2 Samuel 3:19,20 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin To these he particularly applies himself, because they might be thought most kind to Saul and his house, and most loath to let the kingdom go out of their own tribe; and therefore it was necessary that he should use all his art and power with them, to persuade them to a compliance with his design; and besides, they were a valiant tribe, and bordering upon Judah, and situate between them and the other tribes; and therefore the winning of them would be of mighty concernment to bring in all the rest. Abner also went to speak in the ears of David To report to him privately the sense of all the people, and particularly how all Benjamin stood affected toward him; who were brought over so effectually that they did not forsake the house of David when all the rest of the tribes did. David made Abner a feast Not merely as a token of kindness, but to make a league with him, as he had desired, and David had promised, 2 Samuel 3:12-13. For it was an ancient custom to enter into leagues by eating and drinking together: see Genesis 26:30; Genesis 31:44.

2 Samuel 3:19-20

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.

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.