King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:18 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:18 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 3:18 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

20

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
וְעַתָּ֖ה1 of 20
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

עֲשׂ֑וּ2 of 20

“Now then do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִּ֣י3 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 20

“it for the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 20

“hath spoken”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל6 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֣ד7 of 20

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹ֔ר8 of 20

“hath spoken”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וּמִיַּ֖ד9 of 20

“By the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

דָּוִ֣ד10 of 20

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַבְדִּ֗י11 of 20

“of my servant”

H5650

a servant

הוֹשִׁ֜יעַ12 of 20

“I will save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

אֶת13 of 20
H853

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

עַמִּ֤י14 of 20

“my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙15 of 20

“Israel”

H3478

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

וּמִיַּ֖ד16 of 20

“By the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים17 of 20

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וּמִיַּ֖ד18 of 20

“By the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כָּל19 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹֽיְבֵיהֶֽם׃20 of 20

“of all their enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

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 3:18 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 3:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:28Psalms 89:19-23Psalms 89:3-41 Samuel 9:161 Samuel 13:14Psalms 132:17-18

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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