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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 3:20 When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/3-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/10_2Sa_03_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 3:20 - Abner Joins David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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And David made Abner and the men that <i>were</i> with him a feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who <i>were</i> with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David held a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Abner came to David at Hebron, and [brought] twenty men along with him. And David prepared a feast for Abner and the men with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abner and twenty men came to David at Hebron, David held a banquet for him and his men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abner and 20 men came to David at Hebron, David held a banquet for him and his men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abner took 20 soldiers with him, and when they got to Hebron, David gave a big feast for them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So Abner came with 20 men to David in Hebron, and David had a feast for Abner and his men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Abner came to David at Hebron with twenty men, David gave a feast for them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Afterwards, Abner brought 20 soldiers to David at Hebron, and David threw a party for Abner and the men who were with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Abner, accompanied by twenty men, came to David in Hebron, David prepared a banquet for Abner and the men who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So Abner came to David in Hebron, and twenty men with him: and David made Abner and the men that were with him, a feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Abner comes to David, to Hebron, and twenty men [are] with him, and David makes a banquet for Abner and for the men who [are] with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Abner cometh in unto David, to Hebron, and with him twenty men, and David maketh for Abner, and for the men who are with him, a banquet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abner will come to David to Hebron, and with him twenty men: and David will make to Abner and to the men with him a drinking.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he came to David in Hebron with twenty men: and David made a feast for Abner, and his men that came with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he went to David in Hebron with twenty men. And David made a feast for Abner, and for his men who had arrived with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Abner, accompanied by twenty men, came to David in Hebron, David prepared a feast for Abner and for the men who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron, David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner came to David at Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men who were with him a great feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abnir came to David at Khebruun, and twenty men with him, and David made Abnir and the twenty men who were with him a great feast<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abenner came to David to Chebron, and with him twenty men: and David made for Abenner and his men with him a banquet of wine.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/3-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=789" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Abner Joins David</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Abner also spoke to the Benjamites and went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/74.htm" title="74: ’aḇ·nêr (N-proper-ms) -- My father is a lamp, an Isr. name. Or nabiyner; from 'ab and niyr; father of light; Abner, an Israelite.">When Abner</a> <a href="/hebrew/6242.htm" title="6242: ‘eś·rîm (Number-cp) -- Twenty. From eser; twenty; also twentieth.">and twenty</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’ă·nā·šîm (N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">of his men</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/2275.htm" title="2275: ḥeḇ·rō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- From cheber; seat of association; Chebron, a place in Palestine, also the name of two Israelites.">at Hebron,</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: wə·’it·tōw (Conj-w:: Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: way·ya·‘aś (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">held</a> <a href="/hebrew/4960.htm" title="4960: miš·teh (N-ms) -- A feast, drink. From shathah; drink, by implication, drinking; also a banquet or feast.">a feast</a> <a href="/hebrew/74.htm" title="74: lə·’aḇ·nêr (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- My father is a lamp, an Isr. name. Or nabiyner; from 'ab and niyr; father of light; Abner, an Israelite.">for them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: wə·la·’ă·nā·šîm (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-38.htm">1 Chronicles 12:38-40</a></span><br />All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king. / They spent three days there eating and drinking with David, for their relatives had provided for them. / And their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—abundant supplies of flour, fig cakes and raisin cakes, wine and oil, oxen and sheep. Indeed, there was joy in Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-1.htm">2 Samuel 5:1-3</a></span><br />Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1-13</a></span><br />Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” / “How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ / Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a></span><br />Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-18.htm">1 Samuel 25:18-35</a></span><br />Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys / and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. / As Abigail came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming down toward her, and she met them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-26.htm">1 Samuel 30:26-31</a></span><br />When David arrived in Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the LORD’s enemies.” / He sent gifts to those in Bethel, Ramoth Negev, and Jattir; / to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-39.htm">1 Kings 1:39-40</a></span><br />Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” / All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-1.htm">1 Chronicles 11:1-3</a></span><br />Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a></span><br />Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12-17</a></span><br />and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you? / But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father. / And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Matthew 22:2-4</a></span><br />“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. / Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-16.htm">Luke 14:16-24</a></span><br />But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. / When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ / But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-24.htm">Acts 10:24-27</a></span><br />The following day he arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. / As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him. / But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-3.htm">Acts 15:3-4</a></span><br />Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. / On their arrival in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and apostles and elders, to whom they reported all that God had done through them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></span><br />Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">David</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-30.htm">Genesis 26:30</a></b></br> And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-54.htm">Genesis 31:54</a></b></br> Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3</a></b></br> In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, <i>being</i> before him:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-19.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-19.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-19.htm">Hebron</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-16.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">Repast</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-14.htm">Twenty</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-21.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-21.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-23.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">Hebron</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-3.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-4.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-41.htm">Repast</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-4.htm">Twenty</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">During the war David becomes stronger</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-2.htm">Six sons are born to him in Hebron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-6.htm">Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-7.htm">revolts to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-17.htm">Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-28.htm">David curses Joab</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">and mourns for Abner</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron</b><br>Abner, the commander of Saul's army, was a significant figure in the power dynamics of Israel. His decision to come to David marks a pivotal moment in the unification of the kingdom. Hebron, located in the Judean hills, was David's capital at the time and a city of refuge, indicating its importance both politically and spiritually. The number twenty, while not symbolically significant in this context, suggests a delegation of importance, showing Abner's serious intent. This meeting is a turning point in the civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David, as Abner seeks to transfer the allegiance of the northern tribes to David.<p><b>David held a feast for them</b><br>Feasting in ancient Near Eastern culture was a sign of hospitality and covenant-making. By holding a feast, David demonstrates his willingness to reconcile and form alliances, a strategic move to solidify his rule over all Israel. This act of hospitality also reflects David's character as a leader who seeks peace and unity. The feast can be seen as a precursor to the eventual unification of the tribes under David's kingship, foreshadowing the peace and prosperity that would come with his reign. This gesture of goodwill is reminiscent of other biblical instances where meals signify covenant relationships, such as the Last Supper, pointing to the ultimate reconciliation through Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abner.htm">Abner</a></b><br>The commander of Saul's army, who initially opposed David but later sought to make a covenant with him to unite Israel under David's kingship.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The anointed king of Israel, residing in Hebron at this time, known for his leadership, faithfulness to God, and eventual unification of the tribes of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/hebron.htm">Hebron</a></b><br>A significant city in Judah, serving as David's capital before he moved to Jerusalem. It is a place of refuge and covenant-making.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_feast.htm">The Feast</a></b><br>A symbol of hospitality and reconciliation, where David welcomes Abner and his men, signifying a move towards unity and peace.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/twenty_men.htm">Twenty Men</a></b><br>The entourage accompanying Abner, representing the support and legitimacy he brings to David's kingship.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_reconciliation.htm">The Power of Reconciliation</a></b><br>David's willingness to host Abner demonstrates the power of reconciliation and the importance of seeking peace, even with former adversaries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_as_a_tool_for_unity.htm">Hospitality as a Tool for Unity</a></b><br>The feast symbolizes the role of hospitality in breaking down barriers and fostering unity among God's people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_forgiveness.htm">Leadership and Forgiveness</a></b><br>David's actions show that true leadership involves forgiveness and the ability to look beyond past conflicts for the greater good.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership_transitions.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership Transitions</a></b><br>The meeting at Hebron underscores God's hand in the transition of power and the fulfillment of His promises to David.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_covenant_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Covenant in God's Plan</a></b><br>The covenant between David and Abner highlights the importance of covenants in establishing God's order and purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_pure_word_bible_(pwb).htm">Who were the children of King David?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_david_punish_joab.htm">2 Samuel 3:27-30: Why doesn't David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_wasn't_joab_punished_sooner_evidence.htm">Why wasn't Joab held accountable earlier for his murders in 1 Kings 2:5-6, and is there archaeological evidence confirming the timeline of these events?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_sons_of_david.htm">Who were the sons of David?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Twenty men.</span>--These were doubtless representative men, selected by Abner from Israel and Benjamin to accompany him and confirm his report. The feast which David made for them is not to be understood of mere conviviality, but of a solemn sacrificial feast, such as was customary in ancient times in connection with important negotiations. (See <a href="/genesis/26-30.htm" title="And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.">Genesis 26:30</a>; <a href="/genesis/31-54.htm" title="Then Jacob offered sacrifice on the mount, and called his brothers to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.">Genesis 31:54</a>; <a href="/1_kings/3-15.htm" title="And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.">1Kings 3:15</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Twenty men with him.</span> These, we may feel sure, were not common soldiers, but chieftains selected from those elders who were on David's side; and, though the honourable escort of Michal was the pretext, yet Ishbosheth must have felt sure that more was intended. Most of them, however, would join Abner on the road, especially those who represented Benjamin and the western tribes. On arriving at Hebron they were honourably received, and, after a feast, they settled the conditions on which David was to be made king of all Israel; and Abner then departed in peace, after giving the assurance that all the tribes would now gladly assemble, and by solemn compact and covenant make David their king. The terms of the league, and the conditions agreed upon for Ishbosheth, are not mentioned, because upon Abner's death the whole plan fell to the ground, and David had to wait for many years before his hopes were fulfilled. But we gather from this covenant and <a href="/2_samuel/5-3.htm">2 Samuel 5:3</a> (where see note) that the early kings of Israel were not absolute monarchs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/3-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When Abner</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְנֵ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·nêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_74.htm">Strong's 74: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and twenty</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶשְׂרִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘eś·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6242.htm">Strong's 6242: </a> </span><span class="str2">Twenty, twentieth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his men</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנָשִׁ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֨א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִד֙</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at Hebron,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֶבְר֔וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥeḇ·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2275.htm">Strong's 2275: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֧ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">held</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֨עַשׂ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘aś)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a feast</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁתֶּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(miš·teh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4960.htm">Strong's 4960: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for them.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאַבְנֵ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’aḇ·nêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_74.htm">Strong's 74: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/3-20.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 3:20 So Abner came to David to Hebron (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/3-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/3-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>