King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 3:7 Mean?
“And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?”
Context
5
And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
6
And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
7
And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?
8
Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
9
So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **Rizpah.**—The name of this woman is associated with her strong and tender grief over the loss of her sons, recorded in 2Samuel 21:8-11.
**Wherefore hast thou gone in?**—The harem of an Eastern monarch was considered as the property of his successor, and therefore the taking of a woman belonging to it as the assertion of a claim to the throne. (See 2Samuel 12:8; 2Samuel 16:21; 1Kings 2:22.) It is not probable that Abner had any such design, since he was exerting himself to maintain Ish-bosheth on the throne. But the king appears to have so regarded the act, as it is this implied charge of treachery that so greatly rouses the anger of Abner. The name of Ish-bosheth has dropped out of the Hebrew text, but appears in a few MSS., and is rightly restored in all the versions.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 3:7 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 3:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge