2 Samuel 3 explained: Abner Switches Sides and Is Murdered

A long war and David's sons (vv. 1-5)

The civil war between Saul's family and David drags on, but David keeps gaining ground while six sons, each by a different wife, are born to him in Hebron. His marriage to Maacah, a foreign king's daughter, was probably a political alliance, and three of these sons, Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah, later bring violence and rebellion into David's family.

Abner breaks with Saul's son (vv. 6-11)

In that culture, sleeping with a dead king's concubine (a secondary wife) could be read as a claim to his throne, so Ish-Bosheth's accusation was serious, though the text never says if it was true. Abner, the real power behind this weak king, is insulted and swears to hand the kingdom to David instead.

The price of a deal: Michal (vv. 12-16)

David will deal with Abner only if Michal, Saul's daughter and David's first wife, is returned, which many think was meant to tie him to Saul's family and win over Saul's supporters. She is taken from her second husband, Paltiel, who follows her weeping until he is sent home, and Michal herself is given no voice.

Abner wins over the tribes (vv. 17-21)

Abner tells the leaders of the northern tribes, including Saul's own tribe of Benjamin, that the LORD has chosen David, and urges them to make him king. David welcomes Abner with a feast and sends him off safely to gather the nation.

Joab takes revenge (vv. 22-30)

Joab, David's commander, calls Abner back without David knowing and stabs him to avenge his brother Asahel, whom Abner had killed in battle (chapter 2). Many interpreters think Joab also feared losing his place to a powerful rival, and David answers by cursing Joab's family line.

David mourns in public (vv. 31-39)

David orders mourning, walks behind the body, sings that Abner died like a man struck down by criminals, and fasts all day, which convinces the people he had no part in the murder. Yet he admits he is too weak to punish Joab and his brother, his own powerful nephews, and leaves justice to the LORD.

Key verse: 2 Samuel 3:1

Where Christians differ

Christian readers differ on how to judge David here: some see his grief as fully sincere and his hands clean, while others see a shrewd ruler who gained from Abner's betrayal and death while carefully managing public opinion.

Something to think about

When someone gains from a wrong they did not commit themselves, how far can public grief or distance really clear them?