2 Samuel 3:1
2 Samuel 3:1 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
Now there was a long war between Saul's people and David's people; and David became stronger and stronger, but those on Saul's side became more and more feeble.
There was a long war between those on the side of Saul and those on the side of David. David's side grew stronger, while Saul's side grew weaker.
There was then long warre betweene the house of Saul and the house of Dauid: but Dauid waxed stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There was a long war between those who wanted Saul’s son to be their king and those who wanted David to be their king. But more and more people began to want David to be the king, while the number of people who wanted Saul’s son to be the king continued to become smaller.
Saul’s mob and David’s mob kept on fighting each other for a long time. More and more men joined David’s mob, and only a few men stayed in Saul’s mob.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 3:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תְּהִ֤י
הַ/מִּלְחָמָה֙
אֲרֻכָּ֔ה
בֵּ֚ין
בֵּ֣ית
שָׁא֔וּל
וּ/בֵ֖ין
בֵּ֣ית
דָּוִ֑ד
וְ/דָוִד֙
הֹלֵ֣ךְ
וְ/חָזֵ֔ק
וּ/בֵ֥ית
שָׁא֖וּל
הֹלְכִ֥ים
וְ/דַלִּֽים
וַ/תְּהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הַ/מִּלְחָמָה֙
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Art | N-fs
אֲרֻכָּ֔ה
ʼârôk
H752
long
Adj
בֵּ֚ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
דָּוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וְ/דָוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
Conj | N-proper
הֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
וְ/חָזֵ֔ק
châzêq
H2390
stronger
Conj | Adj
וּ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Conj | N-ms
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
הֹלְכִ֥ים
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
וְ/דַלִּֽים
dal
H1800
poor
Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 3:1
וַ/תְּהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/מִּלְחָמָה֙
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Art | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
אֲרֻכָּ֔ה
ʼârôk
H752
"long"
Adj
This word means something that is long, either in time or in length. It can also describe God's wisdom as being long or enduring. The KJV translates it as 'long'.
Definition: 1) long 1a) of time 1b) of God's wisdom (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: long. See also: 2 Samuel 3:1; Job 11:9; Jeremiah 29:28.
בֵּ֚ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
דָּוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וְ/דָוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Conj | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
הֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וְ/חָזֵ֔ק
châzêq
H2390
"stronger"
Conj | Adj
Stronger means more powerful or louder, as translated in the KJV, often describing something that is increasing in intensity.
Definition: stronger, louder
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] wax louder, stronger. See also: Exodus 19:19; 2 Samuel 3:1.
וּ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
הֹלְכִ֥ים
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וְ/דַלִּֽים
dal
H1800
"poor"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 3:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:1
Context — The House of David Strengthened
1Now 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.
2And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel; 3his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 14:30 | There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout their days. |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:18–19 | The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. |
| 3 | Job 8:7 | Though your beginnings were modest, your latter days will flourish. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 2:17 | The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David. |
| 5 | Psalms 84:7 | They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion. |
| 6 | Job 17:9 | Yet a righteous one holds to his way, and the one with clean hands grows stronger. |
| 7 | Ephesians 6:12 | For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. |
| 8 | Galatians 5:17 | For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 15:32 | And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. |
| 10 | Matthew 10:35–36 | For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ |
2 Samuel 3:1 Summary
This verse is telling us that there was a long and ongoing conflict between the family of Saul and the family of David, but David was becoming stronger and stronger while the family of Saul was becoming weaker and weaker. This was because God was with David and was blessing him, as we see in First Samuel 16:13. Just like David, we can trust that God is in control of our lives and is working out His plan for our good, even in the midst of difficult circumstances (Romans 8:28). As we surrender to Him and allow Him to work in our lives, we can experience His strength and victory, just as David did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the war between the house of Saul and the house of David to be protracted?
This means that the conflict between these two groups was ongoing and lasted for a long time, as seen in other parts of Scripture, such as Second Samuel 2:12-17 and Second Samuel 2:29-32, where we see David's men and Saul's men clashing.
Why was David growing stronger and stronger while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker?
This was because God was with David, as stated in First Samuel 16:13, and was blessing him and giving him success, whereas the house of Saul was under God's judgment for their rebellion against Him, as seen in First Samuel 15:23
What does this verse reveal about God's sovereignty in human affairs?
This verse shows that God is in control of all events, including the rise and fall of kingdoms and leaders, as stated in Daniel 2:21 and Proverbs 21:1, and that He is working out His plan to bring about His desired outcome, in this case, the establishment of David as king over Israel
How does this verse relate to the broader story of David's life and reign?
This verse is a key part of the narrative of David's life, as it sets the stage for his eventual rise to the throne of Israel, as prophesied in First Samuel 16:1-13, and shows how God was preparing him for that role by giving him victories and strengthening his position
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am experiencing a 'protracted war', and how can I trust God to give me victory and strength in those areas, just as He did for David?
- In what ways am I allowing God to make me stronger and stronger, and what are some areas where I need to surrender to Him and allow Him to work in my life?
- How can I apply the principle of God's sovereignty in my own life, trusting that He is in control of all events and is working out His plan for my good, as stated in Romans 8:28?
- What are some ways that I can be a part of God's plan to establish His kingdom and bring about His desired outcome in the world, just as David was a part of God's plan to establish His kingdom in Israel?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:1
Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David,.... The recent battle, though so much in favour of David, did not, put an end to the war between him and Ishbosheth, which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:1
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. There was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1
2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 3 The war between the house of David and the house of Saul. Six sons born to David in Hebron, . Abner, displeased with Ish-bosheth, , revolteth to David, who requireth of him that he bring with him Michal, which he does, and communes with the elders of Israel; is feasted by David and dismissed, . Joab returning from battle is displeased with the king, and treacherously murdereth Abner, . David curseth Joab, . Mourneth over Abner, . Long war; for five years longer; for it is probable that Ish-bosheth was made king presently upon Saul’ s death, to give them countenance for their rebellion against David; and the other tribes did not submit to David before seven years were expired.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1
2 Samuel 3:1 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.Ver. 1. Now there was long war.] Continuo iteratis proeliis: there was constant opposition, and continual skirmishing: so there is still betwixt Christ and Antichrist, betwixt the spirit and the flesh: and these will be bickering, whilst the world shall be standing. And the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.] So do and shall do daily the eastern and western Antichrist. That stone cut out of the mountains without hands, shall bring down those golden images with a powder.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1
(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 1 Chronicles 12:19-22 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.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1
CHAPTER III Account of the children born to David in Hebron, 1-5. Abner being accused by Ish-bosheth of familiarities with Rizpah, Saul's concubine, he is enraged; offers his services to David; goes to Hebron, and makes a league with him, 6-22. Joab, through enmity to Abner, pretends to David that he came as a spy, and should not be permitted to return, 23-25. He follows Abner, and treacherously slays him, 26, 27. David hearing of it is greatly incensed against Joab, and pronounces a curse upon him and upon his family, 28, 29. He commands a general mourning for Abner, and himself follows the bier weeping, 30-32. David's lamentation over Abner, 33, 34. The people solicit David to take meat; but he fasts the whole day, and complains to them of the insolence and intrigues of Joab and his brothers: the people are pleased with his conduct, 35-39. NOTES ON CHAP. III Verse 1.
There was long war] Frequent battles and skirmishes took place between the followers of David and the followers of Ish-bosheth, after the two years mentioned above, to the end of the fifth year, in which Ish-bosheth was slain by Rechab and Baanah.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:1
Ch. 2 Samuel 3:1-5. Progress of David’s cause. His family 2. And unto David, &c.] The list of David’s sons born in Hebron is given again in 1 Chronicles 3:1-3, apparently in an independent form, but with only one important variation. It appears to interrupt the course of the narrative here, but it is quite in accordance with the usual practice of O.T. historians to insert information about the family of a king at critical points in the history of his reign, and moreover it is in place here as a practical evidence of the strengthening of David’s house. Cp. 1 Samuel 14:49-51; 2 Samuel 5:13-16. Amnon] Infamous for the sin which cost him his life, and indirectly proved the source of shame and calamity to his family and nation. See on ch. 13.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1
WAR BETWEEN THE HOUSE OF SAUL AND THAT OF DAVID, 2 Samuel 3:1-6. 1. Long war — A struggle and bitter hostility continued for two years or more. See note on 2 Samuel 2:10.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:1
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Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo |
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David Wared Stronger and Stronger, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit, illustrating that while the struggle is long and arduous, the Spirit must ultimately prevail. He encourag |
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Now Then Do It by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of making Christ the king of our lives, drawing parallels between David's anointing and Christ's role as the anointed one. He highlights how |
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A Father's Counsel by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs chapter 3 and emphasizes the importance of following God's counsel. He highlights five admonitions given by God in this chapter. Th |
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Gathering in Jesus Name (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual progress and becoming more like Jesus Christ each year. It highlights the need to forget past accomplishments and focus on contin |
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Parables of Jesus - 05 Four Types of Backsliders by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the topic of backsliding and explores four types of backsliders described in Luke chapter 15. The speaker emphasizes that God's perfect will |
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(Texas 2009) Question Answers Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of a man who was lame and begged for alms at the beautiful gate of the temple. Peter and John encounter him and instead of giving h |