📖 2 Samuel — Chapter 3 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
2 Samuel 3:1 Now there was Rlong 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.
2 Samuel 3:2 And unto David were Rsons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, RTChileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
2 Samuel 3:4 And the fourth, RAdonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
2 Samuel 3:5 And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
2 Samuel 3:6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that RAbner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
2 Samuel 3:7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was RRizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine?
2 Samuel 3:8 Then was RAbner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog’s head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
2 Samuel 3:9 RSo do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;
2 Samuel 3:10 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, Rfrom Dan even to Beersheba.
2 Samuel 3:11 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
2 Samuel 3:12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, RWhose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
2 Samuel 3:13 And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, Tthat is, RThou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul’s daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
2 Samuel 3:14 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul’s son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
2 Samuel 3:15 And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from RTPhaltiel the son of Laish.
2 Samuel 3:16 And her husband went with her RTalong weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
2 Samuel 3:17 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David Tin times past to be king over you:
2 Samuel 3:18 Now then do it: Rfor the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
2 Samuel 3:19 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
2 Samuel 3:20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.
2 Samuel 3:21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and Rwill gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
2 Samuel 3:22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
2 Samuel 3:23 When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
2 Samuel 3:24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, RWhat hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?
2 Samuel 3:25 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, Rthat he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
2 Samuel 3:26 And when Joab was come out from David, Rhe sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
2 Samuel 3:27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab Rtook him aside in the gate to speak with him Tquietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
2 Samuel 3:28 And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are Rguiltless before the LORD for ever from the Tblood of Abner the son of Ner:
2 Samuel 3:29 Let it Rrest on the head of Joab, and on all his father’s house; and let there not Tfail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
2 Samuel 3:30 So Joab, and Abishai his brother Rslew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
2 Samuel 3:31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, RRend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the Tbier.
2 Samuel 3:32 And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king Rlifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
2 Samuel 3:33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner Ras a fool dieth?
2 Samuel 3:34 Thy Rhands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before Twicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
2 Samuel 3:35 And when all the people came to Rcause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
2 Samuel 3:36 And all the people took notice of it, and it Tpleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.
2 Samuel 3:37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
2 Samuel 3:38 And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is Ra prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
2 Samuel 3:39 And RI am this day Tweak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
2 Samuel 3:1–11 — A changing balance of power
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
David’s house grows stronger while Saul’s house weakens. The chapter names David’s sons born in Hebron, then describes a dispute between Ishbosheth and Abner. Abner angrily declares that he will support David’s kingship. The narrative reports family and political events; it does not make every recorded choice a moral example.
Key Truth: Political strength and personal anger must be judged by more than their immediate results.
Check What You Remember
1. Which house grew stronger? (2 Samuel 3:1)
Find it in 2 Samuel 3:1 (KJV).
2. Who was David’s firstborn son? (2 Samuel 3:2)
Find it in 2 Samuel 3:2 (KJV).
3. Whom did Ishbosheth fear? (2 Samuel 3:11)
Find it in 2 Samuel 3:11 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
2 Samuel 3:12–21 — Negotiations toward a united kingdom
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Abner offers to help bring Israel to David. David requires Michal’s return, and her separation from Phaltiel is described with tears. Abner then speaks with Israel’s elders and Benjamin, visits David, and leaves in peace to gather Israel. These negotiations carry a real human cost as well as political significance.
Key Truth: Do not overlook the people affected by decisions made by powerful leaders.
Check What You Remember
1. Which daughter of Saul did David require Abner to bring? (2 Samuel 3:13)
Find it in 2 Samuel 3:13 (KJV).
2. How many men accompanied Abner to David? (2 Samuel 3:20)
Find it in 2 Samuel 3:20 (KJV).
3. How did Abner depart after meeting David? (2 Samuel 3:21)
Find it in 2 Samuel 3:21 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
2 Samuel 3:22–39 — Joab’s revenge and David’s public mourning
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Without David’s knowledge, Joab brings Abner back and kills him in revenge for Asahel. David rejects responsibility, mourns publicly, and refuses food until sunset. The people understand that David did not order the killing. David’s closing words recognize his weakness and leave the repayment of evil with the LORD.
Key Truth: Revenge can destroy a peaceful opening; grief and truth must not be replaced by retaliation.
Check What You Remember
1. Who brought Abner back without David’s knowledge? (2 Samuel 3:26)
Find it in 2 Samuel 3:26 (KJV).
2. Where was Abner buried? (2 Samuel 3:32)
Find it in 2 Samuel 3:32 (KJV).
3. Until what event did David refuse food? (2 Samuel 3:35)
Find it in 2 Samuel 3:35 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Romans 12:19 — Paul directs believers away from personal vengeance and toward God’s justice.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
Compare Abner’s peaceful departure with Joab’s secret revenge. When you feel wronged, what would it mean to seek justice honestly while refusing to take revenge?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. What long-term contrast opens the chapter’s civil conflict?
2. What provokes Abner’s break with Ishbosheth?
3. How does Abner describe the political purpose of meeting David?
4. What separates David’s dealings with Abner from Joab’s killing?
5. How does the people’s response to David’s mourning affect their understanding?
Notes
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