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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had been strengthening his own position in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As the war between the house of Saul and the house of David went on, Abner became a powerful leader among those loyal to Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now it was so, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner was strengthening <i>his hold</i> on the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now it happened that while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was strengthening himself in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />It came about while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And it came about while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now while war continued between the houses of Saul and David, Abner was proving himself strong in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner kept acquiring more power in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner kept acquiring more power in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />As the war went on between the families of David and Saul, Abner was gaining more power than ever in Saul's family. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it come to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />During the war between the families of Saul and David, Abner strengthened his position in Saul's royal family.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />As the fighting continued between David's forces and the forces loyal to Saul's family, Abner became more and more powerful among Saul's followers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />While war continued between the dynasties of Saul and David, Abner was growing in influence within the dynasty of Saul. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />As the war continued between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was becoming more influential in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It happened, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />While there was war between Saul’s house and David’s house, Abner made himself strong in Saul’s house. <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 it comes to pass, in the war being between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner has been strengthening himself in the house of Saul,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it cometh to pass, in the war being between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner hath been strengthening himself in the house of Saul,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be in there being war between the house of Saul and between the house of David, and Abner was strong for the house of Saul.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner the son of Ner ruled the house of Saul. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, while there was a battle between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner, the son of Ner, was reigning over the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was gaining power in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And it happened that when there was war between the house of Shaul and the house of David, and Abnir was strong with those of the household of Shaul<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner showed himself strong in the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abenner was governing the house of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/3-6.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=635" 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">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">During</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: bih·yō·wṯ (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">the war</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">of Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇên (Conj-w:: Prep) -- An interval, space between. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">and the house</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.">of David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/74.htm" title="74: wə·’aḇ·nêr (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- My father is a lamp, an Isr. name. Or nabiyner; from 'ab and niyr; father of light; Abner, an Israelite.">Abner</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: miṯ·ḥaz·zêq (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">had continued to strengthen his position</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bə·ḇêṯ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">in the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">of Saul.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Meanwhile, Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?”…<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_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_kings/2-32.htm">1 Kings 2:32-33</a></span><br />The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-6.htm">1 Chronicles 11:6</a></span><br />Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-29.htm">1 Chronicles 12:29</a></span><br />From Benjamin, the kinsmen of Saul: 3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to the house of Saul up to that time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-1.htm">1 Chronicles 27:1-2</a></span><br />This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division: / Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8-9</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-6.htm">2 Samuel 5:6-10</a></span><br />Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” / Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). / On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">2 Samuel 19:13</a></span><br />And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">2 Samuel 20:23</a></span><br />Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-7.htm">1 Kings 1:7-8</a></span><br />So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. / But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-19.htm">1 Kings 1:19</a></span><br />And he has sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the other sons of the king, as well as Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army. But he has not invited your servant Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-25.htm">1 Kings 1:25</a></span><br />For today he has gone down and sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-32.htm">1 Kings 1:32-40</a></span><br />Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. / “Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. / There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a></span><br />When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-10.htm">1 Chronicles 11:10</a></span><br />Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">Abner</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8,9</a></b></br> But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/10-23.htm">2 Kings 10:23</a></b></br> And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/25-8.htm">2 Chronicles 25:8</a></b></br> But if thou wilt go, do <i>it</i>, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-31.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-5.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-5.htm">David's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">Making</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-13.htm">Position</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">Showed</a> <a href="/ruth/1-18.htm">Strengthening</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Supporters</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-7.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-8.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-10.htm">David's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-5.htm">Making</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-12.htm">Position</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-7.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-2.htm">Showed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-10.htm">Strengthening</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-39.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">Supporters</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-1.htm">War</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'; 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The "house of Saul" refers to the remaining supporters and family of Saul, who was the first king of Israel. The "house of David" refers to David and his followers, who were anointed by God to succeed Saul. This period of civil war is significant as it highlights the transition of power from Saul to David, a key moment in Israel's history. The conflict is rooted in the divine rejection of Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">1 Samuel 15:26-28</a>) and the anointing of David as king (<a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">1 Samuel 16:1-13</a>). This war is not just a political struggle but also a fulfillment of God's plan for Israel.<p><b>Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul</b><br>Abner, the son of Ner, was Saul's cousin and the commander of his army (<a href="/1_samuel/14-50.htm">1 Samuel 14:50</a>). His role was crucial in maintaining the house of Saul's influence during the power struggle. By strengthening his position, Abner was consolidating power, possibly to ensure his own influence and survival in the shifting political landscape. This action reflects the common practice of military leaders in ancient times to secure their standing through strategic alliances and displays of strength. Abner's actions can be seen as both a political maneuver and a personal ambition, as he later seeks to negotiate with David (<a href="/2_samuel/3-12.htm">2 Samuel 3:12-21</a>). This move by Abner also foreshadows the eventual unification of Israel under David, as Abner's defection to David's side becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative.<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, a powerful and influential figure in the house of Saul. He plays a crucial role in the political dynamics between Saul's house and David's emerging kingdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/house_of_saul.htm">House of Saul</a></b><br>The ruling dynasty of Israel before David's reign, led by King Saul. After Saul's death, his house continues to vie for power against David.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/house_of_david.htm">House of David</a></b><br>The emerging dynasty led by David, who has been anointed as the future king of Israel. David's house is in conflict with Saul's house during this period.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/war_between_the_houses.htm">War between the houses</a></b><br>A prolonged conflict between the followers of Saul and David, representing a struggle for the throne of Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/strengthening_of_abner's_position.htm">Strengthening of Abner's position</a></b><br>Abner's actions to consolidate his power within Saul's house, indicating his ambition and influence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_ambition.htm">The Dangers of Ambition</a></b><br>Abner's actions remind us of the potential pitfalls of unchecked ambition. While ambition can drive positive change, it can also lead to manipulation and self-serving behavior.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a></b><br>Despite human efforts to control power, God's plan for leadership prevails. David's eventual kingship demonstrates God's sovereign choice, reminding us to trust in His timing and purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_loyalty_and_integrity.htm">The Importance of Loyalty and Integrity</a></b><br>Abner's shifting allegiances highlight the need for loyalty and integrity in our relationships and commitments. As Christians, we are called to be faithful and trustworthy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/conflict_and_resolution.htm">Conflict and Resolution</a></b><br>The war between the houses of Saul and David illustrates the destructive nature of conflict. As believers, we are encouraged to seek peace and reconciliation, following Christ's example.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_influence.htm">The Role of Influence</a></b><br>Abner's influence in Saul's house shows the power of leadership. We are reminded to use our influence wisely, to build up others and advance God's kingdom.<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_are_the_key_events_in_2_samuel.htm">What are the key events in 2 Samuel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abner_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Abner in the Bible?</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_abner_punished_for_failing_saul.htm">Why did Abner, responsible for guarding Saul, face no immediate consequences for failing to protect the king? (1 Samuel 26:15-16)</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>(6) <span class= "bld">Abner made himself strong.</span>--It has already been noticed that the fortunes of the house of Saul depended entirely upon Abner, but the fact of Ish-bosheth's great obligation to him is again mentioned here in explanation of the following story.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.</span> The Hebrew really means that until this miserable quarrel about Rizpah, Abner had been the mainstay of Ishbosheth's throne and dynasty. She is proved to have been a noble woman, with a warm and devoted heart, by the narrative in <a href="/2_samuel/21-8.htm">2 Samuel 21:8-11</a>. But the harem of a deceased king was looked upon as the special inheritance of his successor; and Absalom, by taking David's concubines (<a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21, 22</a>), treated his father as a dead man, and committed so overt an act of treason as made reconciliation impossible. So Solomon put his brother Adonijah to death for asking Abishag to wife (<a href="/1_kings/2-23.htm">1 Kings 2:23-25</a>). Still, as Bathsheba there saw no impropriety in Adonijah's request, and as Solomon deposed Abiathar and put Joab to death for complicity, as we must conclude, in Adonijah's request, it was probably part of some scheme of conspiracy, and that, if granted, it would have been used by Adonijah as a proof that the kingdom really was his. Here there was no plot, and as Rizpah had probably always lived apart from Ishbosheth, Abner may have expected that the king would see no difficulty in the matter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/3-6.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">Now during</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the war</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">between</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֚ין</span> <span class="translit">(bên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the house</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(bêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֔וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the house</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(bêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of David,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֑ד</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">Abner</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַבְנֵ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’aḇ·nêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">had continued to strengthen [his position]</span><br /><span class="heb">מִתְחַזֵּ֖ק</span> <span class="translit">(miṯ·ḥaz·zêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the house</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּבֵ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḇêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Saul.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁאֽוּל׃</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/3-6.htm">2 Samuel 3:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3-6.htm">2 Samuel 3:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/3-6.htm">2 Samuel 3:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3-6.htm">2 Samuel 3:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3-6.htm">2 Samuel 3:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/3-6.htm">2 Samuel 3:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/3-6.htm">2 Samuel 3:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/3-6.htm">2 Samuel 3:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/3-6.htm">2 Samuel 3:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/3-6.htm">2 Samuel 3:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/3-6.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 3:6 It happened while there was war between (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/3-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/3-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:7" /></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>