2 Samuel 3:6
2 Samuel 3:6 in Multiple Translations
During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul.
¶ And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul.
Now while there was war between Saul's people and David's people, Abner was making himself strong among the supporters of Saul.
Abner had been strengthening his position among the supporters of Saul's dynasty during the war between those on the side of Saul and those on the side of David.
Nowe while there was warre betweene the house of Saul and the house of Dauid, Abner made all his power for the house of Saul.
And it cometh to pass, in the war being between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner hath been strengthening himself in the house of Saul,
While there was war between Saul’s house and David’s house, Abner made himself strong in Saul’s house.
And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
Now while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner the son of Ner ruled the house of Saul.
While those who wanted Saul’s son to rule over them and those who wanted David to rule over them continued to fight against each other, Abner was becoming more influential among those who wanted Saul’s son to be the king.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:6
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2 Samuel 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 3:6
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:6
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 3:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:6
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 3:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:6
Context — Abner Joins David
6During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul.
7Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?” 8Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 2:8–9 | Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 25:8 | Even if you go and fight bravely in battle, God will make you stumble before the enemy, for God has power to help and power to overthrow.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 8:9–10 | Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ” |
| 4 | 2 Kings 10:23 | Next, Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rechab entered the temple of Baal, and Jehu said to the servants of Baal, “Look around to see that there are no servants of the LORD here among you—only servants of Baal.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. |
| 6 | Joel 3:9–13 | Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war; rouse the mighty men; let all the men of war advance and attack! Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong!’ Come quickly, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves. Bring down Your mighty ones, O LORD. Let the nations be roused and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the nations on every side. Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full; the wine vats overflow because their wickedness is great. |
| 7 | Matthew 12:30 | He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. |
2 Samuel 3:6 Summary
This verse is talking about a time of war between the family of Saul, the old king, and the family of David, the new king. Abner, a powerful leader in Saul's family, was trying to make himself stronger and more important in Saul's family, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:50. But this was not God's plan, as we see in 1 Samuel 16:13, where David is anointed as the new king. We can learn from this that our strength and power come from God, not from our own efforts, as seen in Psalm 28:7, and that we should trust in Him and seek His will, rather than trying to secure our own position or power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the war between the house of Saul and the house of David?
This war was a result of the conflict between the two houses after the death of King Saul, as described in 2 Samuel 2:8-17, where Abner, the commander of Saul's army, supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as the new king, while David was anointed king by the tribe of Judah, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:4.
Who was Abner and why was he important in this context?
Abner was the commander of Saul's army and a key figure in the house of Saul, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:5, and his actions had significant influence on the outcome of the war between the two houses, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:6.
What does it mean that Abner strengthened his position in the house of Saul?
This means that Abner was working to increase his power and influence within the house of Saul, likely to maintain his position as commander and to support Ish-bosheth's claim to the throne, as opposed to David's claim, which was supported by God, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 2 Samuel?
This verse sets the stage for the conflict between Abner and Ish-bosheth, which ultimately leads to Abner's defection to David's side, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:12-21, and has significant implications for the unification of the kingdom under David's rule, as prophesied in 2 Samuel 7:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Abner, may be trying to strengthen my own position or secure my own power, rather than seeking God's will and plan?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when faced with conflict or opposition, as seen in Psalm 27:14?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to hold on to power or control, rather than surrendering to God's will, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I, like Abner, be open to God's conviction and redirection, and be willing to change my course when necessary, as seen in Acts 9:1-31?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:6
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 3:6
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6
Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Beauty and Strength of Zion by John Owen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses five questions regarding the protection and preservation of the church. The preacher begins by giving an illustration of how massive and impe |
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(Through the Bible) Nehemiah & Esther by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories of Nehemiah and Esther, highlighting the contrast between those who are willing to sacrifice for God's work and those who seek comfort and compr |
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The Man Who Knew Too Much by Gilbert K. Chesterton | Gilbert K. Chesterton preaches about the mysterious and elusive Prince Michael, known for his talent of appearing and disappearing at will, leading to a series of daring escapes an |
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Some Considerations Proposed to the City of London, &C. by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches a sermon urging the City of London and the nation of England to calm their spirits and wait for the Lord's plans, cautioning against rushing into ruin and |
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Wisdom and Grace; Or, Within and Without by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of cultivating the friendship between wisdom and grace as believers, as they are both attributes of God. Believers are encouraged to walk wi |
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Week of Meetings-07 Armageddon-Who When Where by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events that will occur after the Lord Jesus Christ takes believers to be with Him. He mentions that the nations of the earth are currentl |
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(Through the Bible) Joel 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various passages from the Bible that speak about the coming judgment and the return of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the urgency of the harvest |







