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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 3:1 Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/3-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/10_2Sa_03_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 3:1 - The House of David Strengthened" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/3-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/3-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/2-32.htm" title="2 Samuel 2:32">◄</a> 2 Samuel 3:1 <a href="/2_samuel/3-2.htm" title="2 Samuel 3:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/3.htm">New International Version</a> The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> That was the beginning of a long war between those who were loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. As time passed David became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s dynasty became weaker and weaker. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David became steadily stronger, while the house of Saul became steadily weaker. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was long; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; but David grew steadily stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker [to the point of being powerless]. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> During the long war between the house of Saul and the house of David, David was growing stronger and the house of Saul was becoming weaker. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The war between the house of Saul and the house of David was long and drawn out, with David growing stronger and the house of Saul becoming weaker. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David waxed stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This battle was the beginning of a long war between the followers of Saul and the followers of David. Saul's power grew weaker, but David's grew stronger. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David waxed stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> As the war between the royal families of Saul and David dragged on, David's family became stronger and stronger, and Saul's family became weaker and weaker. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> The fighting between the forces supporting Saul's family and those supporting David went on for a long time. As David became stronger and stronger, his opponents became weaker and weaker. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> After this, a state of protracted war existed between Saul's dynasty and David's dynasty, and the dynasty of David continued to grow and become strong while the dynasty of Saul continued to grow weaker. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. <a href="/net/2_samuel/3.htm">NET Bible</a> However, the war was prolonged between the house of Saul and the house of David. David was becoming steadily stronger, while the house of Saul was becoming increasingly weaker. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul became weaker and weaker. <a href="/web/2_samuel/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Now there was long war between Saul’s house and David’s house. David grew stronger and stronger, but Saul’s house grew weaker and weaker. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the war is long between the house of Saul and the house of David, and David is going on and [is] strong, and the house of Saul is going on and [is] weak. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the war is long between the house of Saul and the house of David, and David is going on and is strong, and the house of Saul are going on and are weak. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And long war will be between the house of Saul and between the house of David: and David went and was strengthened, and the house of Saul went and was weakened.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: David prospering and growing always stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul decaying daily. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then a long struggle occurred between the house of Saul and the house of David, with David prospering and growing ever stronger, but the house of Saul decreasing daily. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Bible</a> There followed a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David, in which David grew ever stronger, but the house of Saul ever weaker. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> NOW there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; but David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul became weaker and impoverished. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And there was war for the household of Shaul and for the household of David, and David went and grew strong, and those of the household of Shaul went on and were made weaker<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David waxed stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And there was war for a long time between the house of Saul and the house of David; and the house of David grew continually stronger; but the house of Saul grew continually weaker. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/3-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=586" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm">The House of David Strengthened</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">Now 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/1961.htm" title="1961: wat·tə·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/752.htm" title="752: ’ă·ruk·kāh (Adj-fs) -- Long. From 'arak; long.">protracted.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: wə·ḏā·wiḏ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">And David</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">grew stronger</a> <a href="/hebrew/2390.htm" title="2390: wə·ḥā·zêq (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Wax louder, stronger. From chazaq; powerful.">and stronger,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: ū·ḇêṯ (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">while 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/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lə·ḵîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">grew weaker</a> <a href="/hebrew/1800.htm" title="1800: wə·ḏal·lîm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Dangling, weak, thin. From dalal; properly, dangling, i.e. weak or thin.">and weaker.</a> 2And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a> But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.” <a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a> So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. <a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">1 Samuel 18:7-8</a> And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” / And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” <a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">1 Samuel 24:20</a> Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. <a href="/1_samuel/28-17.htm">1 Samuel 28:17</a> He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David. <a href="/1_kings/2-12.htm">1 Kings 2:12</a> So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established. <a href="/1_chronicles/11-3.htm">1 Chronicles 11:3</a> 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. <a href="/1_chronicles/12-22.htm">1 Chronicles 12:22</a> For at that time men came to David day after day to help him, until he had a great army, like the army of God. <a href="/psalms/18-50.htm">Psalm 18:50</a> Great salvation He brings to His king. He shows loving devotion to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever. <a href="/psalms/89-20.htm">Psalm 89:20-21</a> I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. / My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him. <a href="/psalms/132-17.htm">Psalm 132:17</a> There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one. <a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Isaiah 9:7</a> Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. <a href="/jeremiah/33-17.htm">Jeremiah 33:17</a> For this is what the LORD says: David will never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, <a href="/matthew/1-1.htm">Matthew 1:1</a> This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: <a href="/matthew/22-42.htm">Matthew 22:42-45</a> “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. / Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: / ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.long war<a href="/1_kings/14-30.htm">1 Kings 14:30</a> And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.<a href="/1_kings/15-16.htm">1 Kings 15:16,32</a> And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days… between<a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">Genesis 3:15</a> And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.<a href="/psalms/45-3.htm">Psalm 45:3-5</a> Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty… <a href="/matthew/10-35.htm">Matthew 10:35,36</a> For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law… David waxed<a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm">2 Samuel 2:17</a> And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.<a href="/esther/6-13.htm">Esther 6:13</a> And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.<a href="/job/8-7.htm">Job 8:7</a> Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/19-23.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-31.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-31.htm">David's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Lasted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-15.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-12.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm">Side</a> <a href="/ruth/2-7.htm">Steadily</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-7.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">Stronger</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-11.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-27.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-5.htm">Waxed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-9.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">Weaker</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/5-10.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-5.htm">David's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-6.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-25.htm">Lasted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-6.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-6.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-12.htm">Side</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-11.htm">Steadily</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-6.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-11.htm">Stronger</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-17.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-6.htm">War</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-10.htm">Waxed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-39.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/romans/14-2.htm">Weaker</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 3</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">During the war David becomes stronger</a> 2. <a href="/2_samuel/3-2.htm">Six sons are born to him in Hebron</a> 6. <a href="/2_samuel/3-6.htm">Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth</a> 7. <a href="/2_samuel/3-7.htm">revolts to David</a> 13. <a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal</a> 17. <a href="/2_samuel/3-17.htm">Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed</a> 22. <a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner</a> 28. <a href="/2_samuel/3-28.htm">David curses Joab</a> 31. <a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">and mourns for Abner</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. The conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David represents a significant period in Israel's history, marked by civil war and political instability. This war followed the death of Saul, Israel's first king, and the anointing of David as king over Judah. The term "protracted" indicates a lengthy and drawn-out conflict, which reflects the deep divisions within the nation. The house of Saul, led by Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, sought to maintain control over Israel, while David, anointed by God through the prophet Samuel, was destined to unify the kingdom. This prolonged struggle can be seen as a test of faith and patience for David, who had been promised the throne but had to wait for God's timing. The conflict also highlights the consequences of Saul's disobedience to God, as his house gradually loses power and influence.And David grew stronger and stronger, David's increasing strength is both a physical and spiritual reality. Militarily, David's forces were gaining victories and consolidating power, as seen in his successful campaigns and the loyalty of his mighty men. Spiritually, David's strength is attributed to his reliance on God and his anointing as king. This growth in strength is a fulfillment of God's promise to David, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a>, where the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. David's rise is also a type of Christ, who, despite opposition, grows in influence and ultimately establishes His kingdom. The phrase underscores the divine favor upon David, contrasting with the decline of Saul's house.while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. The decline of Saul's house is a direct result of Saul's disobedience and rejection by God, as prophesied in <a href="/1_samuel/15-28.htm">1 Samuel 15:28</a>. The weakening of Saul's house is evident in the loss of key battles, defections to David's side, and internal strife, such as the murder of Abner, Saul's former commander. This decline serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God's commands. The weakening of Saul's house also sets the stage for the eventual unification of Israel under David's rule, fulfilling God's covenant promise to establish David's lineage, which ultimately leads to the coming of Jesus Christ, the eternal King.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> Anointed king of Israel, David is growing stronger in his leadership and influence. His rise is marked by God's favor and the fulfillment of His promises. 2. <a href="/topical/h/house_of_saul.htm">House of Saul</a> The family and followers of Saul, Israel's first king. They are experiencing a decline in power and influence as God's favor shifts to David. 3. <a href="/topical/w/war.htm">War</a> The ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. This war is not just physical but also represents a spiritual and political struggle for the future of Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/h/hebron.htm">Hebron</a> The place where David initially reigns as king over Judah. It serves as a strategic and spiritual center for David's growing kingdom. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation experiencing internal conflict and transition from Saul's leadership to David's, reflecting a broader divine plan for the nation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership_transitions.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership Transitions</a> The prolonged conflict between the houses of Saul and David illustrates God's sovereign hand in leadership transitions. Believers can trust that God is in control, even in times of uncertainty and change. <a href="/topical/s/strength_in_adversity.htm">Strength in Adversity</a> David's increasing strength amidst prolonged conflict teaches us that God can use adversity to build our character and prepare us for greater responsibilities. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> The weakening of Saul's house serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God. It encourages believers to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands. <a href="/topical/p/patience_in_god's_timing.htm">Patience in God's Timing</a> The drawn-out nature of the conflict highlights the importance of patience and trust in God's timing. Believers are encouraged to wait on the Lord and trust His plan. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> The physical war between Saul and David's houses can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare. Believers are reminded to put on the full armor of God and stand firm in their faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_pure_word_bible_(pwb).htm">Who were the children of King David?</a> <a href="/q/david_and_ish-bosheth_conflict.htm">What happened between David and Ish-bosheth?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_sneak_into_saul's_camp.htm">How could David and Abishai enter Saul's camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7-12)</a> <a href="/q/how_does_david_help_saul's_kin_despite_past.htm">In 2 Samuel 9:3, how do we reconcile David's swift willingness to help Saul's descendant with the longstanding hostilities described elsewhere in 1 and 2 Samuel?</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>(1) There was long war.--Not actual fighting of pitched battles, but a state of hostility, in which Ish-bosheth and David each claimed the allegiance of the whole nation, and this continued until the death of Ish-bosheth. During this time Ish-bosheth was too weak to carry on actual war, and David was content to abide the fulfilment of the promises of the Lord in His own good time.Waxed stronger.--Time was working in David's favour, partly, doubtless, on account of Ish-bosheth's manifest incompetence, partly from a growing appreciation of the character and prowess of David, and a fuller realisation that he was the divinely appointed sovereign. In <a href="/context/1_chronicles/12-19.htm" title="And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines on advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads.">1Chronicles 12:19-22</a> there is an account of an important accession to David from the tribe of Manasseh on the eve of Saul's last battle, and a further mention of continued accessions to him "day by day." As the necessary result of this constant transference of strength to David, "the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - There was long war. As Ishbosheth reigned only two years, and as "the house of Saul" is the phrase used, it seems probable that after Ishbosheth's murder, during the five years before David's election to the throne of all Israel, the house of Saul had some puppet representative at Mahanaim, and some commander in Abner's place. But after the death of this able man matters would go from bad to worse, and, though David probably remained on the defensive, yet the contrast between the peace and good government of Judah and the misery in Israel made all the tribes wish to put an end to a harassing civil war. It is plain, too, that the Philistines, repelled at first by Abner's skill, had again gained the ascendant, and regarded themselves so completely as the rulers of the country, that they resented immediately with summary violence the bold act of the northern tribes in choosing David to be their common king. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/3-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The war הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war between בֵּ֚ין (bên) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between the house בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of Saul שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites and the house בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of David דָּוִ֑ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse was וַתְּהִ֤י (wat·tə·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be protracted. אֲרֻכָּ֔ה (’ă·ruk·kāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_752.htm">Strong's 752: </a> Long And David וְדָוִד֙ (wə·ḏā·wiḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse grew [stronger] הֹלֵ֣ךְ (hō·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk and stronger, וְחָזֵ֔ק (wə·ḥā·zêq) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2390.htm">Strong's 2390: </a> Wax louder, stronger while the house וּבֵ֥ית (ū·ḇêṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of Saul שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites grew [weaker] הֹלְכִ֥ים (hō·lə·ḵîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk and weaker. וְדַלִּֽים׃ (wə·ḏal·lîm) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1800.htm">Strong's 1800: </a> Dangling, weak, thin <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 3:1 Now there was long war between (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/2-32.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:32"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:32" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/3-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:2" /></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>