֣ישׁ2 of 10
H0
בֹּ֔שֶׁת3 of 10

“And Ishbosheth”

H378

ish-bosheth, a son of king saul

וַיִּקָּחֶ֖הָ4 of 10

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵ֣עִֽם5 of 10
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אִ֑ישׁ6 of 10

“her from her husband”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵעִ֖ם7 of 10
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

פַּלְטִיאֵ֥ל8 of 10

“even from Phaltiel”

H6409

paltiel, the name of two israelites

בֶּן9 of 10

“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

לָֽוּשׁ׃10 of 10

“of Laish”

H3889

lush, 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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 25:44

Test Your Knowledge

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