2 Samuel 3:37

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

וַיֵּֽדְע֧וּ understood H3045
וַיֵּֽדְע֧וּ understood
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 1 of 16
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כָל H3605
כָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 2 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֛ם For all the people H5971
הָעָ֛ם For all the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 3 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְכָל H3605
וְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 4 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל and all Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל and all Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 5 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בַּיּ֣וֹם that day H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם that day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 6 of 16
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֑וּא H1931
הַה֑וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 7 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 9 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָֽיְתָה֙ H1961
הָֽיְתָה֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 10 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מֵֽהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ that it was not of the king H4428
מֵֽהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ that it was not of the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 11 of 16
a king
לְהָמִ֖ית to slay H4191
לְהָמִ֖ית to slay
Strong's: H4191
Word #: 12 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַבְנֵ֥ר Abner H74
אַבְנֵ֥ר Abner
Strong's: H74
Word #: 14 of 16
abner, an israelite
בֶּן the son H1121
בֶּן the son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 15 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
נֵֽר׃ of Ner H5369
נֵֽר׃ of Ner
Strong's: H5369
Word #: 16 of 16
ner, an israelite

Analysis & Commentary

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

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.

Historical 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.

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