King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:36 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:36 in the King James Version says “And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. pleased th... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. pleased them: Heb. was good in their eyes

2 Samuel 3:36 · KJV


Context

34

Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him. wicked: Heb. children of iniquity

35

And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.

36

And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. pleased them: Heb. was good in their eyes

37

For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

38

And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 13 words
וְכָל1 of 13
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם2 of 13

And all the people

H5971

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

הִכִּ֔ירוּ3 of 13

took notice

H5234

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

וַיִּיטַ֖ב4 of 13

of it and it pleased

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

בְּעֵינֵ֥י5 of 13

pleased

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כְּכֹל֙6 of 13
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 13
H834

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

עָשָׂ֣ה8 of 13

did

H6213

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

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ9 of 13

them as whatsoever the king

H4428

a king

בְּעֵינֵ֥י10 of 13

pleased

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כָל11 of 13
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם12 of 13

And all the people

H5971

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

טֽוֹב׃13 of 13
H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good


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 3:36 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 3:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study