King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:17 in the King James Version says “And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: in... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 3:17 · KJV


Context

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

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:

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 · 17 words
וּדְבַר1 of 17
H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אַבְנֵ֣ר2 of 17

And Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

הֱיִיתֶ֞ם3 of 17

had communication

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עִם4 of 17
H5973

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

זִקְנֵ֥י5 of 17

with the elders

H2205

old

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹ֑ר7 of 17

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

גַּם8 of 17
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

תְּמוֹל֙9 of 17

in times

H8543

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

גַּם10 of 17
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם11 of 17

past

H8032

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday

הֱיִיתֶ֞ם12 of 17

had communication

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מְבַקְשִׁ֧ים13 of 17

Ye sought

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶת14 of 17
H853

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

דָּוִ֛ד15 of 17

for David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ16 of 17

to be king

H4428

a king

עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃17 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications


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 3:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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