1 Samuel 26:14
And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king?
Original Language Analysis
קָרָ֥אתָ
Who art thou that criest
H7121
קָרָ֥אתָ
Who art thou that criest
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 20
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
הָעָ֗ם
to the people
H5971
הָעָ֗ם
to the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 20
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הֲל֥וֹא
H3808
הֲל֥וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וַיַּ֤עַן
Answerest
H6030
וַיַּ֤עַן
Answerest
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
וַיַּ֤עַן
Answerest
H6030
וַיַּ֤עַן
Answerest
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
מִ֥י
H4310
מִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
16 of 20
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
Historical Context
Abner ben Ner was Saul's cousin and the commander of Israel's armies. His failure to protect Saul during this incident would have been a severe embarrassment in the honor-shame culture of the ancient Near East. His later defection to David's cause may have roots in this humiliation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when your failures are publicly exposed?
- What does this exchange teach about accountability for those in positions of responsibility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David's public challenge to Abner exposes the military commander's failure to protect his king. The question 'Answerest thou not, Abner?' carries stinging rebuke, shaming the mighty warrior before the entire army. Abner's irritated response ('Who art thou that criest to the king?') reveals his discomfort at being exposed. This confrontation serves multiple purposes: demonstrating David's access to Saul, exposing the army's negligence, and establishing David's superior vigilance over Israel's true protection.