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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 />Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, &#8220For some time you have wanted to make David your king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Abner had consulted with the elders of Israel. “For some time now,” he told them, “you have wanted to make David your king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past <i>to be</i> king over you:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now Abner had communicated with the elders of Israel, saying, “In time past you were seeking for David <i>to be</i> king over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Abner had a consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, &#8220In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Abner talked with the elders (tribal leaders) of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abner conferred with the elders of Israel: “In the past you wanted David to be king over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abner conferred with the elders of Israel: &#8220In the past you wanted David to be king over you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, In times past ye sought for David to be king over you:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abner talked with the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, "You've wanted to make David your king for a long time now. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, In times past ye sought for David to be king over you:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Abner sent the following message to the leaders of Israel: "For some time now you've wanted to make David your king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Abner went to the leaders of Israel and said to them, "For a long time you have wanted David to be your king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Later, Abner had a talk with the elders of Israel. He said, "In the past you were looking to see David made king over you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, ?In the past you sought David as your king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Abner advised the elders of Israel, "Previously you were wanting David to be your king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abner advised the elders of Israel, saying, "For some time you have wanted David to be king over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past, you sought for David to be king over you. <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 the word of Abner was with [the] elderly of Israel, saying, “Thus far you have been seeking David for king over you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the word of Abner was with the elders of Israel, saying, 'Heretofore ye have been seeking David for king over you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And a word of Abner was with the old men of Israel, saying, Also yesterday also the third day ye were seeking David for king over you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Abner also spoke to the ancients of Israel, saying: Both yesterday and the day before you sought for David that he might reign over you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Likewise, Abner sent word to the elders of Israel, saying: “As much yesterday as the day before, you were seeking David, so that he might reign over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Abner then had a word with the elders of Israel: “For some time you have been wanting David as your king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Abner sent word to the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you.<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 Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying. You have sought for David in times past to be king over you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the word of Abnir was with the Elders of Israel, and he said to them: “Even from yesterday and also from the day before yesterday, you wanted to have David reign over you<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 Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying: 'In times past ye sought for David to be king over you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abenner spoke to the elders of Israel, saying, In former days ye sought David to reign over you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/3-17.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=758" 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">16</span>Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home. <span class="reftext">17</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.">Now 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/1697.htm" title="1697: ū·ḏə·ḇar- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">conferred</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8543.htm" title="8543: tə·mō·wl (Adv) -- Or tmol; probably for 'ethmowl; properly, ago, i.e. A time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday.">“In the past</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8032.htm" title="8032: šil·šōm (Adv) -- Three days ago, day before, yesterday. Or shilshom; from the same as Shelesh; trebly, i.e. day before yesterday."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hĕ·yî·ṯem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- 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/1245.htm" title="1245: mə·ḇaq·šîm (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">you sought</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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/4428.htm" title="4428: lə·me·leḵ (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">as your king.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’ ”…<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="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a></span><br />The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">1 Samuel 16:12-13</a></span><br />So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-16.htm">1 Samuel 18:16</a></span><br />But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">1 Samuel 24:20</a></span><br />Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-30.htm">1 Samuel 25:30</a></span><br />When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-17.htm">1 Samuel 28:17</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a></span><br />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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-16</a></span><br />And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. ...<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_chronicles/12-38.htm">1 Chronicles 12:38</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/2-6.htm">Psalm 2:6-8</a></span><br />“I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” / I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. / Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a></span><br />For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-1.htm">Isaiah 11:1-5</a></span><br />Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit. / The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. / And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Jeremiah 23:5-6</a></span><br />Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. / In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, You sought for David in times past to be king over you:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-16.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-20.htm">Aforetime</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-7.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Communication</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">Conferred</a> <a href="/mark/15-1.htm">Consultation</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-14.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-26.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-7.htm">Heretofore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-12.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-37.htm">Past</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-4.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-17.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-8.htm">Times</a> <a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-11.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-19.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-40.htm">Aforetime</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-38.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-11.htm">Communication</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-7.htm">Conferred</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-19.htm">Consultation</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-18.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-39.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-3.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">Heretofore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-18.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">Past</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-16.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-8.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">Times</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-10.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">Word</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>Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel</b><br>Abner, the commander of Saul's army, was a powerful and influential figure in Israel. His decision to confer with the elders signifies a pivotal moment in the transition of power from the house of Saul to David. The elders of Israel were leaders and representatives of the tribes, and their support was crucial for any king. This meeting indicates Abner's recognition of David's growing influence and the need for a unified Israel under a legitimate king. Historically, such councils were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where tribal leaders played significant roles in governance.<p><b>and said, “In the past you sought David as your king.</b><br>This phrase acknowledges the previous desire of the Israelites to have David as their king, even during Saul's reign. David's reputation as a warrior and leader was well-established, especially after his victory over Goliath and his successes in battle. The people's earlier inclination towards David reflects the divine anointing he received through the prophet Samuel (<a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">1 Samuel 16:1-13</a>). This moment also highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to David, as the tribes of Israel begin to recognize him as their rightful leader. The reference to past desires underscores the continuity of God's plan and the eventual establishment of David's kingdom, which is a type of the eternal kingdom of 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 and a significant political figure in Israel. He initially supported Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, but later shifted his allegiance to David.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders_of_israel.htm">Elders of Israel</a></b><br>Leaders and representatives of the tribes of Israel. They held significant influence and were responsible for making decisions on behalf of the people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The anointed king of Israel, chosen by God to lead His people. At this point, he was ruling over Judah while the rest of Israel was under Ish-bosheth's rule.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The united tribes of God's chosen people. At this time, they were divided between those loyal to David and those loyal to Saul's house.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/ish-bosheth.htm">Ish-bosheth</a></b><br>The son of Saul, who was made king over Israel by Abner after Saul's death. His reign was marked by conflict and division.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a></b><br>The shift in allegiance from Abner and the elders of Israel to David underscores God's sovereign plan in establishing leaders. Believers can trust that God is in control of leadership transitions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_among_god's_people.htm">Unity Among God's People</a></b><br>The desire of the elders to have David as king reflects a longing for unity. Christians are called to seek unity within the body of Christ, setting aside divisions for the sake of God's kingdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_influence_and_counsel.htm">The Role of Influence and Counsel</a></b><br>Abner's role in persuading the elders highlights the power of influence and counsel. Believers should seek godly wisdom and counsel in their decisions and be mindful of the influence they have on others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fulfillment_of_god's_promises.htm">Fulfillment of God's Promises</a></b><br>The elders' acknowledgment of David as king points to the fulfillment of God's promises. Christians can find assurance in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in their lives.<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/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_17_and_2_sam_7.htm">How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?</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/david_and_ish-bosheth_conflict.htm">What happened between David and Ish-bosheth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_david_lament_abner's_death.htm">2 Samuel 3:33-34: Why does David publicly lament Abner's death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?</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>(17) <span class= "bld">Ye sought for David.</span>--<a href="/context/1_samuel/18-6.htm" title="And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.">1Samuel 18:6-7</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/18-16.htm" title="But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.">1Samuel 18:16</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/18-30.htm" title="Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.">1Samuel 18:30</a>; <a href="/context/1_chronicles/11-1.htm" title="Then all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.">1Chronicles 11:1-3</a> (comp. <a href="/2_samuel/3-36.htm" title="And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatever the king did pleased all the people.">2Samuel 3:36</a>), sufficiently testify to the great popularity of David throughout the nation, and its confidence in his prowess and wisdom. It was the influence and activity of Abner that had hitherto prevented his general recognition as king.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel.</span> Most probably this had taken place before Abner escorted Michal to Hebron, and that he paid David but one visit - that recorded in ver. 20. He would probably not take so decided a step as the surrender of Michal without sounding the elders, that is, the local sheikhs, and finding out how far they were inclined to support David as king of all Israel. When everything was ready he would take Michal to Hebron, and so have the opportunity of arranging with David for future action; and though Ishbosheth would dislike the matter and suspect Abner of ulterior purposes, yet he could not refuse so specious a plea as the escorting of his sister. His previous failure, too, had taught him that Abner was master. We may further be sure that David had everywhere many adherents. All Israel knew that he was marked out by prophecy to be their king, and, moreover, "all Israel and Judah loved him" (<a href="/1_samuel/18-16.htm">1 Samuel 18:16</a>). But when Abner says, <span class="cmt_word">Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you,</span> he makes it probable that, at some time after the defeat at Gilboa, the attempt had even been made to elect David king. But Abner had then opposed it, and his success in resisting the Philistines, and David's unfortunate entanglement with those inveterate enemies of Israel, had made the attempt fail. And now Abner's attempt was to be equally unsuccessful. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/3-17.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 Abner</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְנֵ֣ר</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">conferred</span><br /><span class="heb">וּדְבַר־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḏə·ḇar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">עִם־</span> <span class="translit">(‘im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the elders</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and said,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאמֹ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(lê·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“In the past</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּמוֹל֙</span> <span class="translit">(tə·mō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8543.htm">Strong's 8543: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ago, a, time since, yesterday, day before yesterday</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you sought</span><br /><span class="heb">מְבַקְשִׁ֧ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḇaq·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֛ד</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">as your king.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמֶ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/3-17.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 3:17 Abner had communication with the elders (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/3-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/3-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:18" /></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>